Basic Vacation are an indie pop trio based in New York City. Guitarist/singer Chris Greatti first met bassist Jon Paul when the two musicians were hired to back up another solo artist for a New York gig, and their friendship soon turned into collaboration. In early 2013, the duo recruited drummer Mike Montalbano and began writing songs together, bonding over a mutual love for classic rock, '80s new wave, and contemporary bands the New Radicals and Foster the People. One of their early demos, "I Believe," found its way to Grammy-winning producer David Kahne (the Strokes, Regina Spektor), who agreed to produce the single and eventually their self-titled debut EP. Released in early 2014 by Lady Gaga's Atom Factory Music and Capitol Records, the Basic Vacation EP combines uplifting singalong choruses with tight, hook-filled pop/rock arrangements. ~ Timothy Monger