With the four members of USA act The Dives hailing from both sides of the country and the middle, it might seem unlikely that these musicians would ever even meet, let alone form a band – until you hear them play. Featuring tight harmonies and infectious hooks, The Dives’ music sounds fresh and familiar at the same time.
Based in NYC, the new band – still under a year old – wasted no time writing original material, rehearsing and leaping onto the club circuit. When asked to describe The Dives’ sound, Evan Stanley, lead guitarist and vocalist, says “Power Pop”. Sergio Ortega, bass and vocals, explains, “It’s a rock band playing pop music. Big hooks, but rattier than Top 40.”
The band is comprised of guitarist and lead singer Evan Stanley, guitarist and lead singer Mike Lefton, bassist and singer Sergio Ortega and drummer and singer Jimmy Meier. When Stanley moved to NYC to attend college at NYU/Tisch’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, he was determined to start a band. After a little trial and error, he was introduced to New Jersey native, Mike Lefton. A brotherhood was formed instantly as the two found musical commonalities beginning with their influences and work ethic. And the beginning of a band was formed. Mike reached out to fellow New Jersey native, Jimmy Meier to give the band a beat. With a gig booked, they scrambled to find a bass player. A friend recommended an unlikely fit, Sergio Ortega. Unlikely because Ortega is an incredibly talented musician best known for guitar, banjo and mandolin and has toured the world with Broadway phenomenon Ramin Karimloo, as his guitarist and musical director. The group asked Sergio to sit in for that show and never let him leave.
2017 is lining up to be a very exciting year for The Dives. Currently putting the finishing touches to their debut EP, due out later in 2017. The band will be touring throughout the year, and kick this off with their debut UK headline show as well as supporting KISS across the UK in May 2017. Please see dates below:
UK Dates
Saturday 27th The SSE Hydro Glasgow support to KISS
Sunday 28th Barclaycard Arena Birmingham support to KISS
Monday 29th The Water Rats London headline
Tuesday 30th Manchester Arena Manchester support to KISS
Wednesday 31st The 02 London support to KISS
For The Water Rats headline show tickets are priced £7 (subject to booking fee) and are on general sale 9am GMT Friday 21st April 2017 through www.livenation.co.uk. The Dives will be onstage at 8.30pm.
KISS tickets are available now through www.livenation.co.uk
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