How familiar are you with the local bands in your area? You’d be pretty shocked at what kind of amazing talent you can find hidden in your own town!
Finish Ticket are a group of young Bay Area natives about to burst into the spotlight. Members Brendan Hoye (lead singer/keyboardist) and twin brother Michael Hoye (bassist), Alex DiDonato (guitarist/vocalist), and Gabe Stein (drummer) have carefully crafted their sound since meeting in high school and landed on an alternative/indie-pop vibe that easily catches the ear of any listener and takes a firm hold.
Tears You Apart (produced by Pierre de Reeder of Rilo Kiley) is the group’s first full-length release, and it promises killer beats, rich melodies, and a lyrical skillfulness that make you wonder, “Wait… how are these guys not famous yet?” You can snag up a digital download of the album here, and check out their animated lyric video for their single “Catch You on My Way Out” below.
We were able to grab a few words with the hometown heroes during their busy schedule after SXSW:
TU: You just got back from your first time at SXSW… what was the most ridiculous thing that happened while you were there?
Yes, it was ridiculous indeed. Well, our experience was perhaps a little more relaxed because most of us aren’t 21+, so we couldn’t get into all the bars. But on the last night there, we all got food poisoning. Which really sucked!
TU: What is your favorite song off of ‘Tears You Apart,’ and why?
We all have a couple different favorites, but the two mutual favorites between us all are “Lying Through Our Teeth” and “Bring The Rain.” “Lying” because it’s a song where each of us were able to insert our own personal sound and influence into the song – it was the most collaborative songwriting process we’ve had to date. That was pretty special for us and we were all very happy with the result. “Bring The Rain” is another group favorite because of our live show. It’s our favorite one to play live and we make sure to go extra crazy on that one.
TU: What’s the most awkward show you’ve ever played at?
We’ve played so many awkward shows, it’s hard to choose only one! Our first couple shows ever, we opened for this classic rock cover band at these biker events for a motorcycle gang. We were only about 15-16 and were playing our poppy indie rock in front of these huge, stereotypical bikers in the middle of nowhere…We were scared for our lives. However, they turned out to be very respectful, and gave us free chili and cornbread!
TU: Funniest band photo?
We’ve got a million! Probably one of these:
