New album 'Levitate' out now via Spinefarm.
The genre-blending, New York City-based collective VRSTY (pronounced "Varsity") has just released a captivating cover of Nate Smith's hit song "World On Fire," which has already amassed over 200 million streams. Lead singer Joey Varela expressed his deep connection to the track, saying, "The first time I heard this song, I was absolutely struck. I haven't heard a song that's hit me this hard in a long time. Everything from the lyrics to the way that it's composed is just absolutely amazing to me. I think I knew instantly that I was going to cover it. My only fear was not being able to do the song justice... but I think I did okay."
VRSTY'S most recent album, Levitate, released last fall via Spinefarm, continues to showcase the band's unique sound and versatility. The album is available for streaming and purchase HERE.
VRSTY will also be hitting the road this summer, bringing their energetic live performances to various cities across the United States. The tour dates are as follows, including an exclusive performance at this year's Brooklyn Summer Scream Festival in August:
June
6/1 — Mechanicsburg, PA — 10 Years Birthday Bash
6/15 — Pawtucket, RI — The Met (With Wind Walkers)
6/16 — Hartford, CT — The Webster (With Wind Walkers)
6/17 — Vienna, VA — Jammin Java (With Wind Walkers)
6/18 — Greensboro, NC — Hangar 1819 (With DRUGS, Wind Walkers, Savage Hands)
6/19 — Columbia, SC — New Brookland Tavern
6/20 — Orlando, FL — Will's Pub (With Wind Walkers)
6/21 — Atlanta, GA — Purgatory at Masquerade (With Wind Walkers)
6/22 — Jacksonville, NC — Hooligans (With Wind Walkers)
6/23 — Richmond, VA — Canal Club (With Wind Walkers)
August
8/17 — Brooklyn, NY — The Meadows (With A Skylit Drive)
8/18 — Rochester, NY — Montage Music Hall (With A Skylit Drive)
8/20 — Lakewood, OH — The Foundry (With A Skylit Drive)
8/21 — New Kensington, PA — Preserving Underground (With A Skylit Drive)
8/22 — Baltimore, MD — Ottobar (With A Skylit Drive)
8/23 — Mechanicsburg, PA — Lovedraftz (With A Skylit Drive)
8/24 — Clifton, NJ — Dingbatz (With A Skylit Drive)
VRTSY is a band that embodies the diverse and vibrant energy of New York City. Formed by Joey Tyler, a Puerto Rican singer influenced by a range of genres from R&B to metallic post-hardcore, VRSTY's music defies easy categorization. The band, featuring guitarist Paul Gregory, bassist Javier Dorrejo, and drummer Chris Cody, has developed a reputation for their dynamic grooves and dark atmospheric breakdowns.
Their discography includes the well-received debut album Welcome Home and the "Cloud City" EP, which produced the hit "Massive," topping SiriusXM's Octane charts. Critics have praised their music for its authenticity and genre-blending finesse, with Outburn giving Welcome Home a 9/10 review and Blabbermouth highlighting their innovative sound.
VRTY's sophomore album Levitate continues their tradition of heartfelt and powerful music. Co-produced by Joey Tyler and Justin Deblieck (Ice Nine Kills, Motionless in White, Lorna Shore, Fit For A King), and mixed by George Lever (Sleep Token, Holding Absence, Loathe), the album features rich melodic hooks and headbang-inducing grooves.
VRTY's music resonates deeply with fans who feel like outsiders or are dealing with personal struggles. Their live performances are known for creating a sense of community and connection, making every show a memorable experience. The band's goal is to inspire and uplift their audience, offering a shared space for expression and solidarity.
With their new cover of "World On Fire" and the release of Levitate, VRSTY continues to push the boundaries of their musical capabilities while staying true to their roots. Be sure to catch them on tour this summer and experience their powerful live show.
Comments