Issues (band)

Issues

Issues in 2013.
Background information
Origin Atlanta, Georgia, US
Genres Metalcore,[1] nu metal, rapcore,[2] R&B[3][4]
Years active 2012-present
Labels Rise
Associated acts Woe, Is Me, A Memoria Brooded
Website issuesrock.com
Members Tyler Carter
Michael Bohn
AJ Rebollo
Skyler Acord
Josh Manuel
Tyler Acord
Past members Ben Ferris
Cory Ferris
Case Snedecor
Jake Vintson

Issues is an American nu metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. They formed in the summer of 2012 and were signed to Rise Records shortly after their formation. Their first EP, Black Diamonds, released on November 13, 2012, has sold 41,000 copies to date early 2014.[5] Issues' self-titled debut album was released on February 18, 2014 and it debuted at No. 9 on the US Billboard 200 with 22,000 first week sales.[5] It was followed by the Diamond Dreams EP on November 18, 2014 and later their self-titled full-length album in February 2014.

History

Formation and Black Diamonds (2012-2013)

Main article: Black Diamonds (EP)

The project was first announced by former Woe, Is Me vocalist Tyler Carter in 2012, stating that he had plans to create a band with other former members of the band.[6] This included; Michael Bohn, Cory Ferris and Ben Ferris.[7] Before the band started to record their debut EP, titled Black Diamonds, both Cory and Ben Ferris were unable to attend the recording sessions and ultimately left the band. Ben Ferris departed from the band early in September 2012, while Cory Ferris decided to stay with the band until he announced his departure in November 2012.[8][9] Skyler Acord played bass guitar on the band's debut EP,[10] while his brother Tyler Acord played keyboards and turntables.[11] Both of the Acord brothers were later asked to join the band after the departure of bassist Jake Vintson in early 2013.[12]

The band first started touring as a support act with Attila on their 'Party With The Devil Tour', along with support acts Make Me Famous, Ice Nine Kills and Adestria.[13] Their debut EP, Black Diamonds, was released on November 13, 2012.[14] The lead single for Black Diamonds, titled "King of Amarillo," was released on October 2, 2012, along with a lyric video.[15] The band was featured on the Punk Goes Pop 5 compilation album covering "Boyfriend," originally by Justin Bieber.[9][16]

Self-titled album and acoustic EP (2013-present)

Main article: Issues (Issues album)

Issues' first release of 2013 was a stand alone single titled 'Hooligans', which was released on July 5 and was accompanied with a music video.[17] In May, drummer Case Snedecor left the band due to musical differences.[18] But in the next month, his successor, Josh Manuel, was announced as the new drummer of the band, making this the fourth lineup change in the band's short history.[19] On May 19, 2013 the band participated in the Vans Warped Tour.[20]

The band confirmed that they would be releasing an EP full of acoustic versions of songs from their debut EP 'Black Diamonds', which was later released on, November 18th, 2014. [21] The band was initially set to release their debut album in November, however it was pushed back to January 2014.[22] It was revealed in December that the album was set to be released on February 18, 2014, along with the album details and tracklist, revealing it to be a self-titled album.[23]

Issues made another release through Fearless Records on the "Punk Goes Christmas" album, released on the 2nd of November, with song "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays".[24] It was later announced that they would be joining Beartooth on Of Mice & Men UK headlining tour in April as a support act.[25] It was also announced that they will be joining Bring Me the Horizon and Of Mice & Men on their American Dream Tour beginning February with fellow supporting acts Letlive and Northlane.[26] The band also confirmed that they will be performing the entire Vans Warped Tour 2014.[27]

The band's debut album Issues was released on February 18, 2014. In April, it was announced that the band would perform at 2014s Reading and Leeds Festival.[28] The band were a support act for the Wembley Arena performance in London on 5 December supporting Bring Me the Horizon along with Young Guns and Sleepwave.[29] The band will be headlining in America dubbed the "Journeys Noise: Thanks For The Invite" tour and will be supported by I Killed The Prom Queen, Ghost Town, Marmozets and Nightmares and takes place late October to mid December.[30]

On October 17, 2014, the band confirmed they'd be releasing their first acoustic EP, titled "Diamond Dreams", produced and mixed by the band themselves along with Matt Malpass and various other personnel.[31] The EP was officially released on November 17.[32]

Second album and beyond (2015-present)

On January 2, 2015, Issues were featured in an article on Alternative Press, in which they stated that the writing and pre-production for their second album will begin on January 23. The band also talked about their goals and resolutions for 2015. Ty Acord announced that he won't be touring with Issues during 2015, in order to focus on his work as a music producer. However, he stated that he will still be a member of the band in the studio, and will co-produce the upcoming album.[33]

