Pop Evil
Encyclopedia
Pop Evil is an American rock band that was formed in Grand Rapids
, Michigan
in 2001 by Leigh Kakaty, Dave Grahs, Jamie Nummer, and Dylan Allison. Lead guitarist Tony Greve was originally added as a temporary studio musician for the band but was invited to become a full-time member in early 2007. Around that time, bassist Jamie Nummer left the band for personal reasons and was replaced by Matt DiRito, formerly of Archangel and Before the Fire.
They then released the 3–song EP Ready or Not featuring the concert favorite "Somebody Like You". They also have filmed a music video of the single released in 2006 starring Rossi Morreale and Britt Koth.
In November 2007, Pop Evil signed a management deal with G&G Entertainment.
, was released August 12, 2008, and it features radio favorites "Hero", "Somebody Like You", "100 in a 55", and "Stepping Stone." The album was released on independent label Pazzo Music that is distributed by Universal Music Group
subsidiary, Fontana Distribution
. The band distributed a special edition of the album free of charge to their devoted local fans at a concert at the Intersection in Grand Rapids
, MI
, on May 29, 2008.
The band worked with producer Al Sutton
(Kid Rock
) from Rust Belt Studios in Royal Oak, MI
and Chuck Alkazian of Pearl Sound in Canton, MI on Lipstick on the Mirror.
In April 2008, Pazzo Music released their first national radio single "Hero" which peaked inside the top 25 at Active Rock radio.
In November 2008, Pazzo Music released "100 in a 55" to rock radio.
On March 6, 2009, it was announced at the live show in Cedar Rapids, IA, that Pop Evil signed with Universal Records on March 5 and will go back into the studio to re-release "Lipstick on the Mirror", Re-Mixed and Re-Mastered with a new song "Rolling Stone" and an acoustic version of 100 in a 55 produced by Michael Crittenden (Drew Nelson, Kimber Cleveland) at Mackinaw Harvest Music Studios in Grand Rapids, MI.
In April 2009 Pop Evil officially inked a deal with Cherry Lane Publishing.
On May 2, 2009 it was announced that Pop Evil will be supporting Judas Priest on the Judas Priest, British Steel (album) 30th Anniversary North American tour starting on June 29, 2009.
In May 2009 the band officially released the Remixed/Mastered "Lipstick on the Mirror" through major label Universal Republic Records. The Republic release was Engineered/Mixed by Chuck Alkazian & mastered by Chris Bellman of Bernie Grundman Mastering.
In May 2009 "100 in a 55" peaked at on the Active Rock charts at #8 making it one of the longest standing singles at Active Rock in 2009. The song was on the chart for 30 weeks.
A "Pop Edit" version of "100 in a 55" has been released to Mainstream/Top 40 radio. The vocals are mixed louder in this version while the guitars and drums are less intense.
In July 2009 the band gave the fans the chance to pick their next single. After the voting had concluded, "Breathe" was announced as the new single after winning the vote.
In September 2010, the band debuted the first single from War Of Angels, "Last Man Standing," in an exclusive video with UFC fighter Frank Mir.
In April 2011, the band played 'Monster You Made' live acoustically on the Bubba the Love Sponge Show and stated it was a song the band hoped might be an album single.
War of Angels was originally expected to be released February 8, 2011 but in a press release on February 1, 2011, the band announced that War of Angels would be delayed due to "conflicts out of the bands control." The album is now scheduled to be released on July 5, 2011, with a Deluxe edition (including two bonus tracks) available only through iTunes.
Their single "Last Man Standing" was featured on the NHL Network for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals.
Their single "Last Man Standing" was also on the July 8th 2011, episode of ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights.
They were on tour with Drowning Pool
, Trust Company
, and Anew Revolution
in March and April. Pop Evil will be the special guests on the Raid the Nation tour, which will be headlined by Papa Roach
. Also, the tour will feature Finger Eleven
and Escape the Fate
.
team, Pop Evil released "In the Big House", a single
that appropriates many of the lyrics from the University of Michigan
fight song
, "The Victors
". The song title refers to an unofficial name for Michigan Stadium
, "The Big House", itself referring to its status as the third largest stadium in the world and largest in the United States. It was released to Amazon.com
and the iTunes Store
on August 30, 2011 with an accompanying YouTube
video showing highlights from current and former Michigan football teams. The song has played in the Big House itself as a pump-up song for the team and fans during home football games.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
, Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
in 2001 by Leigh Kakaty, Dave Grahs, Jamie Nummer, and Dylan Allison. Lead guitarist Tony Greve was originally added as a temporary studio musician for the band but was invited to become a full-time member in early 2007. Around that time, bassist Jamie Nummer left the band for personal reasons and was replaced by Matt DiRito, formerly of Archangel and Before the Fire.
