The Starting Line: A Chronological History and Analysis

The Starting Line emerged at the turn of the millennium, carving out a significant niche within the burgeoning pop-punk and emo scenes. With their infectious melodies, earnest lyricism, and energetic instrumentation, the Pennsylvania-based quintet captured the anxieties and aspirations of a generation. Their journey from a basement project initiated via an AOL message to a major-label act and, eventually, influential scene veterans is a definitive story of the 2000s alternative rock explosion. The band’s enduring catalog continues to resonate, making their songs staples at events that celebrate the genre’s golden era, including the popular Emo Night Pittsburgh gatherings.

Formation and Early Era

The genesis of The Starting Line is a story emblematic of its time, rooted in the digital and suburban landscapes of the late 1990s. It was a period where burgeoning internet culture began to intersect with localized music scenes, creating new pathways for collaboration.

Origins and Formation

In 1999, the band’s story began not in a garage, but in an online chatroom. Guitarist Matt Watts, from his dorm room, sent an AOL Instant Messenger message to a then 14-year-old Kenny Vasoli, a vocalist and bassist for a local band called Smash Adams. The subject line, “Jamming and shit,” was a simple, direct proposal that would set the course for their musical futures. Vasoli was the only one to respond to Watts’s digital casting call. Soon after, the two were joined by guitarist Mike Golla and drummer Tom Gryskiewicz, and the foundational lineup of the band was established in Churchville, Pennsylvania. Initially performing under the name Sunday Drive, they quickly began writing original material and playing local shows, building a grassroots following by selling homemade demo cassettes and merchandise. Their early sound was a raw but promising blend of energetic pop-punk and the heartfelt, melodic sensibilities of third-wave emo.

Early Discography

As Sunday Drive, the band recorded a collection of demos and contributed three tracks to a split EP with The Jimmy Tuesday Band and The Commercials in 2000. Their ambition soon caught the attention of We the People Records, which funded a recording session for a planned debut album. However, the band’s trajectory shifted when they landed a showcase for the founders of Drive-Thru Records, the seminal independent label that was instrumental in breaking bands like New Found Glory and Something Corporate. Impressed but seeing room for refinement, the label encouraged the band to hone their songwriting. After a period of development, they officially signed with Drive-Thru in April 2001. A legal claim from another act forced them to abandon the Sunday Drive moniker, and they rebranded as The Starting Line. Their formal debut came with the With Hopes of Starting Over EP, released in July 2001. The five-track record was a polished introduction to their sound, defined by Vasoli’s distinctive vocals, dual-guitar dynamics, and a rhythm section that was both tight and propulsive. It laid the groundwork for their impending breakthrough and solidified their status as a band to watch in the rapidly expanding pop-punk universe.

The Mainstream Breakthrough

Following their signing to Drive-Thru Records and the release of their debut EP, The Starting Line was perfectly positioned to capitalize on the mainstreaming of pop-punk and emo. Their combination of instrumental polish, relatable lyrical themes, and an energetic live presence set the stage for a rapid ascent.

Pivotal Album(s) and Lineup Changes

The band’s breakthrough moment arrived with their debut full-length album, Say It Like You Mean It, released on July 16, 2002. Produced by Mark Trombino (Jimmy Eat World, Blink-182), the album was a landmark release for the genre. Trombino’s production sharpened their sound, adding a layer of sonic clarity and power that elevated their energetic compositions. The album’s 13 tracks explored themes of young love, heartbreak, friendship, and the dizzying experience of life in a touring band. Songs like “Up & Go” and “Leaving” were immediate anthems, but it was “The Best of Me” that would become their signature song. Remarkably, throughout this period of intense activity and rising fame, the band’s core lineup of Vasoli, Watts, Golla, and Gryskiewicz remained stable—a rarity in a scene known for frequent membership changes. This consistency provided a solid foundation for their musical chemistry and their evolution as a unit.

Achieving Critical and Commercial Success

Say It Like You Mean It was both a critical and commercial success, selling nearly 300,000 copies in the years following its release. The lead single, “The Best of Me,” became a sensation, with its music video receiving heavy rotation on MTV2 and Fuse. The song’s blend of a sing-along chorus, driving guitars, and a deeply personal narrative struck a chord with a massive audience. This success earned them a coveted spot on the Warped Tour, exposing them to thousands of new fans across North America. The album’s popularity helped bridge the gap between the underground emo scene and the mainstream pop-punk world. Their music became a fixture on the playlists of fans who were equally devoted to the emotional catharsis of emo and the high-energy fun of pop-punk. This widespread appeal cemented The Starting Line as a leading voice of their generation and a band whose influence would be felt for years to come, with their songs remaining essential tracks at any authentic Pittsburgh Emo Night.

Musical Evolution and Key Events

After the breakout success of Say It Like You Mean It, The Starting Line faced the critical challenge of growth. The band navigated the transition from an independent label to a major, a move that brought both new opportunities and pressures, leading to a period of significant artistic evolution and personal reflection.

Mid-career Albums and Sonic Shifts

The band’s sophomore album, Based on a True Story, was released in May 2005 on Geffen Records. The album marked a departure from the straightforward pop-punk of their debut. It was a more complex and somewhat darker record, reflecting the band’s experiences with the less glamorous side of the music industry. Lyrically, Vasoli moved beyond relationship-centric themes to explore disillusionment and creative frustration. While it produced the popular single “Bedroom Talk,” the album’s overall tone was more cynical and layered, showcasing a growing maturity in their songwriting.

