The Metropolitans
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The Metropolitans

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This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Signal to Noise"

Another fairly new group, currently cutting its teeth in the local rock bars, is the stylish Metropolitans, playing original R&B and swing-influenced material with none of that daddy-o baby-doll swing-revival horseshit. At a recent Thunderbird Café show, guitarist Seth Dubin led the rhythm section with a three-piece horn section in tow, while vocalist Elise Smithmyer whispered and wailed. The surprise of the evening was learning afterward that Smithmyer's sulky, ice-queen stage presence is no gimmick: She's just really new to the whole concept -- The Metropolitans are her first band. The band plays around town about every other week, sometimes with kindred souls Omega Love. Visit www.myspace.com/themetropolitans7 for show details.

- Pittsburgh City Paper


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

Photos

Bio

The Metropolitans formed in September 2006, inspired by a desire to bring back originality and showcase talent to the Pittsburgh music scene; a scene long in need of a renaissance.
Experienced bandleader and songwriter Seth Dubin presented the idea of starting a horn-backed rock outfit to friend and trumpeter Rocco Pacella, who had, to that point, played with various orchestral ensembles, and whose classically trained ear would only complete the musical spectrum for which Seth was searching. Seth’s experience, on the other hand, had evolved from various projects spanning worldwide – Brown Derby Junction, Gruv, Artificial Lingo, Das Seth B. Dubin Projekt, and Cazart.
Using the classified services offered by craigslist.org and myspace.com, a modern staple in band organization, the appropriate talent was auditioned and found. Experienced jazz alto saxophonist and regional man-about town, Jason Munley, and jazz and big band tenor saxophonist, Jonny Franks, completed the powerful balance of the horn section, which comprised the foundation of The Metropolitans’ current line-up.
The need for a strong and appropriate rhythm section arose after months of experimentation with different styles and musical abilities, finally finding itself with a former bandmate of Seth’s. James Kurasch, a multi-talented musician and sound technician, joined the band eagerly as bassist and a contributing songwriter. Tim College, a Berklee-graduated drummer and sound technician, was the most recent addition, bringing an explosively perfected style and feel.
The sultry and confident voice for which the band was looking to front the band was difficult to find. Eventually, after many rounds of auditions, Elise Smithmyer, a self-taught talent, accepted the responsibility with enthusiasm, thusly completing The Metropolitans.
The Metropolitans are without a doubt the unrivaled culmination of varying backgrounds, techniques and personalities. Sound, spirit and style come together to create this distinctive and crowd-pleasing pop/rock outfit.