Members of Flight to Athena bring together the styles of former bands Far from Home and Stars Fell On. In 2007, they released their first EP, soon sharing the stage with bands such as the Panic Division, Strata, Kaddisfly, and Enter Shikari.
In June 2010, guitarists Pat Alcoke and Stephen Colbertson disembarked, as remaining members, vocalist Andrew Gonzales and drummer Ryan Muse, began recruiting new guitarists.
“It only took us a month to find the right guys,” said Muse during a phone interview. “The hardest part was making sure we found new members with the same goals and vision for the music...and making sure that no one’s personalities clashed.”
Flight to Athena’s search ended when guitarist Diego Mendez, formerly of now-defunct Carol Ann, joined the band. A few weeks after Mendez signed on, the band invited guitarist Jared Baez to jump onboard. (Baez also plays drums for Valora, which has toured with the Jonas Brothers and had one of their songs, “No Matter What,” featured in the Miley Cyrus movie The Last Song.)
“We knew who [Mendez] was, and when we got together, things clicked right away. [Baez] was introduced to the band through a third party,” said Muse. “He liked our sound and the direction we are going.”
As for adjusting to two new guitarists, Muse said the transition has been smooth. “Playing with new people always means a little difference in styles, but the writing has been affected in a good way...we have a better idea of where we are going.”