Biography
The band was formed from pieces of other Michigan bands in 2001, originally known as TenFive.They then released the 3–song EP Ready or Not featuring the concert favorite "Somebody Like You". They also have filmed a music video of the single released in 2006 starring Rossi Morreale and Britt Koth.
In November 2007, Pop Evil signed a management deal with G&G Entertainment.
Lipstick on the Mirror (2008–2009)
Pop Evil's debut studio album, Lipstick on the MirrorLipstick On The Mirror
-Band members:* Leigh Kakaty * Dylan Allison * Dave Grahs * Tony Greve * Matt DiRito...
, was released August 12, 2008, and it features radio favorites "Hero", "Somebody Like You", "100 in a 55", and "Stepping Stone." The album was released on independent label Pazzo Music that is distributed by Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
subsidiary, Fontana Distribution
Fontana Distribution
Fontana Distribution is a subsidiary of Universal Music Group that was launched in 2004, which deals in distribution, as well as in a range of sales, marketing, and back office support services, for a diverse roster of independent record labels and their artists. The company takes its name and logo...
. The band distributed a special edition of the album free of charge to their devoted local fans at a concert at the Intersection in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
, MI
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
, on May 29, 2008.
The band worked with producer Al Sutton
Al Sutton
Al Sutton MD is an American filmmaker, and actor, who has produced a variety of films of different genres, including documentaries in the medical field, documentaries of memorable, historic events, and theatrical films...
(Kid Rock
Kid Rock
Robert James "Bob" Ritchie , known by his stage name Kid Rock, is an American singer-songwriter, musician and rapper with five Grammy Awards nominations...
) from Rust Belt Studios in Royal Oak, MI
Royal Oak, Michigan
Royal Oak is a city in Oakland County of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a suburb of Detroit. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 57,236. It should not be confused with Royal Oak Charter Township, a separate community located nearby....
and Chuck Alkazian of Pearl Sound in Canton, MI on Lipstick on the Mirror.
In April 2008, Pazzo Music released their first national radio single "Hero" which peaked inside the top 25 at Active Rock radio.
In November 2008, Pazzo Music released "100 in a 55" to rock radio.
On March 6, 2009, it was announced at the live show in Cedar Rapids, IA, that Pop Evil signed with Universal Records on March 5 and will go back into the studio to re-release "Lipstick on the Mirror", Re-Mixed and Re-Mastered with a new song "Rolling Stone" and an acoustic version of 100 in a 55 produced by Michael Crittenden (Drew Nelson, Kimber Cleveland) at Mackinaw Harvest Music Studios in Grand Rapids, MI.
In April 2009 Pop Evil officially inked a deal with Cherry Lane Publishing.
On May 2, 2009 it was announced that Pop Evil will be supporting Judas Priest on the Judas Priest, British Steel (album) 30th Anniversary North American tour starting on June 29, 2009.
In May 2009 the band officially released the Remixed/Mastered "Lipstick on the Mirror" through major label Universal Republic Records. The Republic release was Engineered/Mixed by Chuck Alkazian & mastered by Chris Bellman of Bernie Grundman Mastering.
In May 2009 "100 in a 55" peaked at on the Active Rock charts at #8 making it one of the longest standing singles at Active Rock in 2009. The song was on the chart for 30 weeks.
A "Pop Edit" version of "100 in a 55" has been released to Mainstream/Top 40 radio. The vocals are mixed louder in this version while the guitars and drums are less intense.
In July 2009 the band gave the fans the chance to pick their next single. After the voting had concluded, "Breathe" was announced as the new single after winning the vote.
War of Angels (2010–present)
In January 2010, the band announced that they are heading back into the studio to record a new album, which is titled War of Angels, scheduled to be released in 2011. In June 2010, the band announced that Johnny K would be the producer of the album. The name of the album signifies the struggle people experience when trying to leave their pasts behind.In September 2010, the band debuted the first single from War Of Angels, "Last Man Standing," in an exclusive video with UFC fighter Frank Mir.
In April 2011, the band played 'Monster You Made' live acoustically on the Bubba the Love Sponge Show and stated it was a song the band hoped might be an album single.
War of Angels was originally expected to be released February 8, 2011 but in a press release on February 1, 2011, the band announced that War of Angels would be delayed due to "conflicts out of the bands control." The album is now scheduled to be released on July 5, 2011, with a Deluxe edition (including two bonus tracks) available only through iTunes.
Their single "Last Man Standing" was featured on the NHL Network for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals.
Their single "Last Man Standing" was also on the July 8th 2011, episode of ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights.
They were on tour with Drowning Pool
Drowning Pool
Drowning Pool is a four-piece alternative metal band from Dallas, Texas.-Early days :Drowning Pool rose to fame while playing along with Ozzy Osbourne during an Ozzfest tour. Their 2001 debut album, Sinner was certified platinum within six weeks...
