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Photo by Daniel Chaney

The Florida sun is shining beyond state lines as folk band The 502s, take beach tunes worldwide.

Ed Isola, the lead singer and banjo player of the five-member band, says the group formed naturally by bringing together friends, family, and their instruments to create what he calls the “happiest band on earth.”

“We met friends of friends in the community and then once the right fit showed up, [it] kind of stuck. Most of us have been playing in the band since 2017 or so,” Isola said.

The group surrounding Isola includes saxophonist Joe Capati, guitarist Graci Phillips, drummer Sean Froehlich, and Nick Melashenko on bass and vocals.

The band has released multiple albums and countless singles. The 502s put out their fourth album, Easy Street, in September of last year. Among its 13 tracks—each capturing the feeling of sun on your skin and salty air—”Your Nonsense Makes Sense” stands out. The track continues to gain momentum, earning global recognition on social media platforms and strong streaming numbers to match.

“When we wrote [“Your Nonsense Makes Sense”], I was kind of like this is our favorite song in the band. Our sax player, Joe, really loved it,” he explains.

The inspiration behind the tune is embracing the peculiar parts within everyone—not only serving as a melody for those who showcase their quirks, but also as inspiration for those who are afraid to let loose at times.

“I think everybody is a little bit weird in their own regards… in a good way,” Ed said. “I think that embracing that is something that has been a huge positive when people have listened to the song.”

They are no stranger to making waves on social media or topping charts. “Just A Little While” has fueled summers and has been played over 120 million times on Spotify since its release in 2021—often serving as the backdrop for looking back on favorite memories and soaking in all that life has to offer.

Ed Isola’s journey to the stage started the way many people experience their favorite music—by attending a concert. When he went to his first Mumford & Sons concert, he knew his footprints in the sand would lead him behind the microphone.

“I was like, man, I really like the music, but going to their concerts, I really liked the communal atmosphere…That's what inspired me to learn the banjo, and that obviously has shaped some of the ways I approach the show and the energy around the show.”

Often compared to his musical inspiration, Mumford & Sons, Ed, alongside bandmates Joe, Nick, Sean, and Gracie, has made a name for the group. They have also created an environment for fans by embracing the title “The Happiest Band on Earth.” That title is not taken for granted, as the group ensures every show transports listeners beachside.

“Obviously I have my heartbreak playlist and my sad playlist and my nostalgia playlist,” he says. “But, for our show, we really have a good time going out and like jumping around the stage and playing upbeat songs. I think because we like that part of it so much, that tends to influence the types of songs we write.”

Now surrounded by four of his best friends, each night is a living dream for the band, as they hope to take on even bigger stages while their career continues to head for the stars. 

“Red Rocks is obviously high on everyone's list, but it is crazy to think that before this band existed, I'd never been to Europe or the UK before. Now I think we've gone almost every year for the last 6 years.’

So for now, it’s about living in the moment and paying attention to the waves before they hit the shore—taking in the view with excitement for what lies ahead as it settles.

“Personally, I'm kind of in a place of really trying to just slow down and enjoy everything that happens because it's been really easy to get caught up in it and then just be like, what's next? We get to do what we love with people that we love, so we really try to focus on that.”

So grab your bottle of sunscreen, a beach towel, and sunglasses to set the scene for a summer fueled by a soundtrack straight from The 502s.

And if you’re lucky… you may have the opportunity to see your playlist up close.

Click here to view future tour dates for the group packing Florida sun for a trip across the globe.

Listen to Easy Street below: