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Balance and Composure

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Band Timeline

2007

Formation of Balance and Composure

Balance and Composure was formed in the winter of 2007 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, following the breakup of two local bands. The band initially included Jon Simmons on lead vocals and lead guitar, Andy Slaymaker on rhythm guitar, Matt Warner on bass, and later, Erik Petersen replaced Simmons on lead guitar. Their style was influenced by bands like Nirvana, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Sunny Day Real Estate, playing a significant role in the emo and alternative rock scene.
2008-2010

Early EP Releases and Establishment

Between 2008 and 2010, Balance and Composure released several EPs that helped establish their presence in the emo and alternative music scene. Their first EP, 'I Just Want to Be Pure' (2008), was followed by 'Only Boundaries' (2009) and a split with Tigers Jaw in 2010. These releases showcased the band's growing maturity and helped build a dedicated fan base, setting the stage for their debut full-length album.
2011

Debut Album 'Separation' Released

In 2011, Balance and Composure released their debut studio album, 'Separation.' The album was a critical step in defining their sound and received positive attention within the emo and indie rock communities. 'Separation' helped the band expand their audience through tours and critical acclaim, solidifying their position as a prominent act in alternative rock.
2013

Release of 'The Things We Think We're Missing' and Chart Success

The band's second studio album, 'The Things We Think We're Missing,' was released on September 9, 2013. This album marked a significant commercial breakthrough for the band, charting at number 51 on the Billboard 200, number 10 on the Independent Albums chart, and also charting on the Modern Rock and Rock Albums charts. The album's success further established Balance and Composure's reputation and expanded their fanbase through extensive touring and media exposure.
2016

Third Album 'Light We Made' and Continued Success

Balance and Composure released their third studio album, 'Light We Made,' in 2016. The album reflected a continued evolution in their musical style, mixing emotional depth with a more refined alternative rock sound. This release continued to attract a loyal audience and lucrative touring opportunities, reinforcing the band's status in the indie and emo rock scenes.
2017-2019

Farewell Tour and Initial Disbandment

On December 14, 2017, vocalist Jon Simmons announced on Taylor Madison's Strange Nerve podcast that the band's upcoming anniversary tour would be their last. On January 14, 2019, they officially announced a farewell tour with six dates, later extended due to high demand. The farewell shows included select support from bands like Tigers Jaw and mewithoutYou. This period marked the band's disbandment after over a decade of influential music and performance.
2023

Reunion and New Music Release

Balance and Composure reunited on April 11, 2023, surprising fans with the release of a 7-inch single, 'Too Quick to Forgive,' featuring two new songs: 'Savior Mode' and 'Last to Know.' Produced by longtime collaborator Will Yip and released through Memory Music, the reunion also included a series of shows with support from various acts. The lineup featured returning members Jon Simmons, Andy Slaymaker, Erik Petersen, Matt Warner, and new drummer Dennis Wilson.
2024

Release of Fourth Studio Album 'With You in Spirit'

On October 4, 2024, Balance and Composure released their fourth studio album, 'With You in Spirit,' marking their first new studio album in eight years and the longest gap between albums in the band's history. The album featured a new drummer, Dennis Wilson, and continued collaboration with producer Will Yip through Memory Music. Multiple singles preceded the album release, each accompanied by music videos, demonstrating the band's ongoing evolution and relevance in the rock genre.

Albums

balance-and-composure_1st_album
Separation
12 tracks
2011
balance-and-composure_2nd_album
The Things We Think We’re Missing
13 tracks
2013
balance-and-composure_3rd_album
Light We Made
10 tracks
2016
balance-and-composure_4th_album
with you in spirit
10 tracks
2024
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Erik Petersen

2023

Guitar

Bailey Van Ellis

N/A

Drums (drum set)

Jon Simmons

N/A

Lead vocals

Dennis Wilson

2023

Drums (drum set)

Andy Slaymaker

2023

Background vocals

Jon Simmons

N/A

Guitar

Matt Warner

2023

Bass guitar

Andy Slaymaker

2023

Guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Matt Warner

2007
2017

Bass guitar

Andy Slaymaker

2007
2019

Guitar

Andy Slaymaker

2007
2019

Background vocals

Matt Warner

2019
2019

Bass guitar

Erik Petersen

2010
2017

Guitar

Erik Petersen

2019
2019

Guitar

Story of Balance and Composure

Hailing from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Balance and Composure emerged from the ashes of two local bands in the winter of 2007. Quickly establishing themselves, their sound drew comparisons to grunge giants Nirvana and fellow Pennsylvanian post-hardcore act Title Fight, but also revealed influences ranging from the indie-rock of Neutral Milk Hotel and Sunny Day Real Estate to the emo intensity of Jawbreaker and Braid.

Over their career, the band released three critically acclaimed studio albums and two EPs, culminating in their sophomore effort, The Things We Think We're Missing. This album climbed to impressive heights on the Billboard charts, reaching #51 on the Billboard 200, #10 on the Independent Albums chart, #13 on Modern Rock/Alternative Albums, and #16 on the Rock Albums chart.

However, their journey came to a close. In a surprise announcement on Taylor Madison's Strange Nerve podcast (December 14, 2017), vocalist Jon Simmons revealed their upcoming anniversary tour would be their last. A subsequent press release on January 14, 2019, confirmed a farewell tour—initially six dates, expanded due to overwhelming demand—with select shows featuring support from fellow scene heavyweights Tigers Jaw, mewithoutYou, and Touche Amore. This marked the end of a significant chapter in the emo/post-hardcore scene, leaving behind a legacy of powerfully emotional music and memorable live performances.

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