In a blog posted by their drummer, Josh Manuel, he confirmed that the band is currently in the studio writing for their second album and that they have booked time, once again, with Kris Crummett and Erik Ron in July to record it. [34]

Musical style

Issues has often been associated with the metalcore genre with a mixture of nu metal & R&B. Reviews for the debut EP Black Diamonds often called the album primarily metalcore[1] with an influence of R&B.[3][4] The band themselves has commented that they wanted to mix metal and "Top 40" music in the same way that post-hardcore and nu metal mixed heavy metal music with hip hop music.[35]

When their debut album was released, the response from critics was mixed. Alternative Press praised the bands unique sound with mixing metalcore with DJ-based breakdowns, calling them the modern alternative for nu metal,[36] whilst the likes of AllMusic and Sputnikmusic criticized the bands mixture of genre's, stating that it isn't nu metal, and more like a mixture of pop music and metalcore, with Sputnikmusic quoting that they sounded like a mixture of Limp Bizkit and Justin Bieber.[37][38]

Band members

Current members
  • Tyler Carter – clean vocals (2012–present)
  • Michael Bohn – unclean vocals (2012–present)
  • AJ Rebollo – guitars (2012–present)
  • Skyler Acord – bass, acoustic guitar (2013–present, session on Black Diamonds EP)
  • Josh Manuel – drums, percussion (2013–present)
Former members
  • Cory Ferris – bass (2012)
  • Ben Ferris – keyboards, synthesizers, backing vocals (2012)
  • Case Snedecor – drums, percussion (2012-2013)
  • Jake Vintson – bass (2012-2013)
Session members

Timeline

Discography

Issues discography
Releases
↙Studio albums 1
↙EPs 2
↙Singles 9
↙Music videos 6

Albums

Studio albums

Year Details Peak chart positions[40]
US US
Alt.		 US
Hard
Rock		 US
Indie.		 US
Rock
2014 Issues 9 2 1 1 2

EPs

Year Details Peak chart positions[40]
US US
Alt.		 US
Hard
Rock		 US
Rock
2012 Black Diamonds
  • Release: November 13, 2012
  • Label: Rise Records

*Formats: CD, Download

96 20 8 14 31
2014 Diamond Dreams
  • Release: November 18, 2014
  • Label: Rise Records

*Formats: CD, Download

- - - -

Singles

Year Song Album
2012 "King of Amarillo" Black Diamonds
"Princeton Ave"
"Boyfriend" (Justin Bieber cover) Punk Goes Pop 5
"The Worst of Them "(Acoustic)Single
2013 "Hooligans"
"Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" ('N SYNC cover) Punk Goes Christmas
2014 "Stingray Affliction" Issues
"Never Lose Your Flames"
"Mad at Myself"

Music videos

Year Song Album Director Type Link
2012 "The Worst of Them" (Acoustic) Diamond Dreams Josh Manuel[41] Performance
2013 "Princeton Ave" Black Diamonds Dillon Novak[42] Narrative
"Hooligans" Non-album single
2014 "Stingray Affliction" Issues Ryan Valdez
"Never Lose Your Flames"
"Mad at Myself" Dillon Novak[43]

Accolades

Nominated work Year Award Result
Issues 2014 Revolver's Golden Gods - Best New Talent[44] Nominated

