Time for Rock...
Time for Rock...
Founded in: 2013
Hailing from the bustling music scene of Boston, Massachusetts, Dead Poet Society emerged in 2013 with a raw energy that resonated with a growing fanbase. Led by vocalist and guitarist Jack Underkofler, the band’s original lineup also featured Jack Collins (guitar), Nick Taylor (bass), and Will Goodroad (drums). They forged their sound in the vibrant atmosphere of Berklee College of Music, playing their first gig just two days after forming.
Their early years saw the band honing their craft as an independent unit, self-producing and recording their music. The unique blend of heavy riffs and pop-infused melodies, described by Underkofler as "heavy indie rock" and "djent pop", caught the attention of music lovers, and in 2020, they signed with Spinefarm Music Group.
The band's debut album, "!-," dropped in 2021, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with. Their music, with its infectious energy and captivating dynamics, has resonated with audiences worldwide.
The story of Dead Poet Society, however, goes beyond music alone. They embraced their roots, choosing their band name as a tribute to their shared passion for poetry, completely independent of the iconic film. After graduating from Berklee, the band relocated to Los Angeles, furthering their pursuit of musical success.
Their journey took a significant turn in 2016 when Pepe Problemas, an influential Mexican blog, recognized their talent. This recognition fueled their rise, paving the way for the international acclaim they enjoy today. Dead Poet Society is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the magic of creating music that transcends borders.
Founded in: 2012
EggPlantEgg (English: EggPlantEgg) is a Taiwanese indie rock band formed in Taipei in 2012. The band consists of vocalist and keyboardist Ah-Bin, guitarist Ah-De, and guitarist Ah-Ren. Their musical style encompasses classic rock, blues, and fusion, interwoven with street karaoke and popular music styles. In 2017, they released their first album, "Cartoon Characters". In 2018, they won the Best Hokkien Album Award and Best New Artist Award at the 29th Golden Melody Awards. In 2019, they were nominated for the Song of the Year Award at the 30th Golden Melody Awards with "Drifting". In May 2020, the music video for their single "浪子回頭" (The Prodigal Son Returns) reached 100 million views on their official YouTube channel. In December 2021, the music video for their single "Drifting" reached 100 million views on their official YouTube channel. In 2022, they won the Song of the Year Award at the 33rd Golden Melody Awards with the film theme song "Love Is Greater Than You Think". In September of the same year, they announced a hiatus due to the lead singer's vocal damage.
Like other indie bands in Taiwan that are actively expanding their musical landscape, EggPlantEgg also chose not to join a major record label and instead formed their own company, "EggPlantEgg Co., Ltd.", to handle all of the band's affairs. The company currently employs band members and a manager, and other businesses such as media relations, design, and technical engineering are handled through collaborations.
== Band Name == The band name "EggPlantEgg" comes from the fact that the band members all happen to love eggplants, and eggplants are something that people either love or hate, similar to their music which doesn't satisfy everyone. Lead vocalist Huang Qi-Bin said: "I like to eat eggplant, but you know, eggplant is something that people either love or hate, and that's the same with our music, some people like it, some people hate it, that's normal! So we chose a plant that's a little less mainstream, because eggplant is 'eggplant' in English, so I thought I'd add an 'egg' to make it 'EggPlantEgg', so it's visually symmetrical and has a distinct 'masculine symbol', representing the interesting, masculine image that EggPlantEgg gives to the audience through their music."
== Members == Formed in 2012, the original five members of EggPlantEgg were all graduates of Songshan High School. After member changes, only Huang Qi-Bin remains in the band.
Founded in: 2012
Elephant Gym, a name that instantly conjures images of heavy riffs and intricate rhythms, is a math rock trio hailing from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Founded in February 2012 by siblings KT (bass) and Tell (guitar) Chang, alongside drummer Chia-Chin Tu, this band isn't your average rock outfit. The name itself is a powerful statement, with "elephant" symbolizing their bass-driven, monstrous sound and "gym" referencing their agility and unpredictable rhythmic prowess.
From Classical Roots to Math Rock Masters:
Each member brings a unique background to the group. KT and Tell were classically trained by their mother, while Chia-Chin honed his skills in classical percussion. This diverse musical upbringing formed the foundation for Elephant Gym's unique sound. After meeting at a high school music club, the trio wasted no time in forging their own musical path. They self-produced a limited-edition EP and toured Taiwan on their single "Ordinary Route", which later found its place on their debut album.
