Blue Apollo

I also reviewed an EP from this artist in this issue. This is the new single leading up to their next album. It's a strong pop rock tune with an alternative rock edge.

Circles

Starting with atmospherics, piano joins shortly. It holds it for a measure or two before the other instruments join. The cut works forward from there into a classy sounding modern pop rock piece. It's solid stuff. - Music Street Journal

There is nothing Earth-shattering or decidedly original here. Instead, this is effective modern pop music, cut from much the same cloth as a lot of similar music. I would say that this EP would work better if the last two songs were spread out among the disc. Perhaps the final track should land somewhere around the second or third slot for the sake of variety and flow, and because those last two songs are the best ones of the EP. If you like modern alternative pop music, you will find something to like here.

Walls

Alternative rock that seems to merge emo and modern pop music, this is fairly effective.

Feelin’ Right

Energetic pop music, this is a fun cut with a catchy groove. There are hints of jazz in the mix.

Therapy

With a bit more of a pure alternative rock vibe to this number, I like it better than the two cuts that preceded it. The dramatic bridge is classy.

Avalanche

Piano leads the balladic first half of this piece out. It is a nice change and makes this one of the more effective pieces here. It shifts out after about the three minute mark to a powered up pop rocker that also works well. This is definitely the most dynamic cut on the EP and brings some tasteful guitar soloing into the mix late.

Meant To Be

Acoustic guitar based, this is another mellower piece. I think this song would have worked better earlier in the set. It's quite probably my favorite number here. It just seems too laid back to use it as a closer. It does power up a bit mid-track, but overall remains a ballad. - Music Street Journal

Dallas, TX trio Blue Apollo work up an admirable alt-rock sweat on their debut EP release, Light-Footed Hours. As jangling, angular guitar lines rooted in minor-key chord phrasings brush shoulders with hard-hitting tribal tom rolls, deep diving bass lines and breathy higher-register vocal melodies in the title it’s clear that the band were raised in a school that taught John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, James Blunt and maybe even a little Slint. It’s a rousing opener with a very casual flow but some nice tempo jolts thanks to Jeremiah Jensen’s punchy snare runs in the second half and guitarist/vocalist Luke Nassar’s scalding lead licks. This is simply a well-put together rock track and it’s got the vocal magic to mold it into something special. A great singer can carry an average band but a poor singer can’t carry a top-tier unit, graciously, neither is the case here.

Groovy funk rhythms especially felt in those throbbing bass lines collide with reggae flavored guitar ska as Nassar breezes through a free-form scat in the hyper catchy “Feeling Right.” Dramatic musical stops n’ starts lend the cut some jarring sonic expositions. Jensen’s drums flex nothing but steroid pumped muscle throughout (his snare-work deserves special mention) while bassist Rodman Steele anchors down the groove with dense, fluid bass lines that weave in and out of the main guitar melody. Luke’s lead guitar runs are yet again a highlight; even adding some classic rock style squeal, scorch and flair to the way they slowly, deliberately uncoil. A touch of organ accompaniment further enriches the music in a golden 70s aura that enraptures the eardrums and keeps the listener involved for the long haul.

“Therapy” kicks off with a simultaneously subdued and rocked-out lead guitar riff that picks up the pace as the drumming cautiously ratchets up the intensity. Soon the rhythm section takes over with tidal ebb n’ flow of gorgeous sound as the guitar occupies an atmospheric role until it swells noticeably in volume during the tune’s show-stopping chorus. James Blunt fans should be able to get down with the alternately indie and alt-rock tendencies going down in this cut (which so happens to turn out to be one of the EPs greatest highlights). A melancholy, moonlit piano arrangement opens up “Avalanche.” This piece provides a showcase for Nassar’s massively expressive pipes and a wonderful singer/songwriter showcase that focuses on the absolute most stripped-down structuring available. Jensen integrates a sparse kick-drum beat with some cello wrapping around the twinkling ivories. Layer by layer the song builds into something truly grand. The bass creeps in carefully with sparse notations that rest within a bed of sparkling, crystal clear guitar melodies. Surprisingly the music builds to a full band climax with some of the EP’s most frenetically rocked-out instrumentation contained within. “Meant to Be” adheres to a similar format but pairs Luke’s soothing voice with mainly desolate guitar lines that eventually gives rise to another entire band climactic shuffle which sounds great and delivers the appropriate amount of impact.

Bonus track turned single “Circles” closes out the record with spacey, high-energy buoyancy rippling in waves of effortless tom-tom pulsations, ever-flowing bass grooves, ambient electric guitar twang, a handful of bluesy riffs and soaring vocals. It’s a perfect endnote to an EP that traverses many varying modes over its brief 6-song trajectory. Honestly, the quality and satisfaction delivered by the material hear makes this record feel like a full-length. At any rate, this is really good stuff and well-worth your time and hard-earned dollar. - The Modern Beat

Utilizing multiple musical elements and components, Texan indie-rockers Blue Apollo create an alchemical stylistic experiment on their brief introduction statement the Light-Footed Hours EP. While perhaps not reinventing the songwriting wheel altogether, this power trio has a firm grasp on light/shade dynamics, tuneful songwriting and textured composition with plenty of layers provided by the stellar production/mixing job as well as by the musicians in the band.

“Walls” sets the EP aflame with a bone-crunching, rollicking drum beat played with plenty of thump by drummer Jeremiah Jensen. Asphyxiating yet melodically dense shimmer guitars delve into the winding melodies of 90s greats like Polvo and Shiner (more specifically Shiner main man Allen Epley’s follow-up project The Life and Times) as Rodman Steele drives hard into a slinking bass hook. All throughout guitarist/vocalist Luke Nassar croons with a trembling gusto that’s perfectly suited to the knife-edged but melodic sound that the band employs as a whole. There’s a twitching, nervous math-rock twitch to the constant tempo switches but more harmonic indie cadences lend the music a pop sensibility. A section where the music pulls back entirely allows Luke’s voice to shine brightly before the entire band comes crashing in with a resounding BANG! Winding, noisy guitar riffs send the song off into the sunset atop a saddle of punk-laden drum slaps that keeps this jam constantly moving forward and never regressing.

Though “Feeling Right” toys with a bit of the same template it’s much more uplifting and upbeat. Trading the opener’s faster rushes for a swirling, cosmic mid-tempo juxtaposes soulful r & b bass rhythms with a jazzy Texas shuffle-styled beat that provides a unique contrast to the rocked-out guitar lines filtered through a reggae tonality. Harmony vocals yield further richness to the track and Nassar absolutely sets this number off with a fiery little guitar solo in the second half while the rhythms entrench themselves deep in the pocket and a Hammond organ provides an emotional hymnal quality. “Therapy” thrives on a hypnotic pop-structuring that benefits from an oft-repeated, melodic riff pattern kept well-fortified by Steele’s growly bass licks and Jensen’s half-tempo pop punk romper stomping. Restrained breaks with blinking, diamond-sharp guitar melodies duet with the vocals before the song shoots directly back into its intoxicating main idea.