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "P! Album Review: Issues - Black Diamonds EP". Alterthepress.com. Alter the Press. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  2. ↑ http://www.metalinjection.net/editorials/are-issues-ushering-in-a-new-wave-of-nu-metal
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Issues Black Diamonds". Sputnikmusic.com. Sputnik Music. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Issues – Black Diamonds". Absolutepunk.com. Absolute Punk. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 'Frozen' Earns Most Weeks At No. 1 For A Soundtrack Since 'Titanic' Billboard. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
  6. ↑ Common, Tyler. "Tyler Carter (ex-Woe, Is Me) discusses possibilities of starting new band". AltPress.com. Alternative Press. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  7. ↑ Yancey, Bryne. "Exclusive: Former members of Woe, Is Me release statement". AltPress.com. Alternative Press. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  8. ↑ Alvarez, Carlos. "Black Diamons review". AbsolutePunk.com. Absolute Punk. Retrieved 18 February 2014. Cory and Ben Ferris both ended up departing from Issues.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Cory Ferris doesn't attend Party with the Devil tour". Twitlonger.com. Twit Longer. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXdPxcZh8ew
  11. ↑ http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=2959132
  12. ↑ "Twitter / issues: "@_scoutLA: How to turn a ...". Twitter.com. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  13. ↑ "Party With The Devil Tour Dates And Bands". SMNNews.com. SMN News. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  14. ↑ "Issues announce debut EP, "Black Diamonds"". Altpress.com. AltPress. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  15. ↑ "Issues release "King Of Amarillo" lyric video". Altpress.com. AltPress. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  16. ↑ "Punk Goes Pop 5 Tracklist Out". Sputnikmusic.com. Sputnik Music. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  17. ↑ "ISSUES POST VIDEO FOR NEW TRACK ‘HOOLIGANS’ ONLINE". Rocksound.com. Rocksound. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  18. ↑ Horansky, TJ. "Issues release official statement on departure of drummer Case Snedecor". AltPress.com. Alternative Press. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  19. ↑ Kraus, Brian. "Issues announce new drummer". AltPress.com. Alternative Press. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  20. ↑ "Vans Warped Tour 2013 Full Lineup Announced". Alterthepress.com. Alter The Press. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  21. ↑ Common, Tyler. "Issues confirm upcoming acoustic EP". AltPress.com. Alternative Press. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  22. ↑ Crane, Matt. "UPDATE: Issues album release date unconfirmed". AltPress.com. Alternative Press. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  23. ↑ Crane, Matt. "Issues announce debut LP, release new song "Stingray Affliction"". AltPress.com. Alternative Press. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  24. ↑ "Fearless Records release ‘Punk Goes Christmas’ commercial". Altpress.com. AltPress. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  25. ↑ "Of Mice & Men UK Tour With Issues, Beartooth Announced". Metalhammer.co.uk. Metal Hammer. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  26. ↑ "Issues, letlive. added to Bring Me The Horizon, Of Mice & Men tour". Altpress.com. AltPress. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  27. ↑ "Warped Tour 2014 Lineup: Crown The Empire, The Maine, State Champs & More Added". Fuse.tv. Fuse. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  28. ↑ "Reading & Leeds Festival 2014: AlunaGeorge, The Horrors Added To Full Line-Up". Entertainmentwise.com. Entertainment Wise. Retrieved 23 April 2014.
  29. ↑ Carter, Emily. "Bring Me The Horizon announce Wembley supports". Kerrang.com. Kerrang!. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
  30. ↑ Sharp, Tyler. "Issues announce headlining tour with I Killed The Prom Queen, Ghost Town, more". Altpress.com. Altpress. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
  31. ↑ Crane, Matt. "Issues announce ‘Diamond Dreams’ acoustic EP". Altpress.com. Altpress. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  32. ↑ Carter, Emily. "Issues stream clips from Diamond Dreams EP". Kerrang.com. Kerrang!. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  33. ↑ http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/tyler_scout_acord_will_not_be_on_the_road_with_us_issues_talk_changes_a_new
  34. ↑ http://www.moderndrummer.com/site/2015/03/drummer-blog-issues-josh-manuel-talks-studio-work-and-collaborating-on-rhythm-and-grooves/?fb_action_ids=10153214917353086&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_ref=.VRHfRIdS8NU.like#.VSL1rHoo5zS
  35. ↑ Bird, Ryan (3 January 2014). "ISSUEs: The R&B loving metallers are set to uleash a brave rock world in 2014". Rocksound Magazine (183). Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  36. ↑ Kraus, Brian (2014). "Issues – Issues". Alternative Press (Alternative Press Magazine, Inc.). March 2014 (308): 88. ISSN 1065-1667. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  37. ↑ Heaney, Gregory. "Overview of Issues". AllMusic.com. AllMusic. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  38. ↑ Lowe, Robert. "Issues - Issues review". SputnikMusic.com. SputnikMusic. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  39. ↑ http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/tyler_scout_acord_will_not_be_on_the_road_with_us_issues_talk_changes_a_new?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=altpress
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 "Issues chart positions". Billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  41. ↑ "Issues - The Worst Of Them (Acoustic)". YouTube.com. Rise Records. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  42. ↑ "Dillon Novaks discography". rsmcreative.com. RSM creative. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  43. ↑ Carter, Tyler. "WATCH: Issues Release Exclusive BTS Footage For 'Mad At Myself'". Buzznet.com. Buzznet. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
  44. ↑ "2014 Revolver Golden Gods Announced!". Revolvermag.com. Revolver. Retrieved 26 March 2015.

External links