Mitchell Grey

The Aquarian - Alicia Fiorletta

A good song is comparable to a fine wine: it’s smooth, memorable, easy to digest, and has that certain “je ne sais quoi” that makes it stand out among the flock. New York-based troupe Mitchell Grey managed to create this moment not only for a single track, but for a collection of cuts for their debut album, On The Stellar Way, which they recorded and released on their own.

It is impossible for artists to dodge their musical inspirations and create tracks that are entirely unique. However, what makes musicians truly thrive and shine is how they compile idols and influences to make something refreshing and new for listeners to hear.

Throughout the debut opus, Mitchell Grey blends the effortlessness of soul, pure emotion of alternative/indie and even a hint of Latin flair. But listeners learn that this mutation of tastes and styles is the sheer essence of Ryan Bandong (vocals), Joseph Diaz (guitar), Napon Pintong (bass) and Matt Pana (drums)—not an effort to win listeners.

On The Stellar Way breaks out with “Phosphenes.” Acting as a solid introductory to the rest of the album’s eclectic musical framework, the track is filled with lush harmonies, a hearty combination of catchy pop melodies, and a rocking power chorus. As Bandong and Diaz play tag between vocal phrases and lead guitar solos during the bridge, it’s evident that there’s a musical banter and understanding fueled by sheer chemistry. This form of creation can’t be made on a whim. Rather, it’s similar to the big bang: natural, phenomenal and explosive.

“Heartstrings”—the album’s first single—has a fun, alternative pop flair, similar to Third Eye Blind in their best years. With lyrics like “As sweet as the sky looks empty/I’d like to see a cloud or two/Just to watch them drift away/To know my world ain’t standing still,” the song has the perfect mix of poignancy and promise.

While the band’s single touches on the more pop-inspired side of Mitchell Grey, “Vampire Voltage” brings a bit of spiciness into the mix, with a Latin-tinged flow and Santana-inspired swagger. Throughout the rest of the album, the quartet takes listeners on a journey of smooth rock and R&B (“Monster”); soul (“Keep On!”); pop rock (“The Racers”); and acoustic (“Inamorata”). And throughout these genre-bending twists and turns, Mitchell Grey serves these tracks with earnestness, eagerness and precision.

In A Word: Stellar - The Aquarian - Alicia Fiorletta

Mink Choi - K. Beacon

Mitchell Grey’s sound is a unique one, incorporating pop, rock, and soul, with musical influences ranging from Gorillaz and Justin Nozuka. Their creative inspiration is pulled from all of their life experiences, interpreted in their own way through music and lyrics. - Mink Choi - K. Beacon

Revel Magazine - Liaa Marquez

Members of this band found their way to audiences by singing or playing in front of a webcam. Each one already had the talent and charisma as solo artists. Their smartest move? Joining forces to form Mitchell Grey. The band held its first independent album launch in April 2012 to a sold-out crowd at The Studio at Webster Hall. Ryan Bandong carries the band with his poetic melodies & acoustic guitar. With him is Joseph Diaz on lead guitar, Napon Pintong on bass, and Matt Pana on drums. The quartet boasts a dynamic playlist of rich, bright, funky alt-rock. They create 12 distinct characters with their 12 songs, yet they manage to stay within the realm of a very “Mitchell Grey” sound.

Cruise through their lead single, “Heartstrings,” and “The Racers” from their debut album On The Stellar Way. Try “Vampire Voltage” to hear some of their brilliant riffs. - Revel Magazine - Liaa Marquez

ChannelAPA - Emily Saka

Each song is performed with a deep, full quality – one that is only achieved when a piece consciously highlights every instrument rather than blends them in the backdrop. Their music is genuine, performed with precise musicality, and ultimately showcases the unique talents of each of the four musicians. Throw in the fact that the guys genuinely seem to love performing with each other, and Mitchell Grey is a musical collaboration that works. - ChannelAPA - Emily Saka

Chicago Maroon - Angela Qian

The energetic presence of the four young men on stage made for a lively show. - Chicago Maroon - Angela Qian

Tristate Indie - Jason Mundok

Mitchell Grey is an indie-pop quartet from New York City that mixes up pop, rock and R&B on their debut release On The Stellar Way. The band worked with San Diego producer Jesse Berrera and released the album independently in April 2012. In a recent interview with Tri State Indie, the band explained that almost all members of the band had been individual singer-songwriters at some point, and it’s that diverse creative influence that gives them their unique dynamic. - Tristate Indie - Jason Mundok

BakitWhy.com - Krizia Medenilla

Releasing their debut album, "On The Stellar Way", was a defining moment for the band. Ryan's soothing vocal range paired with the band's uplifting sound resembles an unique blend of alternative, rock, and R&B. Overall, the album gives an alluring, feel-good vibe with a mixture of upbeat and mellow tracks that really hone in not only on Ryan's tonal clarity, but also the band's rhythmic timing.

