Band goes from garage to cross-country tour

Wind-up Records has always been about pushing music for a younger crowd into the mainstream spotlight. From artists like Hawthorne Heights to Evanescence to Finger Eleven, the record label speaks to an audience that is often overlooked. One of the newer artistic ensembles to grace the label is Push Play, a four-member band from Long Island, N.Y.

The band is composed of vocalist CJ Baran, guitarist Steve Scarola, bassist Nick Deturris and drummer Derek Ries.

Growing up in New York, Baran and Deturris started out their musical careers like many future rockers — with a garage band.

“Back in the 6th grade … I met CJ and he asked me if I wanted to join in his little garage band, Caution,” Deturris said.

After experimenting in the garage for a few years, the two decided to become more serious about their music.

“About four years ago, we met Derek and Steve in a recording studio,” Deturris said. From there on out, it was all Push Play.

As the band starts to find its way, each and every member works together in order to produce the best sound possible.

“A lot of times we’ll write the songs together or … we’ll bounce ideas off each other ... and all put our own spin and touch on it,” Deturris said.

This past September, Push Play released its debut album, “Found,” which includes “Midnight Romeo,” the band’s first single. “My favorite song (from the album) is probably ‘Watch It Burn,’” Deturris said. “It’s the first track on the album, and I think it’s a great way to start the album off.”

When watching the music video for “Midnight Romeo,” one might notice that Emily Osment, of “Hannah Montana” fame, makes a cameo appearance.

“A lot of people don’t know this, but Emily is signed to Wind-up also,” Deturris said. “(Our label) thought it would be a cool idea if we were in her video, and she was in ours.”

One can see the band rocking out with Osment in her video “All the Way Up.”

Although Push Play teamed up with the Disney star, the band does not want to be known as another band like the Jonas Brothers. “We’re definitely not a teen band,” Deturris said. “I mean we play our own instruments and … I think the only comparison that people can really say is that we look the same age as them.”

The band kicked off its 28-stop tour on Nov. 2, which includes shows all over the country, including two stops in Tennessee.

“Playing in front of all the fans is a big motivation, and we just play our hearts out,” Deturris said. “(Our concert) is definitely a rockin’ live show as opposed to a pop show.”

While playing in front of thousands of people is arguably the highlight of any tour, the band also likes to enjoy the little things while traveling.

“I love just seeing the road, waking up in a new state … meeting people, and trying all the great foods from different regions,” Deturris said.

Push Play will perform at the Square Room on Monday.