Trial & Era

Washington Heights, NYC. A block away from the historic landmark United Palace Theater but worlds apart. To be exact, 175th Street between St. Nick and Audobon Avenues, better known as H.O.T. 5th (Hustling on the 5th) one of the most notorious blocks in the Heights responsible for Trial & Era, the hip-hop trifecta comprised of Arah Bars, Money Fitzgerald and Juss T.

Their story is a common one. Born and raised in neighboring buildings to family friends while growing up attending the same neighborhood schools, Arah Bars, Money Fitzgerald and Juss Ts connection could be called destiny. While coming of age on the same block facilitated their bond, like any other hood in NYC, it exposed them to Hip Hop. H.O.T. 5th not only played host to the young rappers who sat and witnessed life unfold just as greats like Nas, Biggie and NWA had depicted years before, but it also led them to experiment with rap.

What started out as a hobby soon became something more, we would fuck around rapping in Ts house and record in Moneys house with some bullshit headphones it was fun because we started to surprise each other with new flows recalls Arah Bars. But it wasnt until 2010 that the crew became serious and formally established their group, Trial & Era, a name they cleverly derived from the scientific term trial & error combined with the coining of era as there was no mistake about their union. The group soon connected with Frado the Beatman, a local Washington Heights producer/engineer who had worked with the likes of LL Cool J, The Lox, DMX and Raekwon.

Trial & Era released their first mixtape, On Trial in the summer of 2011. The mixtape contained the perfect combination of commercial and inner street music creating a unique sound. Songs like Wasting Time and Monday Morning pushed their sound beyond the confines of just rap with an intricate cross between the contemporary vibe of Gym Class Heroes and the old school rhythm of The Beatles.

The release of The Recess EP in early 2012 continued to introduce fans to raw verses and unforgettable hooks, again challenging the parameters of hip hop with tracks such as the notorious Metete Un Deo (Go Fuck Yourself). Bars-R- US... The Compilation followed later that year where Trial & Era created, recorded and released a new track every week for 13 consecutive weeks. The project contained singles such as Somebody I Used to Know featuring Kris Collins and the 4/20 anthem Ganja for which Trial & Era released their debut music video.

Since, Trial & Era has developed their sound and worked relentlessly at improving their craft. With the release of their latest mixtape Up All Hours on May 7th, 2013, listeners embark on a music-mentary that chronicles the hourly NYC grind of the young artists. The mixtape intertwines an array of eclectic musical vibes including the gritty NYC streets, feel good California cruising, Houston chopped and screwed, down south turn up and rock star like hooks all influences that have helped create and define the unmistakable Trial & Era sound.

Trial & Era has taken their first single Sittin in the Sky off the Up All Hours mixtape into the NYC gig and showcase circuit. Theyve performed at some of the Citys most respected venues including The Pyramid Club, Drom NYC, Public Assembly and SOBs to immense audience and judges approval and excitement over their energetic set. Most recently Trial & Era was named first place winner of the Coast 2 Coast Live Showcase NYC at Webster Hall this summer receiving high scores in originality, marketability, presence and potential.

Without a doubt, Trial & Era are hip hop rock stars in the making. Bold and unafraid to take risks musically and on stage, they are artists that remain true to the very essence of hip hop that first inspired them years ago. Their mission is clear create believers, one by one; and they wont stop until that mission is complete.