Off 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.

Green Day: From Bay Area Punk to Global Rock Icons

Green Day, the undisputed kings of pop-punk, emerged from the vibrant Bay Area punk scene of the late 80s. Founded in 1987 by the dynamic duo of Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals, guitar) and Mike Dirnt (bass, backing vocals), the band initially went by the names Blood Rage and Sweet Children before settling on Green Day in 1989. They quickly became fixtures at the legendary 924 Gilman Street club in Berkeley, a hotbed for the burgeoning punk movement.

Their early recordings, released through Lookout! Records, showcased their raw energy and catchy melodies. Their debut album, 39/Smooth (1990), established their raw talent and laid the groundwork for their future success. The arrival of drummer Tré Cool in 1990, replacing John Kiffmeyer, solidified their classic power trio lineup.

The game-changer arrived in 1994 with Dookie, their major label debut on Reprise Records. The album exploded, selling over 10 million copies in the U.S. alone, and propelled Green Day into the mainstream. They became synonymous with the punk revival alongside fellow California bands like Bad Religion, the Offspring, Rancid, NOFX, Pennywise, and Social Distortion.

Dookie cemented their status as rock stars, but Green Day continued to push boundaries. Insomniac (1995), Nimrod (1997), and Warning (2000) all achieved significant success, though they didn't quite match the phenomenal heights of Dookie.

Their seventh album, American Idiot (2004), marked a new chapter. This ambitious rock opera resonated deeply with a younger generation, selling six million copies in the U.S. and solidifying their status as a true rock force.

Green Day's momentum continued with 21st Century Breakdown (2009), their most commercially successful album to date, boasting their best chart performance ever. The band then embarked on a bold experiment with the ¡Uno!, ¡Dos!, ¡Tré! trilogy (2012), a three-part album release. While the trilogy didn't quite reach the commercial heights of their previous efforts, it solidified their enduring creative spirit.

Green Day's journey has been one of constant evolution. From their humble beginnings in the Bay Area punk scene to their global domination as rock icons, they have consistently delivered catchy tunes, powerful lyrics, and unforgettable live shows. They remain a force to be reckoned with, continuously inspiring new generations of musicians and fans alike.

Orgy: A Dive into the Depths of Industrial Rock

Orgy, a Los Angeles-based band, emerged from the underground scene in 1997, carving their own path through the industrial rock landscape. They've coined their sound as "death pop," a darkly captivating blend of industrial aggression and pop sensibility.

Their most recognized hits are a cover of New Order's iconic "Blue Monday" and their own pulsating anthem "Stitches," both from their 1998 album "Candyass." This album propelled them to notoriety, showcasing their ability to inject a sinister edge into commercially accessible tunes.

Following the success of "Candyass," Orgy released their second album, "Vapor Transmission," in 2000. This record featured singles like "Fiction (Dreams in Digital)" and "Opticon," further solidifying their place in the industrial rock scene.

Early Days: A Fusion of Talent and Experience

Orgy's formation in 1997 brought together a formidable lineup: vocalist Jay Gordon, guitarists Amir Derakh and Ryan Shuck, bassist Paige Haley, and drummer Bobby Hewitt. This group boasted a wealth of musical experience, with Derakh previously finding fame with the '80s metal band Rough Cutt, and Hewitt having been a member of Electric Love Hogs.

Gordon, before forming Orgy, had played bass for Deadsy, even appearing on their self-titled unreleased album. He also shared production duties with Derakh on Coal Chamber's self-titled debut, showcasing their prowess in the studio.

This blend of diverse musical backgrounds and production experience formed the bedrock for Orgy's unique sound. Their music was a fusion of driving rhythms, heavy industrial textures, and haunting melodies, which resonated with a generation yearning for something darker and more intense.

Just a band from Gainesville playing music they like.

Set It Off: A Rock Band Built on Passion and YouTube

Set It Off, hailing from Tampa, Florida, is a rock band that emerged onto the scene in 2008. Their explosive sound is a blend of pop-punk, post-hardcore, and emo influences, creating a signature energy that's captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The band consists of frontman Cody Carson, whose powerhouse vocals and charismatic stage presence are legendary, guitarist/bassist Zach DeWall, and drummer Maxx Danziger, who provide the relentless rhythmic backbone.

From humble beginnings, the band's journey is an inspiring testament to dedication and the power of social media. Cody's YouTube channel played a vital role in building a loyal fanbase before they even signed a record deal. Their catchy tunes and infectious energy resonated online, propelling them to the forefront of the next generation of rock bands.

After releasing a string of successful EPs, they caught the attention of Equal Vision Records, their first label home. Their talent and undeniable energy led them to Fearless Records in 2018, where they unleashed their fourth studio album, "Midnight," in 2019. This was followed by "Elsewhere," their fifth studio album, in 2022, showcasing their continued growth and evolution.

In 2023, Set It Off took a bold step, venturing out on their own as an independent band, a decision fueled by their desire for creative freedom and a direct connection with their passionate fanbase. This new chapter promises exciting things for the band, as they forge their own path, free from the constraints of the traditional music industry.

From their early days in Tampa to their burgeoning success, Set It Off's story is a testament to hard work, raw talent, and the unwavering support of their devoted fan base. They've become synonymous with an energetic, captivating sound, making them one of the most exciting rock bands of the new generation.

Here's a glimpse into their early days:

Formation (2008)

Cody Carson and Dan Clermont, bandmates from their high school marching band, found themselves crossing paths with Austin M. Kerr and Zach DeWall, who were also making music together. After high school, Cody moved to Ohio to pursue a degree in classical clarinet at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. However, his musical journey took an unexpected turn.

Cody's YouTube videos caught the eye of Alex Gaskarth, the frontman of All Time Low, who invited him to sing "Coffee Shop Soundtrack" at their Cleveland concert. The experience solidified Cody's passion for rock and his desire to be in a band. He left college, using his school funds to kickstart his musical dreams with Set It Off. The band's journey was set in motion, fueled by passion, a shared vision, and a little bit of internet magic.

Secondhand Serenade: A Rock Band Expert's Take

Secondhand Serenade, the brainchild of John Vesely, is more than just a one-man act. While Vesely is the driving force behind the project, his musical journey has taken him from solo multi-tracking to collaborating with a full band, showcasing a captivating evolution in his sound.

A Multifaceted Musician

Vesely, a versatile musician, handles vocals, piano, and guitar. He honed his skills in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, drawing inspiration from his jazz musician father. After years playing bass in various bands spanning ska, hardcore, rock, and pop, he found his voice with acoustic guitar, embarking on a path reminiscent of Five for Fighting's John Ondrasik.

From Solo to Band

Secondhand Serenade's debut album utilized the power of multi-tracking to create a full-band feel. This innovative approach allowed Vesely to craft a sonic landscape all his own, showcasing his musical prowess. However, his second album marked a turning point. He embraced the power of a live band, incorporating synthesizers to add another layer of depth and texture to his sound.

Early Days and Rise to Fame

The journey began in 2004, when Vesely, fueled by passion, started performing as Secondhand Serenade in his hometown of Menlo Park, California. His musical journey, however, stretches back to his teenage years when he first discovered the magic of music at the tender age of 12.

This dedication to his craft, combined with his dynamic musical approach, has propelled Secondhand Serenade to become a notable force in the rock scene. His music resonates with listeners, capturing the raw emotions and vulnerability that define the genre. With four studio albums under his belt, Secondhand Serenade continues to evolve and captivate audiences with his unique brand of rock music.