by Matt Kelchner
It’s hard to believe it’s already summer (well not officially, but close enough) and that means the return of Radio 104.5’s monthly block parties at the Piazza in Northern Liberties. Philly’s rock radio station already threw their first free concert back in May with Atlas Genius, Family of the Year and Jackson Kingsley. This Saturday they return with Metric and Royal Teeth. Philly/Collingswood natives Goodnight Lights will also share the stage in their biggest show to date!
“2013’s been pretty good so far. We’ve continued to promote our album As Far As The Moon that we released last year,” bassist Jonah Delso explains “We tried out some new ways of promoting to radio which resulted in some college airplay across the country”.
Momentum has been building for Goodnight Lights. WXPN’s Bruce Warren described their 2010 sophomore album Electric Spark as “…a terrific collection of songs that sits in the post-’90s alternative rock continuum with a high degree of originality—due in large part to the well crafted songwriting and vibrant playing”. As Far As The Moon, the follow up to Electric Spark, was released last year and continued the streak of praise seen from past albums. Matthew Berlyant from NYC blog/magazine The Big Takeover ranked it in his Top 10 albums just weeks after it’s release.
While just in the beginning stages of writing new material, the band continues to push As Far As The Moon, with possible plans of a vinyl re-release as songs continue to gain traction on local radio airwaves. Radio 104.5 has taken a liking to Goodnight Lights ever since their success in the contest for opening local band for the station’s big birthday bash earlier this year. The group made it all the way to the finals of the contest. It was at the final showcase where they were able to show different members just exactly why they made it that far.
“We had the opportunity to play at a showcase in April, and representatives of the station really dug our stuff” Delso says on getting the opportunity. Doing so helped land the band the opening slot at the upcoming Radio 104.5 Block Party this Saturday. “We’re really excited to be opening for Metric and Royal Teeth at the Radio 104.5 Block Party, likely our biggest show of the year.” And if that was not enough, Goodnight Lights will also be performing live on air on the station Friday for the it’s Live at 5 segment.
Up on the horizon following this weekend’s monumental show, the band will continue to play to introduce themselves to more and more audiences. With hopes of reaching out to different cities like New York City, Boston and Washington and maybe even a festival or two, the five-piece act from Philadelphia and Collingswood, New Jersey have their sights set on making themselves one of the city’s hottest rising stars. Be sure to catch them opening for Metric and Royal Teeth this Saturday at around 3:30PM so you can say you were there when it all started!
