PUSH PLAY FOR INDIE MUSIC SUCCESS

Long Island’s band Push Play is expanding into NYC and expanding the possibilities of independent music.

Push Play could be the next underground pop sensation. The band is in the process of capturing New York after conquering their home turf on Long Island. The band is comprised of vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist CJ Baran, guitarist/keyboardist Steve Scarola, bassist Nick DeTurris, and drummer Derek Ries.

Push Play are unsigned and their album Deserted was in the top 100 iTunes albums for two weeks, peaking at Number 38. The band managed to sell out the noted Irving Plaza in New York City, and on April 26 they’re taking on the Nokia Theater in Times Square. We asked the band about their New York City success.

“It’s incredible. I can’t believe… I can’t even imagine to tell you guys how crazy it’s been the past four months, not even, exponentially good. Seriously thought it’s been amazing these last few months. Especially starting it off in December, on the 22nd, we played the Fillmore at Iriving Plaza, and that was just crazy. 1300 people crammed in this room. It was the most incredibly feeling ever. Now we’re just taking it up (a notch) and now we’re doing Nokia Theater on April 26th, which is a huge step up. (It’s) more than double the size.”

So, is the upcoming show at the Nokia a make-or-break show for the band?

“In a way, it kind of is a make or break gig. People want to see. If we sell it out that would be the most insane thing ever. We’re the first unsigned band to ever play there as a headline act. That in itself is an accomplishment. For an unsigned band to sell out the venue? That’s just a completely different thing.”

The band has one foot in school and one foot in the music business, so push comes to shove, what will it be?

“Right now in the band we’re at a point where it’s working out really well for us so… College is coming up for CJ, Steve and I, and it kind of puts us in a position: Do we take the college route and try to juggle band at the same time, or do we just go full out band and see where that takes us? I think we’re all in that position right now, but if things keep on going as great as they do, then hopefully we can pursue a career in music as an adult.”

The band will be touring Long Island for the next few months, but they just signed with national booking agency Creative Artist Agency or CAA, which plans on getting them in front of a national audience later this year.