ARTIST SPOTLIGHT ~ FALLING THROUGH APRIL

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Artist Spotlight is a segment that we started to introduce our listeners 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 Falling Through April!

Even though they are originally from disparate parts of the country, Charlotte, NC based Alt Rockers Falling Through April have come together to form a cohesive unit in a city that is rich in music history and has a thriving independent rock scene. Their energy is abundant in their live shows and in the music.

Falling Through April released first single and video “Desperate Measures” in September of 2017 and have gained significant visibility: Google Play Music’s Modern Rock radio channel and iDobi radio were early supporters and are playing the song. The video premiered on Alternative Press and debuted @ #13 on the Youtube Alternative Hotlist playlist. The video is featured on the Footlocker In-Store network in 1,835 stores in 23 countries as well as several other major brand retail outlets. “Desperate Measures” is playing in over 3800 Health Clubs worldwide, and has been added to syndicated shows like MusicMix USA and Sidewalks TV, among others.

The band’s founders (Jim Siani, Dave Piontek, Dan Candia) have weathered the full gamut of hurdles as a startup since forming in 2011, ranging from exploding transmissions and ghosting vocalists to nearby celebratory gun fire landing Taylor in the hospital. When charismatic front woman Mikaela Salazar stepped into their lives in 2016, the road blocks were removed, and everyone found something to be excited about.

The 4 founders found each other while playing in different bands that were a part of the Charlotte indie rock scene. The band members came to music naturally, as they all had musicians in their family: Dan came from a long line of international musicians, and his dad always played guitar when he was growing up. Dave started in music early, and in his early teens he became enamored of the Electric Bass and that became his instrument of choice. Jim knew by the age of 13 that he wanted to be a professional musician, inspired by acts like Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, and his favorite band Weezer. Taylor grew up watching his Dad play drums, so you could say they are in his family DNA. Mikaela grew up in a house that was never silent, and the desire to be involved in music was second nature. She was inspired to become a singer by strong female musical role models like Alanis Morissette and Gwen Stefani.

The band has 2 previous independent releases: The Take Flight album in 2012 and the Risks and Rewards Ep in 2015.

In early 2017 FTA packed up and drove to Nashville, TN for a several month’s long recording binge with producer and friend Jon King (Augustana, Darling Parade). The result is their new album Zodiac, a powerful alt-rock collection that melds influences ranging from Incubus to Halsey.

We sat down with the band 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 Falling Through April?

Falling Through April originated in Charlotte, NC but relocated to Tampa FL in June 2022.

Band names can have a meaning or it can be a name pulled out of a hat. What’s the story behind Falling Through April?

The band name, Falling Through April, came from a combination of events. Two of the founding members were in another band together that was falling apart. Both of their birthdays were in April and as a play on words they decided on Falling Through April.

What are you currently working on?

We are currently on a headlining tour with our absolutely amazing friends, Hazen. 21 shows in 24 days… busy busy! Aside from the current touring we are also working on new music. We have a new single which is also the name of the tour (Worlds Away) dropping on Friday 10/7.

Are you a good cook? What’s your best dish to prepare?

Every single member of Falling Through April is a fantastic cook and we all specialize in different cuisines/specialties. Honestly, it’s one of the best things about being in FTA! Jim is great with Thai dishes, Dan with Italian/Spanish, Jerome with super healthy breakfast/meals, and Mikaela can boil water. Just kidding, she makes some mean burritos.

We love cereal, especially at night. For some odd reason, it seems to taste better then. Do you have a favorite cereal?

Late night cereal is THE BEST! Frosted Flakes, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Capt Crunch Peanut Butter, and Lucky Charms are definitely some of our favorites.