Every once in a while a band emerges from the crowded New York music scene that has all the elements to set them apart from their peers. MJ12 is just such a band. They combine sharp, edgy songwriting, passionate vocals and air-tight musicianship in their unique brand of acoustic/electric rock. The group has been turning heads of fans and industry alike since their first appearance on the scene in 1995. The group was co-founded earlier that year by principle songwriters Steve Messina and Dave Diamond. Their debut cd, the lush and atmospheric, "The Secret Life of Ester Stevens" sold over 3,000 copies in the first six months. Since then there has been no looking back for MJ12 as they have continued to amass an impressive and ever expanding list of accomplishments. Their second album, "Pink", was released in 1997 and focuses on the darker side of life in the big city. Striking a chord with local fans, this helped elevate MJ12 to New York City's most talked about live performers. That same year the song "Cut You Loose" was hand picked for the soundtrack for the independent feature film, "The Dear and the Cheetah" Which was screened at the Sundance Film Festival. One short year later, MJ12 followed up with their third CD, "Big Stars". Earthier and Grittier than its predecessors, "Big Stars" documents the band's embracement of it's rock and roll roots. The album drew critical acclaim from fans and media alike with Isaac Guzman from Newsday calling it " a shinnning example of mature songwriting and passionate expression." This album push MJ12 beyond the boundaries of the Tri-State area and into the status of a true national act as the band began to perform at clubs and colleges all across the continental United States. Currently the band is about release their fourth independent CD which outshines its predecessors in terms of performance, songwriting and production. So keep an eye out and take a listen to MJ12.