Trapped In Static

Trapped In Static (TIS.) made their New York City debut in 2011 as an alternative rock/indie band featuring singer/guitarist Athan Hilaki (formerly of GAD.) and drummer David Torres. Athan's dynamically strong vocals feature a falsetto and a hint of raspy power that are often compared to vocal legends like Bono, Chris Cornell, Kurt Cobain, Eddie Vedder and Scott Stapp. David's drum rhythms take their influence from Kings Of Leon, Phoenix and Interpol. The core of the band is completed with Gina Rebelo on bass (formerly of Three Day Threshold) and influences from Bootsy Collins to John Paul Jones, creating the foundational surge for the listener to truly become part of the music. Using the depth of life experiences as inspiration for their lyrics, the band strive to connect with the listener through rock-and-roll infused messages of overcoming obstacles with a tinge of sorrow-filled hope. Guitar riffs, keyboards, string section, bass lines, drum rhythms and a strong emotionally-charged stage presence add to the radio-ready experience of TIS.

"We're all trying to escape the static that surrounds us," says Athan. "We all seem to be trapped in some way, and the theme of our music is to find ways to break free from the things that hold you back. I'm not just saying the lyrics, I'm feeling them."

Timeline / Highlights:
"Good Kids" and "Born Again", two new singles from the long anticipated new album were released in March 2018 - followed by an East Coast tour in NY, NJ, PA, MD. In February 2016, June 2016 headlining sold out shows at The Bitter End followed by The Studio at Webster Hall, July 2016, Top artist at WorldMusicStage.com. In 2015, headlining show in PA at the legendary World Cafe Live. In October 2014 the TV Movie "Preying For Mercy" was released featuring music written & performed by TIS. In June 2014, TIS. performed at the "Make Music Harvard Square" in Boston, MA. In April 2014, the band opened for "Wussy", performing at one of the best live venue's in NYC, The Studio At Webster Hall, followed by another show at MOVE Music Festival 2014 in Albany, NY. In May 2014, TIS. played a sold out show as headliners at "Bowery Electric" in NYC. In October 2013, TIS. was selected in the Top 3 artists for the 5th annual RAW Awards 2013. In May 2013, the band was the Top Artist of the Month at the online contest on ArtistSignal.com with over 48,000 votes, a worldwide contest that includes more than 1,000 artists, which led to the release of their first EP with title "On A Stage" (available on iTunes, Amazon etc.) and two live performances for the TV show NiteClub Ratings in NYC as well as K. Bobby's private fashion show in Hoboken, NJ. Other highlights in 2012 include live performances on WVIP 93.5 FM radio, Hellas FM, Nexus Radio as well as a live performance for the TV show "Minding Your Business" on the Manhattan Network Neighborhood and in 2011, TOP10 finalist for the Hometown Hero contest by Z100.