The 502s

The 502s are an American indie folk band from Maitland, Florida formed by Eddie Isola. Their sound has been described as a "folk orchestra", and as a blend of roots, rock, and bluegrass. The 502s refer to themselves as "the happiest band on Earth." The band's music is often compared to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, The Avett Brothers, and Old Crow Medicine Show, and the band is noted for their eclectic instrumental arrangements involving banjo, piano, and horns. Their live show received praise for "rambunctious energy, stomping sounds... and charismatic personalities" by Cowboys & Indians. 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. Influenced by bands such as The Head and the Heart and Bear's Den, 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. The band's name was derived from the street number of Isola's childhood home address. 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.