the Sunset Villains

The Sunset Villans feel they fit in the Rock/Pop genre writing original songs with catchy hooks. Their current single “The Sky is Falling” is available on itunes and is currently recieving radio play from several top 40 terrestrial and internet radio stations. It is also streaming on their website.

Their next release will be the song “Last Call”, a live favorite. By the second chorus, the audience is soon singing along to this lively feel good song.

Ironically, most of the band hails from Drums, PA, with the exception of the drummer, who is from Kingston. The band’s guitarist came up with the name Sunset Villans, but he thought it wasn’t very good. Again ironically, the rest of the band liked it right away, so it stuck.

Although the band hail from northeastern Pennsylvania not far from Hazleton, they have some traveling to do in the near future. After a local gig at Cuz-n-Joe’s in Conyngham 3/11/12, theyll be performing at Avenue Taphouse in Lakewood(Cleveland)OH on 3/23/12, and Shawbuck’s in Jamestown NY on 3/2412. But the coolest show they have coming up is Rockapalooa in Jackson, MI on 6/23/12 a high profile gig opening for Puddle of Mudd and Saliva.

We asked the band when they started playing and writing music. According to Donny Lombardo, they have all been writing and playing instruments for a long time. Some started writing music with other bands. Christian was in Headplug and all were in various other bands. They started writing from a need to express something and hopefully something other people can relate to.

When asked about their inspiration and how their process of creating a song is accomplished, Lombardo told us: “I think for most of us it’s like the ideas are already there and we just tap into them. It’s like you just stumble on them and you have to keep playing those parts until the whole song comes to you.” He also went on to relate: “It can go really easily or you can have to pull it out and perfect it. Most of the hard work comes in when you have to really polish the songs and make the parts make sense together.”

So what bands have influenced The Sunset Villans? As you can imagine there was a lot of variety. Lombardo said: “We all grew up listening to all kinds of music from bands like Queen and the Beatles to rappers like Tupac and Biggie. Some of us got into heavier music and some of us got into pop. We try to tap into everything a little bit, but don’t want to sound too much like any one band or artist.” Other influences include One Republic, Maroon 5, The Script, The Killers, 311, Inucbus, Jay-z, Kings of Leon, as well as listening to many pop and rock radio stations. When asked if they could play with any performer or band within the PA music scene, Lombardo told us that they would love to play with Live/Ed Kowalczyk or Tim Farley.

They have a new CD in the works that the band believes think people will find quite surprising. There is a lot of diversity in the songs. They have been working with Grammy nominated producer/engineer David Ivory for over a year now and believe they have developed substantially as a band.

The band dreams of taking their music to the largest audience possible. They are working hard with Flexitone Records (David Ivory), and Blingnot Media (Kevon Glickman), to record and distribute their music to a worldwide audience. In an effort to have their music really stand out they are surrounding themselves with the best people possible. This is how they plan to take The Sunset Villans to the next level.

When asked what he wants people to know about TSV’s music, Lombardo related: “We write songs to make people feel something. Whether it’s something deep or emotional or whether it is more upbeat or positive. The songs we make are not just for us. We want our fans to feel like the songs are their own.”

Coming to a town near you…check out The Sunset Villans! - pamusicscene.com

The Sunset Villans feel they fit in the Rock/Pop genre writing original songs with catchy hooks. Their current single “The Sky is Falling” is available on itunes and is currently recieving radio play from several top 40 terrestrial and internet radio stations. It is also streaming on their website.

Their next release will be the song “Last Call”, a live favorite. By the second chorus, the audience is soon singing along to this lively feel good song.

Ironically, most of the band hails from Drums, PA, with the exception of the drummer, who is from Kingston. The band’s guitarist came up with the name Sunset Villans, but he thought it wasn’t very good. Again ironically, the rest of the band liked it right away, so it stuck.

Although the band hail from northeastern Pennsylvania not far from Hazleton, they have some traveling to do in the near future. After a local gig at Cuz-n-Joe’s in Conyngham 3/11/12, theyll be performing at Avenue Taphouse in Lakewood(Cleveland)OH on 3/23/12, and Shawbuck’s in Jamestown NY on 3/2412. But the coolest show they have coming up is Rockapalooa in Jackson, MI on 6/23/12 a high profile gig opening for Puddle of Mudd and Saliva.

We asked the band when they started playing and writing music. According to Donny Lombardo, they have all been writing and playing instruments for a long time. Some started writing music with other bands. Christian was in Headplug and all were in various other bands. They started writing from a need to express something and hopefully something other people can relate to.

