The Active Set

The Active Set
Origin Los Angeles, California, United States
Genres Alternative, Indie rock, Indie pop, new wave
Years active 2007–present
Labels Chisel Pixel
Associated acts The Briggs
Website www.theactiveset.com
Members Matthew Stolarz
Francis Ramsden
Gabriel Grinta
Alen Racedo

The Active Set is an indie rock/alternative band from Los Angeles, California formed in 2007. The band consists of Matthew Stolarz (lead vocals, guitar), Francis Ramsden (guitar, keys), Gabriel Grinta (drums) and Alen Racedo (bass).

History

The Active Set was formed after Matthew Stolarz departed his position as bassist for punk rock band The Briggs. Unsuccessful with his first attempt at putting a band together, he recorded the first Active Set EP at Aermotor Studios in Sunland CA. Shortly thereafter guitarists Charlie Capen and Johnty Thompson joined, as well as drummer Morgan Murphy, and the band began playing live. Later that year Capen left and was replaced by guitarist Francis Ramsden (Champion The Average). The following year Murphy left town and was replaced by Michael Castro. The band toured regionally, including trips to SXSW.

Over 2010/2011 three singles, "Let The Games Begin"[1] "It Multiplies"[2] and "Famous For Dying" [3] were released digitally (with accompanying videos) as the band continued playing regularly and tracking their first album. "11" was released in late 2011 on Chisel Pixel Records to favorable reviews, including the L.A. Times[4] and Buzzbands L.A.[5] The song "Better Brigade" was featured in Season 3 of Royal Pains on the USA Network.[6]

The band toured regionally in early 2012, including another trip to SXSW and several weeks in the East Coast/Midwest, opening for Neon Trees and Awolnation. In December 2012 alt-rock radio station KROQ launched the video for a charity-driven Christmas single by the band.[7]

In July of 2013 the band played a fundraising concert at Vista Murrieta High School with Neon Trees that raised funds for various school programs. [8] The event was documented in the "Run" concert video. In August the band played the Sunset Strip Music Festival with other acts such as Linkin Park, Awolnation, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and others and was named one of the "Top 5 Bands" at the festival by LA Music Blog.[9] After two regional tours in the fall guitarist Johnty Thompson departed the band and bassist Alen Racedo joined.

The first new single "Shut 'Em Down" was released online in July 2014.[10]

The new EP Lights was released 1-22-15.

Discography

Studio albums

Year Album
2011 11

EPs

Year EP
2008 The Active Set
2015 Lights

Singles

Year Single
2010 Let The Games Begin
2011 It Multiplies
2011 Famous For Dying
2012 Making Out (Is the Best Part of Christmas)
2014 Shut 'Em Down

References

  1. ↑ "MUSIC FAN'S MIC//: The Active Set: Let The Games Begin". Musicfansmic.net. 2010-05-24. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
  2. ↑ "The Active Set releases new song "It Multiplies"". Under the Gun Review. 2011-01-31. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
  3. ↑ Hallam, Scott (2011-10-22). "The Active Set Has Some Zombie Fun with Famous for Dying Video". Dread Central. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
  4. ↑ http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/11/la-unheard-the-active-set.html
  5. ↑ Seraphina Lotkhamnga (2011-11-11). "Ears Wide Open: The Active Set". Buzzbands.la. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
  6. ↑ "ROYAL PAINS SONG LIST: SEASON THREE". usanetwork.com.
  7. ↑ "The Active Set Release New Video For "Making Out (Is The Best Part Of Christmas)" « The World Famous KROQ". Kroq.cbslocal.com. 2012-12-10. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
  8. ↑ Franko, Vanessa (7 June 2013). "MURRIETA: The Active Set to open for Neon Trees". The Press Enterprise (The Press Enterprise).
  9. ↑ "TOP 5 LA BANDS AT SUNSET STRIP MUSIC FESTIVAL 2013". http://lamusicblog.com/''.
  10. ↑ "Stream: The Active Set, ‘Shut ’Em Down’". Buzzbands LA.

External links