Fly By Midnight

Fly By Midnight lit up the historic Gramercy Theatre in New York City on September 26th for their Fastest Time of Our Lives tour. The band was welcomed to New York with a successful sold-out show. 

The LA based indie pop and visual collective is composed of the singer and multi-instrumentalist, Justin Bryte, and the producer and songwriter, Justin Slaven, more commonly referred to by their stage name “Slavo”. Formed in 2014, the band has created an expansive discography of four studio-albums and various EPs in the span of their decade-long plus career. 

The New York stop of the artists’ tour was a full circle moment being a “hometown” show. While the origins of the band stem from Staten Island, the artists embraced the ever dynamic New York City as their own. The setlist of the night was a thoughtful blend of fan favorites and songs from their recently released album, Fastest Time of Our Lives. The alternative and indie album is hook-heavy and well-paced taking listeners on an impactful ride from start to finish.

Fly By Midnight kicked off the evening with “The Weather” getting the audience jumping in unison to the catchy beat. The pair were accompanied by their skilled tour drummer who kept the energy high and flowing. The band followed up with one of the most popular hits, “Different Lives” and fans couldn’t help but sing and dance along enthusiastically to the vibrant and nostalgic song.

Later on in the set, Bryte and Slavo paused and addressed the crowd reflecting on their musical journey from beginning to the present and their close bond. Equally as emotional, they both took the time to thank their fans for their unwavering support. Bryte shared “There’s nothing more special than bringing our music all over the world. You all have given us that opportunity.” Slavo echoed the sentiment, stating “New York, we’ve probably said this a million times but we love you so much. Thank you for being here tonight and we’re going to keep on playing music”. It’s not only their talent that moves audiences, but their genuine dedication to both their craft and their fans.

Following their electrifying performance of the dance-electronic track “Borrow Your Time,” the duo surprised fans with a short cover of Vanessa Carlton’s throwback classic “A Thousand Miles”’ The choice fit seamlessly with their racing-inspired concept, capturing the timeless theme of longing to be with a loved one no matter the distance or obstacles.

Bryte and Slavo had incredible synergy on-stage, complementing each other in the best ways. When Bryte ended a verse Slavo picked right up and vice versa creating a balanced momentum that was riveting to watch. Their sharp vocals and impressive guitar and keyboard playing had the crowd hooked on every beat.

As the set neared its close, the duo briefly exited the stage, leaving fans in suspense. White lights flickered in sync with the rev of a car engine, layered with the crackle of radio static cycling through Fly By Midnight songs as if on a car radio. Suddenly, the opening notes of “Heart Race” filled the venue, and the pair reappeared, jumping right into the lyrics. The track’s slow build, anchored by guitar and keyboard, pulled the audience in with anticipation. The second chorus included driving drums that intensified its emotional punch. Though signaling the final stretch of the concert, the performance left the crowd eager for one more lap with the band.

Fly By Midnight closed with “No Choice,” bringing the audience back to signature themes of desire and devotion. Their consistency in storytelling echoes across albums, deeply resonating with fans and keeping them coming back for more.

The night stood as a true testament to the passion and artistry of the talented duo. Even a decade into their career, they perform with the same lively energy as if every show were their first. Their set carried fans on a cinematic journey through a sonic landscape, racing toward the finish line while winning hearts along the way. With no signs of braking, Fly By Midnight speeds into their upcoming world tour eager to share their classic synth-pop sound with fans across the globe.

Words and photos: Aubrey Miller