Motion City Soundtrack

Motion City Soundtrack is a beloved American rock band, originating from the vibrant music scene of Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1997. The band`s iconic lineup features the distinctive vocals and rhythm guitar of Justin Pierre, the driving lead guitar of Joshua Cain, the pioneering Moog synthesizer contributions of Jesse Johnson, the solid basslines of Matthew Taylor, and the dynamic drumming of Tony Thaxton. Throughout their prolific career, Motion City Soundtrack has embarked on extensive tours and unleashed seven critically acclaimed studio albums, with the majority released under the esteemed independent banner of Epitaph Records.

Their signature sound is an exhilarating blend, frequently categorized as vibrant pop-punk and introspective emo, consistently marked by Jesse Johnsons groundbreaking use of the Moog synthesizer, which carves a truly unique sonic identity. Justin Pierres candid and often verbose lyrics dive deep into the human condition, frequently exploring relatable themes of anxiety, alienation, complex relationships, and self-destructive behavior, resonating profoundly with a dedicated fanbase.

The band`s genesis saw co-founders Joshua Cain and Justin Pierre navigate a period of evolving lineups before solidifying their core members. Their seminal debut album, I Am the Movie, arrived in 2003, showcasing their raw talent. However, it was their landmark commercial breakthrough, Commit This to Memory, released in 2005, that truly cemented their status in the scene. Its equally successful follow-up, Even If It Kills Me (2007), further propelled them to widespread recognition. For many years, Motion City Soundtrack was a defining presence and a perennial fan favorite on the legendary Warped Tour circuit, honing their electrifying live show. The group briefly ventured into the major label sphere with Columbia Records for their 2010 release, My Dinosaur Life, before eventually returning home to Epitaph Records for Go in 2012.