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I Set My Friends on Fire

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Band Timeline

2007

Formation and Early Beginnings

I Set My Friends on Fire was formed in 2007 in Miami, Florida by Matt Mehana and Nabil Moo after their previous band, We Are the Cavalry, disbanded. They began creating music under this new name, which was coincidentally similar to a song by the band Aiden, though they were unaware of it at the time. Their early work gained considerable traction on MySpace, particularly with their unique rendition of Soulja Boy Tell 'Em's "Crank That (Soulja Boy)", which amassed over a million plays despite MySpace repeatedly removing their page over suspicions of artificial play count inflation. Their self-titled EP was released featuring tracks such as "Crank That", "ASL", and "Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beerholder".
2008

Debut Album Release and Signing with Epitaph Records

In 2008, I Set My Friends on Fire signed with the independent label Epitaph Records. Their debut album, "You Can't Spell Slaughter Without Laughter", was released on October 7, 2008. While the album received mixed to negative reviews by critics, it made a notable impact by reaching number 29 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart. The record featured singles like "Things That Rhyme with Orange" which contributed to building their fanbase. Around this time, the band also engaged with the comedy duo Smosh, which helped increase their exposure via their collaborative music videos.
2009

Collaborations and Lineup Expansion

In 2009, I Set My Friends on Fire collaborated again with Smosh, releasing the music video for "Four Years Foreplay," which garnered over seven million views. This period marked the official addition of drummer Chris Lent, previously of From First To Last, to the lineup. The collaboration with Smosh significantly boosted the band's online presence and popularity among a younger audience, providing a wider platform for their chaotic post-hardcore style.
2010

Second Album Development and Nabil Moo’s Departure

The band entered the studio in early 2010 to work on their second album, starting initial recordings and writing sessions. They performed at The Bamboozle festival in New Jersey on May 1, 2010, highlighting their rising profile in the alternative scene. However, a major lineup change occurred when co-founder Nabil Moo left the band in July 2010 to focus on his education and family. Despite this, the band released the single "Excite Dyke" digitally in June 2010 as a precursor to their upcoming work, maintaining momentum despite the lineup shift.
2011

Release of Astral Rejection

After a delay, the band's second album "Astral Rejection" was streamed exclusively on their website on June 16, 2011, and officially released in stores on June 21, 2011, under Epitaph Records. The album marked a significant point in the band's evolution, featuring a blend of their signature post-hardcore sound with more experimental elements. The music video for "It Comes Naturally" was released on July 18, 2011, directed by Nicholas Lent and featuring former member Nabil Moo, symbolizing a creative link despite past departures. This release solidified their presence in the scene despite internal changes.
2013

Announcement of Caterpillar Sex and Touring Activity

In 2013, I Set My Friends on Fire announced their third album, "Caterpillar Sex," though it has yet to be released. Over the next few years, the band maintained a period of relative quiet regarding new studio recordings but increased their live performance activity. By 2015, with a new lineup led by Matt Mehana, the band embarked on their first tour in over three years, performing extensively with more than 150 shows across 24 countries. This intensive touring highlighted their commitment to reaching audiences globally and revitalizing the band's presence in the live music arena.

Albums

i-set-my-friends-on-fire_1st_album
You Can’t Spell Slaughter Without Laughter
12 tracks
2008
i-set-my-friends-on-fire_2nd_album
Astral Rejection
15 tracks
2011
i-set-my-friends-on-fire_4th_album
My Uzi Holds a Hundred Round Conscience
11 tracks
2017
i-set-my-friends-on-fire_3rd_album
Astral Rejection (OG)
10 tracks
2019
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Matt Mehana

2007

Lead vocals

Nate Blasdell

2015

Guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Chris Lent

2010
2011

Guitar

Chris Lent

2009
2011

Drums (drum set)

Nabil Moo

2007
2010

Background vocals

Nabil Moo

2007
2010

Guitar

Chris Lent

2010
2011

Keyboard

Story of I Set My Friends on Fire

I Set My Friends on Fire (ISMFOF), the Miami, Florida post-hardcore act, exploded onto the scene in 2007, founded by Matt Mehana and Nabil Moo. Quickly gaining traction, they inked a deal with Epitaph Records and unleashed their debut album, You Can't Spell Slaughter Without Laughter, in 2008. Drummer Chris Lent joined the ranks in 2009, bolstering their already intense sound. However, their trajectory took a sharp turn. Astral Rejection, their second album, slated for release in June 2010, was shelved by Epitaph for a year, a significant blow to the band's momentum. Further setbacks followed with Moo's departure in 2010, later followed by Lent. While a third album, Caterpillar Sex, was announced in 2013, it remains unreleased, leaving a legacy marked by both explosive energy and unfinished business.

The band's origins lie in the ashes of another Miami band, We Are the Cavalry. Mehana and Moo, after its dissolution, carried the torch, forging their new identity, I Set My Friends on Fire. While speculation surrounded the band name's origin, with some linking it to the Aiden song of the same title, the band never officially confirmed the connection.

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