When asked about their inspiration and how their process of creating a song is accomplished, Lombardo told us: “I think for most of us it’s like the ideas are already there and we just tap into them. It’s like you just stumble on them and you have to keep playing those parts until the whole song comes to you.” He also went on to relate: “It can go really easily or you can have to pull it out and perfect it. Most of the hard work comes in when you have to really polish the songs and make the parts make sense together.”

So what bands have influenced The Sunset Villans? As you can imagine there was a lot of variety. Lombardo said: “We all grew up listening to all kinds of music from bands like Queen and the Beatles to rappers like Tupac and Biggie. Some of us got into heavier music and some of us got into pop. We try to tap into everything a little bit, but don’t want to sound too much like any one band or artist.” Other influences include One Republic, Maroon 5, The Script, The Killers, 311, Inucbus, Jay-z, Kings of Leon, as well as listening to many pop and rock radio stations. When asked if they could play with any performer or band within the PA music scene, Lombardo told us that they would love to play with Live/Ed Kowalczyk or Tim Farley.

They have a new CD in the works that the band believes think people will find quite surprising. There is a lot of diversity in the songs. They have been working with Grammy nominated producer/engineer David Ivory for over a year now and believe they have developed substantially as a band.

The band dreams of taking their music to the largest audience possible. They are working hard with Flexitone Records (David Ivory), and Blingnot Media (Kevon Glickman), to record and distribute their music to a worldwide audience. In an effort to have their music really stand out they are surrounding themselves with the best people possible. This is how they plan to take The Sunset Villans to the next level.

When asked what he wants people to know about TSV’s music, Lombardo related: “We write songs to make people feel something. Whether it’s something deep or emotional or whether it is more upbeat or positive. The songs we make are not just for us. We want our fans to feel like the songs are their own.”

Coming to a town near you…check out The Sunset Villans! - pamusicscene.com

Sunset Villains sing "Walking In A Winter Wonderland" with Jeff & Amanda - 985krz.com

Sunset Villains sing "Walking In A Winter Wonderland" with Jeff & Amanda - 985krz.com

TSV performs Live in the Studio! - 985krz.com

TSV performs Live in the Studio! - 985krz.com

If you're into supporting the local music scene ... The Sunset Villains just released a video for their song "The Sky is Falling" and well ... Jeff and I have been watching on repeat all morning. The video was even shot here in Drums! - 985krz.com

If you're into supporting the local music scene ... The Sunset Villains just released a video for their song "The Sky is Falling" and well ... Jeff and I have been watching on repeat all morning. The video was even shot here in Drums! - 985krz.com

PLAINS TOWNSHIP — Six bands took the stage inside Breakers at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs Wednesday night for an event titled Sound Against Sandy, a fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Sandy.

The fundraiser supported the American Red Cross Sandy relief efforts.

Folks donated $10 each for the chance to rock out to music.

“It’s 12/12/12, and it’s a great reason to come out and support the American Red Cross and all of their efforts. I know Sandy was a huge storm that affected many people, not only in Northeastern Pennsylvania, but throughout New Jersey and surrounding states,” said organizer Jeannine Lesante-Mazurkiwecz of Making a Difference Foundation.

Superstorm Sandy left tens of thousands without power in northeastern Pennsylvania. Some were in the dark for a week.

Trees and utility lines were torn down, and properties were damaged.

“It’s really important for us to gain awareness and really just try to get everyone as involved as possible and, you know, we always try to do every benefit thing, but this is important to us too,” said Christian Lombardo of the band, The Sunset Villains.

He and all the other musicians donated their time for the fundraiser.

People who came to enjoy the shows agreed.

“I just think it’s really important to help others in need, especially during this season, especially for the victims,” said Lori Zazycki of Freeland.

The money raised from the event will go to the American Red Cross locally.

“They will disperse that money where they feel fit, who needs the most help,” said Lesante-Mazurkiwecz. - WNEP 16

PLAINS TOWNSHIP — Six bands took the stage inside Breakers at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs Wednesday night for an event titled Sound Against Sandy, a fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Sandy.

The fundraiser supported the American Red Cross Sandy relief efforts.

Folks donated $10 each for the chance to rock out to music.

“It’s 12/12/12, and it’s a great reason to come out and support the American Red Cross and all of their efforts. I know Sandy was a huge storm that affected many people, not only in Northeastern Pennsylvania, but throughout New Jersey and surrounding states,” said organizer Jeannine Lesante-Mazurkiwecz of Making a Difference Foundation.

Superstorm Sandy left tens of thousands without power in northeastern Pennsylvania. Some were in the dark for a week.

Trees and utility lines were torn down, and properties were damaged.

