People ask me, often, how I discover new music, especially when there are so many indie bands in NYC. I can’t tell you that! Just kidding. I can tell you how I found my new favorite band, Reserved For Rondee (RFR.)
RFR guitarist Billy Magnussen is a great actor in TV/film/theater and I found out he was in a band. I didn’t look up RFR or go to a show until last April. (RFR formed in 2010.) I decided to finally check out RFR at Mercury Lounge.
I was really impressed by RFR and their high-energy rock. It was an unusual show, though, because apparently it was scheduled, cancelled, and then re-scheduled at the last minute. There wasn’t a huge crowd, unlike more recent shows I’ve attended where RFR packed the room. But it was actually a great introduction to RFR. And I got to say hi and get a pic with Billy after the show.
Once I got home, I wanted to hear the songs again, because I hadn’t even listened to their music before the show. RFR recently released “Back In Velvet” which they funded through Kickstarter. Some of my favorite songs are “Say” “Uh-Oh” “Multi Mania” and “Age Me.”
RFR lead singer Trevor Vaughn’s voice is amazing and his stage presence is stellar. The energy of his performance bounces off the crowd and fuels him and RFR to a ridiculous level of awesome.
RFR is completed by the talents of guitarist Nick Fokas, bassist Tom Degnan, and drummer Warren Hemenway. They all seem to be really having fun on stage and put on a formidable show.
According to RFR, they are inspired by Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, U2, The White Stripes, Black Keys, and Arcade Fire. Their sound reminds me of The Allman Brothers Band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and R.E.M as well.
RFR is playing this Friday, January 9, at the Bowery Ballroom. You should buy their music on iTunes. They did a great set of videos for lastfm and you can check out “Age Me” below.
You can follow RFR on Twitter and Instagram as reserved4rondee. Also check out their website for more info.
jillypopmusic 
One comment