The Hails, a five-piece alternative indie rock band from Florida, brings their first headlining tour to New Realm Brewing Company, June 4.
The band features members Robbie Kingsley (vocals), Franco Solari (guitar/keys/vocals), Dylan McCue (guitar), Andre Escobar (bass) and Zach Levy (drums).
The band formed during its early college days at The University of Florida, playing house shows and gigs starting in 2016. But had little expectations of anything significant to come of it.
“This is just a really fun, little college thing,” McCue told the Charleston City Paper, reflecting on his initial thoughts on the band’s trajectory. “It’s going to be a fun cover band — and maybe I’ll make some money on the side.”
The Hails soon transitioned to writing their own songs, including early hits like “Younger” and “Stay,” earning the band recognition well beyond the college town where they got their start.
“It’s pretty surreal,” McCue said. “Almost out of nowhere, I was like ‘Ok, no, this is a real band now.’”
Now, the band is on its first headline tour following the release of its 2023 debut album What’s Your Motive, performing sold-out shows in major cities like Austin, San Diego and Los Angeles.
While blossoming to perform in front of a wider audience, the band still holds onto the joy of playing together as it once did.
“My favorite shows are always the ones where we have a lot of audience engagement — where it feels like we’re playing for our friends,” McCue said. “You don’t get the feeling that it’s us playing for people. It’s like we’re all in the same room, enjoying this thing together.”
This closely resembles the band’s beginnings — playing music as friends, for friends — within the cozy confines of a college home.
“A lot of what we’ve been doing recently is trying to jam like how we used to in our college house,” Kingsley said.
Since the release of its latest album, the band has returned to playing together, creating and performing songs that showcase its signature catchy sound. Rising from its origins as a college band into a prominent name within the music industry.
“If you want to see a fun little band enjoy playing together — that’s what we’re about,” Kingsley said. “Hopefully people leave the show humming our tunes, or something stuck with them.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to catch an intimate performance from The Hails happening June 4. Secure your ticket online through eventbrite, or opt to purchase ticket day-of show.
To get an early preview of The Hails’ music, friends and fans can visit its website or follow-along its journey on tour @the_hails.
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