Yellowcard
Encyclopedia
Yellowcard is an American pop punk/alternative rock band formed in Jacksonville
, Florida
in 1997, and based in Los Angeles
, California
since 2000. Their music features the use of a violin
, unusual for the genre. They are best known for their songs "Ocean Avenue
," "Way Away
," "Only One," "Lights and Sounds
," and "Light Up the Sky
," and "For You, and Your Denial
." The band went on to a two-year hiatus then announced their return in August 2010 and released their latest album, When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes
, in mid-March 2011.
. The band released its first album, Midget Tossing
, in 1997. The original members were vocalist Ben Dobson, guitarist/vocalist Todd Clary, violinist Daniel Soans, guitarist Ben Harper
, and drummer Longineu W. Parsons III
("LP"). While vocalist/violinist Sean Mackin
was featured on some of the songs, he was not a member yet, as he still objected to many of the band's messages.
Where We Stand
, their second album, featured the same lineup as Midget Tossing, and Mackin was featured on more songs. Soon Ben Dobson was replaced by Ryan Key
(vocals and rhythm guitar). Ryan Key was formerly in the Californian Tooth & Nail Records
band Craig's Brother
. This changed the band's music style drastically, from hardcore punk
to pop punk
. It also changed most of their fan base, leaving them with a new beginning and a fresh start as a band.
In early 2000, the band recorded the Still Standing EP. Soon after Still Standing EP was released, Todd Clary left the band. Key then filled both Clary's and Dobson's duties, guitar and vocals respectively. After sending the new EP to friend Steve Lubarsky at Lobster Records, the band signed their first recording contract in June 2000 and by November had headed west to Camarillo, CA to begin working on another full length album.
The group released their third album, One for the Kids (Lobster Records
), in 2001 and followed up with The Underdog EP
(Fueled by Ramen
Records) in 2002. Both of these were well-received by fans. However, soon after The Underdog EP was released, Warren Cooke left the band due to personal reasons. The band then asked an old friend, Peter Mosely
from Inspection 12
, to play bass for them. Before Warren Cooke left, the band filmed an unreleased music video for the song "Powder". The video was later put on the enhanced version of the band's next album, Ocean Avenue.
Shortly after releasing The Underdog EP, Yellowcard signed with Capitol Records
, which was looking to sign pop punk groups at the time. Yellowcard began recording their major-label debut in late 2002, and the production of the record was finished in the spring of that year. During the recording of Ocean Avenue, Mosely left Yellowcard, devoting his time his first band, Inspection 12, and putting the finishing touches to their upcoming album, Get Rad
. The band again began the search for a new bass player and found Alex Lewis
, whose sister, Alieke Wijnveldt, contributed vocals to the Ocean Avenue track, "View From Heaven".
The band released their first single from the album, "Way Away
". The song did well on MTV2 and rock radio, peaking at #25 on the modern rock charts. The song created enough buzz to cause the band's mainstream explosion. In the middle of the band's first headlining tour, Peter Mosely decided to leave Inspection 12 and asked if he could rejoin Yellowcard. Because Mosely had been an integral part of the writing for Ocean Avenue and had also been friends with most of the band's members since high school, Lewis was asked to leave, and Mosely was reinstated as the bass player.
In late 2003, the band finally broke through with a hit single, "Ocean Avenue
". The song premiered on MTV's TRL
program, and quickly shot up the charts to #1. Radio eventually picked up on the single, and the song made it to #37 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song "Empty Apartment" was also featured on an episode of the TV Show One Tree Hill. Suddenly, Yellowcard was everywhere from the covers of Alternative Press, to headliners of the 2004 Warped Tour
, to on stage at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards
, performing "Ocean Avenue". The band took home the MTV2 award as well. Yellowcard featured on an episode of MTV's Real World/Road Rules Challenge, performing "Way Away" while cast members trashed a mock hotel room in true rock star fashion. The album's first track, "Way Away" appeared on the soundtracks of SSX 3
and Madden NFL 2004
. The album's second track, "Breathing", also appeared in EA's Burnout 3: Takedown
and FlatOut 2
. Following "Ocean Avenue"'s success, the band released the single "Only One", a rock ballad which also did fairly well on TRL and radio. The Ocean Avenue album sold over one million copies in the US alone.
As Ocean Avenues popularity began to decrease, the band spent some time contributing songs to various soundtracks. The first, "Gifts And Curses", appeared in the hit film Spider-Man 2
. Another, a cover of Lagwagon
's "Violins", was featured on Rock Against Bush, Vol. 2
compilation album. At the 2005 MTV Movie Awards, Yellowcard performed a cover of the song "Don't You (Forget About Me)
" during a special tribute to the movie The Breakfast Club
.
After almost two years of touring, Yellowcard took a few months off at the beginning of 2005. Ryan Key and Peter Mosely moved to New York City
to write the songs for their upcoming album. The rest of the band remained in Los Angeles
. The band regrouped in LA in the spring and began pre-production for the follow-up to Ocean Avenue in March. Recording and production was finished in September and advertising began for the album. The band had originally announced that the album was expected for August 2005, but production and other delays pushed the release date back several months.
In the months following, many problems had arisen between the band mates, mainly involving Ben Harper. Ryan Key has made many comments since then stating, "The fame went to their heads." After two months of court appearances, Ben left the band. He was eventually replaced by Ryan Mendez from the band Staring Back. Up until the announcement of this, Harper's record label was about to record Staring Back's next album. After leaving Yellowcard, Ben Harper joined the band Amber Pacific
, but he soon dropped out. Harper is now in the band HeyMike!
and runs Takeover Records
in California
.
Lights and Sounds
was finally released on January 24, 2006.
A loose concept album, the theme centers around the band's negative feelings towards Los Angeles. Prior to the release of Lights and Sounds Ryan Key said that this ambitious album would probably alienate a large portion of their fan base, and that he was "100 percent OK with that." 20 songs were recorded for the album, 14 of which are on the CD, plus a B-side available on import versions, CD singles, and at the iTunes Store
, called "Three Flights Down". Lights and Sounds is also the only Yellowcard album to contain an instrumental track ("Three Flights Up").
The title track, "Lights and Sounds
", was the first single, released a week before the album. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks. It is also featured on the video games Burnout Revenge
and Guitar Hero: Modern Hits. In its first week of release the album sold just over 90,000 copies, but it only went on to receive gold status. High first week sales are most likely the result of high anticipation of the album, as it was the follow-up to the highly-successful Ocean Avenue; low total sales backup Ryan's statement about the album being very ambitious and different in sound from Ocean Avenue. On May 6, 2006, the second and final single and video of the album, "Rough Landing, Holly
", was released. The single wasn't as well received as the first, and after its first week of release it quickly dropped on the charts.
In May 2006, Ryan Key had surgery on his vocal chords done after having problems with his singing. He had started having problems in December 2005. He was mute for a week and couldn't sing for more than a month. The band, after canceling some shows and receiving some time off from touring, joined the Virgin Mega Tour for Summer 2006.
Between the months of January and March 2007, studio footage labeled "Yellowcard Sessions" regarding the band's progress on making the album was posted on the band's MySpace, with a new video added every Thursday. In total, 10 videos have been posted, with additional footage released on the deluxe CD/DVD edition of Paper Walls
. Additionally, in January 2007, some sample demo songs were released on the band's MySpace, though they were only rough recordings from preproduction and not the final recorded versions. The first demo was a 30 second preview of the iTunes bonus track, "Bombers", and the second was a clip of an unmixed version of "Light Up the Sky
".
