Flight to Athena Rerouted

For San Diego pop-rock band Flight to Athena, most of the summer was spent alternating its course. In June, guitarists Pat Alcoke and Stephen Colbertson disembarked to stay closer to home.

In July, the 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.”

Flight to Athena is working on new material at their Santee practice space and getting ready for a show at the Victorville Event Center on December 12, when they’ll open for Las Vegas pop-rock band the Higher.