Mind the Gap

Meet Mind The Gap, one of LA’s finest indie/electronica groups to hit the scene. Backed by a Sri Lankan, a Mexican, a Korean, and a Jewish guy from Cleveland (as described on Facebook) MTG’s exceptional sound incorporates the fervor of the the Black Keys with dance beats heavily influenced from artists like Daft Punk. They first started writing for TV networks like Discovery, VH1, and yes, even Playboy TV. They now have fused into a dominating group, pioneering an edgy, insistent sound that is not only captivating, but truly genius.

Mind The Gap has enthusiastically chosen us to premier their second single off of their Youth EP, “Falling For You” and boy is it a beauty. The punchy drums boom through the intro while emphatic guitar riffs roar into your speakers. The raw vocals and funk-style melodies build momentum until they cascade into a chaotic, yet catchy hook that will be stuck in your head for days. “Falling For You” breaks out of the mainstream feel so many bands fall victim to, like Maroon 5, and incorporates a rich, diversified sound. MTG’s ambition to be familiar yet distinct is why they are on their way to stardom. We loved the track and we know you will too, so check out the music video below as well as a free download on their Soundcloud! - Your EDM

Mind The Gap, a melting pot of colorful gentlemen, released a single called "Falling For You". The upbeat dance-techno, rock vibes makes you fall for the song, the band, and each and every one of its members. Their captivating music and sexy harmonies is just as dynamic as the band members, each of them with a different ethnic background; giving a fresh new taste to the average American indie band, the four include a Sri Lankan, a Mexican, a Korean and a guy from Cleveland. The act of falling for someone is a passionate and endearing sense of enlightenment, and they do a great job of throwing you directly into the emotion they are provoking. Catchy lyrics will leave you singing it for days and will stay under your skin as the beat and layered undertones of the music make you feel a new emotion with every hit of the drum. Mind The Gap’s crushing, fancy, heart pounding music will have you falling for them and their new album, “Youth”. - Kayla Hay - The Deli Magazine

Mind the Gap threw their collective hats in the ring of pop contenders in 2011, mixing feel-good acoustic numbers with dancefloor-friendly electro to win fans at residencies on both sides of town. They sell themselves as rainbow-coalition entertainment — “MTG is a Sri Lankan, a Mexican, a Korean and a Jew from Cleveland,” their bio boasts — but their approach is pretty straightforward: Here’s a hook, there’s your beat, now dance. It’s nothing if not well-executed; keyboardist Ruwanga Samath and bassist Oscar Doniz had some estimable production credits when they joined up with Greg Cahn and Alex Yang, who’d been doing business as Cahn & Yang. “Find My Way,” the first single off Mind the Gap’s forthcoming “Youth” EP — might find its way onto some party mixes, and the video for the song comes courtesy of James Curtis. - See more at: http://buzzbands.la/2013/01/14/download-mind-the-gap-find-my-way/#sthash.U4NCaaSX.dpuf - Buzzbands.LA

Mind The Gap broke into TBE’s pages with the soft-hearted wailer “Once You Leave” back in July and now they are back with another highly grooveable jam to prime us for their new EP. “Find My Way” and a little more angular edge than “Once You leave” and I like the direction things are shifting. We need this kind of bonkers bongo action to summon the sun! - The Burning Ear

Mind the Gap is the newest emerging band to the Los Angeles area. A unique and eccentric musical group would be just two words to describe this band of four. Made up of “A Korean, a Sri Lankan, A Mexican, and a Jew from Cleveland”, Mind the Gap is a set of amazing acoustic harmonies fused with cutting-edge modern technological sound.
Mind the Gap formed in 2008 when singer/songwriter duo Cahn & Yang met music producers Ru & Ozzy of The Bird Call. They quickly began working on an album and discovered a unique sound. With singer/songwriter grass roots combined with an acoustic rock sound, then partnered with funky electronic rhythms and beat, their live performances and debut CD are unlike anything out there. Lead singer Cahn delivers a powerful voice that only adds wonderfully to the bands unique sounds and beats. They were recently commissioned to write theme songs for TV shows on Discovery, A&E, History, VH1 and Playboy TV, expect to be hearing a lot more of them in the near future. - Arcadia Weekly

