Sleeping With Sirens is a name that resonates deeply within the post-hardcore and alternative rock landscapes of the 21st century. Known for the distinctive, soaring tenor vocals of frontman Kellin Quinn and a sound that has skillfully navigated the currents of emo, pop-punk, and metalcore, the band has cultivated a dedicated global following. Their journey from the fertile grounds of the Florida music scene to international stages is a story of sonic evolution, commercial success, and enduring relevance. This biography delves into the chronological history of Sleeping With Sirens, analyzing their musical shifts, pivotal moments, and their lasting impact, which continues to be celebrated at events like the Pittsburgh Emo Night.
Formation and Early Era
The genesis of any influential band is a critical chapter in its story, setting the stage for the sound and identity that will captivate listeners. For Sleeping With Sirens, their formation was a convergence of talent from the vibrant, yet competitive, Florida post-hardcore scene, leading to a debut that immediately signaled the arrival of a significant new voice in the genre.
Origins and Formation
Sleeping With Sirens was formed in Orlando, Florida, in 2009. The initial lineup was a consolidation of members from other local bands, a common practice in burgeoning music scenes. The founding members included vocalist Kellin Quinn, who had previously been with a band called Closer 2 Closure, alongside former members of For All We Know and Paddock Park: Nick Trombino and Brandon McMaster on guitars, Justin Hills on bass, and Gabe Barham on drums. This collection of musicians brought a wealth of experience from the regional scene, which allowed them to quickly coalesce around a shared musical vision. It was Quinn’s unique vocal style—a remarkably high and emotive leggero tenor—that would become the band’s most defining and recognizable characteristic, setting them apart from their peers in a crowded genre.
Early Discography
The band signed with Rise Records, a label that was instrumental in the growth of many 2010s post-hardcore and metalcore acts. Their debut album, With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear, was released on March 23, 2010. The record was a potent introduction, blending aggressive post-hardcore instrumentation with Quinn’s melodic, often pop-inflected vocals. Tracks like “If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn” became instant fan favorites, showcasing the band’s dynamic range. The album performed impressively for a debut, landing on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and selling over 25,000 copies, a clear indication that their sound was connecting with a young, passionate audience hungry for emotionally charged music. This early work laid the essential groundwork for their future success and established them as a band to watch within the alternative music community.
The Mainstream Breakthrough
Following a successful debut, the challenge for any band is to build upon that momentum. Sleeping With Sirens not only met that challenge but exceeded it, entering a period of significant commercial and critical success that would elevate them from scene standouts to a leading force in alternative rock.
Pivotal Album(s) and Lineup Changes
The band’s sophomore album, Let’s Cheers to This, released on May 10, 2011, is widely regarded as their breakthrough record. It refined the sound of their debut, leaning further into anthemic, pop-punk-infused choruses while retaining its post-hardcore edge. Singles like “Do It Now Remember It Later” and the iconic “If You Can’t Hang” became staples of their live shows and cornerstones of the genre. The latter would go on to be certified Platinum by the RIAA, a testament to its widespread and lasting appeal. The album saw the band’s first significant lineup change with Jesse Lawson taking over full-time on rhythm guitar, solidifying the classic lineup that would define this era. The band followed this success with the acoustic EP If You Were a Movie, This Would Be Your Soundtrack in 2012, which showcased their versatility and Quinn’s vocal prowess in a more intimate setting.
Achieving Critical and Commercial Success
The release of their third album, Feel, on June 4, 2013, marked the commercial peak for Sleeping With Sirens. The album debuted at an impressive No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, a remarkable achievement for a band rooted in the post-hardcore scene. Feel featured collaborations with artists like Kellin Quinn’s friend Machine Gun Kelly on the track “Alone” and Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire on “Congratulations.” This period saw the band gracing the covers of major music publications like Alternative Press and headlining large-scale international tours. Their success was indicative of a broader trend where bands from the Warped Tour ecosystem were crossing over into the mainstream, and Sleeping With Sirens were at the forefront of that movement. Their ability to write songs that were both emotionally resonant and commercially viable was key to their ascent. The success of this era cemented their status and ensured their music would be a fixture at events like Emo Night Pittsburgh for years to come.
Musical Evolution and Key Events
Growth and change are inevitable in a long-tenured musical career. For Sleeping With Sirens, this meant navigating significant shifts in their sound, weathering personnel changes, and making crucial decisions about their creative direction and label partnerships.
Mid-career Albums and Sonic Shifts
In October 2013, guitarist Jesse Lawson announced his departure, a significant change for the band. He was replaced by Nick Martin (formerly of D.R.U.G.S.), who brought a different energy and style to the group. This change coincided with a notable sonic evolution. The band signed with Epitaph Records for their fourth album, Madness (2015). Produced by John Feldmann, known for his work with pop-punk giants like Blink-182 and The Used, the album saw the band embrace a more polished, pop-rock sound. While tracks like “Kick Me” retained their aggressive roots, others like “Go Go Go” were unabashedly radio-friendly. This shift continued and intensified with their fifth album, Gossip (2017), released under Warner Bros. Records. This major-label debut was a full-fledged pop-rock record, moving deliberately away from the post-hardcore that defined their early work. While it produced the uplifting single “Legends,” the album was met with a mixed reception from their core fanbase, many of whom felt the band had strayed too far from their origins.
