The 502s

{{short description|American indie folk band}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = The 502s | image = File:The 502s performing live at the Crest Theater in Delray Beach, florida in 2021.png | caption = The 502s performing live in 2021. * (left to right: Matthew Tonner, Eddie Isola, Sean Froehlich, Joe Capati, Nicholas Dallas) | origin = Maitland, Florida, United States | genre = {{flatlist| * Indie folk * folk rock * folk-pop * Americana * indie rock }} | years_active = 2015–present | website = {{URL|www.the502s.com}} | current_members = * Eddie Isola * Sean Froehlich * Joe Capati * Nick Melashenko * Graci Phillips | past_members = * Jonathan Ruiz * Jake Isola * Kaleigh LeBeau * Matthew Tonner }}

'''The 502s''' are an American indie folk band from Maitland, Florida formed by Eddie Isola.<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.naplesnews.com/story/life/2020/07/17/florida-indie-folk-band-502-s-play-fun-enjoyable-music/5413413002/|title=Music for the pandemic: Florida band The 502s plays music that makes you smile|first=Dave|last=Osborn|website=Naples News}}</ref><ref name="auto7">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cowboysindians.com/2018/05/song-premiere-the-502s-according-to-me/|title=Song Premiere: The 502s' "According to Me" - C&I Magazine|date=May 14, 2018|website=Cowboys and Indians Magazine}}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/502s-because-we-had-to-2579943645.html?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1?rebelltitem=1|title=The 502s Embrace the Sounds of Celebration with 'Because We Had To' (album premiere)|date=June 21, 2018|website=PopMatters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2018/06/28/bye-bye-blackstar-downtown-club-closes-its-doors|title=Bye bye Blackstar: Downtown Orlando club abruptly closes its doors|first=Thaddeus|last=McCollum|website=Orlando Weekly|access-date=2020-07-22|archive-date=2020-07-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722224402/https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2018/06/28/bye-bye-blackstar-downtown-club-closes-its-doors|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2020/02/25/dunk-your-cookies-at-rockin-robinson-in-the-milk-district-saturday-afternoon|title=Dunk your cookies at Rockin' Robinson in the Milk District Saturday afternoon|first=Samantha N.|last=Olson|website=Orlando Weekly|access-date=2020-07-22|archive-date=2020-09-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919215247/https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2020/02/25/dunk-your-cookies-at-rockin-robinson-in-the-milk-district-saturday-afternoon|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bsideguys.com/2018/09/25/the-502s/|title=Morning Commute: The 502s – "Olivia"|date=September 25, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Connolly">{{Cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/events/os-et-florida-music-conference-orlando-artists-bands-event-preview-20220622-cibz3jjzznavvcilces4fhn23m-story.html|title=Florida Music Conference brings aspiring artists, 'buzz bands,' industry to Orlando|first=Patrick|last=Connolly|website= Orlando Sentinel|date=22 June 2022 }}</ref> Their sound has been described as a "folk orchestra",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://musicmecca.org/nashville-nights-the-502s-and-oliver-hazard-deliver-indie-folk-pop-magic-at-the-basement-east/|title=Nashville Nights: The 502s Bring Florida Sunshine & Indie Folk-Pop Magic To The Basement East|first=Isabella|last=Ellis|website=Music Mecca|date=29 January 2023 }}</ref> and as a blend of roots, rock, and bluegrass.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aikenstandard.com/entertainment/music-shows-festivals-bringing-dynamite-musicians-to-csra-this-spring/article_0a624016-053a-11e8-b7a4-07cea16e9ce1.html|title=Music shows, festivals bringing 'dynamite' musicians to CSRA this spring|first=Christina|last=Cleveland|website=Aiken Standard|date=3 February 2018 }}</ref> The 502s' sound is often compared to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, The Avett Brothers, and Old Crow Medicine Show,<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://americana-uk.com/the-502s-what-to-do-listen|title=The 502s "What To Do" – Listen|first=Jonathan|last=Aird|date=April 17, 2018}}</ref> and the band is noted for their eclectic instrumental arrangements involving banjo, piano, and horns.<ref name="auto2">[https://player.fm/series/talkin-about-the-passion/ep-49-the-party-started-in-grandpas-living-room-w-the-502s]{{dead link|date=July 2020}}</ref> Their live show received praise for "rambunctious energy, stomping sounds... and charismatic personalities" by ''Cowboys & Indians''.<ref name="auto7"/> Initially consisting of Eddie Isola and his cousins with a rotating cast of musicians, the band's longest standing consistent lineup includes Joe Capati (saxophones), Sean Froehlich (drums and percussion), and Nicholas Melashenko (bass guitar), with their newest member, Graci Phillips (guitar), joining the band in 2023.<ref name="Newman">{{cite news|last=Newman|first=Becca|date=August 18, 2023|title= Beyond The Stage: The Triangle interviews The 502s|url=https://www.thetriangle.org/entertainment/beyond-the-stage-the-triangle-interviews-the-502s/}}</ref>