“Avalanche’s” bread and butter is the glory-bound, pinpoint vocal melodies and center stage piano concerto which leisurely takes the tune to its near midpoint. It’s such a beautiful arrangement that you want it to go on forever but Blue Apollo smartly interject nuance and multiple aural change-ups before the track comes to a dewy-eyed close. Cello, minimalist drum beats, quick swipes of guitar and bass enter the fray halfway through, leading up to a dazzling, riffed-up band jam. A particular highlight is Nassar’s vintage blues guitar leading and powerhouse riffs while his band delivers the bombastic goods in tandem. “Meant to Be” is a brilliant singer/songwriter composition mainly featuring Nassar’s glistening vocal melodies and his tender, plucky acoustic guitar work but again looks can be deceiving and the song ends on a completely opposite note from whence it began; leaving “Circles” to close the EP off in a jam gifted with many varied musical accoutrements.

All-in-all Light-Footed Hours is a diverse EP that excels on every front. The instrumentation is dazzling, the production airtight, the writing memorable and the performances exploding with emotion. I could see this release appealing to fans of blues rock, pop punk and experimental indie music which is a testament to the number of different styles that it chooses to tackle - Unchained Music

The members of Blue Apollo’s (a group of Dallas, TX pop/indie rockers) history stems back to their paths crossing at the Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts. During their time at the school the future band mates formed a strong bond that encompassed similar musical and artistic tastes which led to the formation of project. Though now a four-piece, most likely due to the fact that their debut EP Light-Footed Hours requires several segments of piano/organ/cello in addition to basic rock n’ roll instrumentation, this trio rocks hard and sinks deep into subtlety on this flagship six-song offering.

Points of comparison are difficult to come by but the individual players’ list John Mayer and Maroon 5 for starters. One could also say that they draw from the 90s indie-rock scene, catchy pop music, a touch of hard rock and a little bit in the way of orchestrated chamber music. It’s a unique and entertaining mix that keeps the listener guessing throughout. Jeremiah Jensen’s lays right into lead-in number “Walls” with a shaking, trembling beat that’s heavy on the snares and tapping rim shots. Musically, the tune shoots right into perpetual motion with the percussion being joined by an aquatic bass line, stream of consciousness melody vocals and glowing electric guitars with nearly all of the distortion pared down. Immaculate layering and building continually piles on numerous jangle-pop guitar lines and polyrhythmic backbeats in an infectious take on The Cure’s contagious post-punk minus the goth intentions. Eventually sizzling bits of electric guitar and rabid jazz cymbal ghosting lend the cut everything it needs to become the multifaceted musical monster it strove for from the first note. “Feeling Right” allows guitarist/vocalist Luke Nassar to mix several guitar styles into a distinctive whole; from tuneful, highly melodic indie-licks that are quickly picked to funky down-strum to wailing old school rock leads, Nassar is able to run the complete gamut of expression in this hip-shaking, mid-paced rocker. The rhythm section plays with flash and panache but never speeds up too much, valuing tight, compacted playing in favor of speed thrills. Though classified as indie-rock, this band proves that they are much more than any label could tag them with. Wraparound guitar licks render “Therapy” an immediate standout as a melody-intensive pop rocker that hits all of the right chords and sends the hook-riddled chorus arrangement right out of the park with a grand slam homerun. “Avalanche” and “Meant to Be” are a superb couplet of tracks and make for an interesting pair to analyze while the EP plays through. Both more or less begin with a lengthy passage of Nassar singing back by a solo instrument (in “Avalanche” it’s piano and in “Meant to Be” it’s the singer’s own acoustic guitar), but once both pieces progress beyond their middle waypoints it’s an exercise in no-holds barred rock where even the instrumentation is tougher than any of the other tracks on the EP. Closer “Circles” returns to the symphonic pop swagger of “Therapy” and couldn’t end this recording on a better note.

Though Blue Apollo wears certain influences on the band members’ collective sleeves, they still manage to come up with a sound that’s quite eclectic and original. They have zero trepidation about combining disparate styles into a single song while making it work to boot. Fans of edgy pop rock should definitely make room in their collection for Light-Footed Hours. - Signatures in Time

With music to match the EP’s cover (a girl’s face with eyes closed surrounded by the infinite cosmos), Dallas three-piece Blue Apollo dig into spacey, gracious textures and serene melodies that collide head-on with rock n’ roll brawn on their debut, Light-Footed Hours. It’s a delicious difference split of sound with some pop-vocal hooks, surprisingly complex instrumental threading and tougher movements that leave behind a memorable impact.

“Walls” kicks the EP off with Jeremiah Jensen’s big sound that practically throttles the toms while peppering the mixture with monster cymbal crashes and agile rim playing. As his performance slips in more volume and rhythmic trip-outs, Luke Nassar colors in the gray space around the beat with head swimming melody chords blanketed in low-end warmth thanks to Rodman Steele’s prominent bass swagger. The track works up a good head of steam, seemingly getting louder by the minute, until releasing all of its pent-up energy into a semi-progressive indie hard rock jam. One moment the instruments will dip out and allow Nassar’s emotive voice take center stage and the next the band will lock onto a groove like a homing missile that ultimately explodes with crashing crescendos of epic soundscaping. Subtle touches of keyboard mimics a clavinet and is probably the reason that the trio added a fourth member to handle all of the group’s various auxiliary instruments. A superlatively rocking and careening lead topped off by a smacking snare-fill sends the tune hurtling towards a whirling, oscillating and truly exciting finale.

“Feeling Right” is all about the groove and Nassar sips his guitar melodies from the tropics with some flamenco/funk/reggae flourishes that wouldn’t be out of place on a Sublime record (albeit more subdued than Nowell and company would mess with). Ragtime piano maintains a lively atmosphere and the stop/start bass lines also toy with funk as the mix between straight timekeeping and syncopated jabs sprinkle some jazz into Jensen’s drumming. Pitching yet another curveball, “Therapy” repeats its main guitar lick akin to a mantra and by doing so it becomes permanently ingrained in its audience’s memory. It’s a cool amalgamation between pop punk’s instant immediacy and indie rock’s mind wandering charms. Luke’s voice carves wonderful verse and chorus hooks as his guitar trades-off between being a lead instrument and a backing one. A few craggy, jagged drum fills and scorching guitar licks give this piece an occasionally aggressive bite that fluidly transitions into the song’s more sugar sweet ideals.

