Matt Pana

Wyland charmed the audience with their catchy indie rock songs in C Major and their charming frontman, Ryan Sloan. Judges John Schaefer and Helga Davis were instant fans, and Alicia Olatuja appreciated Ryan's approach to audience participation, remarking "I felt very safe in your hands."

“You used familiar musical tropes and made something new with it. Made it your own. The secret weapon in every rock band is your drummer. He did a really great job there!"
— John Schaefer (in reference to drummer Matt Pana) - WNYC's The Greene Space

“Wyland considers itself an alternative rock band with an emphasis on the "alternative." There are traditional guitars and drums, yes, but sweeping, ambient layers, strings and piano are also threaded into a sound the group says they're still polishing. Sloan is spirited and strong as a lead vocalist and bassist Kara Delonas, also plays a classical, upright bass, which adds some warmth to the mix. The songs off the group's new, "You're in the World" EP feel meant for those big, summer festivals where everyone sits on a blanket in the grass and claps along, or lays back and lets the soaring sound wash over them.” - Bobby Oliver, The Star Ledger (Dec 03, 2014)

With the just recently released singles “Shine” and "Wait" (streaming) under their belt, New Jersey rockers, Wyland, are slowly finding their voice and audience in the NYC and NJ scene (that's where they live) - and beyond. Their sound - an intense and tasteful melodic rock with rootsy elements - will resonate with the most endearing Lumineer fan. Their upcoming album, “You’re in the World, Get Off Your Feet”, which is due out in February, is a self-produced, intimate glimpse of the hard working band, which includes emotional lyrical content that might make Chris Martin shed a tear. Wyland will be playing Leftfield on the Lower East Side on January 24 and will have a featured spot on Jansport’s Culture Collide Battle of the Bands at this year’s SXSW. - Robert Frezza - The NYC Deli Magazine

New Jersey five-piece Wyland have an instantly digestible sound that will only alienate people who dislike the simplicity of a good ol’ pop-rock bender. The band blends suburban angst with city kid confidence—something that shows up all over their upcoming EP, 'You’re In The World, Get Off Your Feet'. Today we’ve got the premiere of the EP’s lead single, 'Wait'. Propped up by some pastoral handclaps, the track stomps and clatters around with headstrong percussion and restless vocals. - CMJ

When the band first took shape, the website "Wyland'com" was already taken, so the band decided to use "Wearewyland" for its social media presence. "We want to be a community based band," he said. "It's not just about the singer, or even just the band, it's about all the people who come to our shows and listen to our music. We want them to feel like they're a part of the band, part of the show. We have a lot of crowd participation, and that's so important to who we are. Because we can go into a room where no one knows us, and by the end of the night, everybody in there is singing along." - Jim Testa, The Jersey Journal

Drawing from influences of early U2, Peter Gabriel and The Police, Wyland cloak the depth of their lyrics in warm pop overtones to create the sort of “optimistic, reflective music” heard in songs like “Wait,” “Shine” and “Lifeboats.”

The result is a melodic sound that has them on the fast track to success, as they look to fuel up on the positive energy they’ve already generated.

Call it the appeal of pragmatism, there’s something about artists from New Jersey that speaks to audiences nationwide and beyond. - H Mag Hoboken

The Sonne Side of Things - Sonne Valdez

It has been well over 2 months since On the Stellar Way was released on iTunes. And since then, I couldn’t help but drool over the music combined with the lyrics. It’s pure genius, this album and I can’t get enough of it. Each track has its own story to tell as beautifully told by the lead vocals of Ryan Bandong, but still maintains each talent of every band member. The beat kept by the drummer, Matt Pana definitely leaves the listener bobbing to each song. The grooviness of each song is expressed by the bassist, Napon Pintong and has the listener moving their feet. And finally, the brilliant guitarist, Joseph Diaz, his skills are crazy and brings the band together to create greatness to the ears. - The Sonne Side of Things

Tri-State Indie - Nicole Calascibetta

Working with San Diego producer Jesse Barrera, Mitchell Grey released On The Stellar Way this past April. When I asked about the various influences of pop, R&B and alternative rock heard on this album they described how almost every member of the band was an individual singer/songwriter at some point and that their different music influences were blended together to create their dynamic. Drummer, Matt Pana went on to explain that his constant change of back-up drumming for different artists allowed him to bring his various influences to their sound as well. - Tri State Indie

BakitWhy.com - Krizia Medenilla

When Mitchell Grey first started out, it was almost by a fateful accident that these individual artists came together. Vocalist and YouTube sensation, Ryan Bandong was the catalyst for the creation of Mitchell Grey, which actually happens to be his middle name. Before Mitchell Grey, each of the band members were pursuing their individual careers. Drummer, Matt Pana, played in a few different bands throughout the New York/New Jersey area. Bass player and back-up vocalist, Napon Pintong, made his way as a solo artist and songwriter. Guitarist, Joseph Diaz, took a stab at a musical career on the west coast before he returned to New York. When Ryan brought the band together, it was their collective hunger to create beautiful music, as a group, that has taken Mitchell Grey to where it is today. - See more at: http://www.bakitwhy.com/articles/making-moves-mitchell-greys-stellar-way#sthash.9T9Wq5ot.dpuf - BakitWhy

The Aquarian - Alicia Fiorletta

Throughout the debut opus, Mitchell Grey blends the effortlessness of soul, pure emotion of alternative/indie and even a hint of Latin flair. But listeners learn that this mutation of tastes and styles is the sheer essence of Ryan Bandong (vocals), Joseph Diaz (guitar), Napon Pintong (bass) and Matt Pana (drums)—not an effort to win listeners. - The Aquarian

Emily Saka - ChannelAPA

To understand the beauty of Mitchell Grey’s artistic chemistry, compare Ryan Bandong’s solo recording of his hit song “Hazel” to the version he performs with bandmates Joseph Diaz, Napon Pintong, and Matt Pana. An infectiously catchy, upbeat pop track on Bandong’s debut EP, “Hazel” takes on an even richer sound when injected with the band’s self-described “alternative R&B and indie-pop” flavor. Each song is performed with the same deep, full quality – one that is only achieved when a piece consciously highlights every instrument rather than blends them in the backdrop. Their music is genuine, performed with precise musicality, and ultimately showcases the unique talents of each of the four musicians. Throw in the fact that the guys genuinely seem to love performing with each other, and Mitchell Grey is a musical collaboration that works.

Read more: http://www.channelapa.com/2011/10/mitchell-grey-interview-with-channelapa-com.html#ixzz2YDofRD3G - ChannelAPA

Revel Magazine - Liaa Marquez

Members of this band found their way to audiences by singing or playing in front of a webcam. YouTube hits led to NYC-NJ buzz, which led to a solid following in the country, then led to a full-length Kickstarter-funded album. Each one already had the talent and charisma as solo artists. Their smartest move? Joining forces to form Mitchell Grey. The band held its first independent album launch in April 2012 to a sold-out crowd at The Studio at Webster Hall. Ryan Bandong carries the band with his poetic melodies & acoustic guitar. With him is Joseph Diaz on lead guitar, Napon Pintong on bass, and Matt Pana on drums. The quartet boasts a dynamic playlist of rich, bright, funky alt-rock. They create 12 distinct characters with their 12 songs, yet they manage to stay within the realm of a very “Mitchell Grey” sound. - Revel Magazine