Midnight Vine began as nothing more than a few guys jamming on occasional weekends. Through the years it has developed into an institution within the Denver music scene, and the future looks brighter than ever.
Singer/songwriter/guitarist Ryan Fitzgerald met original drummer Jonny Feiten at Regis Jesuit High School, and they began jamming sporadically through the summers. A few impromptu sessions later, Jonny invited his friend and saxophonist Scott Erickson. The three meshed and instantly created a sound. They had a few small gigs before the trio graduated high school and moved on to colleges across the nation.
In the summer of 2007, Ryan felt the music calling once again. He brought the trio back together to record an album, and enlisted the help of violist Nash Brodsky. Midnight Vine was born. The band played more consistent gigs, and the fiery passion grew. The album that ensued was called “Someday”, and the title track was chosen to be a part of a national compilation of acoustic bands.
In the summer of 2008, Midnight Vine again entered the recording studio. They produced a 5 song EP called, “Symphony of the Wall”. This short record showed not only the leaps and bounds through which the band had progressed, but also the enormous potential within. Ryan showed a new songwriting style within his developing talent that could be soulful, compelling, and upbeat rock simultaneously. Scott displayed his arranging abilities on the title track, which included a short orchestral interlude. The first track on the EP, “My Way Out”, was played consistently for several months on 101.5 FM, Denver’s Alternative Independent.
Throughout 2009, the band continued to grow musically. They began consistently headlining the clubs in Denver, played festivals, and even opened for Gin Blossoms. With encouragement to continue moving forward, they auditioned several bass players, and even briefly recruited Tim Sauer on keyboard.
By the end of 2009, Midnight Vine had found its rhythm in a new drummer, Brian Estep. Tim Sauer was no longer playing for the band, and the group still had no permanent bass player. In early 2010, Scott Knoll came along to hold down the groove on the bass. The band began discussions with several producers from New York City and the east coast. Scott Erickson began doubling on keyboard and backup vocals. Nash left the group, and the band redefined its now trademark sound with Scott, Scott, Ryan, and Brian.
The band is again in the studio making a record to be released in late 2010 or early 2011.