Album centerpiece “Avalanche” throws in the kitchen sink and everything else it can find into a sprawling piece that begins as just picturesque melodic singing and melancholic piano beauty. Cellos, violin and a filled-out string section encompass a vast array of influences that unexpectedly sees the entire band joining in with smashing percussion (heavy on the crashing symbols), rubber burning guitar peel-outs, soul screaming blues guitar licks and quaking low-end grooves. “Meant to Be” is mostly based upon Luke’s stunning lead vocals, his acoustic guitars and the return of an exotic string section, though it doesn’t forget to include a rock n’ roll finish for good measure. The EP’s final cut and the band’s most recent single “Circles” mingles never-ending, kinetic tom-tom rolls, piano majesty and ringing melodic chords into a penultimate track that couldn’t have been a better closer; cementing Light-Footed Hours into a sweeping indie-rock release that pulls out all of the stops and succeeds at every single turn. - Power Chord Passion

There are some album titles that basically spoil you a record in its entirety. Of course, you cannot always guide yourself by the cover of anything because as the said goes, you might end up getting fooled. Now, as in any movie, this could be a great thing as you already set your mind for what’s coming; but it is when you raise your expectations that you end up walking in a sort of a mined field. Me personally as a reviewer, it’s something you need to get used to when you are writing reviews almost in a bulk, as the mood and genres abruptly changes in just a blink.
That being said, Light-Footed Hours by Dallas’ Blue Apollo is as cinematic and heart-warming as you will expect from looking at the comic. The face of the woman in the cover perfectly describes the sound of the album, as even when the band goes for some upbeat rhythms, it always seems to feel a bit not sad but rather lay down. The band takes some of the melodic undertones that defines artists like John Mayer, but bring out their own touches that slightly set them apart from everyone else. They really know how to play with the singer-songwriter musical aspects and blend it into their own music.
There isn’t too much negative things to report, but music does tends to sound a bit repetitive as the album progresses. Some will find that more than fine; but as a guy who enjoys eclectic music, that turned me off a bit. But the length make it up for me as it was enough. I do really hope they get to grow either outside or within their own musical realm, play with different melodies (clearly this guys are big fans of it) and expand their own universe.
In the end, Light-Footed Hours is a great record for those who enjoy relaxing and quiet Alternative music a la The Fray, John Mayer and Goo Goo Dolls or every Christian Contemporary band out there. This is just their first record, so there's definitely more to learn for this young band and hopefully they keep together and manage to exploit that great talent they have, going out and looking for new horizons. In the meantime, this is a good and accessible first album. - VENTS Magazine

Formed by the core trio of Luke Nassar (guitars/vocals), Jeremiah Jensen (drums) and Rodman Steele on bass, Texan indie-groovers Blue Apollo got their start back in the summer of 2014. Nassar and Jensen composed the songs that occupy Light-Footed Hours, Blue Apollo’s official debut release that summer and what began as a home recorded demo turned into a full band within a couple of years and the addition of Steele on bass. The band’s 6-song debut was finally born into the world and released in the summer of 2017.

What we have here is a very ranged and dynamic collection of tunes that somehow feels unified at the same time. Maybe the circumstances in which the original demos were recorded influenced how the project later came together, I’m not sure, but these songs feel like they belong together regardless. “Walls” is the foundation kicking opener that relies on heady, heavy drumming that lay down a bubbling afro-beat centered on the toms while twanging, crystalline riffs cascade over beefed up bass lines; all the while Nassar gets to the heart of the lyric with melodically affecting vocals. Slight keyboard brushstrokes, clavinet and electronic beats only enhance the music and never overtake it as at the heart of the maelstrom lay a real deal, organic rock band. The poppy influences and surreal song craft are paired to unusually hard backbeats, quirky time signature shifts, scalding electric lead guitar zooms and moments of roaring indie chords that always delve into the tasteful and never the tasteless. This is pop rock with some backbone and it’s rendered with some power since it possesses an attack element besides the obvious melodic commodities.

The band’s knack for good tune composition and sonically pleasing arrangements is a track to track development; “Feeling Right” delegating the guitars and bass to playful funk and rock as the rhythm section embellishes a blue-eyed soul groove topped off with some synthesizer and Hammond organ depth, “Therapy” centering itself on a guitar/piano pop punk attack (further explored in closer “Circles”), “Avalanche” setting itself up as a soundtrack piece with powerhouse vocals from Nassar and a triumphant piano leading the charge all the way to a blaring rock n’ roll bulrush and “Meant to Be” achieving the same cinematic scope while swapping piano for guitar and a rich symphonic string section. There’s nary a dud or dull moment and for every movement of hard-rock and indie pop in the perfect marriage of harmony, they have just as many matching movements of bewildering experimentation.

Light-Footed Hours is an EP chockfull of catchy, cogent tunes that are best experienced as a first to last song, uninterrupted listen. Blue Apollo manages to sound modern and classic in the same breath. With a new EP planned for 2018 and a fourth member added to permanently handle strings, piano, keyboards, etc., there’s no doubt that the future is big and bright for Blue Apollo. - Music of The World

Blue Apollo proves to be a poetic storyteller on the powerful “Circles”. Neatly merging elements of balladry with bombast, the song teems with a passionate energy. Romantic to its very core everything about the track simply works, from the physicality of the drums to the emotiveness of the piano. The balance between all these different elements creates a joyous stream of melody, one that feels so tender and warm. Easily the highlight of the entire piece are the expressive vocals that rise above it all, tying it all together with a classic quality. Stylistically Blue Apollo draws from indie rock and chamber pop sculpting a world that feels so real.
Glowing synthesizer introduce the piece allowing everything to unfold from there. Upon the piano coming into the mix things begin in earnest. The wordless vocals give the song a dreamy aura as all else begins to settle. With the beginning of the relationship, the piece moves into a driving groove. Everything adds to the emotional impact, from the nimble rhythm to the soothing synthesizer washes. Flexibility serves the song well while it moves from a near-translucent quality to something more intimate. Letting the entire band drop out entirety from the mix emphasizes the intimacy of the singer, further highlighting the depth of his unfolding narrative. Building up ever so elegantly, towards the end the band truly lets loose in a gorgeous fever-pitched finale.
“Circles” proves Blue Apollo’s undeniable chops in creating a track that truly touches the heart. - Beach Sloth

Most music that is doing something new, nudging the ball forward, exists at a collision point of influences. After all a band made up of four Bon Jovi fans (shudders at the thought) is hardly going to reinvent the wheel, or even the commercial rock song, but thankfully Blue Apollo play with more varied and interesting references. They exist at a point where pop hooks are chilled out by soulful vibes, where gentle, fashion free indie meets a wonderfully accessibility which screams of commercial potential and broad market appeal.
It would be all too easy to mark them down as indie-light, but then not everything has to smash the system, rally against injustice or change the world, sometimes it is enough to want to make the world a slightly nicer place to be in, Blue Apollo do this through an inherent positivity, optimism and just a general demeanour of being likeable. And who ever had a problem with likability? Circles is clean limbed, is threaded together in a well produced and wonderfully defined fashion and speaks of the realities of everyday life, love and relationships. We can smash the system tomorrow, today we are just going to listen to some great music and watch the world go about its business. - Dancing About Architecture

It’s easy to tell that Blue Apollo has this passion for their craft that is as strong as any other musical act out there. Whenever they make songs, you can tell they instill these true feelings into every word/instrumental they deliver, resulting in music that is both pure and authentic sounding. With ‘Circles’, Blue Apollo creates this heartfelt tune that is as catchy as it is beautiful, as lead singer Luke Nassar sings about the importance of working things out with that special someone. Not only will you love the free spirit that Luke sings with throughout this song, but I also think you’ll be engulfed in the great guitar play, infectious piano notes, and heavy-hitting drumming also.
If you are a huge fan of alternative music, you will love this song!
OVERALL RATING (4.7/5) - The Ratings Game