Mind the Gap is the newest emerging band to the Los Angeles area. A unique and eccentric musical group would be just two words to describe this band of four. Made up of “A Korean, a Sri Lankan, A Mexican, and a Jew from Cleveland”, Mind the Gap is a set of amazing acoustic harmonies fused with cutting-edge modern technological sound.
Mind the Gap formed in 2008 when singer/songwriter duo Cahn & Yang met music producers Ru & Ozzy of The Bird Call. They quickly began working on an album and discovered a unique sound. With singer/songwriter grass roots combined with an acoustic rock sound, then partnered with funky electronic rhythms and beat, their live performances and debut CD are unlike anything out there. Lead singer Cahn delivers a powerful voice that only adds wonderfully to the bands unique sounds and beats. They were recently commissioned to write theme songs for TV shows on Discovery, A&E, History, VH1 and Playboy TV, expect to be hearing a lot more of them in the near future. - Arcadia Weekly

Los Angeles electro indie band makes an intriguing mix of organic grooves and electronic elements. - The Dadada

Los Angeles electro indie band, Mind the Gap, are preparing for their SXSW appearance by releasing their new single, “Find My Way.” It sounds like a dancier version of Gatsby’s American Dream. - Surviving the Golden Age

Back in September, we not-so-subtly hinted to Mind the Gap that we'd love to help with a night on their October residency by telling them straight-out that we'd love to help with a night on their residency. And being the selfish jerks that we are we chose the most stacked lineup of the month.

Mind the Gap may sound like a new band on the scene but they've actually been around for a little while now since moving to town in the mid-2000's and performing as the acoustic duo Cahn & Yang -- both of whom would later become the core of MTG. Adding a bigger production to their pop/rock/world beat sound with new additions Ruwanga Samath and Ozzy Doniz and what you have is a band very much likely to impact radio on the right half of the FM dial. The band recently released their debut album The Good Fight, perhaps a title reflecting the trials and tribulations they've gone through over the past decade making music, and are showcasing these songs through the residency. This particular show will also be their warm-up to their CMJ showcase later on in the week and we wish them all the luck in getting what they're looking over yonder. In the meantime, get their new album here. We particularly like the track "Meant to Be" and their dance remixes are quite good too.

The rest of the lineup is absolutely loaded starting with the fantastic goth/blues of The Sister Ruby Band, followed by the delightful folk/pop of Helena (whose handful of showcases we've seen this year easily makes her one of the next big things of 2012), and lastly the supposedly secret new project from Nite Jewel known as Obi Nimbus. Yeah, like we told you, this show is effing stacked so you might want to make a night of it at the Bootleg on Monday... - LA-Underground

If you've read my interview with superstar music producer Ruwanga Samanth, you already know MTG. For those who don't, Mind the Gap is a multi-cultural electronic rock quartet from Hollywood's melting pot, have just released their debut CD, The Good Fight. To celebrate, Mind the Gap is taking their message of passion and integrity to the masses with a string of appearances highlighted by a residency every Monday during October at The Bootleg Theater (2220 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, 213-389-2856). Set time is 10:30PM and performances are entirely FREE!

These four musicians from the four corners of the globe aim their music like a shotgun blast through the insipid airwaves of current music. Describing themselves as "A Korean, a Sri Lankan, A Mexican, and a Jew from Cleveland," what they really are is a set of amazing acoustic harmonies fused with cutting edge modern technology as demonstrated in the band's first two singles, "Once You Leave," a sing-along single with a strong techno backbeat and "Meant to Be," a guitar-driven love song ironic in all the right ways.

Mind the Gap formed in 2008 when singer/songwriter duo Cahn & Yang met music producers Ru & Ozzy of The Bird Call. The collaboration was formed with the help of Music Supervisor Jonathan McHugh and the new group quickly got to work on main title songs for films including Mass Animation: Live Music and The Education of Charlie Banks. They were also commissioned to write theme songs for TV shows on Discovery, A&E, History, VH1 and Playboy TV.

While licensing music, Mind the Gap have also been performing across the country including shows in Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago. They have performed at High Sierra Music Festival '10, CMJ Music & Film Marathon '10 and Canadian Music Fest '11. While on tour, they received media attention that included being awarded AOL's Spinner Download of the Day. - The Examiner

If you've read my interview with superstar music producer Ruwanga Samanth, you already know MTG. For those who don't, Mind the Gap is a multi-cultural electronic rock quartet from Hollywood's melting pot, have just released their debut CD, The Good Fight. To celebrate, Mind the Gap is taking their message of passion and integrity to the masses with a string of appearances highlighted by a residency every Monday during October at The Bootleg Theater (2220 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, 213-389-2856). Set time is 10:30PM and performances are entirely FREE!

These four musicians from the four corners of the globe aim their music like a shotgun blast through the insipid airwaves of current music. Describing themselves as "A Korean, a Sri Lankan, A Mexican, and a Jew from Cleveland," what they really are is a set of amazing acoustic harmonies fused with cutting edge modern technology as demonstrated in the band's first two singles, "Once You Leave," a sing-along single with a strong techno backbeat and "Meant to Be," a guitar-driven love song ironic in all the right ways.

