Social Media is providing a new way for us to discover music. By opening this window of exposure, this has allowed fans access to a variety of new music. This particular window has led to the discovery and success of Hotel Ugly. A band made up of brothers Chris and Mike Fiscella, they make up the musical and audio mixing talents of Hotel Ugly. Together, they bring their musical talents to the forefront and in addition, acquire fans from all around the country.
The Fiscella brothers have been enriched in music since a young age. In their late teens, they dove deeper into their passion for music. Mike discovered that he had a knack for audio mixing, instilling the true feeling of a song. Chris, on the other hand, dedicated his time to songwriting and mastering the bass guitar as well as the guitar. Though they didn’t see eye to eye as children, music served as a catalyst for them. Providing the bare bones for their music, their debut EP was a blend of their musical talents.
“The Ugly Ep” was an introduction to Hotel Ugly. Featuring songs like “2Ugly”, “Apple Sauce”, “Mikey and the Frogs”, and the break out single , “Shut up My Mom’s Calling”. All of them serve as the very essence of what Hotel Ugly is. By bringing the soothing style of indie with a sprinkle of pop element; they’ve provided the indie scene with a new approach. But what truly put Hotel Ugly on the map was their single “Shut Up My Mom’s Calling.” Featured in various different TikToks, the use of their songs allowed Hotel Ugly the platform it has today. With this platform, they’ve continued to spread their music as they prepare the world for their debut album.
Following the success of “Shut Up My Mom’s Calling,” Hotel Ugly has been in the works of releasing new music. On June 4, 2024, they’re planning on releasing a new single called “The Ballad of Eddie Jabuley”. With this single, they are expanding their musical inventory and thus, broadening their fan base. “The Ballad Of Eddie Jabuley” is just a taste of what their album will consist of. Indie-pop with stellar audio mixing, the voices of both Chris and Mike come together to further enrich their fanbase. Knowing the importance of a strong fanbase, Hotel Ugly has implemented its personal core values into its band.
The importance of mental health is something that Hotel Ugly cannot stress enough. On their path to success, valuing their mental health has guided them through the storm. This aspect inspired them to set up a GoFundMe and use their influence to bring awareness to the cause. All proceeds made through the GoFundMe will be given to the Mental Health of America Foundation. Donators are rewarded with certain benefits and get to feel a sense of involvement within the band’s next project. For those who donate, you just might hear a song you named live in a city near you.
Hotel Ugly is itching to tour and was very well in the process to. However, due to Covid, those plans have been put on a temporary halt. But as the pandemic loosens up, they’ve resumed their plans to tour all around Texas. With Houston as their stomping ground, they’ve begun to expand their touring horizon. San Marcos and San Antonio being their stops, Hotel Ugly plans to take the Texas music scene to new heights.
Though they may have found initial success through social media; Hotel Ugly proves to be so much more than that. With their debut album right around the corner, Hotel Ugly impact on music is only just beginning.