==History== ===Formation and early history (2015-2016)=== Influenced by bands such as The Head and the Heart and Bear's Den,<ref name="auto5"/> Ed Isola began writing songs in college with a $100 banjo and a guitar he borrowed from his roommate. After graduating and returning home, Ed recruited his cousins Jonathan Ruiz on guitar and vocals and Jacob Isola on bass.<ref name="auto2"/> The band's name was derived from the street number of Isola's childhood home address.<ref>{{cite news |last=Giles |first=Jessica |date=December 2, 2021 |title=Try Not to Smile When You Listen to The 502s |url=https://www.flamingomag.com/2021/12/02/try-not-to-smile-when-you-listen-to-the-502s/ |work=Flamingo |location=Ponte Vedra Beach, FL}}</ref>

Shortly after the band's inception in 2016, The 502s won a contest to perform at Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival, alongside Mumford and Sons, The Avett Brothers, and Kendrick Lamar, beating out over 800 contest entrants. Their performance at Okeechobee took place before the band had released any recorded material.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://orlandobands.wordpress.com/2016/08/13/introducing-the-502s/|title=Introducing: 'The 502s'|date=August 13, 2016}}</ref><ref name="auto5"/> The 502s released a self-titled EP in 2016. The release has been described as “a rousing debut that personifies the folk explosion from the past few years highlighted by booming stomps, upbeat tunes, and melodious gang vocals that ooze camaraderie.”<ref>[https://hillcountry.com/dc/music-calendar/single-event/1373727/502s-washington/]{{dead link|date=July 2020}}</ref>

The single “Olivia” was highlighted by local NPR radio station WMFE on their “Hold on to Summer” playlist<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wmfe.org/intersection-wmfes-hold-on-to-summer-playlist/77180|title=Intersection: WMFE's Hold On To Summer Playlist|first=Radio|last=Intern|date=August 25, 2017|website=90.7 WMFE}}</ref> and the band performed headlining slots at Florida Music Festival and Winter Garden Music Festival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bungalower.com/event/beemo-the-502s-at-florida-music-festival/|title=Beemo & the 502s at Florida Music Festival|website=bungalower}}</ref><ref>[http://wintergardenmusicfest.com/2016/09/28/%E2%80%8Bceltic-rock-crowd-favorite-off-kilter-returns-for-musicfest-2016/the-502s-2/]{{dead link|date=July 2020}}</ref> Also in 2016, The 502s were invited to perform at Communion Records' NYC showcase alongside up-and-coming artists Salt Cathedral, Overcoats, Ocean Park Standoff, Michael Daves, and Eric Slick.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/communion-music|title=12/06/2016: Communion Music @ Rockwood Music Hall | Concert Archives|website=www.concertarchives.org}}</ref>

==="Because We Had To" (2017-2019)===

In 2017 the band recruited Matthew Tonner, a childhood friend of the Isola family and a former member of Laney Jones' band, to produce their debut album ''Because We Had To''.<ref name="auto5"/><ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=http://floridamusicblog.com/florida-live-music-recap-march-2018/|title=Florida Live Music Recap - March 2018|first=Jen|last=McKinnon|date=April 7, 2018}}</ref> The album was recorded in thirty-six hours.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thealternateroot.com/1/post/2018/10/the-502s.html|title=the 502's|website=The Alternate Root - Discover Roots & Americana Music}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Tonner soon joined the band on piano and electric guitar, along with trumpeter Kaleigh LeBeau.<ref name="auto2"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://katcoffin.wordpress.com/2016/08/12/the-502s-are-throwing-an-ep-release-party/|title=The 502s are throwing an EP release party|first=Kat|last=Coffin|date=August 12, 2016}}</ref>