Texas based Blue Apollo combine an engaging and charming blend of indie pop, soul and blues. Their latest single, Circles, is an enticing, smooth jam from their forthcoming EP, Light-Footed Hours.
Circles features an appealing energy and an excellent sound bed of alternative rock blended with a soulful approach and an indie pop aesthetic resulting in an infectious, melodically driven tune which would sound great on popular indie pop playlists or radio stations with a pop rock focus.
Releasing their first studio project in April 2016, the band went on to perform big shows opening for Nelly in Moody Coliseum, American Aquarium at Trees Dallas, and Cherub at Rhodes College. That EP was also added to rotation at 67 different CMJ radio stations across the country. They will be recording material for their forthcoming 2018 release, Light-Footed Hours, in Nashville.
Link to Youtube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV44u9BJLrcGYD2mTu7y22Kp1e6D2SIPG - Middle Tennessee Music

Many alternative music bands have emerged over a decade who has gained immense popularity and success with their published work. ‘Blue Apollo’ is a group of extremely skillful musicians based in Dallas, Texas, who had immediately risen to fame with their very first released EP in April 2016
‘Blue Apollo’ was formed as a four-member alternative band with Luke Nassar as the lead vocal who also played the acoustic guitar, Jeremiah Jensen as the drummer, Rodman Steele as the bassist and Jean Paul Labastida as the lead guitarist.
The band had originated with Luke, Jeremiah, and Rodman, during their years in the Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts when they started recording and performing songs in the college campus which led them to a huge fan following. But the real success came a few years later when they published their first studio EP, in April 2016.
This EP brought them quite a few big shows like Nelly in Moody Coliseum, American Aquarium at Trees Dallas and Cherub at Rhodes College. The EP also triggered rotation at 67 different CMJ radio stations across the country.
This year ‘Blue Apollo’ released a single, ‘Circles’, which is a bonus track added to their first Long Play, ‘Light Footed Hours’. The song begins with a tuneful prelude that melts into a strong acoustic guitar section which leads into the song slowly and naturally. The musical piano notes with the single-stranded guitar chords and Luke’s introducing vocals mingle together to form a harmonious ride to a beautiful fusion of indie-pop, blues and soul genre of music.
'Circles' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-SYmdvZOYM
Luke’s natural and expressive voice synchronizes the lyrics well with other instrumental association for an exotic experience. The lyrics of the song are deep and heart-warming. The association of the drum beats by Jeremiah and the solid bass composition by Steele creates an incredible melody which is sure to touch the audience on the first go.
‘But I don’t want you to leave,’ brings the beginning of the chorus which forms the soul of this single and Luke too leaves no stone unturned to enrich the chorus with not only his tenor vocals but equally rich melodious musical section.
The single, ‘Circles,’ also released an engaging video filmed by Cinderblock in Dallas on the twenty-first of July, 2017. The visual features of the song are engaging as it beautifully captures the passionate theme of the song.
The undesirable pain of solitude is depicted in an innovative manner which further enhances the quality of the song and endures the audience into a circumstance so familiar to them. Luke has followed the minimalist approach when working for the digital effect on the video and it has definitely worked wonders this time.
With a distinctly strong theme and a rhythmic instrumental background ‘Blue Apollo’ has successfully mused their audience into this binding story of loneliness, desolate and pain.
http://blueapollomusic.com/ - Music Industry New Network

Blue Apollo is an alternative rock/pop band based out of Dallas, TX. This is a truly amazing group of musicians who have a solid sound. This song, “Circles” is one of their most current single that really describes the bands sound. It has a very clean pop/rock sound. I could hear this on mainstream pop radio.
MultiMediaMouth is giving you a free copy of this song: https://tinyurl.com/y8h8o77w - Multimedia Mouth

Blue Apollo is alternative rock / pop band based out of Dallas TX. Their music has been described as:
"the bluesy elements of John Mayer, the mellow groove and clean sound of Young the Giant and the danceability of early Maroon 5".
We couldn't agree more. The band originated as a three piece, consisting of vocalist / guitarist Luke Nassar, drummer Jeremiah Jensen, and bassist Rodman Steele. Blue Apollo became a four piece with the addition of lead guitarist Jean Paul Labastida. The band has opened for alt-country heroes American Aquarium, the infectious electro-indie duo Cherub, and even the rapper / songwriter / entrepreneur Nelly. Today we are taking a listen to a song off of Blue Apollo's debut LP Light-Footed Hours (2016), titled "Circles".
"Circles" is an upbeat piano rock tune that showcases Blue Apollo's spot-on pop songwriting sensibilities. Vocals are steeped in heartwarming melodies, and also feature complimentary harmonies swelling underneath. This effect creates waves of euphoria and a certain level of beautiful intensity throughout the song. Lead singer Luke Nassar has one of those voices that cut through any mix. His range as a singer is impressive on this track, going from high falsetto, to his deep lower register during the verses.
"I don't want you to leave,
unless you want to believe,
that freedom comes with,
never having been held down
when you're spinning around in circles"
Bassist Rodman Steele and drummer Jeremiah Jensen are in total control of the rhythm section, blending straightforward pop beats, with a more intricate indie rock feel. Drums keep a consistent heavy-handed snare pocket, while incorporating crashes and volume dynamics. Lead guitar trickles and flows with the rhythm changes between sections, occasional bursting free for short melodic leads.
Did we mention that "Circles" is a bonus track added to the band's first album? You are surely in for a treat with Blue Apollo's debut LP Light-Footed Hours. Keep your ears to the ground for their next EP, coming out in early 2018. Watch the Official Video for "Circles" below: - The Spin Cycle

Circles is a beautiful song, bright and colourful instrumentally, melodically uplifting and lyrically heartfelt. Blue Apollo bring the strength of considerate songwriting and a smart sense of craftsmanship when it comes to creating and maintaining a certain mood that all at once draws emotion and induces a sense of calm. Circles is a great introduction to the band, and a wonderful way to see in the colder season.

Blue Apollo’s sound is well honed. Their musicianship takes inspiration from the best of the indie-pop world, their songwriting showcases real emotion in a poetic and interesting way, and the style in which this particular release has been composed and completed adds a definite warmth and a finish that is easy to get lost in.

The sound is substantially nostalgic, a very classic style of writing. Circles is a powerful ballad that fuses the grandness of the piano sound with the delicacy of the vocals and the vibrancy of the beat in an all encompassing manner. You can feel what the song means to the singer, and you can tell from the recording and from the accompanying video that a live performance is likely to come through with just as much emotional honesty, if not even more, and all in all the experience is deeply genuine and captivating to witness.

The great thing about a song like this is that it’s foundation is undeniably solid. The effort and skill that has gone into making the record has resulted in a reliable, go-to single that in fact gets better and better the more you hear it. It grows closer to you each time you press play, as many of the world’s greatest hits tend to do. That connection between the singer and the song starts to come second to the one between the listener and the song, and that’s a powerful thing – and a wonderful gift. - Stereo Stickman

When I pushed Play on “Circles”, I was instantly attracted to the glorious sound coming through. Blue Apollo is firing off a Hit Song here that is sure to take off and make a successful landing. This four-piece band from Dallas, Texas has created a sound that is insanely compelling.

