Artist Spotlight ~ Circle The Earth

Artist Spotlight is a segment that we started to introduce our readers to some deserving up and coming artists/bands. They have made an impact on us for all of the right reasons. We think they kick ass, and we hope you do too! Today we’d like to shine the spotlight on boundary breaking Circle The Earth.

Channeling the boundary-breaking energy that only music can bring to the world, Circle The Earth quite literally represents three continents and four countries. Founded in 2018 by bassist Michael McBay, the Los Angeles-based quintet notably features Japanese guitarist Kazuki Tokaji, Brazilian drummer Sandro Feliciano, Taiwanese keyboardist Sandy Chao Wang, and vocal dynamo and native Angeleno Aviva Scott.

By subverting any and all expectations, Circle The Earth crash landed as a phenomenon with their debut in 2020. The group gained traction with the singles “Dead,” “Diamonds,” and “Sweetest Pain,” paving the way for their 2023 EP Hey Goodbye, mostly produced by Ethan Kaufman (Avril Lavigne, Ryan Cabrera, DOROTHY). Beyond piling up millions of streams, they have garnered acclaim from Music Connection, mxdwn, BET, The Rockpit, New Noise Magazine, and more. In 2024, Circle The Earth released the single “Maniac On Mute” and formally welcomed Aviva onto the mic at the suggestion of legendary songwriter Diane Warren. Ultimately, Circle The Earth aims to create beautiful and powerful rock music with integrity and an underlying positive message. The group’s cultural diversity is a true message of inclusion, showing the world how those from different places can come together for the greater good and a rockin’ good time.

Where Circle The Earth truly shines brightest is on the stage. The five-piece has emerged as the rare force of nature equally comfortable on a bill performing alongside Oingo Boingo, Drake Bell, or Smokey Robinson. Their dynamic performances are highlighted by Sandro’s vigorous drumming, Kazuki’s guitar virtuosity, Michael’s onstage bass energy, and Sandy’s melodic and powerful keys, which lay the foundation for Aviva’s emotional vocal delivery and captivating stage presence. See below for full list of upcoming tour dates in Southern California.

We sat down with Circle The Earth bassist Mike McBay for a short, but fun Q&A session

Every superhero or villain has an origin and a band is no different minus the radioactive spiders and secret government experiments. What is the origin of Circle The Earth?

Mike McBay/Circle The Earth: The band was put together by me (bassist Mike McBay). I have been playing original music in Los Angeles for many, many years (since 1976!). I first met drummer Sandro Feliciano through a referral from a friend 14 years ago and his playing was immediately dynamic and captivating. Next, we met keyboardist Sandy Wang 6 years ago and literally picked her up in my arms after her very first audition. Then, we met guitarist Kazuki Tokaji 4 years ago and he blew his audition away after learning the 4 songs only the night before. Lastly, about 4 months ago, a music industry veteran literally screamed at me to replace my previous lead vocalist or the project would fail, and so very reluctantly I did that (something I never would have done on my own) and God brought in Aviva Scott. The project is now the strongest that it has ever been! I should also add that we have been working with our primary songwriter Adrian Jones for around 8 years as well.

Band names can have a meaning or it can be a name pulled out of a hat. What’s the story behind Circle The Earth?

MM/CTE: The name “Circle The Earth” represents the fact that the member are from around the world. Kazuki (guitar) is from Japan, Sandy (keys) is from Taiwan, Sandro (drums) is from Brazil, and Aviva and Mike are from the USA

Are you guys working on anything?

MM/CTE: Circle The Earth is currently promoting our latest release “Stuck In The Middle.” We are prepping for our next release “Slight Curiosity” and finishing the music video for that, and also preparing a dance remix for our previous single “Numb.”

We’re also experimenting with radio play of “Burn Myself” on KIIS-FM in Brazil, editing a series of broadcast-quality live performance videos from a recent industry showcase shot in Hollywood, and running various social media campaigns. We are working on more new music as well.

What was the first CD/album that you bought and what was your most recent CD/album purchase?

MM/CTE: First album was Stand by Sly and the Family Stone and then Band Of Gypsies by Jimi Hendrix and Fragile and Close To The Edge by Yes were next

Are you into comics? Who is your favorite superhero and why?

MM/CTE: The Silver Surfer because he was endowed with cosmic power, spirituality, ethics, and character, but was trapped on earth with humans whose animalistic and warlike behaviors he just couldn’t understand yet he cared deeply for them