Pan Arcadia is a hard name to miss in NYC’s downtown music circuit. Childhood friends from the city, the quintet have a propensity for delivering high-energy performances and throwing parties at abandoned churches, parks and their HQ ‘The Shack.’ With multiple sold-out shows at the Bowery Ballroom, Baby’s All Right and Mercury Lounge, as well as a spotlight on Spin Magazine’s Podcast, the group has earned its hometown cred.
“My favorite new band in New York” - Rolling Stone senior editor David Fricke
“Pan Arcadia have created their own conception of paradise and I never want to leave.” - Clash Magazine
“One of my top 5 bands in the city right now” - Ryan Gentles
“A phenomenal band you should pay attention to” - José Galván (KCRW)
“ Pan Arcadia is the sound of New York Rising ★★★★” - Mojo Magazine
Music Discovery Pick - WFUV
On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, PA’s members filed into the DR2 Theatre east of Union Square. Having just finished their debut album, they were excited to attend a one-man play written and performed by bassist Henry’s father, Douglas McGrath. The title, Everything’s Fine, was in reference to a phrase Henry’s grandfather would say to Doug during turbulent times. “I hope people will come away knowing that if they are in trouble… they don’t have to carry it all alone,” Doug said. “Open up to a loved one or friend or counselor. Getting help is not the act of a weak person, but is a sign of common sense, strength and self-respect.”
After the play, Doug congratulated the band on completing their LP, expressed his excitement for a stew that was waiting in his fridge and hailed a taxi home. Less than a day later, Doug was gone – the victim of a sudden heart attack.
Upcoming Album:
Pan Arcadia’s sophomore LP, out on October 10th, is titled Everything’s Fine in commemoration of Doug. During the two years the band spent crafting the 12-song collection they lost seven more friends and loved ones – some from old age, some from sickness, one in a plane crash and another in the New Orleans NYE attack. Throughout the process of coping and creating, the message he imparted via the play guided them to support one another and produce artistic expressions that are both introspective and joyous, even in times of hardship.
While paying homage to NYC guitar bands like The Ramones and The Strokes, Pan Arcadia builds on these influences by incorporating elements of boom-bap, ragtime, synth-pop and orchestral music.
