A Second Strike of Lightning: Sean Van Vleet's Triumphant Return to Music

In the fickle world of music, success is rarely a guarantee, especially for those who have tasted it before. Yet, Sean Van Vleet defies the odds, proving that sometimes, lightning strikes the same place twice. After the dissolution of his former band, Empires, Van Vleet found himself writing for others, penning songs for the likes of All Time Low, Oliver Tree, and PVRIS, while also contributing to over 200 tracks for television shows, commercials, and video games.

However, a creative spark ignited within him, leading him to form Blame My Youth in 2020. The band’s debut single, "Right Where You Belong," found its way onto the GRAMMY-nominated soundtrack of "Bill & Ted Face the Music," solidifying their presence and captivating audiences. The momentum continued with their subsequent single, "Fantastic," which amassed millions of streams and climbed the Rock radio charts.

As Blame My Youth toured the US and UK, sharing stages with renowned acts like HARDY, The Offspring, 311, and AWOLNATION, their third single, "Prizefighter," made its mark on US Alternative radio. This whirlwind of success showcased the undeniable connection Van Vleet’s music has with listeners.

A pivotal moment arrived when Van Vleet began collaborating closely with Billboard Top 100 Producer of 2023, Joey Moi, the co-founder of Big Loud Rock. What began as a typical songwriter-producer dynamic evolved into something more profound. In the studio, they unexpectedly began writing together, discovering a shared passion for the creative process. This newfound synergy resulted in "The Break," a song that marks the beginning of a new chapter for both Van Vleet and Blame My Youth.

"The Break," while undeniably infectious and upbeat, delves into a deeper vulnerability and emotional rawness that sets it apart from Van Vleet's previous work. This transformative track signifies a fresh start, and as he boldly declares, "It's only going to get better and bigger from here." Van Vleet's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, artistic evolution, and the enduring magic of music that resonates across generations.

Los Angeles-based rock band Point North has released their sophomore album, "Prepare For Despair," to critical acclaim. Following their debut LP in August 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the band has only headlined a single tour, a sold-out North American run in April 2022. They've gained valuable experience supporting major acts like ADTR, Sleeping With Sirens/Don Broco, Atreyu, and Escape The Fate. Building on this momentum, Point North will embark on their own headlining tour for the new album in spring 2024.

The band has already made a strong impression on the music scene with collaborations alongside artists like Fever 333/Garzi, Kayzo/BTSM, Two Friends, Jeris Johnson, and The Ghost Inside. In a significant step, they took their first single to Active Rock radio in spring 2023, achieving a peak position of #20 on the Mediabase/Billboard chart and topping the secondary market chart. Their second radio single, "Below The Belt ft Set It Off," impacted rock radio on October 17th, 2023, receiving the most adds across the country.

Citizen Soldier, a Salt Lake City-based band, emerged in 2016 when frontman Jake Segura, then a patient in a psychiatric hospital, wrote the lyrics to their powerful anthem, "Let It Burn." Now a practicing clinical therapist, Segura brings his deep understanding of mental health to the band's intensely emotional music, creating a space for open dialogue and shared experience.

The band's accessible message combats the stigma surrounding mental health, offering a sense of community and shared healing akin to group therapy. Alongside Segura, the band features guitarists Matt Duffney and Kooper Hanosky, bassist/keyboardist Wonitta, and drummer Kyle Persell, forming a dynamic collective that weaves together music and emotional vulnerability.

Emerging from the vibrant music scene of New York City, Deadlands is a metalcore band carving their own path in the world of post-hardcore. Fronted by founding member Kasey Karlsen, their sound is a raw and potent fusion of traditional post-hardcore with a distinctly modern edge. Karlsen's lyrics, penned since her high school years, delve into the complexities of toxic relationships, the highs and lows of friendships, personal hardships, and contemporary societal issues.

The band's sonic tapestry is further enriched by CJ Arey, known professionally as NO SHADE, who masterfully crafts melodies for both guitar and bass. Arey's unique blend of trap and cinematic influences adds layers of depth and dynamism to their music, pushing the boundaries of traditional metalcore.

Behind the driving force of Deadlands' music is Kyle OBraitis, who brings the power and precision of his drumming to every song. His masterful rhythmic patterns and strategic placement of beats are the heart and soul of their sound, shaping the emotional trajectory of each track.

The band's musical DNA is heavily influenced by a lineage of metalcore giants such as Asking Alexandria, Motionless In White, Escape the Fate, Falling in Reverse, Wage War, and Bring Me The Horizon, but Deadlands ultimately forge their own path, breathing fresh life into the genre with their distinctive sound and powerful lyrical narratives.

In 2004, a simple misdirected message sparked an unexpected musical collaboration. Singer Andreas Clark, intending to reach out to one individual, inadvertently contacted drummer Erik Eklund. A serendipitous conversation revealed a shared passion for the same musical style and a mutual desire to form a new band.