The lead single “What To Do” was released in March 2018<ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eartothegroundmusic.co/2018/04/09/an-uptempo-list-to-kick-off-the-week-lunchtime-playlist-april-9/|title=An uptempo list to kick off the week – Lunchtime Playlist April 9|date=April 9, 2018}}</ref><ref name="auto3"/> and received a positive review from No Depression, stating “they've got enough energy to take on the world.”<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://nodepression.com/album-review/premiere-502s-bring-party-what-do |title=PREMIERE: The 502s Bring the Party in "What to Do" | No Depression |access-date=2020-07-22 |archive-date=2019-01-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102132711/http://nodepression.com/album-review/premiere-502s-bring-party-what-do |url-status=dead }}</ref> The premiere was preceded by a live video featuring six members of the band and their instruments squeezed into Ed's grandfather's 6×10 laundry room.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://skopemag.com/2018/04/03/skope-news-for-april-3-2018-12-pm-est|title=SKOPE NEWS FOR APRIL 3, 2018 @ 12 PM EST|date=3 April 2018 }}</ref> The album has been described by WMNF as "a heartfelt invitation to good old-fashioned fun,"<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wmnf.org/wmnf_events/wmnf-2018-americana-fest/|title=WMNF's 2018 Americana Fest|website=WMNF|date=24 April 2018 }}</ref> and by PopMatters as “sounds of celebration ... an ebullient blend of boisterous Americana, featuring cheery singalong vocals and bubbly trumpet lines that could get anyone off of their feet.”<ref name="auto4"/>

In 2018, The 502s embarked on a tour of the US and Europe<ref name="auto5"/><ref name="auto6"/> and performed at festivals alongside Jason Isbell and Old Crow Medicine Show.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrdw.com/content/news/9th-Annual-Banjo-B-Que-Festival-lineup-announced-470106373.html|title=9th Annual Banjo-B-Que Festival lineup announced|website=WRDW|date=19 January 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/news/20180419/ramblin-rhodes-take-note-of-music-festivals-ahead|title=Ramblin' Rhodes: Take note of music festivals ahead|first=Don RhodesMusic|last=Columnist|website=The Augusta Chronicle}}</ref> The band also headlined WMNF's Americana Fest in Tampa, FL.<ref name="auto6"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cltampa.com/music/show-previews/article/21013293/wmnfs-americana-fest-taps-joshua-reilly-and-more-for-a-twangy-saturday-at-skippers-smokehouse-in-tampa|title=WMNF's Americana Fest taps Joshua Reilly and more for a twangy Saturday at Skipper's Smokehouse in Tampa|website=Creative Loafing: Tampa Bay}}</ref> In 2019, The 502s touring included performances at Americanafest in Nashville,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/07/18/see-full-list-nearly-300-acts-scheduled-americanafest-2019/1769699001/|title=150 acts added to 2019 AmericanaFest lineup in Nashville: See the complete list|first=Matthew|last=Leimkuehler|website=The Tennessean}}</ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20241130151023/https://do615.com/events/2019/9/12/to-11-30pm-americanafest-alanna-royale-the-scot-sax-soul-revue-the-dip-the-502s-peter-more-tickets</ref> recording a live session with Jam in the Van,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jaminthevan.com/band/the-502s/|title=The 502's|date=February 5, 2020|website=Jam in the Van}}</ref> and headlining Steppin' Out Festival in Blacksburg, Virginia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://roanoke.com/entertainment/music/travers-brothership-the-502s-set-to-headline-blacksburgs-steppin-out/article_f9134254-98fb-11e9-8fc1-13b04564c4c3.html|title=Travers Brothership, The 502s set to headline Blacksburg's Steppin' Out|first=Tad |last=Dickens|website=Roanoke Times|date=27 June 2019 }}</ref> Prior to Americanafest, The 502s solidified a new touring lineup featuring Joe Capati on horns, Sean Froehlich on drums, and Nick Melashenko on bass guitar. The European tour culminated with a gig in Whelans bar in Dublin, during which time the band had their greatest European show.

