GHOST TOUR - PERFORMATIVE
Hailing from New York City, guitarist and vocalist Mike Andronico, recently turned his solo bedroom project of Ghost Tour into a three piece emo outfit back in March. They wear their influences on their sleeves taking inspiration from bands like Jimmy Eat World, Tigers Jaw, Into It. Over It & (quite obviously) Say Anything.
Ghost Tour specializes in honest and deeply personal lyrics sung in a tranquil manner over high energy melodies that are full of hooks and infectious pop sensibilities, their chorus riffs and noodly leads burrow into your brain upon the first listen. We’re beyond excited to shine our spotlight on them today as their new material is their best work yet.
We recently had the privilege of chatting with Mike about the bands plans as well as their latest single and music video for Performative.
Mike says “The song [Performative] is about looking back at times I've let people down and finding a common thread between them all — I should have been more honest. It ultimately ends with a resolve to be a kinder, more authentic person.”
HOW HAS YOUR RECORDING PROCESS FOR THE BAND CHANGED SINCE BECOMING A TRIO NOW?
“Our first EP It Won't Leave Me Alone was a true DIY project I did before Bob and Beanie joined; just me recording everything in my bedroom. For this new single — our first as a full band — we went to Two Worlds Recording in Whitestone, Queens with Billy Mannino (Macseal, Oso Oso, Prince Daddy). It was a very relaxed recording experience in a great space; we had a blast talking X-Men, horror movies and music while laying down our parts.”
HOW HAS THE WRITING PROCESS PROGRESSED AS A TRIO NOW?
“Most of our songs start with an idea I came up with while strumming my acoustic on my couch. If I really love the song, I'll demo it and bring it to the guys — then we flesh it out together and it becomes what you hear now!”
“MAKING GHOST TOUR A REALITY HAS BEEN A LONG JOURNEY AND I’M JUST SO STOKED AND GRATEFUL TO BE DOING MY DREAM BAND WITH TWO OF MY BEST FRIENDS. WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED AND CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHERE 2025 TAKES US!”.
- MIKE ANDRONICO @GHOSTTOURROCKS
“This release is also special for a few reasons. First, it's our first recording as a proper band and in a proper studio, and you can really hear the difference that Bob, Beanie and our producer Billy all brought to the table. I also think it's the best encapsulation of our sound yet — big, warm emo with noodly guitars and huge pop choruses.”
HOW WAS THE CREATIVE DIRECTION ENVISIONED AND PITCHED FOR PERFORMATIVE?
“I started envisioning a talent show-themed video for Performative pretty much as soon as I wrote the song more than a year ago. The idea was to do something silly and fun that was still on theme, and to include a bunch of our friends in it. Our buddy Ryan Dempsey from For Lack of a Term directed it and he did an awesome job bringing our vision to life while also adding his own touch to it.”
SO WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE BAND NOW?
“We're planning on returning to the studio early next year to record a few more tracks, as well as play as many shows as we possibly can. We're especially hoping to start getting out of the NYC area and doing some small tours out to Philly, Jersey, DC and the like.”
Performative and future releases are currently still planned to release as independent. My prediction is that won’t be the case for too long. I’m excited to see the band grow and flourish into the new year and NJAP will be happily rooting for this trio to accomplish every goal they set out to fulfill. As always, please give them a follow on their socials linked below so you can stay up to date with their new adventures in 2025.