The first Yellowcard show since October 2006 took place on March 29, 2007, at the Troubadour in Hollywood, California. At the show lead singer Ryan Key announced to a sold out crowd that the new album would be titled Paper Walls. He said he would "probably get in trouble for [it]," but went on to announce the title anyway; Key also announced the album title during a concert at Southern Connecticut State University. During the Troubadour show, Yellowcard played two songs from their new album ("Fighting" and "The Takedown"). Yellowcard played an acoustic set the next night at the Troubadour and premiered two new songs, "Shadows and Regrets" and "Light Up the Sky
".
In the teaser of an interview with Jason Tate of absolutepunk.net released on June 17 (one month before the release of the album), Key described the album as
The whole interview was released on July 17, the release date of the album.
Paper Walls was released in the U.S. on July 17 (July 16 on iTunes) in an additional CD/DVD format, as Lights and Sounds
was the previous year. The DVD contains exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the band, an extensive photo gallery and two additional live bonus tracks. On July 9, Yellowcard released Paper Walls on their Myspace music player to give fans a taste of what was to come on the new album. Yellowcard announced on May 15 on their MySpace blog that the first single would be "Light Up the Sky
". This song was released to iTunes and radio on June 5. Soon after its release, Paper Walls became the second most popular album on iTunes and the most popular album in the alternative section. In June 2007, Yellowcard was voted to do AOL
Sessions Under Cover. It was released on July 20, and it featured two songs from Paper Walls. The album debuted at #13 on the U.S. Billboard 200 selling about 40,000 copies in its first week.
Yellowcard has been promoting their new album nonstop since its release and has started touring for Paper Walls. They supported Blue October
in their United States 2007 fall tour and also supported Linkin Park
in Japan in November/December 2007. While touring for Paper Walls, Peter Mosely announced in a MySpace blog message that he would be leaving Yellowcard to pursue other endeavors, moving back to Jacksonville and rejoining his old band. Joshua Portman
from the bands Near Miss and Staring Back took over on bass until the reformation of Yellowcard in 2010, upon which Sean O'Donnell of Reeve Oliver
is now a permanent bass player.
The band canceled several European shows in January due to drummer Longineu Parsons taking a couple months off. He spent the time with his grandmother in Jacksonville, FL who raised him and whose health was failing. On January 7 Yellowcard went to the Middle East to do a USO tour. They went to Kuwait
, but as originally planned, couldn't get into Iraq because of the president arriving and canceling all flights there.
Yellowcard was originally scheduled to headline a spring tour with All Time Low
, but All Time Low dropped out to take part in the Alternative Press
spring tour. They were then replaced by MxPx
, who canceled a few weeks later. Yellowcard then went on an acoustic tour with The Spill Canvas
, Secondhand Serenade
, PlayRadioPlay!, and Treaty of Paris
.
Yellowcard released a live album on January 22, 2008. It is titled Live from Las Vegas at the Palms
and was recorded during their Blue October Tour in October 2007 in Las Vegas.
Another reason for the band's hiatus was individual member situations. Longineu Parsons took some time off in the winter to spend time with family and is now part of a side project band based in Jacksonville, FL. Sean got married in 2008, and he wanted to take some time off to spend with his family. Ryan Key stated that the members needed some time to figure out their personal lives. The band didn't know how long the hiatus would be, but they assured their fans they would not be breaking up, just taking some time off. In May 2008, Yellowcard left Capitol Records and was left unsigned.
The original Yellowcard lineup from 1997 featuring Ben Harper, Warren Cooke, Todd Clary, Longineu Parsons and Ben Dobson announced they would be performing tracks from Where We Stand
in Jacksonville, Florida. They decided to be called Where We Stand instead of Yellowcard because Sean Mackin would not be present with them.
Yellowcard announced on their MySpace page that they would be performing their first show in months at Utah State University on September 30, 2008. The song choice was much like that of their recent tour performed with Ryan Key, Ryan Mendez, and Sean Mackin which featured songs from their entire discography. The band later announced on their MySpace page that they would be having another acoustic performance at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana on November 13, 2008.
Ryan Key and Sean O'Donnell of Reeve Oliver
formed a small side project called Big If. Big If released many demos online, and had a record due out in late 2009 which was cancelled. The band featured a more pop punk
approach in most of their first songs, though by the time they had reached the second set of demos they had almost completely progressed into a pop rock
style. After the band's fourth set of demos, the band announced a fundraising event on February 10, 2010, called the "Help Mend A Heart Auction", which was to fund Jordan Pundik
's mother's heart transplant operation. After that final announcement, there has been no word from the band, and their MySpace
page is no longer active.
In early January 2009, it was rumored that Longineu Parsons had joined the band Lostprophets
to fill in a gap left when their drummer left to join Nine Inch Nails
. However, Lostprophets' bassist Stuart Richardson and Longineu Parsons himself have stated that these reports are untrue.
On June 16, 2009, Capitol released an EP titled Deep Cuts
, which consists of four previously-released tracks.
Longineu Parsons played drums for Adam Lambert
from October 2009 through September 18, 2010, returning to Yellowcard after ending their hiatus.
video that the band had started talking about a new record. Yellowcard's official Facebook page announced on August 1, 2010 that the band has reformed and will be working on a new record. Peter Mosely
, the former bass player, was replaced by Sean O'Donnell, of Reeve Oliver
and Ryan's other side project, Big If, in the new record. Regarding the direction of the new album, Key said on the Hopeless Records website on August 2, "We’re talking about a ton of different ideas, and we’re itching to start as soon as possible. Ultimately, we want to make something the fans will love. What we love to do most, is look out from the stage and see people exploding with energy, and I think we keep that in mind while we are writing. We miss being out on the road playing for Yellowcard fans all around the world, and without their support we wouldn’t have a career."
Yellowcard released dates for many new concerts, throughout the majority of 2011 and some of 2010. The band will be touring with All Time Low
throughout Europe in March 2011, the same time the new album will be released. Key also confirmed that there will be new songs played at these shows, which are most reminiscent of One for the Kids, the first album Key worked on for Yellowcard. Since the reformation announcement, the Yellowcard YouTube account was reopened and featured weekly sessions about recording of the new album. It was also in these sessions that a handful of names and snippets of songs were released. Big If songs "Empty Street" Hide" and "Hang You Up" will be reworked by Yellowcard and featured on their new record. "Hide" will be more upbeat than the original Big If demo.
Other confirmed tracks on the record are "Be the Young", "See Me Smiling", and "Sing For Me." "Be the Young" is Sean Mackin's favorite of the new songs due to its "strong melody and great guitar work". "See Me Smiling" was an instrumental demo Ryan Mendez wrote and recorded at his home studio, which he sent to the rest of the band. They decided to record it for the new record. The bridge is one of Key's favorite vocal parts in all of Yellowcard's library. "Sing For Me" was confirmed in the November Issue of Alternative Press Magazine, Issue 269. The song is written from the perspective of Key's terminally ill aunt, Aunt Stephanie, who was mentioned in "Rock Star Land". The recording process finished on November 8, 2010.
On November 13, 2010, Yellowcard played their first show after coming back from hiatus at The Glass House in Pomona, California
. This was the first time the whole band has played since December 2007, during which Ryan Key revealed the name of the new record after insistent chants. The new record will be called When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes
, they then went onto play a new song called "For You, and Your Denial
" Responding to the apparent lack of Yellowcard's older work at The Glass House show, Key stated that it was to keep the energy up in the crowds. In addition to the Europe tour in March, Yellowcard announced a Spring 2011 US Tour with All Time Low
, Hey Monday
, and The Summer Set
.
The band announced the name and release date of the first single, "For You, and Your Denial
". It was made available for purchase on iTunes
and streaming at www.absolutepunk.net starting January 18, 2011. Also, the music video for this song was recently released and is currently online. The second single, "Hang You Up", was released February 22. The new album released on March 22, 2011 on iTunes and CD.
Ryan Key has also recorded a song with Silverstein
called "Stay Posi" (Stay Positive) for the Take Action! Vol 10. Compilation.
