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Sweet Pill

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Band Timeline

2018

Formation of Sweet Pill

Sweet Pill was founded in 2018 in Philadelphia as an emo band. The band originated as a senior project by vocalist Zayna Youssef and guitarist Jayce Williams while they were attending Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. The band was formed with the goal of creating emotive music rooted in the emo genre, capturing the experiences and emotions of their youth. Over time, the lineup was completed with the addition of drummer Chris Kearney approximately a year and a half after their initial formation.
2019

Early Releases and Debut EP

In 2019, Sweet Pill made their first official releases which marked their entry into the wider emo and indie music scenes. Their debut single, "Doubt," was released in March 2019 and showcased the band's emotionally charged sound and lyrical depth. Just a month later, in April 2019, Sweet Pill released their first extended play (EP) titled "Lost In It." These early releases helped establish their presence, building a growing fanbase and solidifying their unique sound within the contemporary emo landscape.
2021

Relocation and New Lineup

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Sweet Pill relocated to Philadelphia, expanding their lineup to include guitarist Sean McCall and bassist Ryan Cullen. This marked an important evolution for the band as they transitioned from their initial student project origins to a fully realized group prepared for broader exposure. Their first show with this strengthened lineup took place at the FDR Skatepark in May 2021, an event that signified their renewed commitment to live performance and their shaping identity as a Philadelphia-based emo act.
2022

Debut Album Release and Growing Recognition

2022 was a landmark year for Sweet Pill, culminating in the release of their debut full-length album, "Where the Heart Is," on May 25, 2022. Ahead of the album launch, the band released singles "Blood," "High Hopes," and "Diamond Eyes," which generated anticipation and showcased the album's emotional depth and musical maturity. The album articulated themes of vulnerability and resilience, resonating with listeners across the emo and indie rock scenes. Additionally, Sweet Pill gained wider recognition by opening for established post-hardcore band La Dispute during their US and Canada tour from September to October 2022, expanding their audience and influence in the emo community.
2023

Signing with Hopeless Records and Continued Success

In 2023, Sweet Pill reached a significant milestone by signing with Hopeless Records, a label known for supporting impactful bands in the emo and punk scenes. This partnership was announced on September 27, 2023, alongside the release of a new single titled "Starchild." This move signaled Sweet Pill's transition into a new phase of their career with increased industry support and resources. The band continued to release music under Hopeless Records, continuing to build on their established emotive sound and growing fanbase.

Albums

sweet-pill_1st_album
Where the Heart Is
10 tracks
2022
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Jayce Williams

N/A

Electric guitar

Sean McCall

2019

Background vocals

Ryan Cullen

2021

Electric bass guitar

Zayna Youssef

N/A

Lead vocals

Jayce Williams

N/A

Background vocals

Jayce Williams

N/A

Glockenspiel

Sean McCall

2019

Electric guitar

Chris Kearney

2019

Drums (drum set)

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Jack Meidel

2019
N/A

Story of Sweet Pill

Hailing from Philadelphia, Sweet Pill emerged onto the emo scene in 2019. Fronted by vocalist Zayna Youssef, the band—which also includes guitarist Jayce Williams, guitarist Sean McCall, bassist Ryan Cullen, and drummer Chris Kearney—quickly made their mark. Formed while Youssef was a student at Rowan University, the band wasted no time, dropping their debut single, "Doubt," in March 2019, followed a month later by their first EP, Lost In It.

Building momentum, Sweet Pill announced their debut full-length album in March 2022, previewing it with the singles "Blood," "High Hopes," and "Diamond Eyes." Where the Heart Is finally landed on May 25th, 2022, solidifying their place in the emo landscape. Their rising profile earned them a coveted support slot opening for post-hardcore giants La Dispute on their extensive US and Canada tour in Fall 2022, showcasing their talents to a wider audience and cementing their position as a band to watch.

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