“It’s really important for us to gain awareness and really just try to get everyone as involved as possible and, you know, we always try to do every benefit thing, but this is important to us too,” said Christian Lombardo of the band, The Sunset Villains.

He and all the other musicians donated their time for the fundraiser.

People who came to enjoy the shows agreed.

“I just think it’s really important to help others in need, especially during this season, especially for the victims,” said Lori Zazycki of Freeland.

The money raised from the event will go to the American Red Cross locally.

“They will disperse that money where they feel fit, who needs the most help,” said Lesante-Mazurkiwecz. - WNEP 16

American Idol winner Phillip Phillips and the other stars of "Let It Show!" brought a pop rock party Sunday to the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Wilkes-Barre.

Pop stars Meg and Liz, Chris Wallace and Cody Simpson joined Phillips and local boys The Sunset Villains for 98.5 KRZ's annual concert. Based on the shrieks and screams throughout the evening, the audience - boasting a strong contingent of teenage girls - highly enjoyed the parade of pop stars, starting with The Sunset Villains.

The band's dance/rock/pop blend set the tone for the mostly upbeat evening, getting many audience members on their feet by the end of their final song, "Last Call."

"We are from the Northeast Pennsylvania, and we are very, very excited to be here," lead singer Christian Lombardo said, as they kicked off the show, color-coordinated in rocker red and black. The Drums-based group warmed up the audience quickly with the peppy "Follow the Fame," and got them waving their glowsticks to "The Sky is Falling."

KRZ DJs Jeff Walker and Amanda introduced The Sunset Villains - only fitting, as the band got their first local radio airplay after the DJs saw "The Sky is Falling" video on YouTube.

"It's always great to come out and hear great music, it's even better when you find great bands in your own area," Walker said.

The most anticipated performers elicited shrieks and screams every time a DJ mentioned their names. So it wasn't surprising when earsplitting squeals and shouts of "I love you!" accompanied Phillips and his band on stage. The most recent American Idol winner brought a deeper, skilled acoustic guitar sound, starting with "Hold On," a song from his debut album, "The World from the Side of the Moon."

"Y'all been having a good time, tonight?" he asked the audience before starting his next selection, the love-affirming "Gone, Gone, Gone."

Phillips, playing guitar from a stool center stage, continued with "Take Me Away," a ballad heavy on the cello and slightly reminiscent of a Dave Matthews Band tune. Next, he did justice to a mournful, slowed cover of "In the Air Tonight," a song older than many of the audience members - and Phillips himself.

"We've never done that before together," he said. "I think it went pretty smoothly."

The Georgia native wrapped up his set with his first hit single, the catchy and inescapable "Home," teasing the audience with a jam band version before sliding into the familiar tune. (Seriously, try to make it a day without running into that song playing somewhere - and then try not to sing along to it.)

It's impossible to tell whether the audience screamed louder for Phillips or Simpson without a decibel meter, but it must've been close. Simpson's fans chanted his name while waiting for his appearance, and waved paper purple hearts labeled "Proud of Cody" when the Australian pop singer walked onstage.

The 15-year-old, who caught the attention of a record producer after posting his covers to YouTube in 2009, closed out the show. The next generation of teenage heartthrobs wore sunglasses and a black jacket as he moved across the stage with his backup dancers. His high-energy start kept him and the audience dancing to his hits like "Wish U Were Here," from his 2012 album "Paradise," and "All Day," before he slowed things down to strum one of his favorite love songs, Jason Mraz's "I Won't Give Up."

The crowd also stood right up for Megan and Liz and their sweet, lighthearted pop songs about tough relationships like "Bad for Me" and "Happy Never After." Before the show, fans got to take pictures with the twin sisters, who also found an audience for their music through their YouTube channel.

Chris Wallace, the former lead singer of the White Tie Affair, made to the theater with just enough time to take his coat off after flying in for the show, according to KRZ DJs Rocky and Lissa. He began with "Hurricane" and "Keep Me Crazy," off his new album "Push Rewind," released this fall. He told the audience he wrote the latter about a crazy ex-girlfriend before leading a sing-a-long to Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." He finished his set with "Remember When (Push Rewind)."

kgaydos@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2118 - the citizens voice

American Idol winner Phillip Phillips and the other stars of "Let It Show!" brought a pop rock party Sunday to the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Wilkes-Barre.

Pop stars Meg and Liz, Chris Wallace and Cody Simpson joined Phillips and local boys The Sunset Villains for 98.5 KRZ's annual concert. Based on the shrieks and screams throughout the evening, the audience - boasting a strong contingent of teenage girls - highly enjoyed the parade of pop stars, starting with The Sunset Villains.