==="Could It Get Better Than This" (2020-2022)=== In a local news interview, Isola and Tonner stated that the band's second album would be released in 2021<ref name="auto5"/> and would be called ''Could It Get Better Than This''. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the 502s created an online experience called Camp Feels Good, to allow their fans to listen to the album and access exclusive behind the scenes content ahead of its release.<ref name="glidemagazine.com">{{Cite web|url=https://glidemagazine.com/253498/listen-the-502s-keep-it-crafty-positive-on-alt-pop-sing-along-i-keep-rolling/|title=LISTEN: THE 502S KEEP IT CRAFTY & POSITIVE ON ALT POP SING-ALONG "I KEEP ROLLING"|date=February 11, 2021}}</ref><ref name="broadwayworld.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/The-502s-Release-New-Single-Leading-Lady-20210326|title=LISTEN: The 502s Release New Single 'Leading Lady'|date=March 26, 2021}}</ref>

In November 2020, a video of The 502s performing a new song "Magdalene" was posted to the band's TikTok account and received over 1 Million views in two days.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2020/12/01/orlando-tiktok-sensations-the-502s-play-the-plaza-lives-front-porch-concert-series-on-thursday|title=Orlando TikTok sensations the 502s play the Plaza Live's Front Porch Concert Series on Thursday|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=December 1, 2020|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201172512/https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2020/12/01/orlando-tiktok-sensations-the-502s-play-the-plaza-lives-front-porch-concert-series-on-thursday|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://wusc.sc.edu/interview-joe-capati-of-the-502s/|title=Interview: Joe Capati of The 502s!|access-date=January 11, 2023|archive-date=January 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111021814/https://wusc.sc.edu/interview-joe-capati-of-the-502s/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The "Magdalene" video also featured the return of Jake Isola to the band as acoustic guitarist.

In February 2021, Glide Magazine premiered the first single from the album, along with a music video directed by Tonner, for the song "I Keep Rolling".<ref name="glidemagazine.com"/> The album's second single “Leading Lady” premiered in March 2021 on The Bluegrass Situation.<ref name="LISTEN: THE 502S, LEADING LADY">{{Cite web|url=https://thebluegrasssituation.com/read/listen-the-502s-leading-lady/|title=LISTEN: THE 502S, "LEADING LADY"|date=March 24, 2021}}</ref>

''Could It Get Better Than This'' was released on October 15, 2021 and promoted with a US release tour. The album received critical acclaim and over one million streams in its first week of release.<ref name="LISTEN: THE 502S, LEADING LADY"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2020/12/01/orlando-tiktok-sensations-the-502s-play-the-plaza-lives-front-porch-concert-series-on-thursday|title=Orlando TikTok sensations the 502s play the Plaza Live's Front Porch Concert Series on Thursday|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=December 1, 2020|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201172512/https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2020/12/01/orlando-tiktok-sensations-the-502s-play-the-plaza-lives-front-porch-concert-series-on-thursday|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="broadwayworld.com"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cltampa.com/music/fast-rising-feel-good-florida-indie-pop-group-the-502s-plays-ybor-city-tonight-13029656|title=Fast rising feel-good Florida indie-pop group The 502s plays Ybor City tonight|date=March 10, 2022}}</ref>

In late 2021, The 502s' song "Just A Little While" became a viral TikTok trend, resulting in over 10 Million streams from December 2021 to January 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://symphonic.com/the-502s-case-study/|date=May 24, 2022|title=The 502s Case Study }}</ref> Also in January 2022, The 502s charted on the Irish Singles Chart Top 50 for the first time with "Just A Little While" debuting at #29.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/gayle-flies-into-number-1-with-abcdefu-on-the-irish-singles-chart__34914/|date=January 7, 2022|title=Gayle flies into Irish Number 1 with abcdefu |website=Official Charts }}</ref> The song ultimately charted on Billboard's Hot Rock and Alternative Charts, as well as the #3 spot on Spotify's Top Viral 50.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecurrent.org/events/20230214-the-502s|date=February 14, 2023|title=The 502s|website=The Current}}</ref>