“Circles” is a bonus track Blue Apollo added to their debut LP titled ‘Light-Footed Hours’ and thank God they did because what a miss that would have been! With all of the catchy Pop sensibilities and dance elements, I am an automatic fan! And singer Luke Nassar produced such pleasant melodies and tones with his voice where it came across as a cool dose of Soulful, Indie-Pop. Luke Nassar, Jeremiah Jensen and Rodman Steele are the founding members of the group and now include Jean Paul Labastida on lead guitar. Together, these musicians have come up with music that invokes emotion while also incorporating that Radio-friendly vibe that is just the right size, shape & fit.



There is even an official music video for “Circles” that has such a smooth, professional touch and comes across as a video that probably should have over a million views by now due to the star quality portrayed by the band. “Circles” is shaping up to be one monster of a song with so much damn potential to be HUGE! I can’t wait to hear more from Blue Apollo now because I sense something very special forming here with “Circles”. - Skope

"Light-Footed Hours", the debut EP by alternative act Blue Apollo comes not just with an assortment of material but with a bonus track titled "Circles", that received the single's treatment in terms of releases. This release delivering not just a solid song but a quality video to accompany said single release. How does the song up hold aside the solid factor, well it is for one, solid it is upbeat, very catchy, and for another being, that it is that added bonus content you will be delighted over. So in otherwise it works.

How else can it not work, as Blue Apollo takes on the alternative approach with their sound and style, being not just alternative blended, but also has some pop rock blues mixed in as well. You get this picturesque appeal of fluidness. A vivid imagery of fields, flowers, and bright sunshine. That is at least how the song appears, with its soothing melody done by the instrumentals and harmonizing vocalization. It has a somewhat feel of sounding like Coldplay crossed with John Mayor mixed with some Stevie Wonder concepts, you get a mixture of a little bit of this and a little bit of that, hence forth "Circles", is the delivery.

As far as the video version of this single, the video is pretty plain and simple, dealing with circular motion that does occur within said video, while other portions showcase the band in a performing setting, doing as any other band or artist would, perform their stuff. That is all there is to go off in terms of the video as a whole and for its concept as well.

In terms of the song, it is catchy and upbeat like most tracks and or songs of today. This is just another one of those selections, that can be spun on repeat, not boring you out. But keeping you highly entertained by its catching appeal. The word of appeal cannot be used enough really on this piece about this track. It has so much flowing for it, lots of tones that keeps it ever flowing.

That said, not much else can be said about it. It has good feeling, flows perfectly with the timing of the music, it's sway of the it, how the melodies, harmonies, and essence of the music makes it all circulate. More or less how it plays itself, it becomes one with everything surrounding itself. As how one song can do, it being so capturing of the moment, this is what happens with this track in particular. So much to go off with such content to provide, nothing else needs to be said except to listen in on what is all said here.

If not, then maybe it will likely become a track, that can be heard at any given stance or moment of time. Surely that is how Blue Apollo's music works for them, not just in their favor, but having such a soulful glimpse into being welcoming to the ears, that it makes up for all else, that these guys want to do with their creativity in terms of music making. - NataliezWorld

Texan Alternative Rock five-piece Blue Apollo share new single 'Walls' taken from their debut EP 'Light-footed Hours'.
When I first read that Blue Apollo draw from a wide variety on influences, from John Mayer to Stevie Wonder,Led Zeppelin, to Radiohead, I was in equal parts intrigued, impressed and worried about what I was about to hear.

Luckily, as soon as I pressed play on 'Walls' my fears instantly subsided. These guys are not only talented but also smart and have created a subtly diverse yet welcoming soundscape that is a pleasure to listen to. The vocals, bass lines and percussion are smooth with an air of exotic (like how The Vampire Weekend's 'Horchata' SHOULD have sounded). The arrangements are warm and melodic, with clean guitar lines, some jazzy keys and vibrant splashes of groove-laden percussion that makes this such a dreamy and refreshing listen. I'm so excited to see what these guys deliver next.

Words of Karla Harris

Blue Apollo is: Luke Nassar (Guitar and Vocals), Jeremiah Jensen (Drums), Rodman Steele (Bass) Mitch Gruen (Lead Guitar), Grant Wolf (Keyboard). - When The Horn Blows

Blue Apollo is an emerging indie-alternative band hailing from Dallas, Texas. The band features Luke Nassar, vocals and guitar; Mitch Gruen, lead guitar; Jeremiah Jensen, drums, Rodman Steele, bass; and Grant Wolf on Keys. Blue Apollo draws their influences from a wide variety of artists including John Mayer and Stevie Wonder. The band’s first studio EP was released last year creating a steady rise in the indie world. Blue Apollo has played a number of high profile shows including SMU’s Fall Concert with Nelly and multiple shows with NBC’s The Voice alumni, Taylor Phelan. Blue Apollo was a part of Red Gorilla Music Festival and worked with Tinderbox Music during South by Southwest’s music week in Austin. The band’s new single, “Bite The Bullet,” showcases the undeniable talent and appeal of Blue Apollo.


The song kicks off with a jazzy piano solo that drops into a crisp guitar groove with a steady drum beat before the full arrangement joins in with a nice thick bass. The vibe is bluesy and upbeat, with an infectious groove. Right from the start, there is no doubt that each member of the band has excellent musicianship, enticing you from the get go. If you weren’t already hooked from the instrumentals, you will be hooked after hearing Nassar’s bright and soulful voice enter. The band has found their niche with a unique sound that combines elements of rock, jazz and singer-songwriter sensibilities, creating a great music experience that is highly original with a presentation that is universal and chart-ready.

“Bite The Bullet” is about being in a relationship that feels like an emotional war and trying to decide whether or not it is time to “bite the bullet,” to give in or to walk away. This theme is shown throughout the song with a story that paints the tale of silent suffering. "The bullet that kills me won't come from a gun. It'll be the one between my teeth when you walk away. The blade cuts me it won't be from a knife. It'll be the razor hiding in your ire.” The chorus is catchy and melodic, “Loving you is the most costly war I've fought. There's little left to win, but I'm loving you 'cause this love is all I've got. Maybe it's time to give in, bite the bullet.”

The basic structure of the song is verse then pre-chorus and chorus. After the first chorus there are 2 bars (8-to-a bar) of instrumentals featuring a short jam section. Throughout the song, the band’s rhythm section is tight and in-the-pocket. A special kudos goes out Wolf on keys. The keyboard phrasing provides a nice higher end for the band and the solos, from both the keys and the lead guitar are very tasteful. At the end of the song, Nassar soars vocally showing his vocal stamina and range as well as his passion for performance.

