Life is far from easy. We work so hard, but the price of living gives us nothing to show for it. Dance halls and night clubs are the last refuge from the heat of the night and the daily beat downs. Infectious groves, soulful melodies, and the healing begins. We check our differences at the door. Music can save the heart of any city.

"It makes me feel things I didn't know I was capable of feeling" -Anonymous-

Heart of the City is a collaborative musical effort featuring Brandon Callies (Black Tie Vendetta/Brandon Callies & the American Revival) of Austin, TX, and Paco "Francisco" Estrada (South FM/Paco Estrada & One Love) of Dallas, TX aiming to furthur bridge the gap, not only between Austin and Dallas, but between division everywhere. As veterans of making albums, writting great songs, and playing live shows, the two gentlemen have teamed up to continue to bring the salvation of music into the lives of others.

Influences: Alabama Shakes / James Brown / Black Pumas / St Paul & the Broken Bones / The Dip / Bastards of Soul / Nina Simone / Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats / Funkadelic / Bill Withers

"Uniquely their own, you could easily find this band playing on the streets in a bustling neighborhood or raising the roof while fans raise their feet and dance on those old hardwood floors in a dancehall. This band has a sound that grooves and is meant to pop off and echo from the buildings in a downtown area" -Cherri Bird/On Tour Monthly-

"If you're a fan of bluesy Texas rockmusic, you won't want to miss this album from Heart of the City" -Jackie Ruth/Shuffle Online-

"An unlikely pairing between two revered frontmen (Callies and Estrada), Heart of the City has allowed the two to explore new musical territory and push their creativity to new planes" -Jordan Buford/The Music Enthusiast Blog-

"The Motown-inspired album intertwines rock and soul throughout each track" -Mariah Estran/Crate Diggers Dallas

"Throughout the entire album, the music is consistent and just sounds solid together. Listeners can definitely appreciate the classic soul influences prevalent throughout." -Alt Revue