Story of the Year is an American rock band that has carved a significant niche in the landscape of modern rock music. Emerging from the vibrant St. Louis, Missouri music scene, the band’s dynamic sound, which fuses elements of post-hardcore, alternative rock, and emo, has resonated with a global audience for over two decades. Their journey from a local act to a major-label success story is marked by pivotal albums, sonic evolution, and an enduring connection with their fanbase. This biography details the chronological history of Story of the Year, analyzing their discography, key milestones, and their lasting cultural impact, including their relevance to contemporary events like Pittsburgh Emo Night.
Formation and Early Era
The foundation of Story of the Year was laid in the mid-1990s, a period characterized by a burgeoning underground music scene in the American Midwest. The members’ early experiences in various local bands were crucial in shaping the sound and chemistry that would later define their success.
Origins and Formation
The band officially formed in 1995 in St. Louis, Missouri, initially under the moniker Big Blue Monkey. The original lineup consisted of vocalist Dan Marsala, lead guitarist Ryan Phillips, bassist Adam Russell, and drummer Josh Wills. These members had been active in the local scene, with Phillips and Marsala in a group called 67 North, and Phillips, Wills, and Russell playing in other bands like Means Well and Locash. This period of creative incubation allowed them to hone their skills and develop a unique chemistry. As Big Blue Monkey, they independently released two EPs, “Three Days Broken” in 1998 and “Truth in Separation” in 1999. These early recordings showcased a raw, aggressive sound, laying the groundwork for their future musical direction. In 2002, after realizing a blues group was already using the name Big Blue Monkey, a change was necessary. They rebranded as Story of the Year, a name taken from their recently released EP on the indie label Criterion Records. This name change coincided with a pivotal moment in their career, as they began to attract attention beyond their local scene.
Early Discography
The band’s first official release as Story of the Year was the “Story of the Year” EP in 2002. This record was instrumental in capturing the attention of John Feldmann, the frontman of the band Goldfinger and a renowned producer and A&R scout. Feldmann saw immense potential in their blend of melodic hooks and aggressive instrumentation. He began working with the band, producing demos that would ultimately secure them a major-label record deal with Maverick Records. This partnership was a turning point, providing Story of the Year with the resources and guidance needed to transition from a promising local act to a band on the cusp of national recognition. The demos recorded with Feldmann, including early versions of “Until the Day I Die” and “Anthem of Our Dying Day,” were a powerful showcase of their refined sound and songwriting prowess, setting the stage for their breakthrough debut album.
The Mainstream Breakthrough
The early 2000s marked a significant shift in the rock music landscape, with genres like emo and post-hardcore gaining mainstream traction. Story of the Year was perfectly positioned to capitalize on this movement, and their debut album became a cornerstone of the era.
Pivotal Album(s) and Lineup Changes
The band’s major-label debut, “Page Avenue,” was released on September 16, 2003. Produced by John Feldmann, the album was a masterclass in the fusion of genres. It seamlessly blended the raw energy of post-hardcore with the melodic sensibilities of pop-punk and the emotional lyrical themes of emo. The album’s sound was defined by its dual-guitar attack, soaring vocal melodies, and a rhythm section that could shift from intricate patterns to driving punk beats. During this period, the band solidified its lineup with the addition of rhythm guitarist Philip Sneed, who had joined prior to the album’s recording, complementing Ryan Phillips’ lead guitar work and adding depth to their live sound. The album’s lead single, “Until the Day I Die,” became an instant anthem, its memorable chorus and energetic video making it a staple on rock radio and television. The follow-up single, “Anthem of Our Dying Day,” further cemented their place in the mainstream, with its powerful dynamics and a cinematic music video directed by Joe Hahn of Linkin Park.
Achieving Critical and Commercial Success
“Page Avenue” was a resounding commercial success. The album peaked at number 51 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA in April 2004, a significant achievement for a debut album in the post-hardcore genre. It would later achieve Platinum status in 2021, a testament to its enduring popularity. The success of the album was propelled by relentless touring, including spots on the Vans Warped Tour and tours alongside bands like Linkin Park, P.O.D., and Hoobastank. This extensive touring schedule allowed Story of the Year to build a dedicated global fanbase. The album’s singles charted successfully, with “Until the Day I Die” reaching number 12 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. The success of “Page Avenue” was not just commercial; it was a cultural touchstone for the early 2000s rock scene, and its songs remain staples at events that celebrate the era, such as the Pittsburgh Emo Night.
Musical Evolution and Key Events
Following the massive success of their debut, Story of the Year faced the challenge of artistic evolution. Their subsequent albums saw them explore heavier and more complex sonic territories while navigating the pressures of the music industry.
Mid-career Albums and Sonic Shifts
The band’s sophomore album, “In the Wake of Determination,” was released on October 11, 2005. In a deliberate move away from the more polished sound of their debut, this album featured a heavier, more aggressive, and raw sound. The production, handled by Terry Date (known for his work with Deftones and Pantera), emphasized a more live and un-produced feel. Tracks like “We Don’t Care Anymore” and “Take Me Back” showcased a more pronounced metalcore influence, with more screaming vocals and complex guitar riffs. While it didn’t replicate the massive commercial success of “Page Avenue,” it was a bold artistic statement that solidified their credibility as a heavy rock act and was well-received by their core fanbase.
