I discovered Tommy & The High Pilots several years ago via a professional connection. The combination of great lyricism and pop hooks of their album Only Human immediately turned my crank, and in a just world, that album would’ve sold a million copies and been all over the radio.
In the ensuing couple of years, lead singer Tom Cantillon and bandmates Mike Cantillon (keyboards), Mike Dyer (bass) and Matt Palermo (drums) have toured with everyone from Plain White T’s to my favorites Toad The Wet Sprocket. They’ve also diligently been working on new music. The PledgeMusic campaign for their upcoming EP raised 130% of its goal, and in the months preceding its release, the fellas have hit the trails with Tragic Thrills, road-testing their new music.
Oh, also…they changed their name. Tommy & The High Pilots are now Beta Play. I probably should’ve explained that earlier.
During a tour stop in New York (following a kick-ass set at The Studio At Webster Hall), Beta Play stopped by the last.fm studios in New York for a semi-acoustic set. Check out their performance of “Electric 22” (another pop gem with smart, touching lyrics). Then, if you haven’t already, head on over to their PledgeMusic page and preorder their EP. Also, follow them on the Facebooks for tour updates, photos, and all that good stuff. You can thank me later!