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American Football

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Band Timeline

1997

Formation of American Football

American Football was formed in 1997 in Urbana, Illinois by Mike Kinsella, Steve Holmes, and Steve Lamos. Originally, Kinsella and Lamos played in a band called The One Up Downstairs. After its dissolution, the trio began collaborating. Kinsella was previously a member of Cap'n Jazz and Joan of Arc, while Lamos was involved in other local projects. They quickly developed a signature Midwest emo sound characterized by intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics. Their early work laid the groundwork for what would become a cult classic debut album.
1998

Release of Debut EP

In 1998, American Football released their self-titled debut EP through Polyvinyl Records. This early release did not feature bass guitar, highlighting the band's minimalist and math rock inspired style. Despite being a fledgling group, the EP garnered attention in the underground emo scene, setting the stage for their full-length album the following year. The band's intricate guitar melodies and unique approach to emo resonated with a growing audience.
1999

Release of Debut Album and Initial Breakup

American Football released their self-titled debut full-length album in 1999 through Polyvinyl Records. The album featured Mike Kinsella playing bass guitar on some tracks, adding depth to their sound. Despite the critical acclaim and growing cult status of the album, the band ceased to function as an active group within a year, becoming primarily a studio project. Members began focusing on personal lives and other projects, leading to a quiet dissolution around 2000. The debut album went on to be celebrated as one of the most influential emo and math rock records of its era.
2014

Band Reformation and Deluxe Reissue of Debut Album

In 2014, American Football reformed after a long hiatus. Polyvinyl Records announced a deluxe reissue of their debut album, which included 10 additional unheard demos and live recordings. The reissue sparked renewed interest in the band, leading to sold-out live shows in locations such as Champaign and New York. Mike Kinsella's cousin, Nate Kinsella, joined the band on bass during this reformation and became a permanent member. The reunion tours extended internationally, reaching audiences in the US, Canada, Spain, UK, Japan, and Australia.
2016

Release of Second Album - American Football LP2

In October 2016, American Football released their second studio album, again self-titled as American Football LP2, on Polyvinyl Records. This album was their first new full-length in nearly two decades. The lead single, "I've Been So Lost for So Long," was premiered ahead of the album release, showcasing the matured sound of the band while retaining their signature melodic style. The album's cover featured the interior of the same house shown on their debut album cover, a house that had become an iconic landmark for emo fans worldwide.
2019

Release of Third Album - American Football LP3

American Football released their third studio album, American Football LP3, in March 2019. This album continued the band's introspective and intricate emo sound with well-crafted melodies and thoughtful lyrics. The single "Silhouettes" was released alongside the album announcement in December 2018, generating anticipation among fans. LP3 received praise for its emotional depth and refinement, affirming American Football's enduring relevance within the emo and indie rock scenes.
2021-2023

Lineup Changes and Current Activity

In 2021, drummer and trumpet player Steve Lamos departed from the band, marking a significant lineup change since his involvement since the band's formation. However, Lamos rejoined American Football in 2023, restoring the original trio configuration. This period demonstrated the band's resilience and continued commitment to their music after decades, maintaining their influence and presence in the emo genre while touring and possibly working on new material.

Albums

american-football_1st_album
American Football
19 tracks
1999
american-football_2nd_album
American Football
9 tracks
2016
american-football_3rd_album
American Football
8 tracks
2019
📷
No Image
All of Us
13 tracks
1970
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Mike Kinsella

2014

Guitar

Mike Kinsella

2014

Lead vocals

Nate Kinsella

2014

Bass guitar

Nate Kinsella

2014

Vibraphone

Steve Holmes

2014

Guitar

Nate Kinsella

2014

Background vocals

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Steve Lamos

2014
2021

Drums (drum set)

Steve Lamos

2014
2021

Trumpet

Steve Lamos

2014
2021

Percussion

Mike Kinsella

1997
2000

Lead vocals

Guitar

Bass guitar

Steve Holmes

1997
2000

Guitar

Keyboard

Steve Lamos

1997
2000

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Trumpet

Story of American Football

American Football, the seminal indie rock band from Urbana, Illinois, first emerged in 1997, leaving an indelible mark on the emo and math rock scenes before disbanding in 2000. Their reunion in 2014 reignited a fervent fanbase.

The band's core initially comprised Mike Kinsella (guitar/bass/vocals – formerly of Cap'n Jazz and Joan of Arc, currently of Owen), Steve Holmes (guitar – also of The Geese), and Steve Lamos (drums/trumpet – formerly of The One Up Downstairs, a brief stint with The Firebird Band and Edward Burch & the Staunch Characters, and currently of The Geese and DMS). Lamos departed in 2021 but rejoined in 2023.

Their self-titled debut album, released during their original run, achieved legendary status, solidifying their place as a cornerstone of the genre. The reunion saw the addition of Nate Kinsella (Mike's cousin), resulting in two further self-titled releases: American Football / LP2 (2016) and American Football / LP3 (2019).

History:

Formation:

Mike Kinsella and Steve Holmes, former classmates at Wheeling High School in Wheeling, Illinois, forged a musical connection early on. Kinsella drummed for Cap'n Jazz, while Holmes played guitar in various bands and shared a room with Kinsella. Before American Football, Kinsella, Lamos, and the Johnson brothers (David and Allen) formed The One Up Downstairs in 1997. Kinsella focused solely on vocals in this project, which recorded three songs intended for a 7" release on Polyvinyl Records.

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