Blue Apollo are not going to “bite the bullet” anytime soon as there is no putting off the success that awaits this band. Blue Appollo presents a group of outstanding musicians enhanced by a front man with an excellent vocal presence and together they bring high quality music and energy with universal appeal to the table - their single “Bite The Bullet” is solid proof that this band has what it takes. Blue Appolo plans to continue releasing new singles in the coming weeks. Their music can be purchased via iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music. For more information on Blue Apollo and their upcoming events, be sure to check out their website. - Indie Spoonful

Blue Apollo is a band from Dallas, Texas. They bring together a wide variety of influences, including John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, and Radiohead, creating a sound that is distinctly familiar yet refreshingly unique. Blue Apollo harmonize together on their track "Therapy" followed by dope transitions. I couldn't help but to feature their video on Underground Industry. - Underground Industry

Two flights of stairs and a hallway lead into a music-filled studio in a Highland Park attic. The walls are covered with vinyl album covers of David Bowie, The Who, Fleetwood Mac and the Beatles. The studio is the perfect blend of college-aged disorganization, young professionalism and budding talent.

This is where Blue Apollo, a band of SMU students, practices.

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Blue Apollo performs at various SMU and Dallas gigs. Photo credit: Blue Apollo Facebook page
A recent Sunday had the five members meeting in the wake of a well-received live performance at The Rustic, a local watering hole popular with SMU students. Rather than rest on their laurels, they joined together to practice their latest pieces and get ready for their next show, a requested second performance at The Rustic, Sept. 25.

Clip of @BlueApolloMusic rockin it at @TheRusticDallas pic.twitter.com/R28qt1Td1x— Katie Butler (@123_its_KTB) September 8, 2016

The group is comprised of Luke Nassar, Rodman Steele, Mitch Gruen, Jeremiah Jensen and Grant Wolf. They put together the band as first-years, but now in their third year, the group has released a full-length studio album, “Light-Footed Hours” and is consistently booking shows around the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

“I love their music so much, it gives an upbeat and relaxing vibe,” said Haley Duncan, a third-year student at SMU and avid fan of the group.

The guys trickle into their studio on a sunny, Sunday morning, immediately going into the logistics of their next show and setting up their equipment in a seamless integration, working together like a well-oiled machine. As they’re getting set up, the guys start to joke around with each other.

After a quick vocal styling from Gruen, a business major, which is accompanied by laughter from the lead singers of the band, Gruen quips back at them: “You guys think I can’t sing but I’m actually nailing these A minor sharp notes.”

The jab is a little hard to follow, but the rest of the group breaks out in laughter.

The band only has an hour to practice, so they decide to work on a pair of their new songs “Make it Happen” and “Circles.” A few seconds into “Make it Happen,” Nassar stops the song. There’s something wrong with Steele’s amp, so he and Gruen take a minute to figure it out. Gruen turns to Steele and asks, “When are you free this week cause we’re going to have a tone day.” Steele, a music performance major, laughs and agrees the amp needs some work.

The group starts in on their second piece of music for the day, “Circles.” Before they begin, Nassar plugs in his iPod and puts on Coldplay’s “Speed of Sound.” He lets the intro roll for a minute and then informs the band: “This is kind of the vibe I’m going for.”

It’s easy to see why. The sound is very ethereal and light, and provides a nice contrast to the first song, a heavier piece with a stronger vibe.

As the clock strikes noon and the band realizes they’re out of time, high fives are thrown around, and the guys begin to unplug and pack up. Immediately, the group begins talking about their next practice and how to improve. It’s clear that while this practice may be finished, they can’t wait for the next. - The Daily Campus

Blue lights washed down on the members of Blue Apollo as the band took the stage at Dallas’ highly popular music venue and bar The Rustic. Gravel crunched under concertgoers’ feet and condensation dripped from the glasses of beer clutched in their hands as they turned toward the stage.

RELATED: Blue Apollo takes Deep Ellum
For lead guitarist Mitch Gruen, playing at the widely popular music venue seemed like a distant dream.

“The first time I went to The Rustic was with my mom when I was still in high school,” said Gruen. “She remarked that it would be really cool for me to play a show there. Back then, the idea of playing on that stage was just a lofty, distant dream. Yet here we are!”

The band played a full set for a packed house at The Rustic on Wednesday with all of the tables full of patrons and concertgoers collected in front of the stage and on the grassy lawn, swaying along to Blue Apollo’s music, some mouthing the words as others danced.

Opening with his clear tenor voice, lead singer Luke Nassar opened the show with his vocals and guitar, soon followed by the rest of the band. Mitch Gruen entertained the crowd with his signature hair flips and had the crowd holding up their hands to his powerful guitar solo during “Walls.”


“It’s definitely one of our new favorite places to play,” said Nassar. “We had a lot of fun with everyone and are looking forward to playing there more in the future.”

Jeremiah Jenson kept the band steady with his crisp yet passionate performance on the drums while Rodman Steele provided solid support on bass and backup vocals. Not to be forgotten is Grant Wolf, who contributed to Blue Apollo’s signature style with his flawless execution on the keyboard.

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“Playing at The Rustic was amazing,” says drummer Jenson. “I think it was our biggest show yet—even bigger than the record release we had at The Door.”

After chants for an encore, the band played their final song, a cover of “Superstitions” to a clapping crowd. However, it took years of preparation to get Blue Apollo to where they are today.

After lead singer Nassar and drum player Jenson began collaborating in the summer of 2014, the Dallas-based band, later named “Blue Apollo,” began to take shape. With the addition of Gruen on lead guitar, Steele on bass, and Wolf on the keyboard, the band, all five of whom are SMU students, was formed and began to make waves in the Dallas music scene.

Blue Apollo is no stranger to the Dallas music scene, having had numerous performances all around the city, including shows on the SMU and UNT campuses, at Deep Ellum’s The Prophet Bar, Tutta’s Pizza, the Liquid Lounge, the Curtain Club, and at other popular music venues.

The band released their EP “Light-Footed Hours” in the spring of 2016, complete with five of their singles and their ever-popular hit “Walls,” available for listening on Spotify. The band recorded the EP in Austin, working throughout winter on the release.

Look for their upcoming performance during SMU Family Weekend on Sunday, Sept. 25.

For more information, follow their Twitter or visit their Facebook page. - The Daily Campus

Washed in blue lights and with a buzzing crowd crowding the stage, Blue Apollo band members Mitch Gruen on lead guitar, Jeremiah Jenson on drums, Luke Nassar on the rhythm guitar and performing lead vocals, Rodman Steele on bass guitar, and Grant Wolfe on the keys and synthesizer, took the stage at the Prophet Bar in Deep Ellum on Thursday, Sept. 24, beginning their performance with an upbeat and crowd-pleasing round of songs.

The members of Blue Apollo, all currently students at SMU, describe themselves as having “the sound of indie-alternative and modern pop edge,” with many influences ranging from John Mayer to Stevie Wonder.

Throughout the performance, the band showed its wide range of musical talents, from Nassar’s leading tenor vocals singing both upbeat songs and ballad performances, to the skillful guitar solos performed by Gruen, who really engaged with the audience during the performance by getting people to clap along, to a keyboard solo by Wolfe. All of this was relied on by Jenson and Steele’s steady rhythmic and musical backbone.

“Luke and I formed the band two summers ago in Austin. We’d bounced some musical ideas around during the school year, but had never really done any intensive writing session,” said Jenson. “That summer we figured out we both lived in Austin and decided to write and record some songs. At that time, it was just Luke and me. First he would track rhythm guitar, then I’d record the drum tracks, and from there Luke would add bass and lead guitar. After we got done with a couple of songs we realized we had something good going and decided to become a band.”