The band's dance/rock/pop blend set the tone for the mostly upbeat evening, getting many audience members on their feet by the end of their final song, "Last Call."

"We are from the Northeast Pennsylvania, and we are very, very excited to be here," lead singer Christian Lombardo said, as they kicked off the show, color-coordinated in rocker red and black. The Drums-based group warmed up the audience quickly with the peppy "Follow the Fame," and got them waving their glowsticks to "The Sky is Falling."

KRZ DJs Jeff Walker and Amanda introduced The Sunset Villains - only fitting, as the band got their first local radio airplay after the DJs saw "The Sky is Falling" video on YouTube.

"It's always great to come out and hear great music, it's even better when you find great bands in your own area," Walker said.

The most anticipated performers elicited shrieks and screams every time a DJ mentioned their names. So it wasn't surprising when earsplitting squeals and shouts of "I love you!" accompanied Phillips and his band on stage. The most recent American Idol winner brought a deeper, skilled acoustic guitar sound, starting with "Hold On," a song from his debut album, "The World from the Side of the Moon."

"Y'all been having a good time, tonight?" he asked the audience before starting his next selection, the love-affirming "Gone, Gone, Gone."

Phillips, playing guitar from a stool center stage, continued with "Take Me Away," a ballad heavy on the cello and slightly reminiscent of a Dave Matthews Band tune. Next, he did justice to a mournful, slowed cover of "In the Air Tonight," a song older than many of the audience members - and Phillips himself.

"We've never done that before together," he said. "I think it went pretty smoothly."

The Georgia native wrapped up his set with his first hit single, the catchy and inescapable "Home," teasing the audience with a jam band version before sliding into the familiar tune. (Seriously, try to make it a day without running into that song playing somewhere - and then try not to sing along to it.)

It's impossible to tell whether the audience screamed louder for Phillips or Simpson without a decibel meter, but it must've been close. Simpson's fans chanted his name while waiting for his appearance, and waved paper purple hearts labeled "Proud of Cody" when the Australian pop singer walked onstage.

The 15-year-old, who caught the attention of a record producer after posting his covers to YouTube in 2009, closed out the show. The next generation of teenage heartthrobs wore sunglasses and a black jacket as he moved across the stage with his backup dancers. His high-energy start kept him and the audience dancing to his hits like "Wish U Were Here," from his 2012 album "Paradise," and "All Day," before he slowed things down to strum one of his favorite love songs, Jason Mraz's "I Won't Give Up."

The crowd also stood right up for Megan and Liz and their sweet, lighthearted pop songs about tough relationships like "Bad for Me" and "Happy Never After." Before the show, fans got to take pictures with the twin sisters, who also found an audience for their music through their YouTube channel.

Chris Wallace, the former lead singer of the White Tie Affair, made to the theater with just enough time to take his coat off after flying in for the show, according to KRZ DJs Rocky and Lissa. He began with "Hurricane" and "Keep Me Crazy," off his new album "Push Rewind," released this fall. He told the audience he wrote the latter about a crazy ex-girlfriend before leading a sing-a-long to Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." He finished his set with "Remember When (Push Rewind)."

kgaydos@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2118 - the citizens voice

Members of the Sunset Villains count an addictive single, plenty of radio airplay and a gig opening for an American Idol among their successes since forming two years ago.

The Drums-based band takes the stage Sunday at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, opening for "American Idol" winner Phillip Phillips and others during 98.5 KRZ's "Let It Show."

Their first single, "The Sky is Falling," garnered more than 100,000 views on YouTube. Members recorded the song with producer David Ivory, who worked on Grammy-nominated album "Things Fall Apart" by The Roots. They've also been racking up airtime on regional radio stations and beyond.

"We had a lot of radio attention since that song and video came out," said keyboard and guitar player Donny Lombardo. "Even in Tennessee and Kentucky."

The band will release its first EP in December on Flexitone Records. Fans can pick up a teaser - a three-song CD signed by the band members - at Sunday's show.

While their sound falls into the pop rock category, Lombardo said they also draw on their varied musical influences. His favorite is Queen, while his brother, guitar player Christian Lombardo, likes 311. Bassist Jeff Tomassacci loves Green Day and drummer Ryan Wolk, a grindcore metal fan, goes for Third Eye Blind or the Goo Goo Dolls when it comes to pop rock.

"We have a lot of other elements too. We have the dancier stuff, we have the more alternative, and we even have the hip hop influence, in the beats and stuff," Donny Lombardo said.

The band formed about two years ago, but some of the band members met long before that.

