From Bubblegum to Sky

From Bubblegum to Sky's debut record, Me and Amy and the Two French Boys, was gloriously accepted as the shimmering and melodic pop illumination that it was. Combining loves for American pop with Japanese kitsch, Bowie and the Beatles with Pink Lady, From Bubblegum to Sky released an album full of "serene sonic textures" and a "sparkling, distinctive pop aesthetic."

Mario Hernandez is From Bubblegum to Sky. It's a solo thing with a band-like moniker. "I chose the name From Bubblegum to Sky, because I didn't want it to be like a "Mario Hernandez" thing. It would feel odd for me to see my name on a record like that. I feel like it's a band, even though it's just me. The things that people are doing to me, or I'm doing to them, or whatever experiences I'm having -- that's the band. I couldn't write without those experiences and in a way that's what a band member does." Nothing Sadder Than Lonely Queen is builds upon the groundwork laid down by Me and Amy and the Two French Boys. Whether it's the soulfully refreshing nature of "The Gurls & Shoo Be Doo Wop" or the New Wave textures.

The latest project takes more of a DIY free-form. Mario says, “ This record is much more inspired – less obvious indie pop, more organic and drunk. Almost cathartic where the songs flow out naturally. I just write songs whatever that means. It’s an outlet and easily my favorite record. I needed to prove to myself that I can do everything without having to plan to do everything. This was the least stressful, easiest recording process. I was pulling from the interpretations of the players on some things while adding structure where I thought structure needed to be. The songs edited themselves.” “My Je M’apelle” features an effect created by a power surge which made a zap on the record that could not be removed. When additional takes were attempted to redo the track, it sounded like he was trying to cover his own song. Mario was able to make a copy on a cassette tape which ended up being used for the master.

“A Soft Kill” brings to mind the concept of the vices people use to kill themselves slowly. Not a murder, but a soft kill. His recent move to NYC following recording effected the record first by forcing him to buckle down and finish it, but later proved to recharge his interest in music. There were thoughts that this was to be the last From Bubblegum to Sky effort, but the new city and new interests breathed new life into the songs. Touring is possible now, re-locating bandmembers and the less expansive east coast lends itself to easy access for a live show to blossom.

From the earlier offerings which proved his indie pop chops and gained him the necessary cred to the latest development expounding on how those things now come naturally, it’s obvious there’s much more to come. From Bubblegum to Sky have proved beyond a doubt that the sky’s the limit.



Band Members:
Frank Jordan: bass and vocals
Bill Evans: keyboards and vocals
Mario Hernandez: Vocals and guitar
Steve LeFollotte: keyboards and bass


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