Early Success and Hiatus:
In May 2013, their first official EP, "Balance", dropped, featuring the standout track "Ocean in the Night" produced alongside Hong-shen Hong, the frontman of the acclaimed indie band Touming Magazine. The band continued to gain momentum, collaborating with pop singer Yoga Lin on the song "Speaking in Tongues", performing with him in Hong Kong and at Taipei Arena. Their debut album, "Angle", followed in June 2014, showcasing their signature sound through collaborations with artists like Panai Kusui and Enno Cheng. However, in December 2014, a year-long hiatus was announced due to Taiwanese compulsory military service. Their farewell performance, "See You Then", served as a poignant send-off, accompanied by a touching short documentary of the same name.
A Return to the Stage and Beyond:
In August 2016, Elephant Gym returned with a vengeance, releasing "Angle" in Japan and being invited to perform at the prestigious Summer Sonic Festival. Their post-hiatus period marked a new era, with the band continuing to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide with their electrifying live performances and innovative musical explorations.
Elephant Gym's story is a testament to passion, talent, and the enduring power of music. Their commitment to their craft and their captivating live shows have cemented their status as one of the leading forces in the global math rock scene. As they continue to evolve, Elephant Gym's legacy is poised to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
Founded in: 2001
Fire EX. is a Taiwanese Hokkien punk band from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, formed in 2000. During the Sunflower Student Movement in Taiwan in 2014, National Taipei University of Arts professors Wu Da-kun and Chen Jing-yuan, along with students, planned and invited Fire EX. to create the song "Island Light". This work, "Island Light", subsequently received widespread attention in Taiwan's mainstream music scene and won the Best Song of the Year award at the 26th Golden Melody Awards.
In 2015, they established Fire Music. In 2017, they created their own music festival, Fireball Festival. In 2020, they won the Best Band Award at the 31st Golden Melody Awards.
== Members == Lead Vocals/Guitar: Yang Da-zheng, vox/gt_Sam Guitar/Backing Vocals: Zheng Yu-chen, b.v/gt_Orio Bass/Backing Vocals: Chen Jing-yuan, b.v/bass_Jc Drums: Ke Zhi-xun (Ke Guang), dr_Kg
== Band History == In 2015, Fire Music was established. The team, drawing on 18 years of experience running Fire EX., sought to challenge themselves with more innovative endeavors through different team collaborations. They also hoped that "Fire Music" could become a label that would have a positive impact on the market environment.
In 2015, they participated in the production of the theme song for the YAMAHA BW'S micro-film, releasing the song "Forward." They also formed a new band, MONOEYES, with Takeshi Hosomi of the Japanese punk band ELLEGARDEN and collaborated with the Korean band Thornapple to hold a cross-border tour. Currently, promotional activities are underway in all three countries, with plans to hold grand events in Seoul, South Korea, Taipei, Taiwan, and Tokyo, Japan on September 12, 13, and 17, respectively.
In 2016, they were nominated by Net Temperature as the top 10 independent bands in Taiwan, coming in first place. Second place went to Grasshopper's No Party and third place to Light Morning Electric.
Founded in: 1994
Foo Fighters, the American rock titans, emerged from the ashes of Nirvana in 1994, Seattle's grunge scene simmering in the background. Born as a solo project by Dave Grohl, the band's founding drummer, Foo Fighters soon transformed into a full-fledged rock machine.
Grohl's initial vision took flight with the release of their self-titled debut in 1995, featuring a powerful lineup that included Nate Mendel (bass) and William Goldsmith (drums), both veterans of the renowned emo band Sunny Day Real Estate. Pat Smear, who had shared the stage with Nirvana on tour, added his signature guitar licks to the mix. The band's first public performance in February 1995 signaled their arrival on the rock scene.
However, the recording process for their sophomore album, The Colour and the Shape (1997), saw the departure of Goldsmith, leaving Grohl to fill the drum chair for the majority of the tracks. Smear also parted ways with the band around this time.
