Closer Look Summer Indie Artist Spotlight 2019: The Titos

Alex Lotito, the band’s primary vocalist and guitarist had just moved back to Atlanta, after living in St. Louis for a few years.

The timing was right for the other band members, who already knew each other through the Atlanta indie music scene.

“It started with Alex, but it’s definitely turned into more like a group effort,” said Mastrogiacamo, the band’s bass player.

Now, Lotito’s time spent in St. Louis informs some of the group’s songwriting.

“A lot of Alex’s stuff comes from his perception of his community, whether that be St. Louis or Atlanta.Just things that are going on in society,” said Falls, the band’s drummer.

While Lotito was in St. Louis, he worked at Vashon High School as part of the Teach for America program.

“I think those two years probably impacted my perception of the world more than any other two years of my life,” Lotito said. “….You see students that have certain challenges that I’ve never had to deal with in my life, and, at the same time, resiliency.”

When he returned to Atlanta, Lotito said she saw some of the same inequity.

That’s what influenced the song, “Whoever You Are,” which the band played in studio.

Lotito described the track as an “anti-love song to the city of Atlanta.” It’s the first song in a new album that the band is currently recording.

Moving forward, the Titos said they’re hoping to grow and reach wider audiences, while still remaining authentic.

“I think part of the reason we’ve been together for two years and we keep doing it is the priority for us is enjoying playing music together,” said Kirsilis. “And that’s what it comes down to.”

You can catch the band playing their new single, “Leandra,” and more music from their new album, at Smith’s Olde Bar this Saturday, July 20 at 8 p.m.

For more information about The Titos, click here or listen to the full conversation above.