Arts & Entertainment

North Jersey Music Group Wins Coveted Contest

Wyland will perform at the Skate and Surf Music Festival Main Stage Saturday afternoon.

It took two years for North Jersey band Wyland to conquer the Break Contest, which features three excruciating rounds of performances. Early this month, their efforts paid off.

As winners of the Break Contest, the group will be performing at the Skate and Surf Music Festival's main stage Saturday at 3:50 p.m.

“We would be lying if we said we knew we were going to win," said singer Ryan Sloan, a resident of Montclair and music therapy student at Montclair State University. “There were some great bands competing and each round was more and more intense than the previous.”

Wyland officially formed in early 2013 when friends and Kearny residents Sloan and Pablo Techera, keyboards, collaborated on some songs together. Eventually, the group grew to include Mauricio Salazar of Montclair, guitarist, Kara Delonas of Kearny, bassist, and Matt Pana of Edison on drums.

“We’re getting our name out there little by little. Skate and Surf is a great opportunity and we couldn’t have done it without the support of all of our fans, friends and family," Salazar said.

The Skate and Surf returns this weekend after an eight-year hiatus and will take place at the Asbury Park Oceanfront. The festival concludes Sunday.


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