Local Band Wins Chicago Band of the Year

A Plainfield-based band was named Chicago Band of the Year at the Chicago Nightlife Awards June 7.

Marina City was up against just about every other Chicago-area band, but took home the top prize.

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“We were happy just to be nominated as one of the bands. Attending this ceremony was very fun and made it even better that we won Band of the Year,” bassist Aaron Heiy said.

The award is just the latest bit of good news for the band, which is scheduled to tour this summer with Sleep In It and Trophy Wives. In July, the band will play the Vans Warped Tour and in September it will play Riot Fest.

“Hopefully there will be some writing in the process as well,” vocalist and keys player Matt Gaudiano said.

Dummer Eric Somers-Urrea said winning the award came as a total shock.

“The Chicago music scene is so strong and we were nominated alongside so many fantastic bands we didn't think we had a shot at all. It was an honor just to be nominated in itself. Now we're even more humbled and grateful to have won,” Somers-Urrea said.

The award comes as a point of validation for the band members, who have been told to get real jobs, write different music and dress differently.

“We never stopped believing in ourselves and our music. This award proves that you can accomplish your dreams by staying true to who you are and believing in yourself,” lead vocalist Ryan Argast said.

Marina City is made up of lead guitarist Todor Birindjiev, bassist Aaron Heiy, lead vocalist Ryan Argast, keys and vocalist Matt Gaudiano, drummer Eric Somers-Urrea and guitarist and vocalist Brian Johnson.