The Vindys, one of Ohio’s favorite bands, released their critically acclaimed album Bugs in 2021. The music video for the album’s title track “Bugs,” watch it HERE, was selected as one of eight music videos that will be shown at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival in the SHORTS: BATS**T CRAZY line-up alongside videos from Lizzo and The Black Keys among others. Screenings are June 9 at 8:15pm at the Angelika, June 14 and 17 at AMC 19th St. East 6 at 9:15pm. Tickets are on sale on May 2.
The song, with mesmerizing and hypnotic beat, was mixed by Ryan West (Rihanna, Eminem, Jay-Z). Metaphorically “Bugs” is about the things that keep singer Jackie Popovec awake at night, but the video, which was directed by Peter-John Campbell of Claymore Pictures and filmed at a private home in Canfield, OH, was inspired by her real-life experience of finding 10,000 yellow jackets behind the walls in the ceiling of her bedroom. They took this literal story and made an inception-like dream within a dream music video where Popovec falls asleep and wakes up to insects (The Vindys band members) disturbing her. The video follows a spiraling wonderland into several scenes before waking up and realizing it was all a dream. "The band and I were completely shocked when the ‘Bugs’ music video came out,” says Popovec. “Everything about the video screamed cinematic and creative and we could not be more honored as a small band from Youngstown, Ohio to be acknowledged by the Tribeca Film community!"
Bugs was released in 2021 and was named Album of The Year by The Repository saying it’s “… a record showcasing a maturing, versatile band whose musical palette encompasses everything from gritty classic rock to vintage jazz to refined pop.” Cleveland Magazine says “With a propulsive, soulful feel that reminds us of the Black Keys, this Youngstown band’s catchy rock tunes make us want to dance, whether we’re in a grimy dive bar or a field in Lake County.” WKSU (NPR) called it “…a 10-track rock ‘n’ roll triumph that fuses the group’s vintage jazz aesthetic with a more straightforward blues-rock sound.” Ear To The Ground says “…The Vindys are one of the tightest and talented acts on the national stage. The rockers have long produced soulful and exquisite tracks, but with their latest album, they prove to be a magnetic force of sonic mastery.”
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L/R: Rick Deak, Jackie Popovec, John Anthony
Photo Credit: Cusano Photography
The Youngstown, OH band is led by powerhouse singer / songwriter / guitarist, Jackie Popovec who The Repository says “…uncannily evokes Amy Winehouse on the more retro songs while going full-tilt rock ‘n’ roll on the harder, moodier numbers.” Rounding out the band is John Anthony on lead guitar and Rick Deak on rhythm guitar. All are classically trained musicians who combine their skills, Popovec as the primary songwriter, and arrangements by the band, resulting in a depth and maturity in their music that is intricate, yet relatable.
The Vindys released a series of singles ahead of their album including the title track “Bugs.” Other tracks include the tempting groove of “Want Your Heart,” the sweltering ballad “Morning Light,” and the anthemic “Are You Ready,” which was prominently featured as part of the Pittsburgh Pirates and AT&T Sports Net “Friday Night Rocks” campaign that showcased local band during Pirates broadcasts. The experience exposed the band to countless fans and have seen their Tri-State area fanbase grow tremendously.
The Vindys will be playing New York at Arlene’s Grocery on June 23.
The Vindys have been on the road playing key dates and headline shows including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco as well as playing to over 3,00 people in Carson City, NV. They also headlined Stage 3 at Wonderstruck Music Festival alongside Portugal.The Man, Walk The Moon, AJR, and more. They’ve played Women Who Rock, Winnetka Music Festival, Three Rivers Arts Festival, WonderRoad Music Festival alongside Vampire Weekend, Bastille, Lord Huron, and more. In 2019, The Vindys played Summerfest where they won the first day of the Emerging Artist Series selected by voters on Twitter. Additionally, The Vindys have shared the stage with The Drive-By Truckers, Judah & the Lion, Hunter Hayes, Reeve Carney, and more.
