The 502s


The 502s are an American indie folk band from Maitland, Florida formed by Ed Isola.
Their music has been described as a blend of roots, rock and bluegrass. The 502s’ sound is often compared to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, The Avett Brothers, and Old Crow Medicine Show and the band is noted for their eclectic instrumental arrangements involving banjo, piano, and horns.
Their debut album “Because We Had To” has been described by PopMatters.com as Sounds of celebration... an ebullient blend of boisterous Americana, featuring cheery singalong vocals and bubbly trumpet lines that could get anyone off of their feet” while their live show received praise for “rambunctious energy, stomping sounds.. and charismatic personalities” by Cowboys and Indians

Formation and Early History

Influenced by bands such as The Head and the Heart and Bear's Den, Ed Isola began writing songs in college with a $100 banjo and a guitar he borrowed from his roommate. After graduating and returning home, Ed recruited his cousins Jonathan Ruiz on guitar and vocals and Jacob Isola on bass.
Shortly after the band's inception in 2015, The 502s won a contest to perform at Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival, alongside Mumford and Sons, The Avett Brothers, and Kendrick Lamar, beating out over 800 contest entrants. Their performance at Okeechobee took place before the band had released any recorded material.
The 502s released a self-titled EP in 2016. The release has been described as “a rousing debut that personifies the folk explosion from the past few years highlighted by booming stomps, upbeat tunes, and melodious gang vocals that ooze camaraderie.”
The single “Olivia” was highlighted by local NPR radio station WMFE on their “Hold on to Summer” playlist and the band performed headlining slots at Florida Music Festival and Winter Garden Music Festival. Also in 2016, The 502s were invited to perform at Communion Reocrds’ NYC showcase alongside up-and-coming artists Salt Cathedral, Overcoats, Ocean Park Standoff, Michael Daves, and Eric Slick.

Debut Album and International Touring

In 2017 the band recruited Matthew Tonner, a childhood friend of the Isola family and a former member of Laney Jones’ band, to produce their debut album Because We Had To.
The album was recorded in thirty-six hours.
Tonner soon joined the band on piano and electric guitar, along with trumpeter Kaleigh LeBeau.
The lead single “What To Do” was released in March 2018 and received a positive review from No Depression, stating “they’ve got enough energy to take on the world” The premiere was preceded by a live video featuring six members of the band and their instruments squeezed into Ed's grandfather's 6×10 laundry room.
The album has been described by WMNF as “a heartfelt invitation to good old-fashioned fun.
In 2018 The 502s embarked on a tour of the US and Europe and performed at festivals alongside Jason Isbell and Old Crow Medicine Show. The band also headlined WMNF's Americana Fest in Tampa, FL.
In 2019, The 502s touring included performs at Americanafest in Nashville, recording a live session with Jam in the Van, and headlining Steppin Out Festival in Virginia. Prior to Americanafest, The 502s' solidified a new touring lineup featuring Joe Capati on horns, Sean Froehlich on Drums, Nick Melashenko on Bass, and Luke Wagner on acoustic guitar. Isola and Tonner have stated that the band's next album will be released by 2021.