Reach NYC is a pummeling alt-metal outfit born out of the legendary New York City hardcore scene. Formed on Long Island in 1996 by ex-Sick of It All bassist Richie Cipriano–who switched to guitar for this project–Reach also included vocalist Rene Mata, bassist Dan Martinez, drummer Dante Renzi, and guitarist Nick Cavagnaro. The band was active on the New York scene, frequently rocking infamous haunts like CBGB’s alongside the heavy hitting Papa Roach and System of a Down, and festivals like Vans Warped Tour.
Originally named Reach 454, they caught a break when Lava/Atlantic president Jason Flom signed them after a strong performance at a label showcase. The band entered the studio in 2002 with producer Jay Baumgardner (Papa Roach, Evanescence), and emerged in the Summer of 2003 with their self-titled debut. The album showcased Reach 454's dynamic melodic shifts and riff-heavy guitar work. The band fell on hard times in 2004 and took an indefinite hiatus.
Throughout the years, Chester Bennington, one of Rene’s closest friends, expressed to Rene how important it was for him to keep playing music. The last time Rene and Chester were together in NYC, they hosted a dinnerhang with Jacoby, Tobin, and Tony from Papa Roach, Matt Sorum, Marcos of P.O.D., and Rob from Volbeat. While enjoying their dinner, Chester presented the idea of wanting to put together a tour for the following year with Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Korn, Deftones, System of a Down, Papa Roach and wanted Reach to open. Disastrously, Chester passed away that same July of 2017, and Rene fell into a dark depression.
In 2019, original Reach drummer Dante and Marcos Curiel (from P.O.D.) encouraged Rene to put the band back together and open for P.O.D. in NYC. It was the band's first show since 2004, and it quickly rekindled their friendship and their love of music. Their love for creating music, as well as the importance of friends and family, renewed their dedication to keep the project going.
On October 9th 2020, Reach NYC returned to the airwaves with a new EP titled, “Back From the Dead,” their first release in 17 years, also featuring Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach. The EP was mixed by Jay Baumgardner and mastered by Howie Weinberg in Los Angeles. The newly titled Reach NYC saw the departure of original members Richie and Danny, and welcomed young bloods AJ Chiarella (guitars and vocals) and Tim Robbins (bass) from the Yonkers DIY music scene. Reach NYC quickly got back to the stage, and returned to the New York scene performing with longtime friends Quicksand at the Bowery, and made an appearance at Danny Wimmer’s historic “Welcome to Rockville” festival in Daytona, FL in 2021. Most recently, Reach NYC signed a new international deal with German label AFM records and is currently recording their sophomore record, with special appearances by Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach, Kiiara, Sonny & Marcos from P.O.D, Joey Santiago from The Pixies & Sendog from Cypress Hill. Their first single from that record, “Killing Time” is a dynamic powerhouse set to launch this April.