Hampton Roads pop heroes Astropop 3 never say die.

In its almost 13 year existence, Astropop 3 has endured the rollercoaster of countless lineup changes, the tease of commercial success, sharing stages with national acts and locals alike, hitting rock bottom, suffering loss and heartbreak, then getting up and doing it all over again. Despite the pitfalls of a merciless industry and slow growing scene, AP3 soldiers on, bringing Hampton Roads the original indie-pop music that local music fans have loved since 1995.

After the loss of several key and longstanding band members, AP3 mainstay Dan Villanueva picked up the pieces, took an 8 month break and re-emerged in early 2008 with new focus, determination and a pared-down lineup featuring Ciesther Parrilla (ex-Vortex479) on bass and vocals, and the newest addition, Paul Pavon (ex-Fall of Transition) on drums.

Although the previous lineup took a detour into slightly harder rock with "Allies and Stepping Stones", the new AP3 has scaled back with a stripped down acoustic sound. Nowadays, their music is centered around what they've always done best: well-crafted, catchy and timeless pop songs. Dan V continues to provide the backbone of the music and the band, but ocassionally steps aside to let Ciesther contribute her own songwriting and melodies. Newer songs penned by Dan and/or Ciesther plus reimaginings of music from Dan's bottomless archives seamlessly paves the way for stronger melodies, lush male/female harmonies, and gives a chance for each band member to shine without anyone getting buried in noise.

Through the changes, AP3 continues to draw rave reviews:

"...it is with much anticipation that I await the band's next album, which the artists are recording now. I have to admit, if the band completely leaves its older sound, I would be quite disappointed. Whatever, though, these artists decide to do, short of death metal, I will listen. Villanueva is a remarkable songwriter, and however he decides to make up Astropop 3 is going to result in a heck of an album..." - Delusions of Adequacy

The band is in the midst of writing and recording a followup to "Allies..." but in the meantime, to see AP3 at their best, one must catch one of their many local gigs. The latest incarnation of players breathes new life into the veteran group, and poises Astropop 3 to finally reach the breakthrough success that has previously eluded them.

Please feel free have a look around our website, kick back, relax, soak in all that wonderful music in our MEDIA section, while you read some of our reviews and interviews in our PRESS section.. Enjoy yourself, and thank you.

Sincerely,

Astropop 3
Dan V, Cies, and Paul