Mind the Gap formed in 2008 when singer/songwriter duo Cahn & Yang met music producers Ru & Ozzy of The Bird Call. The collaboration was formed with the help of Music Supervisor Jonathan McHugh and the new group quickly got to work on main title songs for films including Mass Animation: Live Music and The Education of Charlie Banks. They were also commissioned to write theme songs for TV shows on Discovery, A&E, History, VH1 and Playboy TV.

While licensing music, Mind the Gap have also been performing across the country including shows in Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago. They have performed at High Sierra Music Festival '10, CMJ Music & Film Marathon '10 and Canadian Music Fest '11. While on tour, they received media attention that included being awarded AOL's Spinner Download of the Day. - The Examiner

Mind The Gap is becoming one my new favorite bands. Their tracks are definitely categorized as “easy listening” in my iTunes library and seem to fit any mood I’m in. Their latest single, “Once You Leave” combines what I’ve come to love – interesting melodies, steady and foot-tapping beats, and light and airy vocals.
The foursome has been playing in a number of venues across the west coast and will be gracing us with their music at CMJ in a couple of months as part of their “The Good Fight” Tour. If that wasn’t enough, the group is working on their new EP. ”Once You Leave” seems to be a good opener for what we can hope will be a great EP. - Listen Before You Buy

Mind the Gap (www.mindthegapsound.com) describe themselves as "A Korean, a Sri Lankan, a Mexican, and a Jew from Cleveland." What they really are is an amalgam of acoustic rock harmonies and cutting-edge modern technology. The group was formed in 2008 when singer/songwriter duo Cahn & Yang met music producers Ru and Ozzy of The Bird Call Productions. The collaboration was formed with the help of music supe and former IDJ VP of Film and TV Jonathan McHugh. Audiences may already know them from their title themes to Unleashed: K9 Broward County and King of Clubs, Mass Animation: Live Music and The Education of Charlie Banks. They’ve also been commissioned to write theme songs for TV shows on Discovery, A&E, History, VH1 and Playboy TV. “Summertime” received AOL Spinner Download of the Day. MTG has shared the stage with the likes of The Black Crowes, Pretty Lights, Thievery Corporation, Widespread Panic, Meiko and Ida Maria. The band can be seen throughout the month of October on a Monday night residency at the Bootleg Theatre, then it’s off to N.Y. for CMJ Music Marathon. Their full- length debut, The Good Fight, released in August, is getting rave reviews and is available exclusively on iTunes. - Hits Magazine

This isn’t the kind of drama you hear in music these days. It isn’t Hurts’ brand of over the top emoting, and it isn’t all lovey electro love-song either. This is the kind of polished dramatic pop that feels specifically 90s and instantly brings me back to my days next to the radio (Dishwalla’s classic “Counting Blue Cars” anyone?). From the cinematic tension of the opening, to the soaring chorus, I’m hooked and ‘singing’ along. Mind The Gap are also from LA so it’s completely possible they are feeding off the same vibes I grew up with. However, even more likely is that they just know how to write a tune. - The Burning Ear

We got an email from LA based band Mind The Gap the other day promoting their self released LP The Good Fight and new single Meant To Be. Their sound is a bit more mainstream than what we typically post but in all honesty, these are really catchy ass songs. I hate to use a Jack Johnson reference twice in one year much less in one week but These Are The Days reminds me of Jack after a small dose of electro-shock treatment or maybe John Mayer on happy pills. And damn, I love those those horns on the chorus. The track Summertime (video above) may even remind me a little of Jason Mraz but in a positive way because these guys aren’t just trying to copying “that” sound, they are doing it just as good, if not better. And the most important part is that they seem like they’re having fun while doing it. You can see that from the acoustic video for Meant To Be (below). I’m really impressed how they nail these harmonies in one live take.

