MUSIC LYF: Capital Cities to perform at AYALA MALLS on January 11 & 12

Los Angeles indie electro unit Capital Cities first came together as a duo of composers/songwriters Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian. The two initially met on craigslist in 2008 and worked as jingle writers until they formed the band in 2010. They released an EP independently in 2011 that included the song “Safe and Sound,” an upbeat mesh of programming and melody that went viral and gained the act a lot of Internet exposure. The music video is currently nominated in this year’s 56th Grammy Awards. Eventually, Merchant and Simonian were joined by bassist Manny Quintero, trumpeter Spencer Ludwig, guitarist Nick Merwin, and drummer Channing Holmes. Their new single “Kangaroo Court”

The fully realized live version of Capital Cities played festivals internationally. Their debut full-length studio album “In a Tidal Wave of Mystery” is exclusively distributed MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines).

MUSIC LYF: CAPITAL CITIES “Safe and Sound”

#1 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs

The sensational indie-pop twosome Capital Cities – composed of Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian – released their phenomenal hit single “Safe and Sound” to international audiences this year. An undeniably satisfying blast of electronic dance pop, the single is a must-hear for music lovers everywhere.

“Safe and Sound” highlights the duo’s immense talent for creating incredibly catchy melodies infused with strong electronic elements. With a sing-along-inspiring chorus and a contagious trumpet hook, backed up by the classic sound of an analogue synthesizer and a driving kick drum, the track is irresistibly danceable and can be downloaded here through iTunes. In 2011, the single was featured in a promotional video for Big Blue Test, a website dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for diabetes patients. On June 6 of this year, the band performed the song on Conan with Conan O’Brien, in their very-first TV appearance. The rousing performance showcased the band’s exhilarating sound as well as their electrifying stage presence, eliciting a tremendous response from the audience – watch the video here. Climbing to #1 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs and the German Singles chart, “Safe and Sound” has also been featured in a commercial by telecom giant Vodafone.