There’s a fresh new soul-folk ensemble emerging from the trendy neighborhood of New York’s Lower East Side, igniting crowds from Rockwood Music Hall to the National Underground and beyond. Miko & the Musket’s signature Americana pop-infused sound results in a memorable, dynamic repertoire and perfectly crafted debut solo effort, The Georgia Sessions EP. Initially conceived by guitarist and singer-songwriter Miko de Leon as an acoustic effort reinforced with vocalists Lannon Killea and Molly McAdoo, he expanded the outfit to include an arsenal of seasoned musicians. The septet curated their unique sound with the addition of Cellist Brandon Ellis, percussionist Chris “Moses” Kinlow, lead guitarist Mike Steinmetz, and bassist Peter Longofono. Together, they evoke everything from gutbucket bluegrass to breezy folk ballads to simmering New Orleans funk, all balanced by the bracing vocal harmonies that have become the band’s trademark.
In September 2011, Miko and the Musket recorded their first album at Eldest Only Productions in Atlanta. Though they have only been at the music game for a handful of months, the groups exciting sound, enthusiasm, talent, and unfaltering drive has propelled them to career breaking-points and impressive achievements – including being awarded the World Cafe Live Philly Rising’s Standout Performer for 2011. M&TM’s catchy hooks, evoking lyrics, spot-on instrumental execution and well-constructed three-part harmonies send a shiver up your spine and create goose bumps on your skin. The band takes you on an emotional journey in their 6-song debut effort, from sentimentally sweet and extremely catchy track “Uh-Huh” to the heart-aching tale of uncertainty in “Ready” to the absurdly fun, hoe-down flavored “Small Town Jive”. The band truly delivers their talent in spades with the musical, harmonious stylings of “No Need to Feel Low” and “Hymnal”, and aren’t afraid to kick things up a notch with some seductive flair on the jazzy, “Devil Don’t Mind”.
Miko and the Musket may be new to the music scene, but if their first few months of creation are any indication, we have a lot to look forward to from these seven NYC folksters.
Website: www.mikoandthemusket.com
Description:
THE BREEZEWAY
1996-2000
The Breezeway Band formed Professionally in Salem, OH
Released “Yeah, I Like that Moss” on H2O2 Recordz
Released “Space and Everything Else” on H2O2 Recordz
High School Performances
Local Venue Performances
Relocated to Portsmouth, Ohio
Studio Musicians @ The Recording Workshop
2001-2004
Studio Musicians
Released "633 2nd Street"
Released “Live” on Wood Records
Released “Emotional Bliss”
Released “Chasin" the Dragon”
Performed for Jerry Springer's Senate Campaign
Released “ The Red LP”
Performed live on FOX TV's "LEFT OF CENTER" show
Venues Performed included:
CEDARS LOUNGE
THE ODEON
PEABODIES
ROBIN HOOD INN
CLUB KHAMELION
Opening band for the following:
CLARKS
KIP WINGER
SPONGE
Days of the New
FreekBASS
Local and Regional venues performed
2005
Relocated to Nashville, Tennessee
College Radio Play with “The Red LP” CD
CD Baby Digital Distribution
Napster
iTunes
iTunes Canada
Rhapsody
Licensed music to MTV
European Tour
Released "The Ol' Ornament" (christmas cd)(Prestigious Recordings)
Kenny’s Castaways Club New York, N.Y.
TOOTSIES Nashville, Tennessee
Sam Ash Sponsorship
South by Southwest Austin, Texas
Local and Regional Venues performed:
ROCKETOWN
EXPRESS CAFÉ
2006- 2007
Recorded “Halcyon Surgery” @ Tombstone Recording in Nashville, Tennessee (released by Prestigious Recordings)
College Radio Play with the “Halcyon Surgery” CD
South by Southwest Austin, Texas- DARWIN’S PUB
European Tour
Regional Venues Performed (Midwest, Eastern United States, Southern United States)
2008 to Present
“Potfest”Nominated for GMMA Award (rock song of the year) Austin, TX
South by Southwest Austin, Texas- THE DIZZY ROOSTER
NASHVILLE 100
NASHVILLE 8 OFF 8TH
Eastern Coast Tour
Nashville venues performed:
THE END
MERCY LOUNGE
BLUE BIRD CAFE
RICHARDS CAFE
THE RUTLEDGE
Nashville Songwriters Association
Grammy Organization
“Lemonheads” tribute compilation CD “Pittsburgh”-Double D Records
Performed w/ "The Sowing Circle"
Performed the theme song for "The MO radio Show" on Q92.5 FM Alliance, Ohio
Released "HYPE" on The Henceroth Music Group, Digital Distribution only
(Toronto, Canada) 2011 MMA "best rock/pop" WINNER for "The High Life" feat OhM
Brothers Ben and Nick Pop have been playing guitar and drums together since the early 2000's. Starting in 2009 they started collaborating on some songs Ben had written. Over the next couple years they would play with a few different people while playing the odd gig or two. In late 2010 Ashton joined Nick and Ben, adding a permanent second guitar to the band. Most recently the band added Jen to the lineup on bass. The band is currently starting to play shows in the New England area.