The band soldiered on, welcoming Franz Stahl and Taylor Hawkins into the fold to replace Smear and Goldsmith respectively. This new lineup solidified Foo Fighters' iconic sound, propelling them to international acclaim and a legacy that continues to inspire and enthrall generations of rock fans.
Founded in: 2001
Franz Ferdinand, hailing from the vibrant music scene of Glasgow, emerged in 2002, quickly becoming one of the defining bands of the post-punk revival. The original quartet - Alex Kapranos (vocals, guitar, keys), Nick McCarthy (rhythm guitar, keys, vocals), Bob Hardy (bass, percussion) and Paul Thomson (drums, percussion, backing vocals) - crafted a sound both familiar and fresh, blending angular guitar riffs with infectious melodies.
Their debut single, "Darts of Pleasure," hinted at their potential, narrowly missing the UK Top 40. But it was their second single, "Take Me Out," that catapulted them to mainstream success. The song, a catchy anthem with a driving beat, peaked at number three in the UK, became a global hit, and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance. It's arguably their signature song, still a staple of their live sets today.
The band's self-titled debut album cemented their status as a force to be reckoned with, winning the prestigious 2004 Mercury Prize and garnering another Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Album. Their second album, "You Could Have It So Much Better" (produced by Rich Costey), further solidified their position in the rock world, showcasing their continued evolution and songwriting prowess.
Franz Ferdinand's influence extends beyond their chart success. The band has garnered critical acclaim, including two Brit Awards (including Best British Group) and an NME Award. They've toured relentlessly, captivating audiences worldwide with their energetic performances.
After McCarthy's departure in 2016, Julian Corrie (keys, guitar, backing vocals) and Dino Bardot (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) joined the ranks. Thomson's departure in 2021 led to the addition of Audrey Tait on drums. Despite these lineup changes, Franz Ferdinand remains a vital and influential act, continuing to push boundaries and inspire a new generation of musicians with their unique blend of post-punk, indie rock, and pop sensibilities.
Founded in: 1998
Further Seems Forever, hailing from Pompano Beach, Florida, burst onto the scene in 1998. Their initial eight years were a whirlwind of lineup changes, with each of their first three albums featuring a different lead vocalist.
The band's journey began with Chris Carrabba, whose emo-tinged vocals graced their debut album, "The Moon Is Down" (2001). However, Carrabba soon departed to form Dashboard Confessional, leaving a void filled by Jason Gleason for their sophomore release, "How to Start a Fire" (2003). Gleason's tenure proved short-lived, and he was replaced by Jon Bunch, formerly of Sense Field, who fronted their third album, "Hide Nothing" (2004).
The band called it quits in 2006, but four years later, they reunited, with Carrabba back on vocal duties. Their fourth album, "Penny Black," released in 2012, marked a return to their roots.
While often categorized as indie rock and closely associated with the emo genre, Further Seems Forever's sound also drew connections to Christian rock. This association stemmed from the members' faith, recurring Christian themes in their lyrics, their affiliation with Tooth & Nail Records, and their appearances at Christian festivals like Cornerstone and Furnace Fest. However, the band maintained that they weren't a strictly Christian act, but rather a rock band with Christian members.
Further Seems Forever's story is a testament to the enduring power of music and the ever-evolving dynamics of a band's journey. Through lineup changes, stylistic shifts, and genre classifications, their music continues to resonate with listeners, leaving a lasting impact on the rock scene.
Founded in: 2010
Glass Animals, the indie rock quartet hailing from Oxford, England, burst onto the scene in 2010. The band's lineup boasts Dave Bayley (vocals, guitar, keys, drums, songwriting), Drew MacFarlane (guitar, keys, backing vocals), Edmund Irwin-Singer (bass, keys, backing vocals), and Joe Seaward (drums).
Their debut album, "Zaba" (2014), propelled them into the spotlight with the platinum-selling single "Gooey." This success paved the way for their sophomore album, "How to Be a Human Being," which garnered critical acclaim and won them coveted awards: UK Album of the Year and Self Producing Artist of the Year at the 2018 MPG Awards. They also received a prestigious Mercury Prize nomination for this album.
Their third album, "Dreamland," reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and number seven on the US Billboard 200. This solidified their position as a major force in the music scene.