In the May issue of Alternative Press, former bassist Pete Mosely revealed he was contacted by LP about rejoining, before the band reconvened but ultimately decided not to reunite with the rest of Yellowcard. He states his fallout with Ryan Key as a primary reason, stating he wished to regain the friendship they once had. Key and Mosely co-wrote most of Yellowcard's material from Ocean Avenue onward.
On April 11, 2011 Yellowcard announced a brief spring tour with Good Charlotte
and Runner Runner
.
In June 2011, during an interview with Punkvideosrock.com, Ryan Key stated that the band would participate in a headlining tour in the fall of 2011.
From 28 November, Yellowcard will be participating in a Co Headline Tour with Saves The Day
, and The Wonder Years
as a supporting act, in several cities in the UK. These include Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and London.
On October 24, 2011, Yellowcard released an acoustic version of 'When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes'. This release was generally a surprise to the fan base, as it was announced only a day earlier during their show in Detroit. The album was streaming on Absolutepunk.net for one day, and is now available on iTunes. In addition, the band mentioned that the record is available at select indie record stores.
Yellowcard announced at several shows in November 2011 that they would be returning to the studio in early 2012. They have set a March 1st date to begin studio work with Neal Avron at his Los Angeles studio. Key states that the positive reception from When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes and the overall positive energy the band is generating is inspiration to begin writing again. However, there are currently no songs written. Due to constant touring, the band hasn't had time to start writing.
. Their music features the use of a violin
, unusual for the genre. Their early albums are classed under genres like melodic hardcore
, punk rock
and hardcore punk
. However, with the release of One for the Kids in 2001, the band reverted to pop punk
due to line-up changes. The band's fifth album marked a change from pop punk to a more alternative rock
sound. The band returned to their pop punk sound with Paper Walls
in 2007. The band's influences include Ramones
, Green Day
, Blink-182
, Brand New
, Bad Religion
, Nirvana
, Anthrax
, Slayer
and Megadeth
.
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Florida in terms of both population and land area, and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. It is the county seat of Duval County, with which the city government consolidated in 1968...
, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
in 1997, and based in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
since 2000. Their music features the use of a violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
, unusual for the genre. They are best known for their songs "Ocean Avenue
Ocean Avenue (song)
"Ocean Avenue" is the title of a song recorded by American pop punk group Yellowcard. It was released in September 2004 as the second single from Ocean Avenue and the third track. It is known for bringing them into the mainstream, as it received numerous spins on MTV and increasing radio airplay...
," "Way Away
Way Away
"Way Away" is the first single and opening track of Yellowcard's album Ocean Avenue. The song and music video both reflect the band's choice about leaving their hometown of Jacksonville, Florida to California in hopes of making a name for themselves in the Southern California music scene."Way Away"...
," "Only One," "Lights and Sounds
Lights and Sounds (song)
"Lights and Sounds" is a song by the American pop punk band Yellowcard. The song was written collaboratively by all the band members for their fifth album, Lights and Sounds...
," and "Light Up the Sky
Light Up the Sky
"Light Up the Sky" is the first single from Yellowcard's album Paper Walls. The live acoustic version was first heard on March 30, 2007, at their concert at the Troubador in West Hollywood, California. It was then played electric in later shows. On May 15, 2007, the fully mixed album version was...
," and "For You, and Your Denial
For You, and Your Denial
"For You, and Your Denial" is the first single from Yellowcard's seventh album When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes, released to iTunes on January 18, 2011...
." The band went on to a two-year hiatus then announced their return in August 2010 and released their latest album, When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes
When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes
When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes is the seventh studio album released by American rock band Yellowcard on March 22, 2011 under Hopeless Records. The album has received strong critical acclaim...
, in mid-March 2011.
Early years (1997–2002)
Yellowcard was formed in 1997 in Jacksonville, Florida after meeting at Douglas Anderson School of the ArtsDouglas Anderson School of the Arts
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts is a magnet high school in the San Marco neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida. The school opened in the 1922 as a primary school specifically for African American students. The school is named after local civil rights activist, Douglas Anderson...
. The band released its first album, Midget Tossing
Midget Tossing
Midget Tossing is Yellowcard's debut album, released in 1997 by DIY Records. It is currently out of print. The songs "Sue" and "Uphill Both Ways" both appeared on Yellowcard's following album Where We Stand.-Track listing:-Members:...
, in 1997. The original members were vocalist Ben Dobson, guitarist/vocalist Todd Clary, violinist Daniel Soans, guitarist Ben Harper
Ben Harper (musician)
Not to be confused with Ben HarperBenjamin Eric Harper is an American rock musician. He is best known for being the former lead guitarist for the American pop punk band Yellowcard, as well as for the bands Amber Pacific and HeyMike!. Harper is co-owner of Takeover Records.-Yellowcard :Harper formed...
, and drummer Longineu W. Parsons III
Longineu W. Parsons III
Longineu W. "LP" Parsons III is a French-born American rock musician. He is best known for being the drummer for the American pop punk band Yellowcard and is now one of the two remaining full-time members of the band from its original line-up along with bandmate Sean Mackin.-Early life:Longineu...
("LP"). While vocalist/violinist Sean Mackin
Sean Mackin (musician)
Sean Mackin is an American rock musician. He is best known as the violinist and backing vocalist for the American pop punk band Yellowcard and is now one of the two remaining full-time members of the band from its original line-up, along with bandmate Longineu W. Parsons III.-Early life:Mackin was...
was featured on some of the songs, he was not a member yet, as he still objected to many of the band's messages.
Where We Stand
Where We Stand
Where We Stand is the second album by American rock band Yellowcard. It was released in 1999 .Ben Dobson and Todd Clary who left after this album had a lot to do with their sound of old. Dobson’s scruffy, rough-around-the-edges vocal approach gave this band some toughness that is quite different...
, their second album, featured the same lineup as Midget Tossing, and Mackin was featured on more songs. Soon Ben Dobson was replaced by Ryan Key
Ryan Key
Ryan Key is an American rock musician. He is best known for being the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the American pop punk band Yellowcard, and one of the two lead singers in his side project Big If.-Early life:...
(vocals and rhythm guitar). Ryan Key was formerly in the Californian Tooth & Nail Records
Tooth & Nail Records
Tooth & Nail Records is a record label founded by Brandon Ebel in the U.S. state of California in November 1993. The label later moved to Seattle, Washington, where it is situated today...
band Craig's Brother
Craig's Brother
Craig's Brother is an American punk rock band founded by Andy Snyder, Scott Hrapoff and Heath Konkel, later joined by Ted Bond and Adam Nigh. They have released three full length recordings internationally, two on Tooth & Nail Records and one self-released through digital distribution.-Foundation...
. This changed the band's music style drastically, from hardcore punk
Hardcore punk
Hardcore punk is an underground music genre that originated in the late 1970s, following the mainstream success of punk rock. Hardcore is generally faster, thicker, and heavier than earlier punk rock. The origin of the term "hardcore punk" is uncertain. The Vancouver-based band D.O.A...
to pop punk
Pop punk
Pop punk is a fusion music genre that combines elements of punk rock with pop music, to varying degrees. Allmusic describes the genre as a strand of alternative rock, which typically merges pop melodies with speedy punk tempos, chord changes and loud guitars...
. It also changed most of their fan base, leaving them with a new beginning and a fresh start as a band.
In early 2000, the band recorded the Still Standing EP. Soon after Still Standing EP was released, Todd Clary left the band. Key then filled both Clary's and Dobson's duties, guitar and vocals respectively. After sending the new EP to friend Steve Lubarsky at Lobster Records, the band signed their first recording contract in June 2000 and by November had headed west to Camarillo, CA to begin working on another full length album.