When asked about how exactly the band decided on the name “Blue Apollo,” Jenson explained that it took the members “three hours to name the band. Eventually we settled on Blue Apollo, one because Apollo in Greek mythology is the god of music and light, two, blue is a cool color, and three, the name reminded us of a jazz club, so we thought it reflected some of our jazz influences.”

However, according to Jenson, it took the band a while to form into what it is today.

“After that [naming the band] nothing happened for a while because we got busy. It wasn’t until second semester last year that we really started to pick up the tempo. We added two band members Mitch Gruen (lead guitar) and Rodman Steele (bass guitar) and started rehearsing regularly. We are now a five piece band, having recently added Grant Wolf who plays keys/synth for us.”

The band ended the show with its rendition of “Superstition,” enticing the audience to dance and clap along, chanting for an encore. Blue Apollo received a standing ovation, and fans asked for pictures and were able to talk to the band members after the performance.

When asked about how they thought the show went, the band was elated at the crowd’s response.

“We had a great crowd come support us, and judging by the crowd’s reaction, we did really well. I think the most valuable thing we gained from the concert was simply an entry to the music scene in Dallas. One of the hardest things about starting a band is finding good gigs. This was an awesome opportunity to play one of the most beloved small venues in Dallas, and I’m happy to say that it went really, really well. We’re blessed.”

If you didn’t get a chance to see Blue Apollo, don’t worry, because the band will be performing on Oct. 25 on SMU’s campus, free of charge, at an event held by Crum Commons. For more information, check out the band’s Facebook page. - The Daily Campus

'Blue Apollo' is a young alternative pop and rock group from Dallas, Texas, consisting of singer and guitarist Luke Nasser, lead guitarist Jean-Paul Labastida, bassist Rodman Steele and drummer Jeremiah Jensen. These guys knew each other from the university where they all studied. They shared their common interest in music in their free time, which ultimately led to the creation of this band

Their music is a blend of indie pop, soul and blues and the result of their first attempts to write their own songs was now bundled on a first EP called "Light-Footed Hours". There are six songs with the excellent single "Circles" (see video) as a bonus track, in addition to easy-to-listen songs, such as the poppy song "Walls" (the second single from the EP), the catchy song "Feeling Right" , the "Therapy" tending to work by "Coldplay" and the particularly radio-friendly track "Avalanche", a piano ballad that could soon become a real earworm.

With only six songs on this EP we can not really make a judgment about 'Blue Apollo', but what they have put in these six songs certainly gives me enough reason to give these guys the benefit of the doubt. It is now up to them to prove through a first full-fledged studio album that they are indeed entitled to a permanent place in the already very crowded contemporary music firmament. - Rootstime

Hi guys, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?

We’ve been well! Life is good, and we’re plugging away at our craft, writing new songs, rehearsing old ones and playing shows in Dallas.

Can you talk to us more about your new single “Circles”?

So, Luke our lead singer wrote “Circles” a year or so ago when he was trying to decide whether or not he needed to breakup with his girlfriend because they were on different life paths. He was really torn, felt he needed to break up her but didn’t want to, thus the name, “Circles.” The song is about making tough decisions and all the emotions that come along with that process.

Any plans to release a video for the single?

Yes! We released a music video for the song back in July. We hired the guys over at Cinderblock (a production company in Dallas) because we knew them and they do a lot of good work for musicians on the Dallas scene. We are super pleased with the way the video turned out.

The single comes off your new album Light-Footed Hours – why naming the record after the band?

We think of the single as more of a standalone follow up or bonus track. Light-Footed Hours is the name of our first EP we released in April 2016. The name is a Shakespeare reference, and we decided to call it that because we felt it encompassed our experience of making music. The hours we spend on our music in rehearsal after rehearsal and show after show go by so fast. We’ve never sat down and calculated all the hours, but when you rehearse three times a week for an hour-and-a-half plus shows on the weekends, and time in the studio, it’s a big number, but it feels small because we love what we do.

How was the recording and writing process?

A lot of fun! We love being in the studio, and we love writing. We look forward to getting time to write songs as band between shows. Often times, the pace of rehearsing for shows can put a damper on our new song production so we love when we spare time to write new stuff, and we especially love when we get to record new stuff in the studio. There’s something special about having your music out there for everyone to hear and being able to point to it and say, ‘I made that.’

What role does Dallas play in your writing?

I’d say the people of Dallas probably have the biggest effect on our writing. Most of our songs are based on experiences we’ve had in Dallas, and all of us went to school in the city so we’ve all done a lot of growing and learning here. We feel very thankful to be in this city, and we love playing music here.

How has John Mayer and Stevie Wonder influenced your writing?

Lyrical quality, bluesy motifs, fat grooves, and strong melodies are all things we take from guys like John Mayer and Stevie Wonder. We’re all about making people dance while offering something to think about. All of our songs are based on our experiences: things that keep us awake at night and things that make us smile. We feel people connect with songs about honest emotion, so that’s what we write about about.

Where did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?

Luke writes most of our songs, and most of the time he gets ideas for songs when he’s driving. A melody or lyric will pop into his head and then usually he’s got the bones of a song done within a few hours. After that, he’ll bring it to the band and we start adding parts, refining the structure, and experimenting with dynamics.

Any plans to hit the road?

Hmmm, we’d love to, but right now we’re focusing on building our brand in Dallas. Obviously, if the opportunity comes to play outside of our hometown, we’d love that, but we’re not desperate for shows, and we think that building a strong base here in Dallas will help us when we start moving beyond the city limits.

What else is happening next in Blue Apollo´s world?

We are going to Nashville to record three or four new songs this January! We’re super excited to get back in the studio and record new music for our fans. We feel we’ve done a lot of maturing as a band, and we’ve got some really good stuff up our collective sleeves. Stay tuned for new stuff throughout 2018. - VENTS Magazine

Dallas-based indie-pop band Blue Apollo is set to release their new single "Youth" tomorrow, but we are excited to give you an early listen today. The single will be the first release off of their upcoming EP When You Ask For Rain. Pulling inspiration from bands like Young The Giant, The Killers and Maroon 5, Blue Apollo’s newest single also gives a nod to indie, pop, and alternative genres.


“Youth was inspired by nights out, chance encounters and the chase for whatever it is that makes you feel whole,” said frontman of Blue Apollo, Luke Nassar. “We’ve been working really hard to hone our sound, and these new songs will show that it was worth all the late nights, hard work, and money.”

“Youth” was recorded, produced, and mixed by Chris Grainger (Wilco, Sixpence None The Richer, Switchfoot) at Undertow Studio and additionally at The Brown Owl in Nashville, TN.

BLUE APOLLO WILL BE PLAYING THIS FRIDAY JUNE 15TH AT SUNDOWN AT GRANADA AND ALSO WILL BE RECORDING A CINDERBLOCK SESSION NEXT THURSDAY JUNE 21 WITH ST. YUMA. TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED HERE. - Crate Diggers

"When You Ask For Rain" is the all new upcoming EP release to come from indie pop rockers Blue Apollo. But before that gets its release the first official material off it comes forth titled "Youth". This first new single taken from the EP, takes away inspiration from such bands as Young The Giant and Maroon 5. So then their material must sound alike lot those acts, which it does believe it or not.

