Ruling Mercury
West Palm Beach, Florida, United States | SELF
Music
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Ruling Mercury
by Marc Litt
Since Ruling Mercury formed back in November
2006, they have written and arranged over 30
original songs together. They have also gained
plenty of “stage time” performing over 100 times together
in South Florida.
Ruling Mercury combines the melodies and harmonies
of two strong vocalists with contemporary chord
progressions, and pop beats to create a unique blend
of radio-friendly music for the music lover, and a live
experience to match.
They recently released their debut studio album,
entitled “Kindle”, and plan on throwing their very
first record release party at The Hurricane Lounge
in Delray on March 28th.
One of Ruling Mercury’s biggest fan’s, and owner
of The Hurricane Lounge in Delray, Pasqual Ranich,
says that the Mercury boys remind him of a young
Beatles. He went on to explain “Their energy and attitude
make them stand out.” That’s quite a compliment,
considering The Hurricane Lounge is one of Delray’s
premier local music spots.
“They understand that a bar is not a concert. They
mix originals with covers and play to the crowd.” In
fact, Ranich wishes he could clone the boys so that he
wouldn’t have to fuss with booking anyone else, “a real
class act”, he concluded.
Now that their first cd is cut, the sky is the only limit
for these four musicians. Jason Van Deman, Vocals
& Bass, Ethan Bronson, Vocals & Keyboard, Andy
McAllister, Guitars and CJ Litschauer, the newest
member of the band on Drums, are all looking
forward to a long career together. Check out the
schedule below to see them live, or visit them on
Myspace at www.myspace.com/rulingmercury. - In The Biz Magazine
By Heather C. McCalla | Special Correspondent
Let's face it: In South Florida, it's not hard to find a tropical bar.
But sometimes you stumble upon one that makes it tempting to keep the discovery to yourself.
Surrounded by lush palms and white sand is Havana Hideout, a cigar bar smack in the middle of downtown Lake Worth. Formerly the uninviting Lizard Den, Havana Hideout is a quiet, charming patio bar filled with tiki huts and torches, a place where people can relax, puff cigars and sip house-made sangria or hard-to-find beers such as Left Hand's Milk Stout and Holy Mackerel, a Melbourne-made Belgian-style ale.
The place hosts monthly events such as an outdoor picnic and themed parties for the holidays (Valentine's Day saw a Pimps and Ho's party, complete with 40-ounce bottles of Olde English). Weekly events include Monday's movie night, offering free popcorn and films such as Me, Myself & Irene, and a happy hour Sunday through Thursday ($1 drafts from 4-6 p.m., $4 sangria 4-8 p.m.).
There's no live music schedule, but regular Byron Cornwell, a former musician, raves about local group Ruling Mercury, comparing them to Coldplay. However the Florida native says the music isn't his favorite thing about Havana Hideout.
"Florida used to have that laid-back feel to it. This place feels like Florida, the way it used to be," Cornwell says.
Salon owner Maurici Luz and Milton, his French bulldog, have made Havana Hideout part of their nightly routine. Luz, who lives and works across the street, kicks back at the outdoor tables with a Corona and empanadas while Milton basks in attention from passers-by. The two usually finish the night off with a walk down Lake Avenue.
"A lot of people ... like to go out with their dogs, but there's really no dog bars in Lake Worth. I don't go anywhere without my baby," Luz says, hugging the 11-month- old puppy.
Originally from Brazil, Luz says Lake Worth has just the right mix of people to meet and places to go.
"I love this place … I can sit down with the dog and have peace and quiet. Going out after working all day, I don't want loud music; I want to relax."
Heather C. McCalla can be reached at heather_mccalla@yahoo.com.
Havana Hideout
509 Lake Ave.
Lake Worth
561-585-8444
havanahideout.com
- Sun-Sentinal.com
Ruling Mercury is moving on.
Mellow no more, the band is revamping and amping up its sound with a more upbeat edge.
"We're taking it to the next level," bassist Jason Van Deman said. "We're constantly evolving and our music is growing with us.
"We started out as laid-back adult contemporary and now we're gravitating toward being more danceable."
Van Deman formed the band 2 1/2 years ago with keyboardist Ethan Bronson and guitarist Andy McAllister. Fort Lauderdale drummer Gus Rios joined them in October.
Playing live, Van Deman and Bronson share lead vocals.
Van Deman said of the dueling frontmen approach, "He's smooth and I bring the grit."
The band will be performing as a trio. McAllister is back in his native England renewing his visa, a process expected to take eight to 12 months. Van Deman said the guitarist's spot is being held until his return. - Copyright © 2009, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Discography
Kindle - 2008
You Can Kill Someone With Your Own Demo - 2009
Photos
Bio
Called "One of the hardest working bands in South Florida", Ruling Mercury share their music by playing out as often as possible. Having now performed live over 200 times, they have played venues from Gainesville to Miami, opened for National Acts, and have done numerous engagements for the military. No venue is too big or too small, and no situation is foreign at this point.
Always working on original material, Ruling Mercury began recording their debut album in May 2007, combining songs written by the members before they met, and songs created as a group. The result was "Kindle", a 12-track album titled after the band's original name. In addition, they have completed a 5-song EP of newer material. Ruling Mercury has received airplay, and has made television and radio appearances in the Palm Beach area on WiLD 95.5FM, and CBS affiliate WPEC TV - 12.
With all of the craziness and negativity in the world, Ruling Mercury offers a positive rebuttal in their music. Having achieved all of the goals they set for themselves in the first two years of the band's existence, they are motivated and excited about the future and look forward to bringing you their music.
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