The group released their third album, One for the Kids (Lobster Records
Lobster Records
Lobster Records is an independent record label based in Santa Barbara, California. It was founded by Stevan Lubarsky in 1991. The label started with Bad Neighbor, a Montecito based rock band, with a huge local following featuring Alan Duncan and Mark Bennett on guitars, Sean Murphy on drums, Todd...
), in 2001 and followed up with The Underdog EP
The Underdog EP
The Underdog EP is an extended play by Yellowcard that was released in 2002. Although publicized very little, it tried new styles in Yellowcard's music, making the transition between One for the Kids and Ocean Avenue and was overall well-accepted by fans. It is often mentioned by listeners that...
(Fueled by Ramen
Fueled by Ramen
Fueled by Ramen is an American record label which operates as a subsidiary of Warner Music Group, and is distributed by Atlantic Records. The label, founded in Gainesville, Florida, is based in New York City...
Records) in 2002. Both of these were well-received by fans. However, soon after The Underdog EP was released, Warren Cooke left the band due to personal reasons. The band then asked an old friend, Peter Mosely
Peter Mosely
Peter Michael Mosely is an American rock musician. He is one of the two guitarist, vocalist and pianist for the American punk rock band Inspection 12 as well as the former bassist for the American pop punk band Yellowcard. He joined Inspection 12 in 1996 but left in 2004 to be the bassist for...
from Inspection 12
Inspection 12
Inspection 12 is an American pop punk band from Jacksonville, Florida, founded by Robert Reid, Dan McLintock, John Comee and Scott Shad. They have released two full length recordings internationally, one on Honest Don's Records and one on Suburban Home Records and Takeover Records...
, to play bass for them. Before Warren Cooke left, the band filmed an unreleased music video for the song "Powder". The video was later put on the enhanced version of the band's next album, Ocean Avenue.
Ocean Avenue (2002–2005)
Capitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
, which was looking to sign pop punk groups at the time. Yellowcard began recording their major-label debut in late 2002, and the production of the record was finished in the spring of that year. During the recording of Ocean Avenue, Mosely left Yellowcard, devoting his time his first band, Inspection 12, and putting the finishing touches to their upcoming album, Get Rad
Get Rad
Get Rad is Inspection 12's sixth full length album. It was released independently in 2003, then internationally in 2004 by Floppy Cow Records, and in the US by Suburban Home Records. Takeover Records rereleased it with the original artwork in 2005...
. The band again began the search for a new bass player and found Alex Lewis
Alex Lewis (musician)
Alex Lewis is an American musician and was bass player for the popular punk-rock band Yellowcard. He was replaced by Peter Mosely. Lewis appeared in two music videos, Ocean Avenue and Way Away. Even though he is no longer in Yellowcard he still keeps in touch with current members of the band,...
, whose sister, Alieke Wijnveldt, contributed vocals to the Ocean Avenue track, "View From Heaven".
The band released their first single from the album, "Way Away
Way Away
"Way Away" is the first single and opening track of Yellowcard's album Ocean Avenue. The song and music video both reflect the band's choice about leaving their hometown of Jacksonville, Florida to California in hopes of making a name for themselves in the Southern California music scene."Way Away"...
". The song did well on MTV2 and rock radio, peaking at #25 on the modern rock charts. The song created enough buzz to cause the band's mainstream explosion. In the middle of the band's first headlining tour, Peter Mosely decided to leave Inspection 12 and asked if he could rejoin Yellowcard. Because Mosely had been an integral part of the writing for Ocean Avenue and had also been friends with most of the band's members since high school, Lewis was asked to leave, and Mosely was reinstated as the bass player.
In late 2003, the band finally broke through with a hit single, "Ocean Avenue
Ocean Avenue (song)
"Ocean Avenue" is the title of a song recorded by American pop punk group Yellowcard. It was released in September 2004 as the second single from Ocean Avenue and the third track. It is known for bringing them into the mainstream, as it received numerous spins on MTV and increasing radio airplay...
". The song premiered on MTV's TRL
Total Request Live
Total Request Live is a television series on MTV that featured popular music videos. TRL was MTV's prime outlet for music videos as the network continues to concentrate on reality-based programming. In addition to music videos, TRL featured daily guests...
program, and quickly shot up the charts to #1. Radio eventually picked up on the single, and the song made it to #37 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song "Empty Apartment" was also featured on an episode of the TV Show One Tree Hill. Suddenly, Yellowcard was everywhere from the covers of Alternative Press, to headliners of the 2004 Warped Tour
Warped Tour
The Warped Tour is a touring music and extreme sports festival. The tour is held in venues such as parking lots or fields upon which the stages and other structures are erected. The BMX/skateboarding shoe manufacturer Vans, among others, has sponsored the tour every year since 1995, and it is...
, to on stage at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards
2004 MTV Video Music Awards
The 2004 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on August 29, 2004, honoring the best music videos from the previous year. The show took place at the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Florida, and, unlike in previous years, had no host.-Video of the Year:...
, performing "Ocean Avenue". The band took home the MTV2 award as well. Yellowcard featured on an episode of MTV's Real World/Road Rules Challenge, performing "Way Away" while cast members trashed a mock hotel room in true rock star fashion. The album's first track, "Way Away" appeared on the soundtracks of SSX 3
SSX 3
SSX 3 is a snowboarding extreme racing game published by Electronic Arts and developed by EA Sports BIG, which was released in late 2003. It is the third installment in the SSX series, and is THX approved. Like the previous installments, the game was critically acclaimed...
and Madden NFL 2004
Madden NFL 2004
Madden NFL 2004 is the 14th installment of the Madden NFL series of American football video games. Michael Vick, the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, is on the cover. New features in Madden 2004 include a new owner mode option that allows the player to control a franchise...
. The album's second track, "Breathing", also appeared in EA's Burnout 3: Takedown
Burnout 3: Takedown
Burnout 3: Takedown is the third game in the Burnout series of video games. Released on September 7, 2004, developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts , the game drew critical acclaim and a large fanbase.A GameCube version was planned but was scrapped during development...
and FlatOut 2
FlatOut 2
FlatOut 2 is a racing video game developed by Bugbear Entertainment and published by Empire Interactive and Vivendi Universal Games. It is the sequel to the 2004-2005 releaseFlatOut....
. Following "Ocean Avenue"'s success, the band released the single "Only One", a rock ballad which also did fairly well on TRL and radio. The Ocean Avenue album sold over one million copies in the US alone.
As Ocean Avenues popularity began to decrease, the band spent some time contributing songs to various soundtracks. The first, "Gifts And Curses", appeared in the hit film Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 2 is a 2004 American superhero film directed by Sam Raimi, written by Alvin Sargent and developed by Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, and Michael Chabon. It is the second film in the Spider-Man film franchise based on the fictional Marvel Comics character Spider-Man...
. Another, a cover of Lagwagon
Lagwagon
Lagwagon is an American punk rock band originally from Goleta, just outside Santa Barbara, California. They formed in 1990 and went on hiatus and reunited several times over the years...
's "Violins", was featured on Rock Against Bush, Vol. 2
Rock Against Bush, Vol. 2
Rock Against Bush, Vol. 2 is the second Rock Against Bush compilation album released on the Fat Wreck Chords record label. It contains a collection of songs by various punk rock artists, some of which were previously unreleased. It also includes a bonus DVD with political facts, commentary...
compilation album. At the 2005 MTV Movie Awards, Yellowcard performed a cover of the song "Don't You (Forget About Me)
Don't You (Forget About Me)
"Don't You " is a song known for its being in the soundtrack to the film The Breakfast Club and performed by the band Simple Minds in 1985. The songwriters were producer Keith Forsey "Don't You (Forget About Me)" is a song known for its being in the soundtrack to the film The Breakfast Club and...