"I met him when I came out of my mother," Christian Lombardo said, pointing at his older brother. "And him not long after," he said, turning to Tomassacci.

The three, along with friends and future bandmates Wolk and Anthony Dorse, floated in and out of other bands before forming the Sunset Villains. It was the Lombardo brothers who spearheaded the new musical project.

"I was always a guitar player, bass player or drummer. I was never a singer, so Donny and I talked, and I figured, well, maybe I'll try singing," Christian said.

They stole Wolk from another band - he was ready to try something new, he said - and brought in guitarist Dorse, a former bandmate. Donny moved from guitar to keyboards, and they coaxed Tomassacci to complete the lineup about a year and a half ago.

"He quit his amazing office job to come and work with us," Christian said.

They hunkered down to write songs, eventually emerging to play local shows as a cover band, with some original material mixed in. Now they book gigs based on their own music.

Dorse came up with the band name. They each brainstormed a few possibilities, but really liked the Sunset Villains after he pitched it at a practice session. There's no meaning behind it, unless they make one up - like they're vampires, or they like to sit and watch the sunset together every night.

"What, is that weird" Tomassacci asked.

"And we drink Starbucks while we do it," Christian added.

Though the band laments the lack of a Starbucks coffee shop in their hometown Drums, they get plenty of the brand when they're on the road - locations in Ohio and Florida are some of the best, they said. They drive to all their gigs up and down the East Coast and into the Midwest. Being on the road for hours can be discombobulating - during one trip, they performed in Michigan, Tennessee and Kentucky in just two days.

- the citizens voice

Members of the Sunset Villains count an addictive single, plenty of radio airplay and a gig opening for an American Idol among their successes since forming two years ago.

The Drums-based band takes the stage Sunday at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, opening for "American Idol" winner Phillip Phillips and others during 98.5 KRZ's "Let It Show."

Their first single, "The Sky is Falling," garnered more than 100,000 views on YouTube. Members recorded the song with producer David Ivory, who worked on Grammy-nominated album "Things Fall Apart" by The Roots. They've also been racking up airtime on regional radio stations and beyond.

"We had a lot of radio attention since that song and video came out," said keyboard and guitar player Donny Lombardo. "Even in Tennessee and Kentucky."

The band will release its first EP in December on Flexitone Records. Fans can pick up a teaser - a three-song CD signed by the band members - at Sunday's show.

While their sound falls into the pop rock category, Lombardo said they also draw on their varied musical influences. His favorite is Queen, while his brother, guitar player Christian Lombardo, likes 311. Bassist Jeff Tomassacci loves Green Day and drummer Ryan Wolk, a grindcore metal fan, goes for Third Eye Blind or the Goo Goo Dolls when it comes to pop rock.

"We have a lot of other elements too. We have the dancier stuff, we have the more alternative, and we even have the hip hop influence, in the beats and stuff," Donny Lombardo said.

The band formed about two years ago, but some of the band members met long before that.

"I met him when I came out of my mother," Christian Lombardo said, pointing at his older brother. "And him not long after," he said, turning to Tomassacci.

The three, along with friends and future bandmates Wolk and Anthony Dorse, floated in and out of other bands before forming the Sunset Villains. It was the Lombardo brothers who spearheaded the new musical project.

"I was always a guitar player, bass player or drummer. I was never a singer, so Donny and I talked, and I figured, well, maybe I'll try singing," Christian said.

They stole Wolk from another band - he was ready to try something new, he said - and brought in guitarist Dorse, a former bandmate. Donny moved from guitar to keyboards, and they coaxed Tomassacci to complete the lineup about a year and a half ago.

"He quit his amazing office job to come and work with us," Christian said.

They hunkered down to write songs, eventually emerging to play local shows as a cover band, with some original material mixed in. Now they book gigs based on their own music.

Dorse came up with the band name. They each brainstormed a few possibilities, but really liked the Sunset Villains after he pitched it at a practice session. There's no meaning behind it, unless they make one up - like they're vampires, or they like to sit and watch the sunset together every night.

"What, is that weird" Tomassacci asked.

"And we drink Starbucks while we do it," Christian added.

Though the band laments the lack of a Starbucks coffee shop in their hometown Drums, they get plenty of the brand when they're on the road - locations in Ohio and Florida are some of the best, they said. They drive to all their gigs up and down the East Coast and into the Midwest. Being on the road for hours can be discombobulating - during one trip, they performed in Michigan, Tennessee and Kentucky in just two days.

- the citizens voice

Here is some live footage of TSV at the Kirby for 985krz.com! - 985krz.com

Here is some live footage of TSV at the Kirby for 985krz.com! - 985krz.com