In the wake of their viral songs, The 502s embarked on successful tours of the United States and Europe in 2022, including their first ever set at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, a headlining set at the Florida Music Conference in their hometown of Orlando,<ref name="Connolly"/> and the grand opening of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts' Steinmetz Hall.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://symphony.org/orlando-philharmonic-set-for-jan-14-debut-at-new-steinmetz-hall-with-multiple-communi-ty-partners/|date=December 21, 2021|title=Orlando Philharmonic set for Jan. 14 debut at new Steinmetz Hall, with multiple community partners|website=Symphony.org}}</ref> In 2023, The 502s were added to the lineup of the Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival, returning to festival whose 2016 edition featured the band's first ever live gig.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandoweekly.com/music/okeechobee-music-festival-to-return-in-a-big-way-in-2023-32508923|title=Okeechobee Music Festival to return in a big way in 2023|website=OrlandoWeekly.com}}</ref>

==="Just Another EP", "Stories to Tell" and "Pure Serotonin" (2022-2023)=== The band released their single, "Hey Julia" in June 2022<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.themudmag.com/post/the-502s-band-bonnaroo-european-tour-music|date=June 24, 2022|title=How Could It Get Better? For the 502s, It Can. }}</ref> as the lead-off to ''Just Another EP''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thescenestar.typepad.com/ss/2023/01/contest-the-502s-at-the-troubadour.html|date=February 3, 2023|title=The 502s at the Troubadour|website=The Scenestar}}</ref> In 2023, The 502s embarked on the "Fresh Squeezed Happiness" tour across the United States,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nysmusic.com/2023/02/27/the-502s-new-york-city-happiness-resurgence-at-bowery-ballroom/|title=The 502s' New York City Happiness Resurgence: At Bowery Ballroom|website=NYS Music|date=27 February 2023 }}</ref> coinciding with the release of new songs "Backstage in Glasgow", "Inside Joke" and more from a second EP titled ''Stories to Tell''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gratefulweb.com/articles/502s-oliver-hazard-bowery-ballroom-22223|title=The 502s + Oliver Hazard at Bowery Ballroom|website=Grateful Web}}</ref>

That summer, The 502s released their third EP in a year, titled ''Pure Serotonin'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://discoverymusicscotland.com/gig-review-the-502s-swg3/|title=Gig Review: The 502s @ SWG3|website=Discovery Music|date=30 November 2023 }}</ref> coinciding with their performance at Lollapalooza. The 502s also announced a forthcoming new full album and tour in 2024. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimryan1/2023/08/29/the-502s-on-authenticity-independent-release-and-playing-the-long-game/?sh=4b4b1537488e|title= The 502s On Authenticity, Independent Release And Playing The Long Game|first=Jim|last=Ryan|website=Forbes}}</ref>

Graci Phillips joined the band as acoustic guitarist after The 502s' performance at Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia.<ref name="Newman"/> The 502s closed out 2023 with performances at BottleRock Napa Valley, Moon River Festival, Borderlands Festival, and a headlining tour of UK and the EU.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.totalntertainment.com/music/the-502s-are-heading-out-on-tour-in-november-2023/|title=The 502s are heading out on tour in November 2023 |first=Jo|last=Forrest|date=September 29, 2023|website=TotalNtertainment.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotpress.com/pics-vids/the-502s-at-cyprus-avenue-photos-22997371|title=The 502s at Cyprus Avenue (Photos)|website=HotPress.com}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url=https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/borderland-festival-9-15-16-17-2023/|title=Borderland Festival Straddles Stylistic Boundaries With Classic TAB, Goose, Dawes, More |first=Michael|last=Broerman|date=September 20, 2023|website=LiveForLiveMusic.com}}</ref>