Hiatus, Reunions, or Significant Member Departures
The period following Gossip was one of introspection for the band. Kellin Quinn has spoken openly about his struggles during this time, admitting he had a hard time connecting with the overtly positive material on stage. The band considered a hiatus, unsure of their next move. However, instead of breaking up, they chose to recalibrate. They parted ways with Warner Bros. and signed with Sumerian Records, a label known for its heavier artists. This move signaled a creative rebirth. In a major lineup shift, longtime drummer Gabe Barham departed the band in 2019, just before the release of their next album. Matty Best (of Tonight Alive) was brought in to take over drumming duties, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the band’s rhythm section.
Modern Era
After a period of commercial experimentation and internal reflection, Sleeping With Sirens entered a new era, one defined by a return to their roots and a renewed sense of purpose, re-engaging with the sound that first earned them a dedicated following.
Recent Albums and Contemporary Activity
Their sixth studio album, How It Feels to Be Lost, released on September 6, 2019, was a direct response to the pop leanings of Gossip. The album was a deliberate and powerful return to their post-hardcore and metalcore sound. Tracks like “Leave It All Behind” and “Break Me Down” featured the aggressive riffs and raw, screaming vocals that had been largely absent from their previous two records. It was hailed by fans and critics as a triumphant return to form. The band continued this trajectory with their seventh album, Complete Collapse, released on October 14, 2022. This record further solidified their recommitment to a heavier sound, featuring collaborations with Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath and Charlotte Sands. In July 2022, another founding member, lead guitarist Jack Fowler, announced his departure from the band. Despite these changes, Sleeping With Sirens has continued to tour extensively, including a 2024 anniversary tour for Let’s Cheers to This, demonstrating their resilience and commitment to their music and fans. Their modern output confirms that the raw energy that defines a great Pittsburgh Emo Night is still at the core of their identity.
Cultural Impact and Connection to the Scene
The legacy of a band is measured not just by album sales, but by its influence on a genre and its enduring connection with its audience. Sleeping With Sirens has left an indelible mark on the post-hardcore and emo scenes, with a cultural footprint that remains highly visible.
Influence on Their Primary Genres
Sleeping With Sirens emerged at a pivotal time for post-hardcore. They, along with peers like Pierce the Veil (with whom they famously collaborated on the hit “King for a Day”), defined the sound of the scene in the early 2010s. Their fusion of aggressive instrumentation, pop-structured songwriting, and Kellin Quinn’s uniquely high-pitched, clean vocals created a blueprint that many subsequent bands would follow. They pushed the boundaries of what a “heavy” band could sound like, proving that melodic accessibility and raw emotion were not mutually exclusive. Their influence can be seen in the wave of bands that blended pop-punk catchiness with post-hardcore intensity, contributing to a sound that dominated alternative music for much of the decade.
Relevance in Nostalgia Events like Emo Night Pittsburgh
The music of the 2010s emo and post-hardcore scene evokes powerful nostalgia, and Sleeping With Sirens is a central pillar of that era. Their anthems are not just songs; they are the soundtrack to a specific time in many fans’ lives. This makes their music essential for nostalgia-themed events. At a gathering like Emo Night Pittsburgh, tracks like “If You Can’t Hang” and “If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn” are guaranteed to elicit a massive, passionate singalong. The band represents a key chapter in the evolution of emo and its related subgenres, and their continued activity, coupled with the timeless appeal of their breakthrough hits, ensures their prominent place in any celebration of the scene. The energy, emotion, and anthemic quality of their work make them a perfect fit for the collective, cathartic experience that a Pittsburgh Emo Night provides.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleeping With Sirens
What genre is Sleeping With Sirens?
Sleeping With Sirens is most commonly categorized as a post-hardcore band. However, their sound incorporates a wide range of influences, and they have explored genres including pop-punk, alternative rock, emo, pop, and metalcore throughout their career.
Who is the lead singer of Sleeping With Sirens?
The lead singer and a founding member of Sleeping With Sirens is Kellin Quinn. His distinctive high tenor vocal range is one of the most recognizable features of the band’s sound.
What is Sleeping With Sirens’ most popular song?
While popularity can be measured in different ways, “If You Can’t Hang” from their 2011 album Let’s Cheers to This is arguably their most well-known and commercially successful song. It has been certified Platinum by the RIAA in the United States.
What are the current members of Sleeping With Sirens?
As of late 2024, the core members of Sleeping With Sirens are Kellin Quinn (vocals), Justin Hills (bass), and Nick Martin (rhythm guitar). Matty Best has been their touring and recording drummer since 2019.
Did Sleeping With Sirens break up?
No, Sleeping With Sirens has not broken up. While they considered a hiatus around 2018 and have undergone several lineup changes, the band has remained active, consistently releasing new music and touring worldwide.
