Estates

By Kenneth Gambill

Photo by Jason Scroggins

It seems as if the flavor of the week comes and goes in Atlanta just as fast as you can say “rip off.” There may be some bands that catch an eye here and there, just to let you down by becoming the next Coldplay or Jet with similar voices, managed hair and stage antics. Then, there are bands like Estates.

Estates are quickly becoming an electrifying force in the Southeast region. With an impressive stage performance and immediate industry appeal, the band is breaking hearts, moving souls and writing great material, all in a span of over a few months.

Although the band has essentially been together for about a year, its first gig was in October of 2006. Estates’ EP was released simultaneously and, in that short amount of time, they have taken off.

“Interest in the band has increased ridiculously fast,” says drummer Andy Lee. “I can’t tell you how it happened, but I thank everybody who has given us a chance.”

At some of their most recent gigs, they have already had major label A&R come out to see what the buzz is all about. “I knew going into it that this band would take off fast,” explains guitarist Tim Hoyt. “Andy’s a networking genius.”

But with such quick appeal comes heartache. Some bands run into obstacles on the way to the top due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time or due to minor inconveniences. In Estates’ case, they were dealt a major blow in early January when lead vocalist/guitarist Franc Castillejos, a Guatemalan native, had his student visa papers cancelled.

Even though the members of the quintet are spread throughout the East Coast and internationally (three members in Atlanta, Hoyt in Lakeland, Florida, and Castillejos in Guatemala), the young lads have been able to bypass conflicting schedules to make an invigorating EP. They also had a tour planned with their friends in Winston Audio prior to Castillejos’ forced exit.

“This is our top priority,” says Hoyt. “It’s inconvenient that we all live in different areas and have dealt with the whole visa thing, but we put all of our other personal lives on the side for the band.”

For the time being, the guys are hoping to get Castillejos back in the States on a work visa and return to performing live to support their EP, Be Fair. “We’re trying to play as many shows as possible being that we’ve only done about 15 shows to date, but with the whole visa thing, we’ve had to cancel a lot of shows,” says Hoyt.

Touring may be an obstacle for now, but at least the ability to produce listenable songs shouldn’t be a problem for the guys, seeing as how they have all been writing music for a considerable time now. Hoyt and Lee were both in bands before they formed Estates and bassist Jake Segars and pianist Thomas Moore have played in several touring bands, as well. Surprisingly, Castillejos is the only one without any stage experience, although he comes off as a seasoned veteran.

“I’ve known Jake and Tom for about two years and Tim for about three years,” says Lee. “We were hooked up with Franc through a friend and, although he was hesitant at first, he was really into it. Now, most of the songs are thought up by him, me or Tim.”

While Castillejos, Lee and Hoyt may be the main songwriters, they know they couldn’t do it alone. “I need the rest of the guys in the band to give me focus to finish certain parts,” explains Hoyt. “Andy’s really good at arranging, but when we’re all together working on a particular song, we can knock it out in a day.”

Although they are not signed to a major label yet, the guys have already had some help from their friends in Manchester Orchestra to get the ball rolling. “Andy Hull from Manchester started this label called Favorite Gentlemen for musicians and friends alike that would help each other out,” explains Lee. “There is no competition, and the ultimate goal is for everyone to succeed.”

Barring any more setbacks with the U.S. Embassy, there shouldn’t be any reason why this quintet can’t get back on the horse and create some memorable and original music.

www.estatesmusic.com