===Self-Titled Album & Great American Road Trip Tour (2024)=== On April 12, 2024 the band released their self-titled, third full-length album,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.varsity.co.uk/music/26772|title=The 502s on how to start a TikTok trend|first=Alexander|last=Brian|website=Varsity}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://huntnewsnu.com/78239/lifestyle/entertainment/vibing-with-the-happiest-band-on-earth-the-502s-rock-the-house-of-blues/|title=Vibing with the happiest band on Earth: The 502s rock the House of Blues|first=Sofia|last=Sawchuck|website=The Huntington News|date=11 May 2024 }}</ref> and embarked on a North American tour across 26 cities, produced by Live Nation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livenationentertainment.com/2024/01/the-502s-announce-great-american-road-trip-tour/|title=THE 502S ANNOUNCE GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP TOUR|website=LiveNationEntertainment.com|date=18 January 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ticketnews.com/2024/01/the-502s-announce-the-great-american-road-trip-tour/|title=The 502s Announce the Great American Road Trip Tour |website=TicketNews.com|date=19 January 2024 }}</ref> During the tour, the band performed a unique improvised setlist each night, pulling from their catalog of over 50 songs.<ref name="Miller">{{cite web|url=https://yellowscene.com/2024/12/04/an-interview-with-the-happiest-band-on-earth-the-502s/|website=Yellow Scene Magazine|first=Jamie|last=Miller|title=An Interview with the "Happiest Band on Earth" – The 502s}}</ref>

Coinciding with the announcement of the Great American Road Trip Tour, Westword hailed The 502s as "one of the best live bands of their generation."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.westword.com/event/the-502s-great-american-road-trip-18918860|title=THE 502S: GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP|website=Westword.com}}</ref>

The 502s ended 2024 with a headlining tour of Europe <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iowapublicradio.org/studioone/news/2024-11-21/the-502s-bring-beach-folk-to-des-moines|website=Iowa Public Radio|title=The 502s bring beach folk to Des Moines|first=Cece|last=Mitchell}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thebristolgigguide.com/review-the-502s-trinity-centre-november-21st/|website=The Bristol Gig Guide|title=Review – The 502s, Trinity Centre, November 21st|first=Darren|last=Clarke}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thirteenthemag.com/the-502s-in-manchester|website=Thirteen the Mag|title=The 502s in Manchester}}</ref> and their first tour of Australia,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.livenation.asia/news/the-502s-announce-the-great-australian-road-trip-tour-this-december|title=The 502s Announce The Great Australian Road Trip Tour This December|website=LiveNation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://scenestr.com.au/music/the-502s-australia-2024-tour-20240627|website=Scenestr.com|title=The 502s Australia 2024 Tour}}</ref> as well as releasing their first live album, ''The 502s Live, 2024.'' <ref name="Miller"/>

==Members== ===Current members=== * Ed Isola – lead vocals, banjo (2016–present) * Sean Froehlich – drums (2018–present) * Joe Capati – horns, backing vocals (2018–present) * Nicholas Dallas – bass, backing vocals (2018–present) * Graci Phillips – guitar, backing vocals (2023–present) ===Former members=== * Jonathan Ruiz – guitar, backing vocals (2016–2019) * Jake Isola – bass (2016–2018), guitar (2021–2023) * Kaleigh LeBeau – horns (2016–2018) * Tristan Smith – drums (2017–2018) * Luke Wagner – guitar (2019–2020) * Matthew Tonner – keyboards, backing vocals (2016–2025), guitar (2020–2025)

===Timeline=== {{#tag:timeline| ImageSize = width:700 height:auto barincrement:22 PlotArea = left:90 bottom:100 top:10 right:10 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy Period = from:01/01/2016 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}} TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3 ScaleMajor = increment:1 start:2016

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==Discography== ===Studio albums=== * ''Because We Had To'' (2018) * ''Could It Get Better Than This'' (2021) * ''The 502s'' (2024) * ''Easy Street'' (2025)

===EPs=== * ''The 502s EP'' (2016) * ''Just Another EP'' (2022) * ''Stories To Tell'' (2023) * ''Pure Serotonin'' (2023)

===Live album=== * ''The 502s Live, 2024'' (2024)

== References == {{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:502s}} Category:American folk music groups Category:Folk rock groups from Florida Category:Indie rock musical groups from Florida Category:Musicians from Orlando, Florida Category:Musical groups from Orlando, Florida Category:Musical groups established in 2015 Category:American indie folk groups Category:2015 establishments in Florida Category:American musical sextets