Having formed in the unlikely musical breeding ground of Dayton, Ohio in 2001, Hawthorne Heights learned early on that adaptation and diligence were the keys in the development of a successful career. Playing relentlessly from the start on self-booked tours across the country gave them some initial national exposure. But it wasn’t until they signed to Victory Records in late 2003 that Hawthorne Heights became the face of a whole new generation of music fans.

As one of the first bands to utilize social networking to gain a fan base, Hawthorne Heights developed a huge MySpace following which became a catalyst that would launch them from underground heroes to international superstars. Their signature hit Ohio Is For Lovers the anthem for the new wave of “emo", their debut album The Silence In Black And White soon went Gold. With their second album If Only You Were Lonely, the band scored Victory Records’ biggest ever debut, landing at #3 on the Billboard 200 in 2006.

Sadly, as with every success story, the good times came at a cost. In November 2007, while in the midst of legal disputes, tragedy struck within the Hawthorne Heights family. Casey Calvert, the much loved guitarist and resident “screamer” of the band lost his life while on tour due to an accidental overdose. The effects on the band were evident, both personally and musically, and the decision to carry on was the toughest they would ever have to make.

The band decided not to replace Calvert, as he’ll always be an integral part to the band. They returned in the summer of 2008 with Fragile Future, their final release with Victory. The album showcased the band in a more somber state. Although the sound is still distinctly Hawthorne Heights, the music, as with the band, has understandably evolved. It’s an unflinching look at what has brought them to this place, executed with a firm desire to make the best of what they see as an opportunity for renewal by expanding their musical palette.

In 2010 they released Skeletons, the band’s major label debut, and they most certainly brought out the big guns. Big guitars, big hooks, and JT Woodruff’s best vocal performance yet. This is an album for those who use music to channel their inner emotions, something to rock out with and yell along to. S

Hawthorne Heights now emerge from a self-imposed isolation and will hit the road, playing some of the same small, sweaty dives they once did as a novice group opening for Victory Records label mates Silverstein back when they started. They are just happy to get back to doing what they do best, playing for their fans, but not without reminding them that reality is never far away.

The Young Electric is everything their name implies: high energy, fresh alternative rock.

They are truly a self-sufficient band, working hard at whatever they set out to do. Because of that passion and hard work, The Young Electric brings a much-needed original sound to the music scene.

This Provo, Utah based alternative rock band was formed in January of 2007 by brothers Riley and Drew Hamnett, along with Natty Coleman, and Mat Deason. Since the band’s inception, these guys have worked nonstop writing songs, practicing, playing shows, and perfecting their sound. Their music has quickly gained them attention.

Before forming The Young Electric, brothers Riley and Drew along with best friend Natty performed under the name The Trademark. With constant touring, two EPs and one full-length album, that band did find national success. However, their sound was not what they wanted it to be. Their vast and varying influences seemed to get in their way of creating a cohesive, finished sound. It wasn’t until Mat Deason joined up to help form The Young Electric that they were able to create the sound they had been searching for. It takes the right combination of people, of creative minds, to create something special, and with the addition of Deason to the equation, something special was definitely created.

Riley Hamnett, lead singer and lyricist, started playing and writing music when he was just twelve years old. Drew Hamnett plays the bass and sings backup vocals. Together with his brother, they have played in multiple bands, each of which helped shape their talent and style even further. Natty Coleman contributes to the band in many ways. First and foremost, he is the drummer. He is also a graphic designer on the side, conveniently providing designs for the band, from t-shirts and websites to videos and album art. Mat Deason plays lead guitar for the band. Before joining up with the other three, Deason played in a slew of local bands, occasionally sharing the stage with The Trademark, then ultimately becoming the fourth and final member of The Young Electric.