However, it was their hit single "Heat Waves" that catapulted them to global fame. The track went viral on TikTok, topping the charts in Australia and being crowned number one on the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2020. It has since surpassed two billion streams on Spotify and achieved the pinnacle of success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the UK Singles Chart.
The band's critical acclaim continued with two Brit Award nominations in 2022: Best British Alternative/Rock Act and "Heat Waves" for Best British Single. They also received their first Grammy nomination for Best New Artist at the 2022 Grammy Awards.
Early Days: 2010-2015
The four band members, all graduates of St Edward's School in Oxford, forged their musical bond during their formative years. This shared history serves as the foundation for their unique blend of indie rock, electronic, and psychedelic sounds.
Founded in: 1983
Guided by Voices, hailing from the unassuming city of Dayton, Ohio, has been a force in indie rock since their formation in 1983. The band's history is one of constant reinvention, driven by the creative spirit of their visionary leader, Robert Pollard. While the lineup has seen a revolving door of musicians over the years, Pollard's songwriting has remained the core, acting as the beating heart of GBV's unique sound.
The band's most iconic iteration featured Pollard on vocals, his brother Jim on guitar and bass, the guitar wizardry of Mitch Mitchell, Tobin Sprout's distinct vocals and rhythm guitar, Kevin Fennell's powerhouse drumming, and bassist Greg Demos. This lineup cemented their reputation for raw, unpolished energy, characterized by their lo-fi aesthetic and DIY approach. Using four-track cassette recorders, they crafted a signature sound heavily influenced by early post-British Invasion garage rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, punk, and post-punk.
Guided by Voices is known for their prolific output, having released over 40 full-length albums alongside a plethora of EPs, singles, and other releases. Their music is a whirlwind of sonic experimentation, marked by short, often abruptly-ending songs. They sprinkle their tracks with homemade sound effects, adding a layer of surrealism to their already unconventional approach.
The band initially disbanded in 2004, only to be revived in 2010 with the reunion of their classic lineup. They celebrated Matador Records' 21st anniversary with a performance, followed by a tour and the release of six new albums. Despite another break-up in 2014, Pollard's passion for music reignited, bringing the band back with a new lineup and a fresh album in 2016.
Guided by Voices has cultivated a dedicated fanbase who appreciate their unbridled creativity and willingness to break the mold. They are a testament to the power of independent music, proving that sometimes the most compelling stories are born from the most unexpected places.
Their journey from Dayton's bars to becoming indie rock legends is a testament to their unwavering dedication to their craft. Guided by Voices' legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of musicians and listeners, reminding them that the spirit of rock and roll thrives on innovation and a DIY attitude.
Guided by Voices is more than just a band; they are a musical phenomenon, a testament to the raw power of creative expression. They continue to push boundaries, defy expectations, and leave a lasting impact on the world of music, one off-kilter song at a time.
Founded in: 2006
Haim (pronounced HY-im, meaning "life" in Hebrew), are a Los Angeles-based rock band with a secret weapon: they're three sisters – Este (bass and vocals), Danielle (lead vocals, guitar, and drums), and Alana (guitars, keyboards, and vocals). And they're not just musically talented; each sister is a multi-instrumentalist, adding layers of depth to their sound.
Their musical journey began in their family's cover band, Rockinhaim, led by their parents, Moti and Donna. This early exposure to music ignited a passion that carried them through their childhood. Este and Danielle even took a brief detour into pop with the group Valli Girls in 2005. But it was in 2007 that the Haim we know today truly emerged, when Alana joined her sisters to form the band.
For several years, the sisters played music as a hobby, but a turning point came when Danielle's successful touring career with artists like Jenny Lewis and Julian Casablancas propelled them towards making music their full-time focus. By 2012, Haim was officially back in action.
Their first release, a limited-time download EP called "Forever," caught the attention of the industry, especially after a standout performance at the South by Southwest festival. This led to a deal with Polydor Records and a management contract with Jay-Z's Roc Nation.
The band's debut album, "Days Are Gone" (2013), was a critical and commercial success, charting in the top ten in numerous countries, including the UK, where it reached the number one spot. By the end of 2013, they were showered with "best of" awards and even received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
Haim's story is a testament to the power of family, hard work, and a shared passion for music. They've not only carved their own path in the world of rock, but they've also brought a unique sisterly energy and undeniable talent to the stage.