Get To Know: Capital Cities

This summer marked a huge change for the indie-pop duo, Capital Cities. The "electro-pop-rock-dance" group from Los Angeles met through Craigslist a few years back and released their debut EP, In A Tidal Wave of Mystery, in 2011.

The group is made up of two talented artists, Sebu Simonian and Ryan Merchant. The two are joined by their band members - Nick Merwin (guitarist), Manny Quintero (bassist), Spencer Ludwig (trumpeter) and Channing Holmes (drummer).

Capital Cities spent their summer touring the country and performing at festivals including Firefly Music Festival, Sasquatch Festival and First City Festival. It was right in the peak of their traveling that their catchy and upbeat leading single "Safe and Sound" was being played all over the radio, engaging fans and audience members to sing along at shows.

"Safe and Sound" made it all the way to #1 on Modern Rock radio, and is continuing to climb to the peak of Top 40 radio and into the ear-buds of all around music lovers.

One of the leading front men, Sebu, sat down with Empty Lighthouse for an interview - read further and get to know Capital Cities.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: How did you get your start in music individually before you formed together as Capital Cities?
CAPITAL CITIES: I started singing and taking piano lessons at a young age, formed my first band at the age of 16, earned a music degree from CSUN and produced a bunch of acts from my own recording studio.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Who do you consider to be your musical influences?
CAPITAL CITIES: Pink Floyd and Chopin.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What has been your most memorable experience touring so far?
CAPITAL CITIES: Rotisserie chicken at Chicken Rico in Baltimore.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: If you guys could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
CAPITAL CITIES: Foxes - she has a beautiful voice.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What are your upcoming plans for the months to come?
CAPITAL CITIES: We just kicked off our co-headlining fall tour with LA based band, Fitz and the Tantrums. We will be working on more music videos soon too!

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: I've seen you guys put on a great performance, and the crowds love you! if you could tell your fans one thing, what would it be?
CAPITAL CITIES: Thank you!

As the autumn months continue into winter, Capital Cities plans to continue touring around the country and promoting their album. Some major stops along the East Coast include Boston, New York, DC, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Cleveland and Chicago, before heading to the West Coast in December.

Be sure to check out the tour dates for a city near you, and visit www.capitalcities.com for news on tour announcements and releases.