In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, innovation and authenticity are everything. It is by these standards that a new rock band has emerged. Through their music, bands strive to captivate listeners and share their passion for the timeless sound of electric guitars and aggressive drums. Using these things to their advantage, a local band takes venues by storm, ready to give audiences their all.
HB Boulevard is a grunge and rock band from Parkland, Florida, which formed in 2021. HB Boulevard consists of five members, all of whom are seniors at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. This includes lead singer Lawson Jay, lead guitarist Jose Nunez, rhythm guitarist Logan Siskin, bassist Anthony Pelito and drummer Josiah Jimenez.
While all of HB Boulevard’s members are bonded now, they were not always close friends. Two years ago, Jay, Pelito, and Nunez were in Stewart Rabin’s guitar class and connected because they happened to like the same bands. Jay initiated the bond by befriending Nunez and Pelito, a decision that led to HB Boulevard being formed in 2021.
“It all started in guitar class with [Mr.] Rabin. He inspired me to want to do music in the first place,” Jay said. “So, I found two kids in my class who also liked rock music and we started a band just like that.”
Soon after, Jimenez heard Jay, Nunez, and Pelito playing in the auditorium and asked them if they needed a drummer. What led Jay to recruit Jimenez was his technique and skills on the drumset, despite Jimenez not being the group’s original drummer. After going back to Jay’s house and having Jimenez practice with the band, Jay knew that Jimenez was a perfect fit. Subsequently, Jimenez was added to the group as their fourth member. Their final member, Siskin, met them at a Battle of the Bands competition and, after hearing them play a couple of songs, approached them to ask if they needed a second guitarist.
Many of the band’s members pursue different hobbies and passions aside from practicing in the band. When not with HB Boulevard, Pelito participates as a member of JROTC, and Nunez still plays and practices his guitar skills almost every day, even when not playing with the band. The group also pursues other forms of music and art on the side; for example, Jimenez is in the percussion section of the Eagle Regiment Marching Band.
The group often practices in Jay’s garage, where they attempt to get in one or two practices a week. However, due to each member’s busy school schedules, they find it hard to set aside time to improve their music. They also find it difficult to fit gigs into their schedules, which allow for exposure in the music industry.
“We try [to find time to practice]; it just depends really. With Anthony and I’s schedules our timings kind of messed up,” Jimenez said. “Especially when we do get gigs, it’s hard when we have school work piled up, mixed with Eagle Regiment’s schedule and stuff like that.”
Despite their scheduling difficulties, the band still manages to put out music. Currently, HB Boulevard is working to release their first EP based on the original music they perform at gigs. For the EP, the band is taking inspiration from famous rock and punk bands from the 80’s and 90’s, like Green Day, Nirvana and Metallica, using their iconic songs to influence their own sound.
The members of HB Boulevard are very serious about the music they make. The band intends to make a name for themselves while sharing their music and style with a larger audience. They hope to get recognition for their talents and make a career out of their love for music and rock-n-roll.
“The bond we have as a band altogether, with making music, if we were to blow up and all that, I’d say we would be doing this forever,” Jay said. “If you have a talent that you know you love, go pursue it.”
Jay, along with the rest of his bandmates, are hoping to stay in HB Boulevard for life. While their music is already popular amongst fans and fellow MSD students, the group still strives to improve and grow in popularity. As they continue to gain recognition for their talents, their primary goal remains the same: to keep on making music and pursuing their dreams.
