Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
New York based band Pros & iCons released their debut full-length album iConic, late last year. With a sounds fusing elements of pop and electronic rock and elevating the two into an artistically pleasing and intellectual hybrid, Pros & iCons explore the pains of heartbreak, the thirst for success, and the nostalgia of youth throughout their music. The group have since worked tirelessly to build up a devoted following. Earlier this year they took the stage at select dates of the final Vans Warped Tour, alongside bands like We Were Sharks, Sleep On It, Great American Ghost, As It Is, and more.
Recently, they released the music video for their song “Catch Me”:
We sent the band some questions that would help us get to know them better, here’s what they had to say;
1. How would you describe your sound if talking to someone who has never heard your music?
Take the energy of 80s arena rock, mix it with the catchiness of today’s pop, and add a hint of NYC street. You’ll get quite an eclectic and exciting Pi, if you will.
2. How did Pros & iCons first come together? Is the band still all original members?
We met as a matter of fate. Life placed us in front of each other passively in 2013 and we connected because of our love of music. We had big personalities and even bigger dreams, and so we formed Pros & iCons in 2014. We wouldn’t be Pros & iCons without our original members and vision.
3. What show would you consider to be your “breakout gig” to this point?
We fought hard just six months after releasing our first EP to win Z100’s Hometown Hero contest. Using our NYC hustle, we walked door to door and got both supporters and strangers to nominate us through a voting system, and after having been chosen by industry executives, we won. It was our third show and having performed alongside Shawn Mendes, Meghan Trainor, and Charli XCX, we certainly consider it our “breakout.”
4. What does it take for a band to stand out in a music environment such as New York?
New York is just like everywhere else—the only difference is the pond is much larger. To make it in music, in general, it takes drive, diligence, perseverance, and talent. We’ve learned our most authentic voice speaks to people to most intimately. And so we’ve grabbed hold of the steering wheel with our perseverance and talent, and we drove that baby into a crowd of people who truly believe in us.
5. What should people expect from your live performance when coming to see Pros & iCons?
At every show, we’re basically the host of a raging party with the crowd as our guest. You’ll see fists pumping, fans crowd surfing and liquor flying. We always say that people might not remember the exact performance, but they’ll remember how it made them feel. We make sure everyone leaves the venue thinking they had one of the best nights of their life.
6. Who is the primary songwriter in the band?
Pros & iCons is one well-oiled, cohesive unit. There might be primary songwriters on particular tracks, but our collective discography is a hybrid of our individual thoughts and perspectives, and that’s what makes our vision and sound so unique.
7. What should people expect from the band in 2018?
New music, new shows, and a new attitude. We’ve been spending the last five years preparing for world domination and this is the year we break into the stratosphere.
8. What was the first album you each purchased?
Joey Dean — Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park
LennyJ. – What Separates Me From You by A Day To Remember
Tylo – American Idiot by Green Day
Niko – Mothership by Led Zeppelin
9. First concert you attended?
Joey Dean — Hanson
LennyJ. – AC/DC
Tylo – The Killers
Niko – AC/DC
10. Most influential band to you personally?
Joey Dean — Journey taught me how to feel music and Linkin Park taught me how to see music.
LennyJ. – A Day To Remember
Tylo – Green Day
Niko – Pros & iCons
