From their formation as high school friends in Sydney to becoming an internationally recognized name in the pop-punk circuit, With Confidence carved a significant niche for themselves over a decade-long career. Characterized by anthemic choruses, emotionally transparent lyrics, and an energetic fusion of pop sensibility with rock foundations, the band cultivated a dedicated global fanbase. Their journey, marked by rapid ascents, lineup changes, and a definitive conclusion, offers a compelling look into the dynamics of a modern rock band. This biography documents their chronological history, musical evolution, and lasting impact on the alternative music scene, including their continued relevance at events like Emo Night Pittsburgh.
Formation and Early Era
The genesis of With Confidence is a story of local ambition and digital-age music promotion. Rooted in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, the band’s initial years were defined by a DIY ethos, leveraging online platforms and local gigs to build the foundation for what would become a successful international career.
Origins and Formation
With Confidence was formed in mid-2012 by vocalist/bassist Jayden Seeley, drummer Joshua Brozzesi, and guitarist Samuel Haynes, all of whom had attended the same high school and shared a mutual passion for the energetic, hook-driven sounds of early 2000s pop-punk. The lineup was soon solidified with the addition of rhythm guitarist Inigo Del Carmen. From their inception, the group demonstrated a keen understanding of contemporary music promotion, utilizing YouTube as their primary platform. They began by posting covers of popular songs, quickly gaining an online following that provided an initial audience for their original material. This strategy proved effective, allowing them to build a fanbase that extended beyond their local Sydney scene before they had even embarked on their first major tour. Their first original song, “Stand Again,” was released for free download on April 27, 2013, a move that further endeared them to their growing digital community and set the stage for their first official release.
Early Discography
The band’s formative sound was first captured on their debut extended play, Youth, released independently on July 1, 2013. Produced by Stevie Knight, the EP was a raw but promising collection of tracks that showcased their penchant for crafting memorable melodies and relatable lyrics centered on themes of adolescence and aspiration. The EP’s lead single, “I Will Never Wait,” became a fan favorite and its accompanying music video further established their identity. Youth achieved notable success for an independent release, receiving airplay on major Australian radio stations like Triple J and 2Day FM. This initial success propelled them into their first national tour, supporting The Never Ever. Building on this momentum, With Confidence released their second EP, Distance, on January 13, 2015. This release demonstrated a marked evolution in their songwriting and production, featuring more polished arrangements and a more focused artistic vision. Tracks like “London Lights” and “Take Me Away” highlighted their growing maturity and their ability to balance infectious pop hooks with the driving energy of alternative rock.
The Mainstream Breakthrough
Following two successful independent EPs, With Confidence entered a new phase of their career marked by international recognition, a significant record deal, and the release of their debut full-length album. This period saw the band transition from a promising local act to a prominent name in the global pop-punk landscape.
Pivotal Album(s) and Lineup Changes
The band’s breakthrough was catalyzed by their signing to the American independent label Hopeless Records in 2015. This partnership provided the resources and platform for their debut studio album, Better Weather, released on June 17, 2016. The album was a definitive statement, capturing the youthful exuberance of their early work while showcasing a more refined and powerful sound. A pivotal single from the album, “Voldemort,” became their breakout hit. The song, which tackled themes of mental health with a clever pop-culture metaphor, resonated deeply with listeners and has since amassed tens of millions of streams. Its success was a major driver of the album’s popularity and remains one of their most identifiable tracks. However, this period of ascent was also met with internal challenges. In late 2017, the band parted ways with lead guitarist Luke Rockets. The remaining members—Seeley, Brozzesi, and Del Carmen—addressed the situation directly with their fanbase and, after a brief pause, resolved to continue as a trio, with Del Carmen taking over lead guitar duties for a time.
Achieving Critical and Commercial Success
Better Weather was met with widespread positive reception from both critics and fans, who praised its infectious energy and anthemic songwriting. The album performed well commercially, debuting on the Australian ARIA charts and making inroads on various Billboard charts in the United States, including Heatseekers and Alternative Albums. This success fueled an intensive touring schedule that saw With Confidence performing to increasingly larger audiences across the globe. They embarked on headline tours in Australia, the UK, Europe, and North America, and shared stages with established acts in the scene like State Champs, Knuckle Puck, and Mayday Parade. Their inclusion on the entire run of the final cross-country Vans Warped Tour in 2018 was a significant milestone, solidifying their status as a staple of the modern pop-punk movement. The band’s live shows became a cornerstone of their reputation, known for their high energy and strong crowd participation, further cementing the connection with their audience.
Musical Evolution and Key Events
Navigating the success of their debut, With Confidence faced the challenge of artistic growth and adaptation. Their subsequent work saw them exploring new sonic territories while dealing with the realities of being a touring band, culminating in significant shifts that would define their final years.
