Quinnipiac’s Student Programming Board and student-run radio station, WQAQ, announced on October 9 that the emerging country / indie band would be headlining their annual fall show on October 12. This is the second year in a row that an indie band was chosen after Peach Tree Rascals rocked the Quinnipiac quad in 2023.
The 502s seem to promise a similar feel to the Peach Tree Rascals and are likewise known for one huge hit that landed on the right side of TikTok. For the Peach Tree Rascals that was, “Mariposa,” and for The 502s that’s “Just A Little While Longer.”
The Florida-native group got a huge break right after its start when in 2016, the band got to perform at Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival. The 502’s beat out over 800 other musical acts in a contest to be able to perform alongside the likes of Mumford and Sons and the Avett Brothers—not just two genre staples, but major inspirations to The 502s. While the band didn’t even have any music released to the public by this point, the performance impressed many in attendance, and only got more eyes on The 502s.
In 2021 the band dropped its breakout album, “Could It Get Better Than This.” It included “Just A Little While Longer,” and was chock full of other fantastic folk songs fit for the 2020s. “Magdalene” reminds me a lot of my childhood days listening to Mumford and Sons with my family in the car, with the background banjo keeping the pace and a small harmonica solo, which is a nice touch. “Bad Haircuts” is all about getting to know a new crush, but with all of the anxiety and doubt of messing things up. “Leading Lady” is so upbeat with that signature banjo racing in the background, along with some horns that add some nice variety. The fall feelings are abundant in this whole album.
In April 2024, The 502s released its Self-Titled album, and they really stepped up their game. It’s tough for my words to do justice, so you definitely need to check it out for yourself. The band does a great job maturing their sound and bending the genre, especially on songs like “Perfect Portrait of Young Love,” “Something’s Gonna Go Our Way,” and “hey, honey.” The 502s just wrapped up the US leg of the band’s biggest tour to date, “The 502s Great Road Trip Tour,” and will be embarking on the European leg in November.
Luckily, if you missed them last spring, you’ll get your chance to see impending superstars live on Quinnipiac’s front lawn! The concert is FREE and we’ll have a lot for you to do, including food trucks, crafts, games, free merch, and so much more. Keep your eyes on the SPB (@QUSPB) and WQAQ (@WQAQRadio) Instagrams for more information, and we look forward to seeing you there
