A spunky new six-piece band formed by a few San Jose State students and alumni has moved into the music scene and created a merge of musical genres.
The band Miss Hits draws from its member’s mixed musical backgrounds and their skills from the jazz department. Akshara Sundararajan is the lead singer for the group and the only alumna in the band.
Sundararajan, who graduated with a degree in jazz studies, said the mixed influence from each member makes the band stand out.
"We are a fusion band that incorporates elements of indie, soul, and R&B," Sundararajan said during a Zoom interview. "Each person has their own thing and that is what makes this band so unique."
The band was created in September and originally known as Zhenia, since then the band lost and gained members and ended up with a different name.
They stumbled upon the catchy name Miss Hits after several failed attempts of missing a “hit,” or a note.
Sundararajan said it's hard for the band to put themselves into one genre.
"We are totally open to borrowing elements from other kinds of music and I think that's what makes it so special because anyone who listens to the kind of music we make will always have something to like about it," Sundararajan said.
Jazz studies senior Leela Paymai serves as the band's bass player and said she appreciates the organic formation of the band.
"It was just me and friends. We would go to my garage where we rehearsed and just hang out and play through my song," Paymai said through a Zoom call.
Paymai said starting a band wasn't an idea she had until she and her housemate decided to host a livestreamed concert for Halloween. Paymai liked the idea and got a group of people together to start rehearsals in September.
It took her a while to figure out who actually wanted to be in the band because it started as an unorganized jam session where everyone was welcomed.
"After a couple of months we kind of solidified who's in the group and we’ve now started rehearsing regularly," Paymai said.
She credits the 2017 R&B/Soul album “God First” by Mr. Jukes as her initial inspiration to write her own songs.
"I listened to the album and was like this is what I want to do,” Paymai said. “Whether it be for fun, or for money or whatever, but I just want this to happen. So I’m going to make it happen."
Since then, the band released their cover of "Somebody New," a song on the "God First" album.
Miss Hits has big plans for the future and Sundararajan said they’re working on an EP they plan to release in the summer.
Sundararajan said she didn’t want to reveal much about the upcoming project but is excited for its release.
"I do want to keep a little bit of mystery in the air," Sundararajan said. "You can really lyrically tell what kind of emotion we felt as we were writing the music and I am sure when you listen to the song, you will feel that same thing."
Alumnus Arnie Sainz is the producer for Miss Hits and said creating an EP takes a village.
"It takes a huge process of coordinating everybody,” Sainz said. “Preparing the band to just feel comfortable with the music, lots of long talks and lots of pep talks."
As for the other members including drummerAnthony Lopez, pianist Maya Tanaka Allwardt, trombone player Ora Folden and saxophone player Joshua Arce are all expected to be a part of the upcoming EP.
He also shared the importance of adapting, especially during the current state of the world.
"This whole process has to be flexible right now," Sainz said. "Your music should be flexible, and your plans should be flexible. You should be able to hustle as much as possible with the tools you’re given."
Miss Hits is excited to share their music with those willing to hear it and hopes the band’s EP will touch each listener's soul.
