Interview: The 502s
Interview by Isabelle Turner
While some artists create music, others create a movement. The 502s are one of the few who’s impact is greater than their lyrics and melodies. They are creating a movement that goes beyond their music and seeps into their way of thinking, creating a lifetime legacy of optimism and joy.
I had the absolute pleasure of getting to speak with The 502s before their show at the Georgia Theatre in Athens, Georgia (You can read the live show review of that here). We discussed their recently released EP, being on the road, and what they have cultivated their mission around.
The band released their most recent EP, Just Another EP, at the end of September. The EP consists of 4 songs and has already been well-received. The band released singles “Waves” and “Hey Julia”, with the two quickly becoming some of their most popular songs.
“In these 4 songs, it’s some of our newest stuff and songs we have been trying to visit for 5 years or so. A lot of it was recorded during the pandemic and at home. What’s so cool is to see people knowing the lyrics to these songs we have put out a week ago, so that’s been an incredible thing. It feels like we’re moving away from two years between releases to we’ve got good songs we like, let’s record and put them out. This feels like the kickoff to that, which is cool, and exciting because it means lots of new music coming out”- The 502s for Tongue Tied
Even if you aren’t an avid fan of The 502s, you likely know their hit “Just a Little While”. The song garnered large success on TikTok, with over 150K videos and 51 Million Spotify streams. Due to its upbeat melody and distinguishable banjo, the song is addicting, and definitely one to get stuck in your head.
“Its unfathomable. It was after Magdalene, we had so much fun with that. Recording it was great and everyone loved that song. Sharing our music was always just the next thing to do. Every day when we had something cool to share. Like any other day we shared “Just a Little While” and look at where we are today”. - The 502s for Tongue Tied
Despite a seemingly normal post, the response to the song was unmatched. While unexpected, The 502s knew what they were creating was special.
“Eddie especially always seemed to have a feeling about it. I remember playing it for a guy who was a producer for Disney… and he said ‘I think this could be a really reactive song’. I don’t know what he meant by a ‘reactive song’ but we’ll keep doing it. You can’t go wrong with a strumming banjo. That’s the sauce” -The 502s for Tongue Tied
With a hit song under their belts, The 502s are only gaining momentum in their careers and continuing to better themselves, keeping each other accountable in the process.
“It feels like we’re very untapped. We have 20 different ideas of, we can do that, we can do this, things we should do, but we haven’t had the chance to… It feels like we have a lot of ideas and we’re just this unit of ‘lets do it tonight’”. - The 502s for Tongue Tied
But the impact of The 502s goes beyond any TikTok trend or hit song. They have an intangible brand that is cultivated around optimism and joy. Creating authentic and meaningful music and shows, this factor is apparent in everything they do.
“I think it’s also hella sustainable to smile and laugh and feel good. Naturally I would rather be happy. That naturally comes across in music without trying. It’s who we are as a group and individuals” -Joe Capati of The 502s.
While their happiness seems so natural to the group, their story was not always one of joy.
“I think we all went through periods of times where we were not the happiest. Whether that was romantically, or physically, or mentally, or whatever, it feels like we all went through that together at varying stages and when we were talking about the second album, we spent a lot of time discussing what the songs mean to us. On the end of the unhappiness, we were like ‘well we are happy now’. Its okay to be happy and figure out how to be happy. That’s really where the message stemmed from. Now I think we are all very comfortable in our skin and our natural personalities are very happy and positive and trying to help other people with that as much as we can through our music and stupid jokes. - Ed Isola of The 502s for Tongue Tied
Their show at the Georgia Theatre marked the end of over 2 months of touring. While many artists would normally face burnout, The 502s do not. Instead, the group finds comfort in each other.
“I think we just like being around each other. We’re all very different, in the best possible way” - The 502s for Tongue Tied
Even more meaningful than their close relationship is the atmosphere they cultivate for their fans. Dedicated at their core, some of The 502s Family have started traveling to shows in other cities. Once you attend a show by The 502s show, you soon realize that it is an experience like no other.
“It’s cool, playing the shows and having people sing along, meeting people before and after. Everyone once they come to the show is very positive and happy and it feels like a place you can show up and adopt that mindset. It’s actually a huge deal” - The 502s for Tongue Tied
While their talent is endless, The 502s are placing themselves among the greats for another reason entirely. They continue to leave a positive legacy that is changing the lives of their fans.
“I never see it as just another show, I want to give as much as our fans are giving to us. My aspiration is to keep doing this as long as it is fun, which is hopefully forever” -Joe Capati of The 502s for Tongue Tied
