Hailing from Orlando, FL, the 502s are bringing the energy of Florida sunshine everywhere they go. The band formed in college when lead singer Ed Isola (banjo, guitar) bought a $100 banjo and started writing songs. Adding childhood friends Matt Tonner (Keys, guitar, vox) and Joe Capati (sax, trumpet, melodica, vox) started to round out the now distinct sound of the 502s, with Sean Froehlich (drums, vocals) and Nick Melashenko (bass, vocals) completing the lineup. Ed’s brother and cousin played roles as guitar players in the band as well. A true family affair, which leads to the band name. No, it’s not the area code in Louisville, but rather the street address where Isola grew up, and his friends and family would gather to hang out.
After winning a contest to perform at Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival before they ever released any recorded music and a successful EP (The 502s EP) and album (Because We Had To) the band saw their proverbial sunrise when their song “Just A Little While” become viral TikTok sensation in December 2021. “Just A Little While” was off their sophomore album Could It Get Any Better Than This and with an infectious spirit of adventure, the song exploded in popularity. Surrounded by other breakout songs such as Magdalene, Olivia, and I Keep Rolling, the indie folk band from Orlando was a worldwide household name.
“Just A Little While” peaked as the #4 Folk Song worldwide on Spotify charts, living in the top 10 for several months. The tidal wave of social media use of the song also landed them on Billboard’s Hot Rock and Alternative charts and the #3 spot on Spotify’s Top Viral 50. Although the band had soared into the spotlight overnight, they’re anything but a flash in the pan. Their rambunctious, non-stop energy live shows put a stamp on what the 502s are… the happiest band on earth. Through one of the planet’s most energized, joyful live shows, the 502s use their unique sound (some refer to it as ska-folk) to show that anyone belongs at a 502s show. Sold-out tours throughout the US and Europe confirm that once you’ve seen the band once, you’re a fan forever!