" during a special tribute to the movie The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club is a 1985 American teen drama film written and directed by John Hughes. The storyline follows five teenagers as they spend a Saturday in detention together and come to realize that they are all deeper than their respective stereotypes.-Plot:The plot follows five students at...
.
Lights and Sounds (2005–2006)
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
to write the songs for their upcoming album. The rest of the band remained in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
. The band regrouped in LA in the spring and began pre-production for the follow-up to Ocean Avenue in March. Recording and production was finished in September and advertising began for the album. The band had originally announced that the album was expected for August 2005, but production and other delays pushed the release date back several months.
In the months following, many problems had arisen between the band mates, mainly involving Ben Harper. Ryan Key has made many comments since then stating, "The fame went to their heads." After two months of court appearances, Ben left the band. He was eventually replaced by Ryan Mendez from the band Staring Back. Up until the announcement of this, Harper's record label was about to record Staring Back's next album. After leaving Yellowcard, Ben Harper joined the band Amber Pacific
Amber Pacific
Amber Pacific is an American band that formed in 2002 in Federal Way, Washington. The band has released three full length albums thus far, The Possibility and the Promise in 2005, Truth in Sincerity in 2007, and Virtues in 2010....
, but he soon dropped out. Harper is now in the band HeyMike!
HeyMike!
HeyMike! is a U.S. punk band out of Ventura County, California. The band's name was originally used by singer/guitarist Steven Neufeld as the title of his early demo tapes from 1998-2001...
and runs Takeover Records
Takeover Records (California)
Takeover Records is a punk music record label based in Long Beach, California, U.S.A.The company was founded by former Yellowcard guitarist Ben Harper and his friend Greg McDonald in 1997.-Current:*Bracket*HeyMike!*Near Miss*River City High...
in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
Lights and Sounds
Lights and Sounds
Lights and Sounds is the fifth studio album by American pop punk band Yellowcard, released on January 24, 2006 in the United States through Capitol Records. Lights and Sounds is Yellowcard's first concept album, which was inspired to reflect what the band was feeling at the time of production and...
was finally released on January 24, 2006.
A loose concept album, the theme centers around the band's negative feelings towards Los Angeles. Prior to the release of Lights and Sounds Ryan Key said that this ambitious album would probably alienate a large portion of their fan base, and that he was "100 percent OK with that." 20 songs were recorded for the album, 14 of which are on the CD, plus a B-side available on import versions, CD singles, and at 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...
, called "Three Flights Down". Lights and Sounds is also the only Yellowcard album to contain an instrumental track ("Three Flights Up").
The title track, "Lights and Sounds
Lights and Sounds (song)
"Lights and Sounds" is a song by the American pop punk band Yellowcard. The song was written collaboratively by all the band members for their fifth album, Lights and Sounds...
", was the first single, released a week before the album. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks. It is also featured on the video games Burnout Revenge
Burnout Revenge
Burnout Revenge is the fourth video game in the Burnout series of racing games, released for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox on September 13, 2005 and Xbox 360 on March 7, 2006, alongside the PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS title Burnout Legends....
and Guitar Hero: Modern Hits. In its first week of release the album sold just over 90,000 copies, but it only went on to receive gold status. High first week sales are most likely the result of high anticipation of the album, as it was the follow-up to the highly-successful Ocean Avenue; low total sales backup Ryan's statement about the album being very ambitious and different in sound from Ocean Avenue. On May 6, 2006, the second and final single and video of the album, "Rough Landing, Holly
Rough Landing, Holly
"Rough Landing, Holly" is a song by the American pop punk band Yellowcard. The song was written collaboratively by all the band members for their fifth album, Lights and Sounds . The track is built around an introductory guitar sound, followed by a soaring chorus, and heavy beating drums...
", was released. The single wasn't as well received as the first, and after its first week of release it quickly dropped on the charts.
In May 2006, Ryan Key had surgery on his vocal chords done after having problems with his singing. He had started having problems in December 2005. He was mute for a week and couldn't sing for more than a month. The band, after canceling some shows and receiving some time off from touring, joined the Virgin Mega Tour for Summer 2006.
Paper Walls (2006–2008)
On October 16, 2006, the band announced over their official website that they were back in the studio recording a new album. Guitarist Ryan Mendez posted on the official Yellowcard message board on October 21, 2006 that three songs had been completed and stated "I really think fans of both older and newer Yellowcard are going to be very happy." Pre-production began in October 2006 and tracking began on January 2007.Between the months of January and March 2007, studio footage labeled "Yellowcard Sessions" regarding the band's progress on making the album was posted on the band's MySpace, with a new video added every Thursday. In total, 10 videos have been posted, with additional footage released on the deluxe CD/DVD edition of Paper Walls
Paper Walls
Paper Walls is the third major-label album from American pop punk band Yellowcard, released on July 17, 2007, but their fourth full-length studio album with Ryan Key and sixth including those recorded before him. This is also the first Yellowcard album with Ryan Mendez, the last with Peter Mosely,...
. Additionally, in January 2007, some sample demo songs were released on the band's MySpace, though they were only rough recordings from preproduction and not the final recorded versions. The first demo was a 30 second preview of the iTunes bonus track, "Bombers", and the second was a clip of an unmixed version of "Light Up the Sky
Light Up the Sky
"Light Up the Sky" is the first single from Yellowcard's album Paper Walls. The live acoustic version was first heard on March 30, 2007, at their concert at the Troubador in West Hollywood, California. It was then played electric in later shows. On May 15, 2007, the fully mixed album version was...
".
The first Yellowcard show since October 2006 took place on March 29, 2007, at the Troubadour in Hollywood, California. At the show lead singer Ryan Key announced to a sold out crowd that the new album would be titled Paper Walls. He said he would "probably get in trouble for [it]," but went on to announce the title anyway; Key also announced the album title during a concert at Southern Connecticut State University. During the Troubadour show, Yellowcard played two songs from their new album ("Fighting" and "The Takedown"). Yellowcard played an acoustic set the next night at the Troubadour and premiered two new songs, "Shadows and Regrets" and "Light Up the Sky
Light Up the Sky
"Light Up the Sky" is the first single from Yellowcard's album Paper Walls. The live acoustic version was first heard on March 30, 2007, at their concert at the Troubador in West Hollywood, California. It was then played electric in later shows. On May 15, 2007, the fully mixed album version was...
".
In the teaser of an interview with Jason Tate of absolutepunk.net released on June 17 (one month before the release of the album), Key described the album as
The whole interview was released on July 17, the release date of the album.
Paper Walls was released in the U.S. on July 17 (July 16 on iTunes) in an additional CD/DVD format, as Lights and Sounds
Lights and Sounds
Lights and Sounds is the fifth studio album by American pop punk band Yellowcard, released on January 24, 2006 in the United States through Capitol Records. Lights and Sounds is Yellowcard's first concept album, which was inspired to reflect what the band was feeling at the time of production and...
was the previous year. The DVD contains exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the band, an extensive photo gallery and two additional live bonus tracks. On July 9, Yellowcard released Paper Walls on their Myspace music player to give fans a taste of what was to come on the new album. Yellowcard announced on May 15 on their MySpace blog that the first single would be "Light Up the Sky
Light Up the Sky
"Light Up the Sky" is the first single from Yellowcard's album Paper Walls. The live acoustic version was first heard on March 30, 2007, at their concert at the Troubador in West Hollywood, California. It was then played electric in later shows. On May 15, 2007, the fully mixed album version was...
". This song was released to iTunes and radio on June 5. Soon after its release, Paper Walls became the second most popular album on iTunes and the most popular album in the alternative section. In June 2007, Yellowcard was voted to do AOL
AOL
AOL Inc. is an American global Internet services and media company. AOL is headquartered at 770 Broadway in New York. Founded in 1983 as Control Video Corporation, it has franchised its services to companies in several nations around the world or set up international versions of its services...
