The Bergamot is an American indie rock band, consisting of Nathaniel Paul Hoff and Jillian Speece. The duo met in South Bend, IN at Marian High School, where they started making music together. On October 20th, 2017 The Bergamot released the dreamy anthem P.D.R. (Both Records LLC). The single launched the band’s career who was then discovered by Matt Wiggins (Adele, U2, Glass Animals) and achieved great reviews being called “The hottest emerging music talent” (People) and “a gorgeous sound” (Daily Mirror).
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In early 2020, after traveling to London to record “Mayflies” with Wiggins, The Bergamot was invited to open for OneRepublic. When COVID hit, every tour date was lost. Upon this massive shift, the band focused on finishing their feature length documentary “State of the Unity” and new album “Far Out”.
This spring, The Bergamot released their documentary “State of the Unity,” scoring instant critical acclaim. The film and band won the prestigious “Marion Herrman Excellence in Filmmaking Award” at the Sedona International Film Festivaland “Best Documentary” by the Art Film Awards as well as being Official Selection at the Richmond International Film Festival, Paris Independent Film Festival, and Atlanta Docufest.
In the past few years The Bergamot toured extensively in America and Europe. In early 2019, The Bergamot became a household name when it was featured in the “Rock Band” video game and has since gained over half a million streams online. The band is blazing a new trail in the music industry combining their skills for crafting tunes and releasing their feature film. Later this year the duo will release their new album Far Out, which was mixed by Matt Wiggins. They also kicked off a 9-month tour to support the new releases in March 2022.
L.A By The Bergamot
So many great songs have been written about heading out west, not so many about leaving.
Somewhere between the lavish lives of the successful tycoon and the struggling artist, is the everyday story of someone packing up. Quietly moving on to the next phase of life. Getting away from the lure of dreams and distant hopes, and into the harsh reality: what comes after the dreams silently slip away? L.A. attempts to take a look at moving on with a dimly veiled eye of reality – with an ever persisting hope “I WANT to believe in you” but alas here we are.
The distorted howls call out to the listener, darkening an already bleak scenario. Almost as if a dream, being pulled from the light, falls into the depths of one’s memories. The music lurches on with a tribal beating – simple yet pushing – as the kick drum distorts the mix. The fleet-fingered acoustic guitars wind in an element of natural beauty, yet arriving at an uncertain resolve. The song contains what we have come to know as our sonic signature – a harmonious cacophony of layered vocals over a minimal mix. Resolving into a tailspin of sounds including feedback looped pianos through guitar amps, guitars through synths, taking the listener to it’s final resting spot as the harmonies begin their final chant “Goodbye L.A.” – “I want to believe in you” – “Goodbye L.A.” – “I want to believe in you”.
The song “L.A.” was originally written in the key of C, but in the studio was dropped to D to help deliver more of a crooning timbre for the lead vocals. Overall, I hope the song speaks to the emotion of moving on. Whether it be love – or dreams – this song attempts to illustrate an emotional perspective where you have to let go, but hopefully, are not lost.
LYRICS
She left L.A. with a song in her head
Elle left L.A. and off she went
She left for the city with the stars in her eyes
Elle left L.A. and she doesn’t know why
So she’s moving on
By the time I write this song
She’ll be gone
The kids all cried ‘cuz they don’t understand
Elle left L.A. this was never the plan
She’s hoping for a life living out there on the road
She was hoping for something new ‘cuz she was growing old
So she’s moving on
By the time I write this song
She’ll be gone
Goodbye L.A.
Goodbye L.A.
Goodbye L.A.
Goodbye L.A.
She packed her bags and she wrote this note
Now she’s gone
Now she’s gone
She made her way while I wrote this song
Now she’s gone
Now she’s gone
Oh
Oh
Goodbye L.A.
Goodbye L.A.
Goodbye L.A.
Goodbye L.A.
I want to believe in you
Goodbye L.A.
I want to believe in you
Goodbye L.A.
Goodbye L.A.
–
PRESS FEATURES
“The Perfect Blend” -Earmilk
“The Bergamot’s Lush ‘L.A.’ Song and Video Is a Feast for the Ears and Eyes” -PARADE Magazine
“Hoff bares his heart with this raw and emotional tune.” -Cowboys & Indians
CHARTED #1 ALL TIME on SubmitHub’s Top 25 Rock with “L.A.” (7.19.2019) -SubmitHub
CHARTED #2 ALL TIME on SubmitHub’s Top 25 ALL GENRES with “L.A.” (8.20.2019) -SubmitHub
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“L.A. is a 4.5 out of 5.” -LA on Lock
“The hottest emerging music talent” -People Magazine
“Dreamy Pop New York Duo The Bergamot are about to turn the Indie scene on its head with the release of their new single [PDR].” -The Daily Mirror
“A sound the indie world has been waiting for.” -Atwood Magazine