This unlikely connection blossomed into a musical project, dubbed "Self Deception," in early 2005. The band's name, born from their shared experiences, reflected their prior involvement in bands that didn't authentically represent their true artistic selves. Through mutual friends, Erik recruited guitarist Gabriel Rauhofer and bassist Nicklas Wester, completing the lineup. The band forged ahead, recording their first demo and diligently spreading their music throughout online music communities.

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, The Funeral Portrait emerged onto the American rock scene in 2015. Their music, a captivating fusion of alternative metalcore, post-hardcore, and pop punk, sets them apart. Critics have lauded their sound, often comparing it to a potent blend of My Chemical Romance and A Day to Remember, highlighting the band's ability to seamlessly weave these diverse influences into a distinctive and engaging musical tapestry.

Hailing from the musical heartland of Maryland, Any% Given Sin burst onto the American rock scene in 2015. This band, with their raw energy and potent sound, quickly made a name for themselves.

Hailing from the grit and grime of Staten Island, New York, Jigsaw Youth is an all-female punk/grunge force that's injecting a fresh dose of raw distortion and 90s alternative rock into the music scene. Led by the powerful vocals and basslines of Maria Alvarez, with Nastacha Beck unleashing ferocious guitar riffs and Alex Dmytrow providing the driving rhythm on drums, Jigsaw Youth is a band that packs a punch.

Capital Theatre: A Rock Band's Hero's Journey

Capital Theatre, a hard-hitting rock trio hailing from New Zealand, is comprised of Adam Stevenson (vocals, piano, guitar), Roy Oliver (vocals, guitar), and Paul Reid (vocals, drums).

From Underground Club to Global Studios

The band's story begins in the unlikely setting of the Pony Club, an Auckland underground gentleman's club, where they met during a "Sing Sing" jam night hosted by owner Brooke Howard-Smith. The venue, known for its "decrepit cesspool" and "70s porn den" aesthetic, became an unlikely birthplace for a band destined for bigger stages.

A Hero's Journey Begins

Capital Theatre's musical journey took a significant leap in early 2020, when they began recording their original songs with legendary Guns N' Roses producer Mike Clink at NRG Studios in Los Angeles. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to return to New Zealand, where they found themselves locked down for six weeks. Undeterred, they forged a new path, remotely collaborating with Clink via FaceTime and a live audio stream from Neil Finn's Roundhead Studios.

Their dedication paid off, culminating in the release of their debut single, "Force To Fight," on November 3, 2020. Their debut album, "A Hero's Journey," followed suit on June 24, 2022, further solidifying their presence in the rock scene.

A Global Reach, From Lockdown to Barcelona

Capital Theatre's resilience shone through even during the ongoing pandemic. They released four singles from their album, one of which, "Delicately Poised," saw them venturing to Barcelona for its music video shoot. While New Zealand remained under lockdown, the band filmed in the underground adult entertainment club, Bagdad, showcasing their bold creativity and unwavering determination.

With their unique blend of rock anthems and captivating storytelling, Capital Theatre has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Their journey, from the underground club to the global stage, is a testament to their passion, resilience, and undeniable talent.

Dead Poet Society: From Boston Basement to Global Stage

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.

Hailing from the heart of Los Angeles, California, Budderside is a hard-hitting rock band forged in the year 2000 by the visionary Patrick Stone. Their raw energy and infectious riffs caught the ear of the legendary Lemmy Kilmister, who signed them to his Motörhead Music label, a testament to their potent sound.

Budderside has unleashed two full-length albums, "Spiritual Violence" and their self-titled "Budderside," each showcasing their unyielding spirit and powerful songwriting. The current lineup features the dynamic Patrick Alan Stone on vocals, the blistering guitar work of Sam Bam Koltun and Logan Nikolic, and the driving rhythm section of Jeff Dewbray on drums.

Their tracks, "The Truth" and "Power Hour," have been embraced by the influential DJ Matt Pinfield on Los Angeles' 95.5 FM KLOS, further solidifying Budderside's status as a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene.

Black Map: A Supergroup of Post-Hardcore Powerhouse

Black Map, stylized as BL⚡️CK MAP, is a San Francisco-based post-hardcore supergroup. This trio, comprised of Ben Flanagan on bass and vocals, Chris Robyn on drums, and Mark Engles on guitar, is a force to be reckoned with, having toured with the likes of Chevelle, Bush, and Circa Survive.

The band formed after their respective members took a break from their previous bands: Dredg (Mark Engles), Far (Chris Robyn), and The Trophy Fire (Ben Flanagan). Their debut release, a four-song EP titled "Driver," hit the scene in February 2014. Black Map unleashed their full-length debut album, "...And We Explode," through Minus Head Records on October 27, 2014.

The band continued to gain momentum, releasing their second full-length album, "In Droves," on March 10, 2017, via their current label, EOne. They followed this with a four-song EP, "Trace the Path," on February 9, 2018, showcasing their signature blend of heavy riffs, driving rhythms, and soaring vocals.

Black Map is a fusion of veteran talent and raw energy, leaving an undeniable impact on the post-hardcore scene with their powerful performances and captivating sound.