Presenting the Winner of NYS Music’s March Madness 2023….

Seize Atlantis! This Glens Falls local band with a grungey soft rock sound prevailed over Hudson Valley’s respectable rock outfit MAINLINE, and takes home the gold for NYS Music’s March Madness 2023.

Seize Atlantis began as a jamming project in 2018, with a rotating cast of members and a different name. But eventually, only Mike Dardas (bass/backing vocals), Cody Platt (drums), and James Mullen (lead vocals/guitar) remained, and they decided to form a tight-knit trio. Meanwhile, Luc Bourgault had been playing with Cody and James in high school, and he eventually joined the group as lead guitarist.

After playing a few shows together, the pandemic hit, and the band took a seven-month hiatus. During this time, they decided to rebrand themselves as the Seize Atlantis we know and love today, reflecting their new creative direction and revitalized energy. Since returning to the stage in May 2021, Seize Atlantis has been performing regularly and writing new music.

Their debut EP was released last summer, with another one on the horizon. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, they’ve built up a loyal fanbase and earned the support of local venues throughout the Capital Region and North Country. With their unique sound and passion for music, Seize Atlantis is a band to watch in the coming years.

According to the band members themselves, their musical journeys began in different ways. Cody’s parents “mistakenly” bought him a drum kit, and he fell in love with it from there. Mike picked up the bass guitar for the first time when a friend needed a bassist for their middle school band. Luc’s interest in guitar started with the Guitar Hero craze, and he quickly discovered his talent for picking out melodies by ear. James was influenced heavily by bands like U2 and Pink Floyd from a young age, and his passion for writing lyrics started at the age of 15.

For all of them, music has been a driving force in their lives, and performing and creating has become an integral part of who they are. This deep passion for music truly bleeds through in their tunes, since, as James puts it, “this is what keeps us sane!”

Seize Atlantis has big plans for the upcoming summer months. They’re set to release their highly anticipated second EP, Ruins Rebuilt, in June, they already have a number of dates lined up to celebrate the occasion.

Fans can expect an EP release party, as well as a performance at GEM Fest 2023 in Glens Falls on July 22nd. But Seize Atlantis is not content to rest on their laurels. As a completely DIY and independent operation, they handle everything from management and booking to designing and selling merch, as well as recording, mixing, and mastering all of their original material. The band is always striving to grow and evolve in every aspect of being an indie band, and they’re committed to taking the next step in their journey.

As Seize Atlantis gears up to release their second EP, Ruins Rebuilt, the band is excited to showcase their new collaborative approach to songwriting. In contrast to their previous release, which was a concept album with a social commentary theme, these new songs delve into more personal and introspective themes. The band describes the creative process for this EP as a true team effort, with each member contributing to the unique dynamic and sound of each song. They can’t wait to share this new direction with their fans and see how they react to the EP as a whole.

Stay tuned to Seize Atlantis on socials to be up to date on any upcoming shows, like their performance at 42 Degrees Tavern on Apr 15 in Glens Falls. You can also catch them at Eldorado Bar in Troy, where they’ll be playing with Black Tongue Reverend and Shadow Witch, on Saturday, April 22, and at Mean Max Brew Works in Glens Falls on May 5

Congratulations Seize Atlantis, NYS Music’s 2023 March Madness Winner!

For the past 8 years, this annual competition has been shining a spotlight on the talented artists and musicians from across the Empire State. This year’s competition is the biggest and best yet, with a lineup of diverse genres and highly skilled performers. March Madness 2023 highlights 64 bands and artists you might not know, but should know, as these homegrown talents are making waves through the New York State. Review each round below.

Round One

Round Two

Sweet 16

Elite 8

Final 4

FinalsSeize Atlantis vs. Mainline

Seize Atlantis joins previous NYS Music March Madness winners include HANZOLO (2022), Organ Fairchild (2021), Black Mountain Symphony (2018), Root SHOCK (2017), Sprocket (2016) and Lucid (2014).

March Madness 2022

Our sincere thanks to the sponsors of NYS Music March Madness 2023 – Mirth Films, Funk n Waffles, Scarsdale Music Festival, WEQX 102.7, Yard Amphitheater, Jane Dough, and The Strand Theatre Hudson Falls.

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