Meet electropop band ARIZONA, and no, they’re not from Arizona. They’re actually from New Jersey and to make these even more confusing, the trio actually met while at college in Boston.
The three men first ran into each other while attending the Berklee College of Music and Emerson College and officially formed the music group (consisting of guitarist Nathan Esquite, keyboardist David Labuguen, and vocalist Zachary Charles) in 2016. The name actually came from the inspiration of seeing an Arizona Iced Tea hat, not the state. Just a year after forming they released their debut album GALLERY, followed by ASYLUM in 2019 and their final album A R I Z O N A in 2023. They are officially on hiatus indefinitely after their farewell tour in 2024, but their music continues to make an impact on listeners through their emotional narratives and unique style.
Throughout their journey of creating music, they not only produced hits such as “Oceans Away”, but also opened for major musical artists such as Panic! At The Disco, Kygo, Quinn XCII, and COIN. Over the years they also successfully introduced their own musical style – a mix of indie, alternative rock, and electropop. By combining subtle synth beats with emotional keyboard tracks, layered over with upbeat electric guitar riffs, ARIZONA creates songs that span genres and emotions. At the center of the music is the trio’s focus on friendship. Yes, they’re a band, but first and foremost they’re friends. The music industry can be stressing on relationships, so the three men focus so much on making their music authentic because it reflects their genuine friendship.
A large part of their popularity comes from their willingness to discuss difficult themes, such as self-doubt and depression, through their music; many people connected with these songs during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic as mental health struggles increased worldwide. Their music combines funky beats with calming melodies, helping people stay upbeat while still being chill enough to listen to as background music. The backtracks overall aren’t overly complicated or oversynthesized, carrying on that authentic feel and highlighting vocalist Charles’ unique voice. One of my favorite aspects of their music is that all their songs balance the talents of the men equally, with neither the guitar, keyboard, or vocals being overpowered; I think that just goes to show how their value on friendship extends into the very base of their music.
My Top Ten:
- “Electric Touch” (GALLERY)
- “Summer Days” (ASYLUM)
- “Oceans Away” (GALLERY)
- “Find Someone” (ASYLUM)
- “Nostalgic” (ASYLUM)
- “Dancing With The Dead” (A R I Z O N A)
- “Dark Skies” (A R I Z O N A)
- “CROSS MY MIND” (GALLERY)
- “WHERE I WANNA BE” (GALLERY)
- “Trouble” (ASYLUM)
For fans of Panic! At The Disco, COIN, Quinn XCII, and One Republic.
