You Vandal

Emerging from the humid heart of Gainesville, Florida, The Real You is the Sunshine State's hottest alternative emo band, carving out a unique sound they call "Southeast Emo." This dynamic foursome - Dennis Pfeiffer (vocals), Tyler Moscarello (guitar and vocals), Isaac Morales (guitar and vocals), and Kyle Miller (drums) - seamlessly blend rock, pop, punk, and alternative influences, crafting a captivating sonic experience.

Their relatable lyrics, laced with melancholy and catchy hooks, draw listeners in, while their high-energy, upbeat instrumentals create a dynamic contrast. With releases like "Vans Manger Type Beat," "All Gas, No Breaks," and "Club Vegan (Yuh)," The Real You offers something for every musical palate, establishing themselves as a local and regional favorite. Their music has resonated with audiences, garnering over 100,000 streams across all platforms.

AWOLNATION: From Indie Roots to Chart-Topping Success

AWOLNATION (stylized as AWOLNATION) is an American rock band hailing from Los Angeles. Led by the enigmatic Aaron Bruno, who previously fronted bands like Under the Influence of Giants, Home Town Hero, and Insurgence, AWOLNATION has carved a unique path in the music scene.

Their journey began with the release of their debut EP "Back from Earth" in 2010, which introduced them to the world. The band's first full-length studio album, "Megalithic Symphony," dropped in 2011 and catapulted them to mainstream success. The album's standout track, "Sail," became a global phenomenon, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, topping the Rock and Alternative charts, and achieving diamond certification by the RIAA. "Sail" solidified AWOLNATION's place as a force in the rock world and marked the beginning of their commercial breakthrough.

The band continued to create compelling music with their subsequent albums. "Run" in 2015, "Here Come the Runts" in 2018, and "Angel Miners & the Lightning Riders" in 2020 showcased their evolution and experimentation within the rock genre. In 2022, they released "My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers, and Me," a collection of powerful covers, demonstrating their versatility and respect for musical influences.

AWOLNATION's journey is a testament to their dedication, artistic vision, and the power of a unique sound. They've navigated the music industry, consistently delivering powerful and evocative music, solidifying their position as a modern rock powerhouse.

Resorte: Mexico's Nu-Metal Pioneers

Resorte, the name meaning "spring device" in Spanish, is a Mexican nu-metal band that burst onto the scene in 1995. Emerging alongside the burgeoning nu-metal genre, they were inspired by the likes of Rage Against the Machine and KoRn, bringing a distinctly Mexican flavor to the heavy sound.

Their debut, the independent music video for "America," showcased Resorte's raw energy and quickly caught the attention of MTV. This early success propelled them into the spotlight, leading to a string of live performances and building a loyal fan base.

The band's debut album, "República de Ciegos," was released in June 1997 via Discos Manicomio. This marked a pivotal moment in Mexican music, coinciding with the rise of other iconic nu-metal acts like Molotov. Resorte was at the forefront of this explosion, captivating audiences with their energetic performances and catchy tunes.

Their second album, "XL," dropped in September 1999, ushering in a new era for the band. "XL" propelled them to mainstream success, gaining significant radio and television airplay, and even cracking the MTV Top 10. This period saw Resorte sharing stages with international heavyweights like Limp Bizkit and Papa Roach, further solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with.

After a brief hiatus in 2001, Resorte returned with a renewed focus, crafting their third album, "Versión 3.0." This record showcased their continued evolution and solidified their position as a pioneering band in the Mexican rock scene.

Resorte's impact extends beyond their music. They embody the spirit of rebellion and defiance that defines nu-metal, resonating with a generation seeking an outlet for their frustrations and anxieties. They have left an undeniable mark on Mexican music, inspiring countless bands and contributing to the growth and international recognition of the Mexican rock scene.

Drowning Pool: A Rollercoaster Ride Through Rock & Roll

Drowning Pool, the Dallas-born rock band, burst onto the scene in 1996, their name a nod to the 1975 film "The Drowning Pool." The band's core lineup, a dynamic trio featuring guitarist C.J. Pierce, drummer Mike Luce, and bassist Stevie Benton, has remained constant, while the vocalist position has seen a revolving door of talented musicians.

