Hospitality -- consisting of Amber Papini, Nathan Michel, Brian Betancourt and David Christian -- officially formed in 2007 in Brooklyn, after a year of casual practicing in Papini and Michel's living room. In 2008, the group released its first EP, a self-titled, six-track compilation recorded by Karl Blau, who offered his services to the band after hearing the group's soundcheck at Cake Shop in New York.
Papini's sweet and kind vocals play intriguingly well with her genuine and slightly pessimistic lyrics. Add in elaborate instrumental layers and the band serves up tracks that are dream-like and soothing yet vibrant and dancey.
In 2011, Hospitality signed with Merge Records. Now, after five years of playing locally around the New York area, the band is performing on a national level and has recently released a self-titled LP.
All photos by Nate Burrell.
