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 |
| 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 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, and spent ten weeks in rotation on KROQ Locals Only. .[10]
The new EP Lights was released 1-22-15.
In August 2015 the band supported Bloc Party on two sold-out club shows leading up to their appearance at FYF Fest in Los Angeles. [11]
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
- ↑ "MUSIC FAN'S MIC//: The Active Set: Let The Games Begin". Musicfansmic.net. 2010-05-24. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
- ↑ "The Active Set releases new song "It Multiplies"". Under the Gun Review. 2011-01-31. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
- ↑ Hallam, Scott (2011-10-22). "The Active Set Has Some Zombie Fun with Famous for Dying Video". Dread Central. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
- ↑ http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/11/la-unheard-the-active-set.html
- ↑ Seraphina Lotkhamnga (2011-11-11). "Ears Wide Open: The Active Set". Buzzbands.la. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
- ↑ "ROYAL PAINS SONG LIST: SEASON THREE". usanetwork.com.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ Franko, Vanessa (7 June 2013). "MURRIETA: The Active Set to open for Neon Trees". The Press Enterprise (The Press Enterprise).
- ↑ "TOP 5 LA BANDS AT SUNSET STRIP MUSIC FESTIVAL 2013". http://lamusicblog.com/. External link in
|website=(help) - ↑ "Stream: The Active Set, ‘Shut ’Em Down’". Buzzbands LA.
- ↑ "BLOC PARTY AND THE ACTIVE SET RATTLE THE GLASS HOUSE WITH INDIE ROCK SHEEN". Grimy Goods.