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Mirror Parts’ Journey From Bedroom Recordings to Orlando’s Live Music Scene
Photo courtesy of Mirror Parts.
When Nick Ramsay started recording songs, he wasn’t thinking about sold-out shows or opening for touring acts. He was simply looking for a creative outlet. A few years later, Ramsay’s just-for-fun project has evolved into Mirror Parts, an Orlando-based indie band that has become a familiar name in the city’s growing music scene.
From the Bedroom Solo Artist to Orlando Indie Band
Made up of vocalist Ramsay, guitarist Arian Esteller, and drummer Ely Colcol, the alt pop group blends rock, early-2000s pop, and 1980s new wave influences. “It started when Ari and I were in high school. I started it in my junior year in a pretty cliché way,” Ramsay said. “Our first couple of records were just me in my room recording and just trying to pass the time.”
Today, Mirror Parts has built a loyal following both online and at local venues. The band has accumulated more than 3,000 followers on Instagram and regularly performs across Florida. Their first official EP, “Imperfect Disclosure,” was released in 2020, the same year that the band played its first live show and the COVID-19 pandemic brought much of the live music industry to a full stop. Despite the uncertainty surrounding live performances at the time, the band continued to write music and develop its identity.
The members of Mirror Parts shared that music has always been a significant part of their lives. Colcol, the group’s drummer, said joining the band allowed her to turn a lifelong passion into something tangible while building connections within Orlando’s music community. “My dad was involved in music; he was a DJ, and he had these little hand drums that he would have at the house, and I would kind of play that,” Colcol said. “I feel like music really helps you ground yourself in a way. So it always helped me emotionally, in my everyday life.”
The Challenges of Being an Independent Band
Like many independent artists, the members of Mirror Parts appreciate the creative freedom that comes with managing their own projects. At the same time, they acknowledge that independence can bring challenges, particularly when it comes to balancing artistic goals with financial realities.
“I don’t want to say nonsustainable, but it’s very taxing on just, kind of like, your own expectations, versus the expectations of somebody else, wanting to throw your stuff out there and see if it sticks,” guitarist Esteller said.
Ramsay added that the band handles nearly every aspect of its operation, from booking shows and responding to emails to printing merchandise. Despite the workload, he believes the group has become self-sufficient and has benefited from the support of the local music community.
Finding a Home in Central Florida’s Live Music Community
Even with the challenges indie bands face, Mirror Parts members agree that Orlando’s music scene has helped create opportunities for local artists to thrive. “There is a lot of community in Orlando. I feel like recently it’s finally picked up post-pandemic, where I feel like the community’s back and people are going to shows,” Ramsay said. “At a local level, it’s probably like the most exciting it’s been in years.”
That growth has been reflected in the band’s recent performances. On May 23, Mirror Parts played to a sold-out crowd, joining other local acts, including Lady Heroine, for Orlando Indie Night at The Abbey, a venue with a capacity of nearly 400 people.
For Esteller, the sold-out event represented more than just another performance. “That was one of our best shows,” he said. “Just another example of how live music and local live music can thrive.”
The band’s growth has also led to bigger opportunities. Last year, Mirror Parts opened for the rock band Inhaler at the House of Blues Orlando, a performance the members still point to as a defining moment in their career.
“I remember getting off that stage and thinking, like, this is what we should be doing. It just felt like, for the first time, all the pieces fell into place, and that’s where we needed to be,” Ramsay said.
For Esteller, the experience continues to stand out as a turning point for the band. “It was the world asking us, ‘Are you ready for this?’ and we answered with ‘fuck yeah.'”
What’s Next for Mirror Parts
While the members have big goals for the future, including touring, reaching larger audiences, and performing on bigger stages, being independent has allowed them to learn every aspect of what it takes to build a band.
“It gives us the opportunity to make mistakes and learn what it is like to be running a band, from managing shows, interviews, or taking photos,” Colcol said. “We built so much trust throughout the years that I feel like if we had someone else, we probably wouldn’t know what that would be like.”
Mirror Parts is currently working on its next single and expects to release it in July. For now, the band is focused on building and growing its following in Orlando while preparing for its next adventure.
Mike Synan
News | Sports | Politics
- After two decades in news and politics, Mike Synan is returning to his roots to write Sports as “The Sportsaholic”. Mike hosted a talk show for 6 years on WDBO after Magic home games called “Magic Til Midnight”, and spent years working as an in-game correspondent for both ESPN and Fox Sports Radio. His column “Synan Says” has appeared on both www.wdbo.com and www.floridadaily.com. He has a BS in Political Science from Clemson University. You can reach him at msynan@sportsmail.com
