If you ever find yourself at a Bedford Falls’ live show, the first thing you’ll notice is the unmistakable connection between the band and the audience. Their performances are defined by shared energy, where the crowd becomes part of the act – a fifth member of the band, turning every song into a collective chorus. And their music, free from genre boundaries, leaves you no choice but to sing along.
Formed in 2014, Bedford Falls — Dato (vocals), Mikho (guitar), Migro (bass) and Sandro (drums and backing vocals) — has grown into one of the leading forces in Georgia’s music scene. Inspired by Frank Capra’s classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life, the band took its name from the fictional town, where the story unfolds – a place where the lives of its residents are deeply intertwined, where community, kindness and human connections shape everyday city life.
“We were discussing, before the interview, what we’d answer if you asked us why Bedford Falls: because we believed ‘it’s a wonderful life,’” they say, talking about the band’s name, which, at the beginning was a challenge for listeners to remember, however today it’s more associated with the band rather than the film. “I specifically asked Mikho to watch the movie before I told him the name I had in mind,” recalls Dato, the band’s frontman, who came up with the idea. “I wanted him to understand the story behind it, to feel the meaning that made it right for us.”
In the band’s early days, the name seemed to shape their sound. Early releases, such as “Sazamtro” (which means ‘watermelon’ in Georgian, but also sounds like ‘for winter’) evoke a calm, cozy and homelike atmosphere, wrapped in the gentle warmth of the Christmas spirit. Today the band’s music is diverse, transcending genres and breaking conventional rules. They sing in both English and Georgian, believing that, like their creativity, music has no boundaries. And no matter what language you sing in, music remains a universal language itself.
When asked which of their songs represents Bedford Falls best, their responses are as diverse as their music, with each member naming a personal choice: “Kino,” “Come,” “Idaho,” “Calipso.”
But there is definitely a thing that unites all of their songs – the unique emotional bond the audience forms with them.
It’s also the main reason they don’t record in studios, but at home. A home environment allows them to be their true selves and share their raw emotions that resonate so deeply with the audience.
“We’ve tried recording in professional studios, but we didn’t like the results. It often felt soulless and didn’t match our mood. The usually sterile environment of big studios makes it challenging to find the right sound and mood for our songs. Recording in your natural setting feels better: you can wake up, get an idea and record it instantly.”
Sandro: “In the beginning we didn’t even have a licensed recording program on a computer. And in case the program crashed, we lost everything. There were times when the power went out and it was over – everything was gone. And yet it was on this demo version that we recorded tracks like ‘Dreamer Once’ and ‘Thrill is Gone,’ the latter of which has the most views on YouTube.”
Dato: “We would work all night, afraid to sleep, because if the computer went into sleep mode, we’d lose everything. We worked like this for about two to three years.”
Migro: “Yes, but everything that happened worked out for the best, and we have arrived here through the right decisions. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here.”
Since its formation, the band has remained relentlessly active—always moving forward through new releases and constant live performances. Last year marked a major milestone as they toured across Europe, appearing at renowned festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and Fusion Festival. They also took the stage at Amsterdam’s iconic Paradiso. Most recently, the band presented two sold-out concerts alongside a symphony orchestra, unveiling fully re-orchestrated, entirely new versions of Bedford Falls’ most iconic songs.
The band is now gearing up for the release of its new album, LAZYBONES, scheduled to arrive in 2026.
“This album is our emotional response to the past year—a period that proved especially challenging for everyone,” the band explains. “The songs explore feelings of hopelessness, struggles with apathy, the urge to escape, and, at the same time, the need to hold on to love during dark moments. These themes may not always be explicit in the lyrics, but emotionally, every crisis is deeply embedded in the music, as most of the tracks were written during that time.”
From a sonic perspective, LAZYBONES introduces fresh elements that will feel new to listeners, while still preserving the signature sound fans have come to recognize and love.
When asked about their own listening habits, the band’s answers were as diverse as their influences. The conversation moved fluidly from bands like Geese, of Montreal, The Velvet Underground, and Arcade Fire, before drifting naturally into mainstream pop.
Despite their varied tastes, the band shares one enduring common ground—The Beatles. “There was a time when we could talk about The Beatles for hours,” they laugh. “And honestly, nothing has changed in the last ten years.”
While that shared passion remains constant, much else has evolved. Once an unknown band playing wherever they could—often in the smallest of bars—Bedford Falls now finds its name featured on the lineups of major festivals and prominent stages.
“One time, we asked the owner of a small bar for a bit more money for a gig,” they recall. “Instead, he suggested we sell tickets and keep all the proceeds. That was the first moment we dared to truly sell our own show. When the bar filled up with people singing along to our songs, it became an unforgettable moment—one that confirmed we were on the right path.”
When asked about their dreams, they mentioned ambitions such as performing at the Glastonbury Festival, appearing on Saturday Night Live, opening for a major artist on tour, and even earning a spot on Barack Obama’s annual playlist. Yet, their most important aspiration went far beyond milestones or recognition.
In a world where artists are often expected to promote themselves without having the necessary tools or expertise, they expressed a lingering sense of frustration — the feeling that their music could reach far more people, not just in Georgia but across the globe, if only the right resources were available. It wasn’t about financial success; it was about the belief that something meaningful deserves to travel further. There’s always a quiet hope that their work will find its way to someone who can decide for themselves whether it resonates. Above all, their true desire is simple: to connect with a wider audience.
“Honestly, I think even Tyler, the Creator would enjoy our music if it reached him,” Sandro added with a smile.
Finally, when asked what they would say to listeners discovering Bedford Falls for the first time, they responded with their signature humor, confidence, and lightness: “You’re late!”
They then added more sincerely, “All we ask is that people listen. Great music is being created everywhere in the world, regardless of where it comes from, and it can resonate just as deeply as something close to home. We hope our songs become part of their own story.”
This article originally appeared in Billboard Georgia.