Sessions Under Cover. It was released on July 20, and it featured two songs from Paper Walls. The album debuted at #13 on the U.S. Billboard 200 selling about 40,000 copies in its first week.
Yellowcard has been promoting their new album nonstop since its release and has started touring for Paper Walls. They supported Blue October
Blue October
Blue October is a rock band from Houston, Texas. The band was formed in 1995 and currently consists of Justin Furstenfeld , Jeremy Furstenfeld , Ryan Delahoussaye , Matt Noveskey , and Julian Mandrake .-History:Blue October was formed by lead...
in their United States 2007 fall tour and also supported Linkin Park
Linkin Park
Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...
in Japan in November/December 2007. While touring for Paper Walls, Peter Mosely announced in a MySpace blog message that he would be leaving Yellowcard to pursue other endeavors, moving back to Jacksonville and rejoining his old band. Joshua Portman
Joshua Portman
Joshua Portman is an American musician who has played guitar in a number of well-known punk/post-hardcore bands including Near Miss , Staring Back, and most notably, a stint playing bass guitar for Yellowcard in 2007...
from the bands Near Miss and Staring Back took over on bass until the reformation of Yellowcard in 2010, upon which Sean O'Donnell of Reeve Oliver
Reeve Oliver
Reeve Oliver is an American pop rock band formed in 2000 in San Diego, California. They have released two albums and several EPs and have toured with larger acts such as The Vandals, Yellowcard, and Switchfoot...
is now a permanent bass player.
The band canceled several European shows in January due to drummer Longineu Parsons taking a couple months off. He spent the time with his grandmother in Jacksonville, FL who raised him and whose health was failing. On January 7 Yellowcard went to the Middle East to do a USO tour. They went to Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
, but as originally planned, couldn't get into Iraq because of the president arriving and canceling all flights there.
Yellowcard was originally scheduled to headline a spring tour with All Time Low
All Time Low
All Time Low is an American pop punk band from Baltimore, Maryland, formed in 2003.The band consists of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Alexander Gaskarth, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Jack Barakat, bassist and backing vocalist Zachary Merrick, and drummer Rian Dawson...
, but All Time Low dropped out to take part in the Alternative Press
Alternative Press (music magazine)
Alternative Press is an American music magazine based in Cleveland, Ohio. It generally provides readers with band interviews, photos, information on upcoming releases, and music charts. It was founded in 1985 by Mike Shea, who is the current president....
spring tour. They were then replaced by MxPx
MxPx
MxPx is a pop punk band from Bremerton, Washington with connections to the Christian punk scene. The band has recorded eight studio albums, four EPs, four compilation albums, a live album, a VHS tape, a DVD and released 20 singles....
, who canceled a few weeks later. Yellowcard then went on an acoustic tour with The Spill Canvas
The Spill Canvas
The Spill Canvas is an alternative rock band from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.-Career:The Spill Canvas started as a side project for lead singer, Nick Thomas, who at the time, was guitarist and backup vocalist for Metalcore outfit Nodes of Ranvier ....
, Secondhand Serenade
Secondhand Serenade
Secondhand Serenade is an American acoustic rock band, led by vocalist and guitarist John Vesely. Vesely has released three studio albums to date under the name Secondhand Serenade: Awake in 2007, A Twist in My Story in 2008 and Hear Me Now in 2010...
, PlayRadioPlay!, and Treaty of Paris
Treaty of Paris (band)
Treaty of Paris is an American rock band from Chicago, Illinois. The band consists of five members: Phil Kosch , Dan Wade , Alex Maier , Chris Insidioso and Mike Chorvat .- History :...
.
Yellowcard released a live album on January 22, 2008. It is titled Live from Las Vegas at the Palms
Live from Las Vegas at the Palms
Live from Las Vegas at the Palms is the first live album from American pop punk band Yellowcard, released January 22, 2008, and the final Yellowcard album to be released through Capitol Records. It is an iTunes exclusive album. The album was recorded in October 2007, while Yellowcard were on the...
and was recorded during their Blue October Tour in October 2007 in Las Vegas.
Hiatus (2008–2010)
Yellowcard announced in an interview in April 2008 that they would be going on an "indefinite hiatus." Their European tour set for 2008 was canceled, and instead the band embarked on an acoustic tour in Spring 2008 before going on hiatus.Another reason for the band's hiatus was individual member situations. Longineu Parsons took some time off in the winter to spend time with family and is now part of a side project band based in Jacksonville, FL. Sean got married in 2008, and he wanted to take some time off to spend with his family. Ryan Key stated that the members needed some time to figure out their personal lives. The band didn't know how long the hiatus would be, but they assured their fans they would not be breaking up, just taking some time off. In May 2008, Yellowcard left Capitol Records and was left unsigned.
The original Yellowcard lineup from 1997 featuring Ben Harper, Warren Cooke, Todd Clary, Longineu Parsons and Ben Dobson announced they would be performing tracks from Where We Stand
Where We Stand
Where We Stand is the second album by American rock band Yellowcard. It was released in 1999 .Ben Dobson and Todd Clary who left after this album had a lot to do with their sound of old. Dobson’s scruffy, rough-around-the-edges vocal approach gave this band some toughness that is quite different...
in Jacksonville, Florida. They decided to be called Where We Stand instead of Yellowcard because Sean Mackin would not be present with them.
Yellowcard announced on their MySpace page that they would be performing their first show in months at Utah State University on September 30, 2008. The song choice was much like that of their recent tour performed with Ryan Key, Ryan Mendez, and Sean Mackin which featured songs from their entire discography. The band later announced on their MySpace page that they would be having another acoustic performance at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana on November 13, 2008.
Ryan Key and Sean O'Donnell of Reeve Oliver
Reeve Oliver
Reeve Oliver is an American pop rock band formed in 2000 in San Diego, California. They have released two albums and several EPs and have toured with larger acts such as The Vandals, Yellowcard, and Switchfoot...
formed a small side project called Big If. Big If released many demos online, and had a record due out in late 2009 which was cancelled. The band featured a more pop punk
Pop punk
Pop punk is a fusion music genre that combines elements of punk rock with pop music, to varying degrees. Allmusic describes the genre as a strand of alternative rock, which typically merges pop melodies with speedy punk tempos, chord changes and loud guitars...
approach in most of their first songs, though by the time they had reached the second set of demos they had almost completely progressed into a pop rock
Pop rock
Pop rock is a music genre which mixes a catchy pop style and light lyrics in its guitar-based rock songs. There are varying definitions of the term, ranging from a slower and mellower form of rock music to a subgenre of pop music...
style. After the band's fourth set of demos, the band announced a fundraising event on February 10, 2010, called the "Help Mend A Heart Auction", which was to fund Jordan Pundik
Jordan Pundik
Jordan Izaak Pundik is an American musician and songwriter.Pundik is a founding member and the frontman of rock band New Found Glory, for whom he sings lead vocals and contributes lyrics...
's mother's heart transplant operation. After that final announcement, there has been no word from the band, and their MySpace
MySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
page is no longer active.
In early January 2009, it was rumored that Longineu Parsons had joined the band Lostprophets
Lostprophets
Lostprophets is a Welsh rock band from Pontypridd, formed in 1997. Founded by vocalist Ian Watkins, bassist Mike Lewis, drummer Mike Chiplin and guitarist Lee Gaze, they were originally a side-project to hardcore punk band Public Disturbance. To date, Lostprophets have released four studio...
to fill in a gap left when their drummer left to join Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
. However, Lostprophets' bassist Stuart Richardson and Longineu Parsons himself have stated that these reports are untrue.
On June 16, 2009, Capitol released an EP titled Deep Cuts
Deep Cuts (Yellowcard album)
Deep Cuts is an EP by Yellowcard, released on June 16, 2009 by Capitol Records. It consists of four B-sides from previous albums.-Track listing:#Avondale - 3:37 - the original version is from The Underdog EP...