Anyhow, there are a bunch of songs on this self released album that I would consider “HITS” in the mainstream sense of the word. I’d be surprised if these guys don’t get all top 40 on us and forget about the little music blogs when they play sold out arenas. Anyhow, check the links out below, get their album here and then take this album with you to all of the college graduation / beach / pool parties you go to this summer. And Greg, Ozzy, Ruwanga and Alex . . . don’t forget us when you are huge stars. Cheers, D-Hall. - The New LoFi

Mind the Gap – Smile Back at You • Mind the Gap serves up sugary sweet acoustic rock with the occasional dash of electro for good measure. Their debut album, The Good Fight, is a much in the vein of acts like Dashboard Confessional or Secondhand Serenade. The single, “Smile Back at You” is the sort of track that could be spinning in your head for hours. Interestingly the Los Angeles-based quartet’s past work consisted of writing theme songs for television shows and movie scores such as The Education of Charlie Banks. -Drew


- 365 Albums a Year

Mind the Gap – Smile Back at You • Mind the Gap serves up sugary sweet acoustic rock with the occasional dash of electro for good measure. Their debut album, The Good Fight, is a much in the vein of acts like Dashboard Confessional or Secondhand Serenade. The single, “Smile Back at You” is the sort of track that could be spinning in your head for hours. Interestingly the Los Angeles-based quartet’s past work consisted of writing theme songs for television shows and movie scores such as The Education of Charlie Banks. -Drew


- 365 Albums a Year

When I first googled “Mind the Gap band,” I got a million hits for other bands, so OK, the name is little overdone. However, this group of four stands out with their music and their aesthetic (think mini-United Nations with instruments). Made up of Greg Cahn (the Jew), Ozzy Doniz (the Mexican), Ruwanga “Ru” Samath (the Sri Lankan), and Alex Yang (the Korean), Mind the Gap mixes acoustic guitars, light and airy vocals, with a hint of electronic beats.

I first watched their video for their new single, “Meant To Be,” hesitant that it was going to be a happily-ever-after love story. However, the song and the video warmed my indie-angst heart and came with a twist. Mind the Gap adds endearing and charming harmonies that make their tracks easy to listen to, similar to The Morning Benders, but more grounded.

The foursome came together when singer, Cahn, met songwriter, Yang, and collaborated with music producers Samath and Doniz, of The Bird Call. Having to eat, despite the rugged starving artists persona, the group has had some mainstream exposure, writing theme songs for TV networks Discovery, A&E, and Playboy TV (didn’t know there was such a channel, and not going to lie, I’m kind of interested as to what Mind the Gap came up with). However, their true passion for music shines through their recently released debut album, “The Good Fight.” The whole album is thoughtful, reflective and soulful. - Listen Before You Buy

Acoustic pop and soft electronica go hand-in-hand these days, and if there’s a new L.A. band who has embraced this concept, it’s Mind the Gap. The duo that formerly went by Cahn & Yang (and the Driving Force before that) expanded to a quartet once founders Greg Cahn and Alex Yang moved from the Midwest to the West Coast and met up with producers Ruwanga Samath and Oscar Doniz. Their new collaborators had a resume that included producing songs for big names such as Britney Spears, Beyoncé and Norah Jones, so it figured strong pop melodies would be their calling card. Mind the Gap’s latest album, “The Good Fight,” plays around with classic song structure but also sparkles in a different light via modern influences. Thus, a diverse sound palette can be heard; the group can entertain an energized crowd at Lightning in a Bottle, but they’re also capable of writing mellow tunes such as “Meant To Be.” Go from club-thumping beats to slower pop tunes about a forlorn lover? Mind the Gap doesn’t find changing aesthetics much of a challenge. - Buzz Bands LA

Acoustic pop and soft electronica go hand-in-hand these days, and if there’s a new L.A. band who has embraced this concept, it’s Mind the Gap. The duo that formerly went by Cahn & Yang (and the Driving Force before that) expanded to a quartet once founders Greg Cahn and Alex Yang moved from the Midwest to the West Coast and met up with producers Ruwanga Samath and Oscar Doniz. Their new collaborators had a resume that included producing songs for big names such as Britney Spears, Beyoncé and Norah Jones, so it figured strong pop melodies would be their calling card. Mind the Gap’s latest album, “The Good Fight,” plays around with classic song structure but also sparkles in a different light via modern influences. Thus, a diverse sound palette can be heard; the group can entertain an energized crowd at Lightning in a Bottle, but they’re also capable of writing mellow tunes such as “Meant To Be.” Go from club-thumping beats to slower pop tunes about a forlorn lover? Mind the Gap doesn’t find changing aesthetics much of a challenge. - Buzz Bands LA

Here is the newest video, “Meant to Be” from Mind The Gap. It’s a little cheesy, but in the best way possible. Above, you can also have a listen to one of my favorite songs, “Summer Time” off their newest album, The Good Fight.

The whole album has a mellow yet upbeat pop singer songwriter feel with added harmonies and instrumentation. If you want something easy and feel good this is a perfect listen. You can stream and download the whole album off their Bandcamp page.

-music from my ears. to yours. with love. jp - Music Vagabond