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heavy on the heart. Is an alternative rock band from Long Island, NY consisting of Nikki Brady (vocals), Costas Themistocleous (guitar), Nick Kolokathis (drums) and Andrew Nicolae (bass). heavy on the heart. was initially formed in the summer of 2021 by Nikki Brady and Costas Themistocleous. After the breakup of Costas’ former band, Nikki and Costas began writing songs which would eventually become heavy on the heart. Not long after forming the band and booking studio time, Nikki discovered she was pregnant. The duo hit Sound Acres Recording Studio with producer Gary Cioni to record their debut EP “It’s You That Needs To Think” which is slated for release in September 2023.
While the pregnancy delayed the momentum of the group, it actually became a blessing in disguise. The duo started jamming with drummer Nick Kolokathis and found themselves instantly clicking. The now trio spent time writing new music, getting a feel for one another and setting forth future plans for the band. While Nikki was on maternity leave, Costas and Nick began trying out different musicians to round out the lineup. It wasn’t until October 2022 that bassist Andrew Nicolae would join the group. Immediately the musical connection between the quartet was undeniable.
The group spent the rest of 2022 perfecting their set, writing new material and bonding on a deeper level. “Having an understanding of who we are as musicians and people is important to me. I believe it brings out the best in each other and in the music.” states Costas Themistocleous. The band debuted their live performance on January 27, 2023 opening for The Color Fred. They have spent all of 2023 booking as many shows in and out of state as possible.
heavy on the heart. released their first single “Mr. Know It All” on April 20, 2023 and has been met with a great response. The group will be releasing 2 more standalone singles before releasing their long awaited debut EP “It’s You That Needs To Think” in September 2023. The band will also be returning to Sound Acres Recording Studio with producer Gary Cioni for 3 weeks in September 2023 to record their follow up record which will be released sometime in 2024. They will continue to write, record & tour. “Our goal is to reach as many people as possible and touch the heart and emotions of our listeners. We truly believe music is special and the bond a listener has with a song is sacred.” says Nikki Brady.
What started slow and seemed hopeless at moments is now quickly blossoming into something beautiful. Do you care to be a part of this beautiful journey?
"Catch Me If I Fall" Single Review
The track slowly creeps in with melodic tones to start before bursting through with a more upbeat first verse. The dynamic range of the melodies are on point as the guitar work steps up in the forefront shortly after. There's a bounce factor once the track steadies its tempo around the one minute mark. The dual vocals are a nice touch and adds a layer of depth to it overall. A guitar solo joins the fray around the two minute mark before giving way to the dual vocals repeating the hook back and forth to close things out.
Verdict:
Heavy on the Heart up the ante on their Alternative Rock style with their newest single.
"Mr. Know It All" Single Review
The track begins with an upbeat tempo to set the high energy tone early. The melodic bouncy vocals join the fray and drive along the steady instrumentation. The chorus just begs to be sung along to and in a live setting we could see the crowd jumping and singing along. The bridge features a nice slowdown of pacing and build back up with its awesome vocals and rockin' instrumentation. The ending sees the instrumentation take over for the last bit before wrapping itself up. The track overall is quick and to the point with its hyper melodic Alternative Rock sound. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears on this band for some time to come!
Verdict:
Heavy on the Heart captivates listeners near and far with their ultra catchy new single.
-Interview- (4/27/23)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name "Heavy on the Heart" and is there any meaning behind it?
I (Costas) started playing guitar and piano when I was 10 years old. I was playing in a band known as PRSNA for 14 years. We just finished recording 2 new records and then abruptly split before they were released. Around this time Nikki and I began writing some music. I was a huge fan of her voice and she comes from a classical background with singing. When the band split, we decided we wanted to form a band and veer away from the pop stuff we were initially writing.
The name, heavy on the heart. Actually came from Nikki. We were in my backyard talking one day and I was telling her how hurt I was losing my band and my best friend. I said something like this weighs so heavy on my heart. She looked up at me and goes, that’s it! The name of the band! Heavy on the heart. I remember looking back at her like wow, that is huge, haha.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
To us, the best music makes you feel something. It brings you back somewhere. We want people to honestly connect with the song and tune in whatever emotion or memory it brings back. We want people to not only feel what emotion we are trying to spark. We want them to relate to it on a deeper level. We want people to know and understand they are not alone in what they feel. Others feel it to. Lets bridge that gap and find comfort and solace.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Our sound is a blend of alternative rock, pop rock and pop punk. We try to incorporate elements from all that we listen to and are inspired by. By our common core and roots is alternative rock and pop rock.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Third Eye Blind, blink-182 and Hot Mulligan.
5. How has Covid affected what you do?
I think Covid honestly just changed the landscape. We are still doing what we do and love what we are doing. I would 100% equate Covid to my former band breaking up and losing momentum. But I would credit Covid for giving me the time to explore other avenues musically and artistically. I think Covid is the reason Nikki and I began working on music in the first place.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Alternative Rock?
I think Alternative Rock is making a serious comeback. Little by little. Sometimes I find myself in an airport, coffee shop or department store and it’s like woah that song is on the radio! That song is being played, wow. I think it is a good time to be playing alternative music. While other genres are thriving, I believe alternative music is finding its footing once again in more of a mainstream light.
7. What's the current music scene like there in New York?
The music scene has always been iffy here. It has its moments of glory and its moments of tragedy. Its a very close knit, friends helping friends and only friends and shunning less known talented bands. But fortunately there has been plenty of good promoters and just good people reviving the scene here. The ones who are trying to correct what is broken in our scene. They are doing a wonderful job and I respect the hell out of all of them.
Another thing that seems to be spreading like a virus in New York is cover and tribute bands. While I have no problem with people paying homage to their idols, I do see an issue when there is like 10-15 bands paying homage to the same band and that same band just so happens to still be touring. It’s quite comedic. I think venues, bars and event halls should be focusing on showcasing more of the talented original bands that are home grown. I also think this will change in the near future. Only so many people can hop on the same bandwagon before the wheels fall off.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
Streaming services are crooks! Haha. I think while they serve their purpose in making music easily accessible, it’s downright disgusting what they pay artists in streaming royalties. We put so much blood, sweat and tears into this and to be given peanuts and basically told this is the best that we can do is quite shameful on their part. But this has been an ongoing dispute and I do believe it will find resolve at some point. Hopefully in our lifetime.
9. What's next for Heavy on the Heart?
We will be steadily touring and playing throughout the United States. We will be releasing 2 more stand alone singles followed by our debut record in September 2023. We will also be heading back to the studio in September for 3 weeks to record the follow up record which will be released sometime in 2024.
10. Any shoutouts?
Shout out to the best producers and engineers a band could ask for! Gary Cioni at Sound Acres Recording Studio and Gary Cioffi Jr. at Maximum Sound Studios.
Shoutout to the best business partners a man could ask for! Tom Angenbroich, Shawn O’Connor and Peter Dragone!
Shout out to Atlas Brady (Nikki’s Son).
Shout out to Matt Lagatutta for keeping me sane throughout the beginning and the start of this band.
Shout out to anybody who has come to a show, followed us on social media, bought merch or shared us with their friends.
