Hit Play
Gig Seeker Pro

Hit Play

Miami, Florida, United States | INDIE

Miami, Florida, United States | INDIE
Band Rock Punk

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"MP3 of the Day: Hit Play! - ...Progress, I Think? (April 22, 2010"

"Hit Play! is an up-and-coming outfit boasting a cool local punk rock pedigree, with members coming from bands like Against All Authority, the Stop Motion, and Underpaid. This here MP3 is the opener of the band's upcoming In Case of Emergency EP. What fun! Gaston de la Vega on bass and Machbeth Proenza on drums make up the rhythm section with gusto, while Johnny Underpaid and Raf Solo do the guitar work and Alex Calante leading the vocal assault. There are some vocal harmonies here reminiscent of Bad Religion's oohs and ahhs and similar flourishes by similar Southern California acts. I'm thinking this is for fans of early Lagwagon, Screw 32, and Face to Face, along with the hardcore moments of Jughead's Revenge and the pop of Rhythm Collision. There's nice guitar work there near the end. This is some fun power-pop-punk with polish and edge. The band's web site (ilovehitplay.com) is "under construction," so give it a week or two. " - New Times Miami by Abel Folgar


"MP3 of the Day: Hit Play! - ...Progress, I Think? (April 22, 2010"

"Hit Play! is an up-and-coming outfit boasting a cool local punk rock pedigree, with members coming from bands like Against All Authority, the Stop Motion, and Underpaid. This here MP3 is the opener of the band's upcoming In Case of Emergency EP. What fun! Gaston de la Vega on bass and Machbeth Proenza on drums make up the rhythm section with gusto, while Johnny Underpaid and Raf Solo do the guitar work and Alex Calante leading the vocal assault. There are some vocal harmonies here reminiscent of Bad Religion's oohs and ahhs and similar flourishes by similar Southern California acts. I'm thinking this is for fans of early Lagwagon, Screw 32, and Face to Face, along with the hardcore moments of Jughead's Revenge and the pop of Rhythm Collision. There's nice guitar work there near the end. This is some fun power-pop-punk with polish and edge. The band's web site (ilovehitplay.com) is "under construction," so give it a week or two. " - New Times Miami by Abel Folgar


"Local Motion: Hit Play! (May 5, 2010)"


"Fun, somewhat polished, early to mid 90's Southern California inspired punk rock that showcases the individual talents that comprise the band. Gaston de la Vega on bass and Machbeth Proenza on drums make up the rhythm section with gusto, while Johnny Underpaid and Raf Solo do the guitar work for Alex Calante to lead the vocal assault. I've had time to reflect on my comparisons to Face to Face and Lagwagon and I'm leaning a little more towards Jughead's Revenge and Pennywise now and maybe a small dose of Epitaph Records era Descendents. "A Pleasant View" and "Marley" follow up with some fun punches that center the gravity of the effort solidly in the power-pop-punk canon, but the tenet is not staunchly relied upon since there are some flourishes of straight up rock and roll and cheekiness like "The Lie Detector Determined, That Was a Lie!" Hopefully some live performances soon will get the word out on this outfit. " - New Times Miami by Abel Folgar


"Local Motion: Hit Play! (May 5, 2010)"


"Fun, somewhat polished, early to mid 90's Southern California inspired punk rock that showcases the individual talents that comprise the band. Gaston de la Vega on bass and Machbeth Proenza on drums make up the rhythm section with gusto, while Johnny Underpaid and Raf Solo do the guitar work for Alex Calante to lead the vocal assault. I've had time to reflect on my comparisons to Face to Face and Lagwagon and I'm leaning a little more towards Jughead's Revenge and Pennywise now and maybe a small dose of Epitaph Records era Descendents. "A Pleasant View" and "Marley" follow up with some fun punches that center the gravity of the effort solidly in the power-pop-punk canon, but the tenet is not staunchly relied upon since there are some flourishes of straight up rock and roll and cheekiness like "The Lie Detector Determined, That Was a Lie!" Hopefully some live performances soon will get the word out on this outfit. " - New Times Miami by Abel Folgar


"Hit Play! CD Release Show this Saturday! (Aug 13, 2010)"

"Hit Play!'s finally gotten it together to formally bring an official CD release party to their awesome debut EP, In Case of Emergency. Comprised by Gaston de la Vega on bass, Machbeth Proenza on drums, Johnny Underpaid and Raf Solo on guitars and Alex Calante on vocals, their take on Southern California punk takes its cues from better-known outfits like Pennywise, Lagwagon and Face to Face while maintaining the individual elements that make up the band. I'm leaning towards Jughead's Revenge and Bad Religion here which is cool and nowhere near as complicated as the instructions for finding their rehearsal space in the wonderful City of Progress, Hialeah. These trying economic times have not been forgotten by your gracious hosts! A miserable ten dollars will get you in through the door with a cup for refillable free beers. The CD will also be available for a fiver throughout the night, so don't sleep on your laurels for this one! " - New Times Miami by Abel Folgar