It is very upbeat, catchy, and has lots of energy to spare for itself. It's one of those tracks you would hear while out on the town, whether that be in a night club setting, local party, or just with some friends or your special someone. It's a track that comes on, to lighten the environment you are at.
Being again just very catchy and upbeat in its given tone, vocalization, it all comes together nicely. It brings out not just a vibration of similarities between Young The Giant and Maroon 5 but some elements to All Time Low, in terms of styling. Those guys having this edginess to them but it remains fluid and flows uncontrollably. Like how the melodies of the music picks up throughout this track, keeps it ever flowing. It just becomes a non-stop fun time with a track such as "Youth".

Blue Apollo being an act of its time, to branch outward, creating a uniqueness that others before them, may have done as well, except how these guys make "Youth", so joyful and fulfilling is flawless. Most likely the rest of the EP's working's will be a lot like this, if not even better, capturing an essence that is cherished and always remembered. - Nataliezworld

Dallas-based indie-pop band Blue Apollo is set to release their first single “Youth” off their upcoming EP “When You Ask For Rain”. The upbeat and catchy single which was written in Dallas and produced in Nashville, drops on Friday, June 15 and is bound to be the song of the summer. Pulling inspiration from Young The Giant, The Killers and Maroon 5, Blue Apollo’s newest single also gives a nod to indie, pop, and alternative genres.
“Youth was inspired by nights out, chance encounters and the chase for whatever it is that makes you feel whole,” said frontman of Blue Apollo, Luke Nassar. ”We’ve been working really hard to hone our sound, and these new songs will show that it was worth all the late nights, hard work, and money.”
“Youth” was recorded, produced, and mixed by Chris Grainger (Wilco, Sixpence None The Richer, Switchfoot) at Undertow Studio and additionally at The Brown Owl in Nashville, TN, then mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound in Edgewater, NJ. Frontman Luke Nassar wrote the melody and co-wrote the lyrics, which were later fine- tuned by drummer Jeremiah Jensen. The band then added a bass line by bassist Rodman Steele, and a catchy guitar riff by lead guitarist Jean Paul (JP) Labastida.
“The process of working on Blue Apollo’s new EP “When You Ask For Rain” was a veritable labor of love, blending our shared interests in mature songwriting and timeless performances with touches of modern pop production,” said producer Chris Grainger. “The guys were an absolute joy to work with and inspired me daily to push this group of songs to a place that only hints at what Blue Apollo is capable of moving forward. It’s only a matter of time before this band is everywhere”.
Originally formed by Luke Nassar, Jeremiah Jensen, and Rodman Steele during their time at Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts, the now four-piece band brings together a wide variety of influences from John Mayer to Stevie Wonder. The band strives to create new sounds by combining the emotion of a singer-songwriter and the grit of a blues guitarist. With smooth tenor vocals from Nassar and the groove of Steele and Jensen’s rhythm section, the result is somewhere between indie-pop, blues, and soul.
Blue Apollo has previously shared the stage with Nelly, American Aquarium, The O’s, Taylor Phelan, D and Chi, Remy Reilly, Kirk Thurmond & the Millennials, and many more artists.
Blue Apollo’s latest single “Youth” will be available on iTunes, Spotify and the band’s website on Friday, June 15. Visit www.blueapollomusic.com for more information. - Vents Magazine

Blue Apollo – “Youth” – Single Review

Well here ya go…all you people out there looking for some uplifting energy & positive messages in the music you listen to – “Youth” should pack in plenty of both for ya. A song that ultimately celebrates the freedom of being young and living for today…all that good stuff…all told through tales of the struggle of life & love. Blue Apollo’s not running short of inspired sound, let’s put it that way; whether the story in this single is based on real experience or not, the conclusion in the chorus & sentiment remains the same – it’s all about the moment and embracing it for all it’s worth – and that’s exactly what this band from Dallas is clearly doing now.

I’ll admit…my gut tells me this is a little bit on the glossy side…sometimes that can be difficult for people to connect to – because face facts, Blue Apollo SOUNDS like they’ve been veterans of the scene for years – “Youth” is undoubtedly a really tightly written song and undeniably performed with passion. So they’ve got that working for them for sure…the skill & talent is there, the players are right on-point and the balance in the band seems to be really evenly spread to create a solid core. At the end of the day, “Youth” is written with flashy hooks that run rampant through the melody, heightened in the chorus as you’d expect to find – what makes this particular song almost an oddity is how well rounded every corner really seems to be, you feel me? It becomes one of those six or one-half dozen of the other type-things…you get a really great song all-around, but you kind of ending up wanting a bit more personality in here somehow too. Best way I can think to put it is that this SOUNDS like a single. You can’t really fault a band for putting in what’s essentially a perfect performance – but the end result can quite often be (and I think kind of is here) a questioning of how organic a song like this truly is, know what I mean? You could flip all this right around on me and argue that EVERY song is organic because it comes from somewhere and there’s not really much I could say to that, you’d be correct…but I think you get what I mean. It’s tough to tell here…because “Youth” is so stylistically flashy…it sounds stylistically designed. In my mind, I wonder whether or not the song came first, or the main hook driving the concept in the chorus, ‘let’s drink our youth straight from the bottle’ – I have to admit, it’s the kind of imagery & word combo that’s strong enough to write an entire song around later…that’s what this sounds like to me.

Credit where credit is due though – I’m not here to take any points away from these guys, they’ve all put in a killer performance on “Youth.” The guitars really stood out to me…not sure if that’s from Luke Nassar or JP Labastida or both, but I really like the tone they’ve got and the precision they play with. As far as Luke’s vocals go – I think this guy is already a powerhouse just waiting to happen; you can hear it in the biggest moments of “Youth” and the bold tones he can sustain for lengths at a time without wavering in the slightest. You can really hear the melody in this guy’s every word…above all things, I felt like I appreciated this the most about the new Blue Apollo single…they’ve really made sure that the vocals complement & assist the music. Drums from Jeremiah Jensen are solid as a rock in holding down the rhythm section with the low-end rumble & bounce of the bass-lines from Rodman Steele, no complaints there. Ultimately, I think they’ve really worked together on this song as a true unit and I think you can hear that in the writing, which I do like. While a song like “Youth” might feel more ‘written’ than just coming out from the fluke of a good jam session & then turned into a song like so many other bands out there – they’ve also given each other their own moment in the spotlight to put their skills out there both individually and how they interact with the rest of the players in Blue Apollo. There’s unity in this band that I completely believe you can hear and they’re certainly gifted with a full lineup of talent; I think they’ve got an inarguably single-worthy tune with “Youth” – but I also think they’ve still got a whole lot more to offer. I’ll be interested to see where Blue Apollo goes from here – they’ve definitely got all the right pieces to make it work…time will tell on how they want to use’em!

“Youth” is the lead single from their upcoming EP When You Ask For Rain – stay tuned on the details and find out more about Blue Apollo from their official website at: http://blueapollomusic.com/ - Sleeping Bag Studios