This evolution continued and culminated with their third full-length, Direction, released in 2007 on Virgin Records. This album represented the most significant sonic shift of their career. The band, now including keyboardist Brian Schmutz, incorporated more diverse influences, including classic rock and soul. Vasoli’s songwriting was heavily influenced by the groove-oriented work of artists like James Brown, resulting in tracks that were rhythmically complex and less reliant on traditional pop-punk speed. Songs like the title track “Direction” and the hit single “Island” demonstrated a sophisticated, alternative rock sound that was both a bold artistic statement and a commercial success. The album was praised by critics for its ambition and showcased a band unwilling to rest on its laurels.

Hiatus, Reunions, or Significant Member Departures

Following the touring cycle for Direction, The Starting Line announced an indefinite hiatus in 2008. The members pursued other musical projects, with Kenny Vasoli finding considerable success with his electronic project, Vacationer, and the indie rock band Person L. The hiatus allowed the members to explore different creative avenues and decompress after nearly a decade of constant writing and touring. Despite the break, the band never officially dissolved. They reunited for highly anticipated one-off shows and short tours in 2009 and 2011, proving that demand for their music remained high. These reunions were celebrated by fans and served as a reminder of the band’s lasting impact. In 2012, they embarked on a 10-year anniversary tour for Say It Like You Mean It, playing the album in its entirety to sold-out crowds, a testament to the record’s enduring legacy.

Modern Era

After years of intermittent activity and successful anniversary tours, The Starting Line entered a new phase, balancing their legacy with a renewed creative drive. The modern era of the band is characterized by a deliberate and mature approach to making music, reconnecting with their fanbase while continuing to move their sound forward.

Recent Albums and Contemporary Activity

In 2016, the band surprised fans with the release of the Anyways EP, their first new collection of music in nearly nine years. The three-song release was a welcome return, blending the classic melodicism of their early work with the refined alternative rock sensibilities of their later material. It was a clear signal that the band’s creative chemistry was still intact.

After another period of relative quiet, The Starting Line made a major announcement in 2025. They revealed they would be releasing their fourth studio album, Eternal Youth, in the fall of that year—their first full-length in 18 years. The album is being self-released on their own newly formed label, Lineage Recordings, giving them complete creative and commercial control. The debut single, “Sense of Humor,” was released to an enthusiastic reception, showcasing a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. The band announced a full U.S. headlining tour for late 2025, with dates in major cities, including a stop at the Roxian Theatre near Pittsburgh, an event eagerly anticipated by attendees of local events like Emo Night Pittsburgh. This new chapter, marked by artistic independence and a renewed sense of purpose, finds the band with all its original members, poised to introduce their evolved sound to both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners.

Cultural Impact and Connection to the Scene

The Starting Line’s legacy extends far beyond their record sales and chart positions. They were a key architect of the 2000s emo and pop-punk sound, and their work continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with their music.

Influence on Their Primary Genres

The Starting Line played a crucial role in defining the intersection of emo and pop-punk. While many bands leaned heavily into one camp or the other, The Starting Line masterfully blended the earnest, confessional lyrics of emo with the polished, high-energy hooks of pop-punk. Kenny Vasoli’s vocal style and lyrical vulnerability became a benchmark for the genre, influencing countless vocalists who followed. Their musical arrangements, particularly the intricate interplay between the dual guitars of Matt Watts and Mike Golla, set a standard for melodic complexity within the scene. Albums like Say It Like You Mean It served as a gateway for many fans, introducing them to the broader world of alternative rock and post-hardcore. They helped prove that emotionally intelligent music could also be commercially successful, paving the way for the mainstream explosion of the genre.

Relevance in Nostalgia Events like Emo Night Pittsburgh

In the contemporary music landscape, the 2000s emo and pop-punk era is celebrated with immense passion at nostalgia-fueled events. The Starting Line’s music is a cornerstone of these gatherings. At a typical Pittsburgh Emo Night, the opening chords of “The Best of Me” or “Up & Go” are guaranteed to ignite a massive sing-along, with hundreds of fans shouting back every word with the same passion they had two decades ago. This phenomenon speaks to the timelessness of their songwriting. The themes of their music—love, loss, and the struggle of finding your place in the world—are universal and continue to resonate. For many, The Starting Line is not just a band; they are the soundtrack to a formative period of their lives. Their continued relevance at events like Emo Night Pittsburgh demonstrates that their impact was not fleeting but has become a permanent and cherished part of modern rock history.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Starting Line

When did The Starting Line form?

The Starting Line formed in 1999 in Churchville, Pennsylvania, after guitarist Matt Watts contacted vocalist/bassist Kenny Vasoli via an AOL message.

What are The Starting Line’s primary musical genres?

The Starting Line is primarily identified with the pop-punk, emo, and alternative rock genres. Their sound incorporates elements from all three, blending melodic hooks with emotionally charged lyrics.

What is The Starting Line’s most popular song?

While they have many popular tracks, “The Best of Me” from their 2002 album Say It Like You Mean It is widely considered their signature and most commercially successful song.

Is The Starting Line still a band?

Yes, The Starting Line is still active. After a hiatus that began in 2008, the band has reunited for tours and released new music intermittently. In 2025, they announced their first new full-length album in 18 years, titled Eternal Youth.

Has the band’s lineup changed over the years?

The core lineup of Kenny Vasoli (vocals, bass), Matt Watts (guitar), Mike Golla (guitar), and Tom Gryskiewicz (drums) has remained intact since their formation in 1999. Keyboardist Brian Schmutz joined in 2007 and has been with the band since.

What is the new album from The Starting Line?

The Starting Line’s new album, announced in 2025, is titled Eternal Youth. It is their fourth studio album and their first full-length release since Direction in 2007.