, which consists of four previously-released tracks.
Longineu Parsons played drums for Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert
Adam Mitchel Lambert is an American singer, songwriter, and actor from San Diego, California. In May 2009, he finished as the runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol...
from October 2009 through September 18, 2010, returning to Yellowcard after ending their hiatus.
Reformation and When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes (2010–present)
Longineu Parsons mentioned in a YouTubeYouTube
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 that the band had started talking about a new record. Yellowcard's official Facebook page announced on August 1, 2010 that the band has reformed and will be working on a new record. Peter Mosely
Peter Mosely
Peter Michael Mosely is an American rock musician. He is one of the two guitarist, vocalist and pianist for the American punk rock band Inspection 12 as well as the former bassist for the American pop punk band Yellowcard. He joined Inspection 12 in 1996 but left in 2004 to be the bassist for...
, the former bass player, was replaced by Sean O'Donnell, of Reeve Oliver
Reeve Oliver
Reeve Oliver is an American pop rock band formed in 2000 in San Diego, California. They have released two albums and several EPs and have toured with larger acts such as The Vandals, Yellowcard, and Switchfoot...
and Ryan's other side project, Big If, in the new record. Regarding the direction of the new album, Key said on the Hopeless Records website on August 2, "We’re talking about a ton of different ideas, and we’re itching to start as soon as possible. Ultimately, we want to make something the fans will love. What we love to do most, is look out from the stage and see people exploding with energy, and I think we keep that in mind while we are writing. We miss being out on the road playing for Yellowcard fans all around the world, and without their support we wouldn’t have a career."
Yellowcard released dates for many new concerts, throughout the majority of 2011 and some of 2010. The band will be touring with All Time Low
All Time Low
All Time Low is an American pop punk band from Baltimore, Maryland, formed in 2003.The band consists of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Alexander Gaskarth, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Jack Barakat, bassist and backing vocalist Zachary Merrick, and drummer Rian Dawson...
throughout Europe in March 2011, the same time the new album will be released. Key also confirmed that there will be new songs played at these shows, which are most reminiscent of One for the Kids, the first album Key worked on for Yellowcard. Since the reformation announcement, the Yellowcard YouTube account was reopened and featured weekly sessions about recording of the new album. It was also in these sessions that a handful of names and snippets of songs were released. Big If songs "Empty Street" Hide" and "Hang You Up" will be reworked by Yellowcard and featured on their new record. "Hide" will be more upbeat than the original Big If demo.
Other confirmed tracks on the record are "Be the Young", "See Me Smiling", and "Sing For Me." "Be the Young" is Sean Mackin's favorite of the new songs due to its "strong melody and great guitar work". "See Me Smiling" was an instrumental demo Ryan Mendez wrote and recorded at his home studio, which he sent to the rest of the band. They decided to record it for the new record. The bridge is one of Key's favorite vocal parts in all of Yellowcard's library. "Sing For Me" was confirmed in the November Issue of Alternative Press Magazine, Issue 269. The song is written from the perspective of Key's terminally ill aunt, Aunt Stephanie, who was mentioned in "Rock Star Land". The recording process finished on November 8, 2010.
On November 13, 2010, Yellowcard played their first show after coming back from hiatus at The Glass House in Pomona, California
Pomona, California
-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Pomona had a population of 149,058, a slight decline from the 2000 census population. The population density was 6,491.2 people per square mile...
. This was the first time the whole band has played since December 2007, during which Ryan Key revealed the name of the new record after insistent chants. The new record will be called When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes
When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes
When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes is the seventh studio album released by American rock band Yellowcard on March 22, 2011 under Hopeless Records. The album has received strong critical acclaim...
, they then went onto play a new song called "For You, and Your Denial
For You, and Your Denial
"For You, and Your Denial" is the first single from Yellowcard's seventh album When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes, released to iTunes on January 18, 2011...
" Responding to the apparent lack of Yellowcard's older work at The Glass House show, Key stated that it was to keep the energy up in the crowds. In addition to the Europe tour in March, Yellowcard announced a Spring 2011 US Tour with All Time Low
All Time Low
All Time Low is an American pop punk band from Baltimore, Maryland, formed in 2003.The band consists of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Alexander Gaskarth, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Jack Barakat, bassist and backing vocalist Zachary Merrick, and drummer Rian Dawson...
, Hey Monday
Hey Monday
Hey Monday is an American rock band from West Palm Beach, Florida, formed in 2008. They released their debut album Hold on Tight in 2008 which produced notable singles "Homecoming" and "How You Love Me Now". The album was followed up with their 2010 EP Beneath It All, which achieved moderate...
, and The Summer Set
The Summer Set
The Summer Set are a pop-punk band from Scottsdale, Arizona.-History:After a few years of playing music together, Jess Bowen and brothers John and Stephen Gomez, set out in the fall of 2007 to form The Summer Set with newfound vocalist Brian Dales. Jess, John, and Stephen played in a previous band...
.
The band announced the name and release date of the first single, "For You, and Your Denial
For You, and Your Denial
"For You, and Your Denial" is the first single from Yellowcard's seventh album When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes, released to iTunes on January 18, 2011...
". It was made available for purchase on iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
and streaming at www.absolutepunk.net starting January 18, 2011. Also, the music video for this song was recently released and is currently online. The second single, "Hang You Up", was released February 22. The new album released on March 22, 2011 on iTunes and CD.
Ryan Key has also recorded a song with Silverstein
Silverstein (band)
Silverstein is a Canadian post-hardcore band from Burlington, Ontario, formed in 2000. Their band name is a reference to the famous children's author Shel Silverstein, whom the band had admired and read the stories of as children. They have released a total of five studio albums, three EP's, a...
called "Stay Posi" (Stay Positive) for the Take Action! Vol 10. Compilation.
In the May issue of Alternative Press, former bassist Pete Mosely revealed he was contacted by LP about rejoining, before the band reconvened but ultimately decided not to reunite with the rest of Yellowcard. He states his fallout with Ryan Key as a primary reason, stating he wished to regain the friendship they once had. Key and Mosely co-wrote most of Yellowcard's material from Ocean Avenue onward.
On April 11, 2011 Yellowcard announced a brief spring tour with Good Charlotte
Good Charlotte
Good Charlotte is an American rock band from Waldorf, Maryland that formed in 1996. Since 1998, the band's constant members have been lead vocalist Joel Madden, lead guitarist and back-up vocalist Benji Madden, bass guitarist Paul Thomas and rhythm guitarist and keyboardist Billy Martin...
and Runner Runner
Runner Runner
Runner Runner is an American pop rock band founded in Huntington Beach, California in 2008. They were the first band signed to a joint venture between Capitol Records, Merovingian Music and C.E. Music, a subsidiary of David Letterman's Worldwide Pants, Inc...
.
In June 2011, during an interview with Punkvideosrock.com, Ryan Key stated that the band would participate in a headlining tour in the fall of 2011.
From 28 November, Yellowcard will be participating in a Co Headline Tour with Saves The Day
Saves the Day
Saves the Day is an American rock band from Princeton, New Jersey, formed in 1994. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Conley, guitarist Arun Bali, bassist Rodrigo Palma, and drummer Claudio Rivera....
, and The Wonder Years
The Wonder Years (band)
The Wonder Years is an American pop punk band from Lansdale, Pennsylvania that began in June 2005. Since then, they have released three full length albums, two EPs, and several splits/compilation contributions...
as a supporting act, in several cities in the UK. These include Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and London.
On October 24, 2011, Yellowcard released an acoustic version of 'When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes'. This release was generally a surprise to the fan base, as it was announced only a day earlier during their show in Detroit. The album was streaming on Absolutepunk.net for one day, and is now available on iTunes. In addition, the band mentioned that the record is available at select indie record stores.