Mid-career Albums and Sonic Shifts
The band’s second full-length album, Love and Loathing, was released on August 10, 2018. Produced by Mike Green (known for his work with All Time Low and Paramore), the album signaled a distinct sonic evolution. While retaining the core elements of their pop-punk sound, it incorporated more polished production, nuanced instrumentation, and a broader emotional palette. Lyrically, the album moved beyond the adolescent themes of their debut to explore more complex subject matter, including the strains of relationships and the emotional toll of life on the road. Singles like “That Something” and “Jaded” showcased a more mature and, at times, more pop-inflected style of alternative rock. This shift was a conscious effort to avoid stagnation, demonstrating the band’s desire to grow with their audience. The album was a critical success, praised for its depth and refined songwriting, and it continued to build their international profile. It was during this album cycle that touring guitarist Scotty Mac began performing with the band, eventually becoming a permanent fixture.
Hiatus, Reunions, or Significant Member Departures
The most significant event in the band’s history occurred on September 10, 2022, when With Confidence announced their impending disbandment. In a statement, the members expressed gratitude for the decade of support from their fans, reflecting on a journey that had far exceeded their initial hopes. The announcement was not preceded by a formal hiatus but rather served as a definitive conclusion to their time as a band. They did not cite specific reasons for the split, instead framing it as a natural end to a significant chapter in their lives. The decision was followed by the announcement of a series of final farewell tours in Australia and the United States, offering their audience a last chance to see them perform live. This conclusive approach, rather than an indefinite hiatus, provided a sense of closure for both the band and their dedicated fanbase, allowing them to celebrate the band’s legacy one final time.
Modern Era
The final chapter of With Confidence’s career was defined by their third studio album and the subsequent farewell tours. This period served as a capstone, encapsulating their artistic journey and providing a poignant conclusion to their story.
Recent Albums and Contemporary Activity
The band’s third and final album, the self-titled With Confidence, was released on August 27, 2021. Recorded in their native Sydney with longtime producer Stevie Knight, the album represented a culmination of their artistic development. It skillfully blended the raw energy of Better Weather with the polished introspection of Love and Loathing, while also pushing into new territory. Tracks like “Big Cat Judgement Day” and “What You Make It” were quintessential With Confidence, full of driving riffs and catchy hooks, while songs like “Paper” showcased a more delicate and reflective side. The album was seen as a return to form by many fans and a powerful final statement. Following the album’s release, the band’s contemporary activity was focused on their farewell. The final shows in late 2022 were emotionally charged events, with setlists spanning their entire discography. These performances served as a celebration of their career and the community they had built. Since their disbandment, the members have moved on to other personal and creative pursuits, with no announcements of a potential reunion.
Cultural Impact and Connection to the Scene
Over their ten-year run, With Confidence left an indelible mark on the pop-punk and alternative rock genres. Their music not only contributed to the sound of the 2010s rock scene but continues to resonate, particularly in spaces dedicated to celebrating the era.
Influence on Their Primary Genres
With Confidence emerged during a resurgence of pop-punk, and they quickly became one of its leading Australian exports. Their influence can be seen in their ability to merge emotionally direct, often vulnerable lyrics with upbeat, arena-ready rock. They helped carry the torch for a sound defined by bands like Blink-182 and All Time Low, but they infused it with a sincerity and focus on mental well-being that connected with a new generation of listeners. Their success demonstrated the continued viability of the genre in the streaming era and helped pave the way for other international bands to gain a foothold in the North American and European markets. Their consistent output and relentless touring schedule solidified them as a reliable and respected act within the alternative music community.
Relevance in Nostalgia Events like Emo Night Pittsburgh
The legacy of With Confidence is actively preserved at events that celebrate the emo and pop-punk genres. At a Pittsburgh Emo Night, it is common to hear the anthemic chorus of “Voldemort” or the driving rhythm of “We’ll Be Okay” uniting a crowd in nostalgic singalongs. These events thrive on the shared cultural memory of the music that defined a specific time for so many, and With Confidence is a key part of that canon. Their inclusion in the playlists at a Pittsburgh Emo Night underscores their lasting impact. The band’s music possesses the timeless, emotionally charged quality that is the hallmark of the genre, ensuring that their songs continue to be celebrated by fans old and new. For attendees of Emo Night Pittsburgh, the band’s music serves as a powerful touchstone to the peak of the 2010s pop-punk scene.
Frequently Asked Questions About With Confidence
- When did With Confidence form?
- With Confidence formed in Sydney, Australia, in mid-2012.
- What are the names of With Confidence’s studio albums?
- With Confidence released three studio albums: Better Weather (2016), Love and Loathing (2018), and the self-titled With Confidence (2021).
- What genre of music is With Confidence?
- With Confidence is primarily categorized as a pop-punk band, also incorporating elements of alternative rock and emo into their music.
- Is With Confidence still together?
- No, the band officially announced their breakup in September 2022 and performed their final shows later that year.
- Who were the founding members of With Confidence?
- The founding members were Jayden Seeley (vocals, bass), Joshua Brozzesi (drums), and Samuel Haynes (guitar). Inigo Del Carmen (guitar) joined shortly after their formation.
- What is With Confidence’s most popular song?
- While popularity can be measured in different ways, “Voldemort” from their debut album Better Weather is widely considered their breakout hit and remains one of their most-streamed and recognized songs.