Their third album, “The Black Swan,” released on April 22, 2008, struck a balance between the melodic accessibility of their debut and the aggressive energy of its follow-up. Released on Epitaph Records, the album featured a more mature and refined sound, with politically charged lyrics on tracks like “Wake Up.” Their fourth album, “The Constant” (2010), continued this trajectory, further exploring a hard rock sound with intricate arrangements and powerful anthems like “I’m Alive.” This period demonstrated the band’s versatility and their commitment to evolving their sound beyond their initial breakthrough.
Hiatus, Reunions, or Significant Member Departures
After the tour cycle for “The Constant,” Story of the Year announced an indefinite hiatus in 2011 to focus on individual projects. This break allowed the members to recharge creatively. However, the hiatus was short-lived. In 2013, the band reunited to commemorate the 10th anniversary of “Page Avenue” with a celebratory tour, playing the album in its entirety to sold-out crowds. This tour reaffirmed the album’s lasting legacy and the band’s strong connection with its audience. The success of the reunion tour led to the release of “Page Avenue: 10 Years and Counting,” which featured re-recorded and acoustic versions of the original tracks. In 2014, bassist Adam Russell and guitarist Philip Sneed both departed the band, marking a significant lineup change. However, Russell would later rejoin the band.
Modern Era
In recent years, Story of the Year has embraced their independent status, using crowdfunding to connect directly with their fans and create music on their own terms. This new chapter has been marked by a return to form and a renewed sense of creative energy.
Recent Albums and Contemporary Activity
In 2017, after a successful crowdfunding campaign, Story of the Year released their fifth studio album, “Wolves.” Released independently, the album was a powerful return, blending the classic Story of the Year sound with modern electronic and rock influences. The lead single “Bang Bang” was a visceral, high-energy track that was praised by fans and critics alike. The album was a testament to their resilience and their ability to adapt to the changing music industry landscape. Most recently, the band signed with SharpTone Records and released their sixth studio album, “Tear Me to Pieces,” on March 10, 2023. The album has been hailed as a powerful and emotional work, capturing the classic energy of their early material while pushing their sound forward. It demonstrates that even after more than two decades, Story of the Year remains a vital and relevant force in the alternative rock scene.
Cultural Impact and Connection to the Scene
The legacy of Story of the Year extends beyond their album sales. They were a key band in a movement that brought a new wave of rock music to the forefront of popular culture, and their influence continues to be felt today.
Influence on Their Primary Genres
Story of the Year was instrumental in popularizing the post-hardcore and emo genres in the early 2000s. Along with bands like The Used, Thrice, and Finch, they helped define a sound that blended melodicism with aggression, creating a blueprint that countless bands would follow. “Page Avenue” is often cited as a landmark album of the era, a perfect entry point for listeners exploring the genre. Their ability to write songs that were both heavy and catchy had a significant impact on the direction of mainstream rock music. They proved that a band could achieve commercial success without sacrificing their aggressive edge, paving the way for a new generation of rock bands.
Relevance in Nostalgia Events like Emo Night Pittsburgh
The music of Story of the Year, particularly from their “Page Avenue” era, has experienced a significant resurgence in popularity through nostalgia-themed events. At a Pittsburgh Emo Night, it is almost a guarantee that the anthemic chorus of “Until the Day I Die” or the emotional build-up of “Anthem of Our Dying Day” will be a highlight of the evening. These events, which celebrate the music and culture of the 2000s emo and pop-punk scene, underscore the timeless appeal of the band’s music. For many, these songs are not just nostalgic artifacts; they are the soundtrack to a formative period in their lives. The continued presence of Story of the Year in the setlists of events like Pittsburgh Emo Night demonstrates their enduring cultural relevance and their status as icons of their genre.
Frequently Asked Questions About Story of the Year
- What was Story of the Year’s original band name?
- The band was originally called Big Blue Monkey when they formed in 1995. They changed their name to Story of the Year in 2002 before the release of their major-label debut.
- What is Story of the Year’s most successful album?
- Their debut album, “Page Avenue” (2003), is their most commercially successful album. It is certified Platinum by the RIAA and features their hit singles “Until the Day I Die” and “Anthem of Our Dying Day.”
- What genre of music is Story of the Year?
- Story of the Year is primarily categorized as post-hardcore, emo, and alternative rock. Their music also incorporates elements of pop-punk and metalcore, with their sound evolving across their different albums.
- Who are the current members of Story of the Year?
- As of their latest album, the core members are Dan Marsala (lead vocals), Ryan Phillips (lead guitar), Adam Russell (bass), and Josh Wills (drums).
- Has Story of the Year released any new music recently?
- Yes, their sixth studio album, titled “Tear Me to Pieces,” was released on March 10, 2023, via SharpTone Records.
- Are Story of the Year’s songs popular at events like Emo Night?
- Absolutely. Their songs, especially from the “Page Avenue” album, are considered anthems of the genre and are frequently played and celebrated at nostalgia events like the Pittsburgh Emo Night, resonating strongly with fans of the era.