"Hit Play! CD Release Show this Saturday! (Aug 13, 2010)"

"Hit Play!'s finally gotten it together to formally bring an official CD release party to their awesome debut EP, In Case of Emergency. Comprised by Gaston de la Vega on bass, Machbeth Proenza on drums, Johnny Underpaid and Raf Solo on guitars and Alex Calante on vocals, their take on Southern California punk takes its cues from better-known outfits like Pennywise, Lagwagon and Face to Face while maintaining the individual elements that make up the band. I'm leaning towards Jughead's Revenge and Bad Religion here which is cool and nowhere near as complicated as the instructions for finding their rehearsal space in the wonderful City of Progress, Hialeah. These trying economic times have not been forgotten by your gracious hosts! A miserable ten dollars will get you in through the door with a cup for refillable free beers. The CD will also be available for a fiver throughout the night, so don't sleep on your laurels for this one! " - New Times Miami by Abel Folgar


"Music Is What Love Sounds Like (Sep 19, 2010)"

"Hit Play is my friend and former 93 Rock co-worker Gaston de la Vega's band. They were the motivation for me to take my ass to Miami in the first place. The band kicked off their set with "...Progress, I Think?" from their debut EP "In Case of Emergency". Singer Alex Calente lead the band through a killer set that also included "The Lie Detector Determined That Was a Lie" and others. Equal parts power pop and punk, these guys deliver with catchy tunes that make you want to bounce and sing along, even if you don't know the lyrics. Of the four bands we saw, Hit, Play sounded tightest of all. They opened and finished strong, chugging through the fifteen minute set with as much energy as you would expect from an hour or more. "
- Erin Lee


"Music Is What Love Sounds Like (Sep 19, 2010)"

"Hit Play is my friend and former 93 Rock co-worker Gaston de la Vega's band. They were the motivation for me to take my ass to Miami in the first place. The band kicked off their set with "...Progress, I Think?" from their debut EP "In Case of Emergency". Singer Alex Calente lead the band through a killer set that also included "The Lie Detector Determined That Was a Lie" and others. Equal parts power pop and punk, these guys deliver with catchy tunes that make you want to bounce and sing along, even if you don't know the lyrics. Of the four bands we saw, Hit, Play sounded tightest of all. They opened and finished strong, chugging through the fifteen minute set with as much energy as you would expect from an hour or more. "
- Erin Lee


Discography

"In Case of Emergency..." E.P.
...Progress, I think? (Sirius/XM Ch. 26)
A Pleasant View
Marley
Going For A Ride
The Lie Detector Determined, That Was A Lie! (Sirius/XM Ch. 26)
My <3

Certain Sounds L.P. 2014
1. Certain Sounds
2. Fighter Fire
3. Wanderlust
4. Never Needed
5. Out of Order
6. Indy
7. Hand To Mouth
8. Trapper Keeper
9. Finding Comfort
10. Mal Intentions
11. Something Made Different
12. Repress, Regret, Forget

Photos

Bio

The by-product of a great era in South Florida punk rock music, Hit Play! is made up of some of Miamis most passionate and long-standing local musicians. The band consists of Danny Gonzalez (vocals), Gaston de la Vega (bass), Johnny Underpaid (guitar), Raf Solo (guitar), and Rich Robinson (drums). Gonzalez holds the mic for Hit Play! and has sung for Uppercut, Crooked Edge & Hero of Our Time in Clearwater, FL. He as an eager approach to his seasoned band mates long histories in the scene. Gaston cut his teeth in The Stop Motion, Jorges, Han & The Wookies, Precisely Edison, and 3 Buzzed & Waiting. Johnny had stints with The Anti-Fuzz, Out of Focus, as well as local favorite Underpaid. Raf Solo honed his chops with United82, Polly Esther, and Pitch Black Radio, racking up multiple national tours, including several Vans Warped Tours. Finally, Robinson has played with the Van Orsdels, Mad Martigan and has been a staple of talent in this town.

Individually, each member of Hit Play! brings a unique approach to their tried and true style of 90s punk rock. Together, they have gained local notoriety by playing some huge shows in the South Florida area and landing reviews in publications including the Miami New Times. Now, with the release of their debut EP In Case of Emergency, and their recently wrapped video for "The Lie Detector..." they are ready for anything. To hear for yourself, check out www.myspace.com/hitplaynow and www.ilovehitplay.com.

Remember, In Case of Emergency, Hit Play!

RIYL: Unwritten Law, No Use For A Name, Fenix TX

Band Members