Genre-blending and bending New York City-based collective VRSTY (pronounced “Varsity”) — Joey Tyler [vocals], Javy Dorrejo [bass], Chris Cody [drums], and Paul Gregory [guitar] — have released their new album, Levitate on October 27th via Spinefarm.  

The band just dropped a music video for the latest single, “Glad You Came”, a track full of vocal swagger and crunchy grooves.

VRSTY makes music as energetic and richly diverse as the city that spawned them. Assembled by band leader Joey Tyler, a Puerto Rican singer from New York City raised on R&B, pop, and Spanish music and equally inspired by metallic post-hardcore, VRSTY blends genres with fearless ambition and visceral enthusiasm. A handful of EPs preceded 2020’s debut album, Welcome Home, itself followed by a three-part series of sequel EPs solidifying the band’s reputation.  

The band specializes in what Kerrang! described as “endless grooves and danceable parts, punctuated by breakdowns and completed with dark atmosphere.” Meanwhile, “Massive”, from 2020’s Cloud City EP, remained the most-played on SiriusXM’s Octane channel for two consecutive weeks. In a 9/10 review, Outburn described Welcome Home as “effortless, fun, and above all, genuine.” Blabbermouth also raved:”While other bands may have introduced the concept of genre-bending, VRSTY have refined it.”

Genuine authenticity and uncompromising passion are crucial to everything about VRSTY. Levitate, the band’s stunning sophomore set, is powered by spirited conviction and a commitment to follow their muse wherever it leads. It’s an album of rich melodic hooks and headbang-inducing grooves. 

The band’s Joey Tyler co-produced Levitate with Justin Deblieck (Ice Nine Kills, Motionless In White, Fit For A King). George Lever (Sleep Token, Holding Absence, Loathe) handled mixing duties. 

VRSTY commands the crowd anytime they perform, connecting with anyone who struggles with feelings of low self-worth, bad relationships, or generally feels like an outsider. It’s a feeling of shared community evident on the band’s tours with the likes of 10 Years, Nonpoint, and Monuments, among others. Ultimately, VRSTY aims to encourage, provoke, and inspire listeners.