The 502s

Born in Maitland, in the Orlando area of Florida, The 502s emerged in the mid-2010s with a songwriting approach situated between indie folk, folk-pop, americana and alternative pop. The 502s’ music relies on vocal harmonies, choral choruses and an acoustic blend featuring banjo, mandolin, piano, brass and percussion, presented in a band format that emphasizes collective drive. Onstage as well as in the studio, The 502s craft a bright, rhythmic sound nourished by American folk tradition and a contemporary pop sensibility, with touches of country and bluegrass without being limited to them. After several early releases in the late 2010s, the group released the album Because We Had To in 2020 and Could It Get Better Than This? in 2023 — two records that continue this aesthetic of choral songs, upbeat tempos and personal storytelling. In the early 2020s, tracks like "Just a Little While" helped broaden their audience, while The 502s continued to play club and festival stages across the United States.