Yellowcard announced at several shows in November 2011 that they would be returning to the studio in early 2012. They have set a March 1st date to begin studio work with Neal Avron at his Los Angeles studio. Key states that the positive reception from When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes and the overall positive energy the band is generating is inspiration to begin writing again. However, there are currently no songs written. Due to constant touring, the band hasn't had time to start writing.
Musical style and influences
The band's music has often been referred to as pop punkPop punk
Pop punk is a fusion music genre that combines elements of punk rock with pop music, to varying degrees. Allmusic describes the genre as a strand of alternative rock, which typically merges pop melodies with speedy punk tempos, chord changes and loud guitars...
. Their music features the use of a violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
, unusual for the genre. Their early albums are classed under genres like melodic hardcore
Melodic hardcore
Melodic hardcore is a subgenre of hardcore punk with a strong emphasis on vocal melody. The genre is commonly defined with fast hardcore drum beats, complex guitar riffs and melodic singing with occasional screaming and shouting.-History:...
, punk rock
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
and hardcore punk
Hardcore punk
Hardcore punk is an underground music genre that originated in the late 1970s, following the mainstream success of punk rock. Hardcore is generally faster, thicker, and heavier than earlier punk rock. The origin of the term "hardcore punk" is uncertain. The Vancouver-based band D.O.A...
. However, with the release of One for the Kids in 2001, the band reverted to pop punk
Pop punk
Pop punk is a fusion music genre that combines elements of punk rock with pop music, to varying degrees. Allmusic describes the genre as a strand of alternative rock, which typically merges pop melodies with speedy punk tempos, chord changes and loud guitars...
due to line-up changes. The band's fifth album marked a change from pop punk to a more alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
sound. The band returned to their pop punk sound with Paper Walls
Paper Walls
Paper Walls is the third major-label album from American pop punk band Yellowcard, released on July 17, 2007, but their fourth full-length studio album with Ryan Key and sixth including those recorded before him. This is also the first Yellowcard album with Ryan Mendez, the last with Peter Mosely,...
in 2007. The band's influences include Ramones
Ramones
The Ramones were an American rock band that formed in the New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, in 1974. They are often cited as the first punk rock group...
, Green Day
Green Day
Green Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1987. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt, and drummer Tre Cool...
, Blink-182
Blink-182
Blink-182 is an American rock band consisting of vocalist and bass guitarist Mark Hoppus, vocalist and guitarist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker. They have sold over 27 million albums worldwide since forming in Poway, California in 1992...
, Brand New
Brand New
Brand New is an American rock band from Long Island, New York. Formed in 2000, the band currently consists of vocalist/guitarist/lyricist Jesse Lacey, guitarist/vocalist/lyricist Vincent Accardi, bassist Garrett Tierney, drummer Brian Lane, and guitarist/keyboardist Derrick Sherman.In the late...
, Bad Religion
Bad Religion
Bad Religion is a punk rock band that formed in Los Angeles in 1979. Their current line-up consists of Greg Graffin , Brett Gurewitz , Jay Bentley , Greg Hetson , Brian Baker and Brooks Wackerman . Gurewitz is also the founder of the label Epitaph Records, which has released almost all of the...
, Nirvana
Nirvana (band)
Nirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987...
, Anthrax
Anthrax
Anthrax is an acute disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Most forms of the disease are lethal, and it affects both humans and other animals...
, Slayer
Slayer
Slayer is an American thrash metal band formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Slayer rose to fame with their 1986 release, Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and...
and Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
.
Band members
- Ryan KeyRyan KeyRyan Key is an American rock musician. He is best known for being the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the American pop punk band Yellowcard, and one of the two lead singers in his side project Big If.-Early life:...
– lead vocals, rhythm guitarRhythm guitarRhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
(2000–2008, 2010–present) - Sean MackinSean Mackin (musician)Sean Mackin is an American rock musician. He is best known as the violinist and backing vocalist for the American pop punk band Yellowcard and is now one of the two remaining full-time members of the band from its original line-up, along with bandmate Longineu W. Parsons III.-Early life:Mackin was...
– violinViolinThe violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
, backing vocals (1997–2008, 2010–present) - Longineu W. Parsons IIILongineu W. Parsons IIILongineu W. "LP" Parsons III is a French-born American rock musician. He is best known for being the drummer for the American pop punk band Yellowcard and is now one of the two remaining full-time members of the band from its original line-up along with bandmate Sean Mackin.-Early life:Longineu...
– drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, percussion (1997–2008, 2010–present) - Ryan Mendez – lead guitarLead guitarLead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure...
, backing vocals (2005–2008, 2010–present) - Sean O'Donnell – bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, backing vocals (2010–present)
Former members
- Ben HarperBen Harper (musician)Not to be confused with Ben HarperBenjamin Eric Harper is an American rock musician. He is best known for being the former lead guitarist for the American pop punk band Yellowcard, as well as for the bands Amber Pacific and HeyMike!. Harper is co-owner of Takeover Records.-Yellowcard :Harper formed...
– lead guitar (1997–2006) - Peter MoselyPeter MoselyPeter Michael Mosely is an American rock musician. He is one of the two guitarist, vocalist and pianist for the American punk rock band Inspection 12 as well as the former bassist for the American pop punk band Yellowcard. He joined Inspection 12 in 1996 but left in 2004 to be the bassist for...
– bass, piano, vocals (2002–2003, 2004–2007) - Alex LewisAlex Lewis (musician)Alex Lewis is an American musician and was bass player for the popular punk-rock band Yellowcard. He was replaced by Peter Mosely. Lewis appeared in two music videos, Ocean Avenue and Way Away. Even though he is no longer in Yellowcard he still keeps in touch with current members of the band,...
– bass, vocals (2003–2004) - Warren Cooke – bass, vocals (1997–2002)
- Todd Clary – guitar, vocals (1997–2000)
- Ben Dobson – lead vocals (1997–1999)
Discography
- Midget TossingMidget TossingMidget Tossing is Yellowcard's debut album, released in 1997 by DIY Records. It is currently out of print. The songs "Sue" and "Uphill Both Ways" both appeared on Yellowcard's following album Where We Stand.-Track listing:-Members:...
(1997) - Where We StandWhere We StandWhere We Stand is the second album by American rock band Yellowcard. It was released in 1999 .Ben Dobson and Todd Clary who left after this album had a lot to do with their sound of old. Dobson’s scruffy, rough-around-the-edges vocal approach gave this band some toughness that is quite different...
(1999) - One for the Kids (2001)
- Ocean Avenue (2003)
- Lights and SoundsLights and SoundsLights and Sounds is the fifth studio album by American pop punk band Yellowcard, released on January 24, 2006 in the United States through Capitol Records. Lights and Sounds is Yellowcard's first concept album, which was inspired to reflect what the band was feeling at the time of production and...
(2006) - Paper WallsPaper WallsPaper Walls is the third major-label album from American pop punk band Yellowcard, released on July 17, 2007, but their fourth full-length studio album with Ryan Key and sixth including those recorded before him. This is also the first Yellowcard album with Ryan Mendez, the last with Peter Mosely,...
(2007) - When You're Through Thinking, Say YesWhen You're Through Thinking, Say YesWhen You're Through Thinking, Say Yes is the seventh studio album released by American rock band Yellowcard on March 22, 2011 under Hopeless Records. The album has received strong critical acclaim...
(2011) - When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes (Acoustic) (2011)
External links
- Official website
- Audio: interview with Ryan Key at Alternative PressAlternative Press (music magazine)Alternative Press is an American music magazine based in Cleveland, Ohio. It generally provides readers with band interviews, photos, information on upcoming releases, and music charts. It was founded in 1985 by Mike Shea, who is the current president....