"Hazel", "Phosphenes", "Monster", and "Heartstrings" stood out for its hopeful energy and upbeat tempo. The lyrics to these songs all represent different stages in a relationship that can relate to almost any listener. "Inamorata" is a sensual, romantic rhyme transormed and embedded into musical form. In this track, Ryan's impressive Robin Thicke-esque range is definitely highlighted. Specific props for "Coyoter", which stood out for its alluring and almost seductive sound, but what's most impressive is the lyrical depth to the track. Vocals and musical pairing were also on point. - BakitWhy.com - Krizia Medenilla

JP's Music Blog - James Pasinski

New York pop-rock band Mitchell Grey recently released their debut album entitled “On The Stellar Way.” The band's overall sound draws strong comparisons to Jason Mraz with their clever lyrics and laid back acoustic rock vibe. The songs “Heartstrings” and “Hazel” show the band’s smooth delivery of vocals and summer night music. Mitchell Grey stretches out on “Vampire Voltage” with a more rock approach as the guitars begin to come alive. There is a bit of an island feel to “Surface Surfing” before heading out to the country with “Keep On!” featuring Tori Kelly on vocals. The gentleness of “Inamorata” shows the soft side of the band with its heartfelt lyrics before return to the upbeat rock of “The Racers.” - JP's Music Blog - James Pasinski

For Mitchell Grey, music is not just a hobby, but a livelihood. Their passion for music is clear. With each and every performance, Youtube video, and Facebook post, the guys that form Mitchell Grey come across intellectual and determined. - George Su - iHeartArtists.com

Mitchell Grey, a four member band from New York, is waiting to be discovered. They have a unique sound that is a mix of alternative, rock, and R&B. Using innovative social techniques, the band's growing fan base can help them fund the creation of their debut album. - Megan Reinbold - BreakoutHits.com

Mitchell Grey’s sound is a unique one, incorporating pop, rock, and soul, with musical influences ranging from Bill Withers, Gorillaz, Justin Nozuka, and Coheed & Cambria. Their creative inspiration is pulled from all of their life experiences, interpreted in their own way through music and lyrics. - Mink Choi - Korean Beacon

Each track has its own story to tell as beautifully told by the lead vocals of Ryan Bandong, but still maintains each talent of every band member.

On the Stellar Way is a great reflection not only on relationships, but on life. I’m happy to get a glimpse into Mitchell Grey’s life. The personal stories that are behind each song, help the listener to not only relate, but reflect on their own life. - The Sonne Side of Things

Each track has its own story to tell as beautifully told by the lead vocals of Ryan Bandong, but still maintains each talent of every band member.

On the Stellar Way is a great reflection not only on relationships, but on life. I’m happy to get a glimpse into Mitchell Grey’s life. The personal stories that are behind each song, help the listener to not only relate, but reflect on their own life. - The Sonne Side of Things

Love At a Distance is a light, easy to grasp acoustic rock song, and aficionados of the genre will definitely be into the kind of goods Mitchell Grey are offering. What sold me on the track was the song and performance which shows that there is life and energy still left in an increasingly tired genre...

...I went squirreling out more info, all of which was answered with Wish On (Sunday) (Demo) - a video track - I found on You Tube. What Love At A Distance hints at, this song confirms with a vengeance that Mitchell Grey are something out of the ordinary.

Quality Alternative from NYC. Highly Recommended. - Steve Gilmore - Rebel Riffs

While transcribing this interview I found myself totally engulfed with
these guys and the words of wisdom they gave. You don’t see very often
a band that cares more about their fans than fame or glory. These four guys
have passion that I’ve never seen before with a group. - Nadezhda Hope - Hallyu Magazine

To understand the beauty of Mitchell Grey’s artistic chemistry, compare Ryan Bandong’s solo recording of his hit song “Hazel” to the version he performs with bandmates Joseph Diaz, Napon Pintong, and Matt Pana. An infectiously catchy, upbeat pop track on Bandong’s debut EP, “Hazel” takes on an even richer sound when injected with the band’s self-described “alternative R&B and indie-pop” flavor. Each song is performed with the same deep, full quality – one that is only achieved when a piece consciously highlights every instrument rather than blends them in the backdrop. Their music is genuine, performed with precise musicality, and ultimately showcases the unique talents of each of the four musicians. Throw in the fact that the guys genuinely seem to love performing with each other, and Mitchell Grey is a musical collaboration that works. - Emily Saka - ChannelAPA

Our sat down with New York-New
Jersey born Mitchell Grey was very enthusiastic
and filled with lots of laughs. They heard about
Kollaboration via their “asian-circle” and were
more than happy to join the cast. They were
amazed by the entire Kollaboration movement
just like all other competitors of the night. They
have performed a song called Vampire Voltage
which they have written at the very beginning.
They shared that Korean artists like TOP has
their favor as well as cast-mate of the night
Rooftop Pursuit. - Hallyu Magazine

Our sat down with New York-New
Jersey born Mitchell Grey was very enthusiastic
and filled with lots of laughs. They heard about
Kollaboration via their “asian-circle” and were
more than happy to join the cast. They were
amazed by the entire Kollaboration movement
just like all other competitors of the night. They
have performed a song called Vampire Voltage
which they have written at the very beginning.
They shared that Korean artists like TOP has
their favor as well as cast-mate of the night
Rooftop Pursuit. - Hallyu Magazine