Their debut album, "Sinner" (2001), catapulted them to fame, but tragedy struck when original vocalist Dave Williams was found dead in 2002. Jason Jones took the reins in 2003, delivering "Desensitized" (2004), but departed in 2005 due to creative differences. The band then recruited Ryan McCombs from SOiL, a Chicago-based band, marking a turning point. McCombs' tenure saw two albums, "Full Circle" (2007) and "Drowning Pool" (2010), breaking the band's pattern of switching vocalists after each album. However, McCombs' departure in 2011 to rejoin SOiL left Drowning Pool seeking a new frontman once again.

Jasen Moreno stepped in as vocalist in 2012, leading the band through three albums: "Resilience" (2013), "Hellelujah" (2016), and "Strike a Nerve" (2022). The band's chemistry with Moreno proved solid, but the tides turned in 2023 when McCombs rejoined the band, bringing a full circle to the band's musical journey.

The Early Years (1996-2000):

Before their rise to prominence, Drowning Pool's roots were planted in New Orleans. Pierce and Luce, the driving force behind the band's signature sound, relocated to Dallas, where Drowning Pool took shape. They quickly began honing their raw, powerful sound, laying the foundation for the band's future success.

PUP: A Canadian Punk Rock Powerhouse

PUP, a name that stands for "Pathetic Use of Potential," is a Canadian punk rock band hailing from Toronto, Ontario. Formed in 2010 under the name Topanga, PUP has become a force to be reckoned with in the punk scene.

Their debut album, simply titled "PUP," dropped on October 8, 2013, under the banner of Royal Mountain Records. The band's raw energy and infectious hooks caught the attention of SideOneDummy Records, who signed them in December 2013 and re-released the album in the US on April 8, 2014.

PUP's relentless work ethic saw them back in the studio in late 2015, recording their sophomore album, "The Dream Is Over." Released on May 27, 2016, via SideOneDummy, the album solidified their status as a major player in the punk world.

The band's third album, "Morbid Stuff," arrived on April 5, 2019, showcasing their continued evolution and maturity. They followed this with a six-track EP titled "This Place Sucks Ass" on October 27, 2020, further demonstrating their versatility.

PUP's fourth album, "The Unraveling of PUPTheBand," dropped on April 1, 2022, cementing their place as one of the most exciting and dynamic punk bands of their generation.

Origins and Formation (2010)

The band's foundation is built on a strong friendship. Guitarist Steve Sladkowski, bassist Nestor Chumak, and drummer Zack Mykula share a history as childhood friends who attended school together in Toronto. Their bond grew over the years, leading them to collaborate on numerous bands throughout their youth. This shared passion for music would ultimately lead to the formation of PUP, setting the stage for a career filled with powerful music and unwavering camaraderie.

Skillet: A Rock Band Powerhouse

Skillet, a Christian rock band hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, has been shaking the music scene since 1996. Fronted by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, John and Korey Cooper (lead vocals, bass, rhythm guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), the band is also complemented by Jen Ledger (drums, co-lead vocals) and Seth Morrison (lead guitar).

Skillet's musical journey has seen them release eleven studio albums, including "Collide" and "Comatose," both of which garnered Grammy nominations. They've achieved massive commercial success, with "Comatose" going platinum and "Awake" soaring to double platinum status by the RIAA. "Rise" and "Unleashed" also achieved gold certifications. Their chart-topping singles, "Monster," "Hero," "Awake and Alive," and "Feel Invincible," have achieved multi-platinum status, while other hits like "Whispers in the Dark," "Comatose," and "The Resistance" reached platinum status.

Throughout their career, Skillet has weathered numerous lineup changes, leaving John Cooper as the sole remaining original member. Their unwavering dedication to touring has been a defining characteristic, earning them a top-five ranking in Songkick.com's "Hardest Working Bands of 2010."

Early Days: A Genesis of Rock (1996-2002)

The roots of Skillet can be traced back to two prominent bands from Tennessee: Seraph, featuring John Cooper on vocals, and Urgent Cry, featuring Ken Steorts on guitar. Both bands shared the stage on tour, but eventually disbanded. Their pastor encouraged them to collaborate, and thus, the name "Skillet" was born, initially intended as a side project.