, Trust Company
Trust Company (band)
Trust Company is an American alternative metal/post-grunge band from Prattville, Alabama.-First run :...
, and Anew Revolution
Anew Revolution
Anew Revolution is an American hard rock band.-History:Anew Revolution was formed by ex-Unloco frontman Joey Duenas and includes Frank "Frankie" Salvaggio and Rob Urbani, former members of Slaves on Dope...
in March and April. Pop Evil will be the special guests on the Raid the Nation tour, which will be headlined by Papa Roach
Papa Roach
Papa Roach is an American rock band from Vacaville, California. Their first major-label release was the triple-platinum album Infest . The group's success continued with their gold album Lovehatetragedy , their platinum album Getting Away with Murder , The Paramour Sessions , and Metamorphosis...
. Also, the tour will feature Finger Eleven
Finger Eleven
Finger Eleven is a Canadian rock band from Burlington, Ontario, formed in 1989. They have currently released five studio albums, with their album The Greyest of Blue Skies bringing them into the mainstream...
and Escape the Fate
Escape the Fate
Escape the Fate is an American post-hardcore band from Las Vegas, Nevada formed in 2005 and originally from Pahrump, Nevada. They have released three EPs and three full-length studio albums. Dying Is Your Latest Fashion was the band's debut album and only album to feature vocalist Ronnie Radke...
.
In the Big House (2011)
Being noted fans of the Michigan Wolverines footballMichigan Wolverines football
The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history...
team, Pop Evil released "In the Big House", a single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
that appropriates many of the lyrics from the University of Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
fight song
Fight song
A fight song is primarily an American and Canadian sports term, referring to a song associated with a team. In both professional and amateur sports, fight songs are a popular way for fans to cheer for their team...
, "The Victors
The Victors
"The Victors" is the fight song of the University of Michigan . It was composed by UM student Louis Elbel in 1898 following the last-minute football victory over the University of Chicago that clinched a league championship...
". The song title refers to an unofficial name for Michigan Stadium
Michigan Stadium
Michigan Stadium, nicknamed "The Big House," is the football stadium for the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan Stadium was built in 1927 at a cost of $950,000 and had an original capacity of 72,000. Before playing football at the stadium, the Wolverines played on Ferry Field...
, "The Big House", itself referring to its status as the third largest stadium in the world and largest in the United States. It was released to Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc. is a multinational electronic commerce company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States. It is the world's largest online retailer. Amazon has separate websites for the following countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and...
and the iTunes Store
ITunes Store
The iTunes Store is a software-based online digital media store operated by Apple. Opening as the iTunes Music Store on April 28, 2003, with over 200,000 items to purchase, it is, as of April 2008, the number-one music vendor in the United States...
on August 30, 2011 with an accompanying YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
video showing highlights from current and former Michigan football teams. The song has played in the Big House itself as a pump-up song for the team and fans during home football games.
Current members
- Leigh Kakaty (lead vocals) 2001–present
- Dylan Allison(drums) 2001–present
- Dave Grahs (guitar) 2001–present
- Tony Greve (guitar) 2007–present
- Matt DiRito (bass) 2007–present
Studio albums
| Year | Album details | US Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
US Heat. Top Heatseekers Top Heatseekers refers to either of two separate "Breaking and Entering" music charts issued weekly by Billboard Magazine: the Heatseekers Albums chart or the Heatseekers Songs chart. They were introduced by Billboard in 1993 with the purpose of highlighting the sales by new and developing musical... |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Lipstick on the Mirror Lipstick On The Mirror -Band members:* Leigh Kakaty * Dylan Allison * Dave Grahs * Tony Greve * Matt DiRito...
|
— | 12 | |
| 2011 | War of Angels War of Angels War of Angels is the second studio album by Pop Evil. The first single, "Last Man Standing," was released in September 2010. Their second song, "Save the World" was made available for download on their Facebook page on December 20, 2010. "Last Man Standing" is currently inside the Top 20 of the... |
43 | — | |
| "—" denotes a release that did not chart. | ||||
Singles
| Year | Title | Peak chart positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Alt. |
US Main. |
US Rock Rock Songs Rock Songs is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine which ranks the airplay of songs on alternative, mainstream rock and triple A radio stations. The first chart was published in the issue dated June 20, 2009. "Know Your Enemy" by Green Day was the first number-one song. The Rock Songs... |
|||
| 2008 | "Hero" | — | 24 | — | Lipstick on the Mirror |
| "100 in a 55" | 32 | 8 | 27 | ||
| 2009 | "Breathe" | — | 29 | — | |
| "Stepping Stone" | — | — | — | ||
| 2010 | "Last Man Standing" | 35 | 7 | 26 | War of Angels |
| 2011 | "Monster You Made" | — | 6 | 10 | |
| "In the Big House" | — | — | — | Non-album single | |
| "—" denotes a release that did not chart. | |||||