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Capital Cities to bring unique brand of synthpop

Posted by Stephen Centanni | May 14, 2014 | Music Feature | 0 |

Independent music has seen a surge of synthpop sounds entering its domain. This retro-sounding musical genre pulls muses from the synthesizer dominated days of the ‘80s and brings it into the modern age with current technology in electronic music.

As with many unique forms of music, electro pop began as an underground form of music. However, this musical style has slowly seeped into the mainstream with its fun and infectious beats and lyrics. The Hangout Fest line-up has a plethora of synthpop sounds for the sandy masses. Comprised of Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian, Capital Cities could be considered one of the groups at the forefront of this scene. According to member Simonian, the number of synthpop acts making it into the mainstream is a result of the genre coming into its own.

Screen Shot 2014-05-08 at 9.00.40 AM

“Fundamentally, people like good songs,” Simonian said. “There just so happens to be a few new acts lately that are doing the electro-pop sound and writing good songs as well. These songs are making their way to the forefront. This type of music is just fun and accessible to a lot of different types of people. It’s hard to deny.”

Capital Cities has remained consistent both in their musical integrity and work ethic. They jumped into the public eye with their 2011 debut single “Safe and Sound” followed by the release of their follow-up single “Kangaroo Court” in 2012. These singles eventually found a home on Capital Cities’ 2013 debut full-length “In a Tidal Wave of Mystery.” Since its release, the band has been spreading their sounds worldwide. They also took home a MTV Music Video Award for “Best Visual Effects.”

“In a Tidal Wave of Mystery” may have been three years in the making, but Capital Cities is definitely enjoying the benefits of touring in support of this album.

“I’ve been in bands all my life,” Simonian said. “It’s nice to travel the world and play in front of huge numbers of people. More importantly, it’s been nice to experience the food, culture, heart and heritage of the various cities and countries that we get to visit.”

Capital Cities recruited two special guests for the creation of this album. Producer Simon Mills is best known for his work with the group Bent. Simonian and Merchant gambled on a cold-call to Mills, which resulted in the duo sending tracks to Mills. After listening to the tracks, Mills decided to remix the track “Lazy Lies.” According to Simonian, his remix allowed the album to “breathe” with its departure from the overall dance groove vibe of the album.

Simonian and Merchant also reached out to Andre 3000 of Outkast to lend his verbal skills on a track. After listening to several songs, 3000 contributed to the track “Farrah Fawcett Hair.” With Outkast also appearing at Hangout Fest, the public joins Capital Cities in wondering whether he will join them onstage during their set.

“They are super busy regrouping with Outkast and launching their comeback with shows at festivals,” Simonian said. “We will definitely be making an attempt.”

With their personal soundman hailing from Mobile, Capital Cities has already heard much about the Gulf Coast, and they are looking forward to performing in Gulf Shores and feeling the beach “vibe and energy.” They are also looking forward to sampling both local culture and local food, especially crawfish.


Capital Cities
Date: Sun., May 18, 3:45 p.m.-5 p.m.
Stage: Hangout Stage

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About The Author

Stephen Centanni

Stephen Centanni

With the exception of two years spent at Auburn University, Steve Centanni has spent his life in Mobile County while focusing on his two passions: music and the written word. As soon as he was issued his driver’s license, Centanni began to explore the local music scene in the early ‘90s. He filled his weekend with visits classic local venues such as the Four Strong Winds Coffee House, Vincent Van Go-Go’s and Culture Shock, all of which welcomed those who had yet to reach 18. After high school, Centanni traded Mobile for Auburn to complete his B.A. in English with an emphasis on general writing. While at Auburn, he had the honor of studying under the Pulitzer-winning poet Natasha Trethewey, who served as the nation’s Poet Laureate in 2012 and 2014. After receiving his diploma, Centanni quickly moved back to Mobile and completed the University of South Alabama’s graduate program with a M.Ed. Eventually, he was tapped by the nationally distributed Volume Entertainment Magazine to serve as the magazine’s managing editor/senior writer. His time with Volume allowed him to exercise his love for both music and writing. As Volume began to fade, Lagniappe recruited Centanni as their Music Writer and later their Music Editor, where he has remained for a little over a decade. As far as his involvement in the local music scene, Centanni organized Cess Fest at the Langan Park, which was a mini-festival focused on original local music in a time when original local music was veritably taboo in Downtown Mobile. For a short time, he brought original music to Downtown Mobile as the in-house promoter for the now deceased venue Cell Block. He managed local underground powerhouse Fry Cook, until the members parted ways. Centanni has lent his bass to bands such as Keychain Pistol and The F’n A-Holes, and he toured nationally as a member of Abstract Artimus & the Torture Children. Currently, he provides vocals for the garage blues rock outfit Johnny No. Ultimately, Centanni’s experience in the local music scene as both a participant and an observer has allowed him to witness the ever-changing persona of Mobile’s enigmatic music scene, which continues to leave him with more questions than answers.

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