CIRCLE THE EARTH Release “MANIAC ON MUTE”

by Skope • October 9, 2024

Circle The Earth

Michael McBay – Bass

Aviva Scott – Lead Vocals

Kazuki Tokaji – Guitar

Sandro Feliciano – Drums

Sandy Chao Wang – Keyboard/Keytar

Nothing travels the world faster than music does.

It eclipses any and all borders, bringing together cultures in an unspoken harmony. Channeling this boundary-breaking energy, Circle The Earth quite literally represents three continents and four countries. Founded by bassist Michael McBay, the Los Angeles-based quintet notably features Japanese guitarist Kazuki Tokaji, Brazilian drummer Sandro Feliciano, Taiwanese keyboardist Sandy Chao Wang, and vocal dynamo and native Angeleno Aviva Scott.

Locked in sync, they stretch the boundaries of rock with funk swagger, jazz fluidity, and pop universality on a series of 2024 singles and much more to come.

“It’s simple for us,” says Michael, an Atlanta native. “We aim to create beautiful and powerful rock music with integrity and an underlying positive message. Our band consists of people from all different places. We’re trying to show the world what it can be like when various cultures cooperate in service of a positive goal. Musically and personally, we all look out for and take care of each other.”

“We’re a very outside-of-the-box, colorful, and atypical rock band,” Aviva agrees. “We aren’t what you expect when you think of rock ‘n’ roll.”

By subverting any and all expectations, Circle The Earth crash landed as a phenomenon in 2021. The group gained traction with the singles “Dead,” “Diamonds,” and “Sweetest Pain,” paving the way for their 2023 EP Hey Goodbye. Of the latter, The Honey Pop proclaimed, “It’s a release that’s packed with rocking tunes, pride, and growth.” Beyond piling up millions of streams, they garnered acclaim from Music Connection Magazine, mxdwn, BET, The Rockpit, and more. Shining on stage, the group emerged as the rare force of nature equally comfortable on a bill alongside Oingo Boingo, Drake Bell, or Smokey Robinson. 2024 saw Circle The Earth formally welcome Aviva on the mic at the suggestion of legendary songwriter Diane Warren.

“What a gift from God Aviva has been,” Michael smiles. “She’s a young, fresh, and incredibly strong performer. She has brought the band to the level that it should have been at this whole time. She’s just as active, engaged, talented, energetic, and expressive on stage as everyone else.”

“I felt right at home in Circle The Earth,” Aviva notes. “We’re a family already, and I’m so blessed and grateful. It makes the whole thing propel so quickly and I’m having a blast.”

They introduce this era and iteration of Circle The Earth with the single “Numb.” On the track, electric guitar rips, cymbals clash, and Aviva processes the rollercoaster of a toxic relationship aloud. This palpable momentum culminates on a disarmingly chantable chorus, “When I’m numb, I feel everything.”

“‘Numb’ is about someone battling with their emotions and trying to overcome obstacles in an unhealthy relationship,” Aviva explains. “Even though they want to act like they’re numb, they still feel everything and can’t actually cover it up. You can try to mask your emotions, but they’re still ultimately there.”

Elsewhere, “Stuck In The Middle” illuminates the group’s versatility. Over a slick beat spiked with a loose riff, Aviva holds nothing back, “Between me and you and I, I’m stuck in the middle.”

“That one is about a girl who has a lot of options,” Aviva reveals. “Maybe she’s with someone she’s loyal to but isn’t quite cutting it, or maybe she’s struggling with a toxic relationship and wants to get out.”

What these five musicians do best is perform live. Their dynamic performances are highlighted by Sandro’s vigorous drumming, Kazuki’s guitar virtuosity, Michael’s onstage bass energy, and Sandy’s melodic and powerful keys, which lay the foundation for Aviva’s emotional vocal delivery and captivating stage presence.

With more music and touring on the horizon, Circle The Earth’s music unites like no other.

“When you hear us, I hope you take away a sense of positivity,” Michael leaves off. “Our diversity and our creative quality truly set us apart. I hope the music reinforces core beliefs about love, integrity, sincerity, cooperation, and inclusion that we all share.”