2020 looked to be a productive year for Epic XVIII which included a Southwest Summer tour,
another album in the works, and several local Arizona, So-Cal and Baja California shows
sprinkled in between. The sky was the limit. Then the pandemic struck, derailing any hopes of
being able to take their music on the road. Although the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled all live-
venue shows for the foreseeable future, Epic XVIII took this opportunity to increase their
ongoing list of new material and are preparing to release a three-song EP, Hey Girl, September
18, 2020.
In late March, during the initial lockdown, Epic XVIII dedicated a rehearsal to collaborate and
write a new song. The following week, they recorded the song in Adam’s home studio and the
results were nothing less than spectacular. Compromise, written as a collective by each of the
band members and lyrics by Adam Marquez, captures the essence of the moment when life
around the world changed. Through this laidback ska track, listeners get a sense of the
emotions felt across the globe as children were forced into distant learning, shortages of toilet
paper drove people into a panicked frenzy, and protests for racial equality became a weekly
norm across the United States. Compromise sounds like nothing else the band has written and
proves that through their collective efforts, Epic XVIII can reproduce any ska-wave in their own
style. Compromise fits well in any ska playlist and will be most appreciated by fans of The
Specials, Toots and the Maytals, Skatalites, and lovers of First Wave Ska.
On July 18th, Epic XVIII released their single What Comes Next, recorded at Phaser Control
Recording Studios in San Diego, home of the 91X: X-Sessions. Along with What Comes Next,
they also recorded another original tune, Set Your Mind at Ease (Hey Girl), with the help of
audio engineer Sean Barrington Quinn. Set Your Mind at Ease, written by Adam Marquez, is
dedicated to his wife who often has to carry the burden of being married to a musician. This
song focuses on appreciating the sacrifices significant others make for their partners. The
dynamic of a musician and their partner is atypical to common relationships with constant late
nights and long distance traveling. Still, the sentiment of the musicians, as the song goes is, “I
know we are strong and we’ll make it through.” Adam helps capture the perspective of a
lovestruck musician through this tune with a nostalgic 90’s Pop-Rock sound similar to Edna’s
Goldfish or Spin Doctors. It is a must listen for anyone who enjoys College Rock, 3rd-Wave Ska,
or has a significant other who often has to deal with their absence.
The last single set for release in September will be a fan favorite for all “The Slackers” who
appreciate rocksteady and traditional ska. Musicians’ Prayer, written by Adam Marquez, is a
reminder to all musicians that their music carries an influential message for people today and
future generations. A literal prayer and reflection of the power musicians’ lyrics deliver to every
individual, Musicians’ Prayer is without a doubt going to be a ska playlist staple of 2020.
Through his lyrics, Adam seeks to help others grow and flourish in their own light when listening
to this song. During these difficult times, it is important to persevere without a doubt that the light
at the end of the tunnel will be salvation. This song features David Hillyard of The Slackers who
provides a tasteful tenor solo. Musicians’ Prayer’s also highlights John Mordasini on trombone

with his first solo on a track. The rocksteady and traditional ska blend is sure to please fans of
The Slackers, Two-Tone Ska, and Rocksteady and will need to be part of any ska playlist.
Epic XVIII continues to stay busy even through this ongoing pandemic and focused on
delivering new music. Along with their growing collection of original music, the band is now
gearing up to record a special collection of cover songs that will include songs by Weezer,
Cuphead, Louis Prima, Arctic Monkeys and Outkast. They are also set to release another full-
length album by Christmas of this year.