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Band Timeline

2005

Formation of New Years Day

New Years Day was formed in Anaheim, California, in 2005. The band originated after bassist Adam Lohrbach left his previous band, Home Grown, bringing with him emotional themes that shaped the new band's material. Alongside lead vocalist Ashley 'Ash' Costello and guitarist/keyboardist Keith Drover, the trio composed and rehearsed songs centered around difficult emotional break-ups. The initial lineup also briefly included bassist Eric Seilo for their 2005 tours before he departed. Later, guitarist Mike Schoolden and drummer Russell Dixon joined, finalizing the early formation of New Years Day, named to mark a fresh beginning.
2006

Debut EP 'Razor' and Early Online Promotion

In 2006, New Years Day gained significant traction by leveraging social media, especially MySpace, to promote their music. They released their first self-titled EP, originally known as 'Razor', primarily as a digital download but also sold physical CDs at live shows. This release helped establish their presence in the alternative rock scene. The band was featured on the MySpace Records compilation and their music appeared in the Saints Row video game soundtrack. They also played at the South by Southwest music festival, gaining exposure to a larger audience.
2007

Release of First Full-Length Album 'My Dear'

The band's self-financed and self-produced debut album, 'My Dear', was released on May 8, 2007. Recorded over eight months with producer Eugene Perreras, the album featured collaborations with members from Reel Big Fish and Motion City Soundtrack. Following the release, New Years Day toured extensively with bands like The Fall of Troy and Hawthorne Heights. Guitarist Keith Drover left the band post-tour to move to Sweden. The lead single 'I Was Right' received notable attention, including winning the MTVU 'Freshman Face' poll, which helped increase the band's visibility.
2008

Label Challenges and Lineup Changes

In 2008, the band's label, TVT Records, went bankrupt, severely impacting the promotion of 'My Dear'. The resulting instability led to the departure of guitarist Mike Schoolden and bassist Adam Lohrbach, challenging New Years Day's momentum. Despite these setbacks, the remaining members continued to write and record new material, releasing new songs on MySpace in 2009. This period marked a phase of uncertainty but also persistence as the band worked towards their next release.
2010

Joining Vans Warped Tour and International Release

New Years Day participated in the 2010 Vans Warped Tour, a key platform for alternative and punk bands to reach wider audiences. On July 2, 2010, they released 'Headlines & Headstones', their Japanese debut album under Spinning Inc. This album was a compilation featuring previous songs, new material, and a cover of Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance'. The band's presence at Warped Tour and international release helped expand their fanbase beyond the United States, marking an important growth phase.
2011

Lineup Changes and New Members

In early 2011, New Years Day underwent further lineup changes. Guitarist Matthew Lindblad joined the band, replacing Dan Arnold. Alongside this addition, the band incorporated guitarist Jake Jones. These changes brought new energy and musicianship to the group as they prepared for subsequent recordings and tours. Continual lineup adjustments reflected the band's evolving sound and commitment to maintaining momentum in the competitive rock music scene.
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Anthony Barro

N/A

Ashley Costello

N/A

Nikki Misery

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Adam Lohrbach

N/A
N/A

Story of New Years Day

New Years Day: A Rock Band Built on MySpace and Heartbreak

New Years Day emerged from the fertile ground of the Anaheim, California music scene in 2005, carving their own path in the post-emo landscape. The band's roots can be traced back to bassist Adam Lohrbach's departure from the band Home Grown, where he had honed his emotive style. He carried this emotional intensity into New Years Day, forming a powerful foundation for their sound.

With the addition of vocalist Ashley "Ash" Costello and guitarist/keyboardist Keith Drover, the trio wrote songs that resonated with the pain and turmoil of broken relationships, a sentiment that resonated with a generation grappling with their own emotional complexities. Their early demos quickly caught the attention of music fans, propelled by the power of MySpace, the social networking platform that became a launchpad for countless bands in the 2000s.

Their debut self-titled EP dropped in 2006, solidifying their status as a rising force in the rock scene. This was followed by their first full-length album, My Dear, in 2007, which further showcased their raw and emotional sound.

Though the band faced its share of lineup changes, including a brief stint with bassist Eric Seilo, their dedication to their craft never wavered. Six years after their initial debut, the band finally released their sophomore album, Victim to Villain, in 2013, showcasing their growth and evolution as musicians.

Their 2015 release, Malevolence, marked a turning point in their career. This album peaked at number 45 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking their highest charting achievement to date and solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the modern rock world.

From their MySpace beginnings to their Billboard success, New Years Day continues to captivate audiences with their raw honesty, powerful vocals, and emotionally charged music. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of passion, resilience, and a deep connection to their fans.

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