I SEE STARS

I See Stars is a post-hardcore band formed in 2006 from Warren, Michigan. They have released two full length albums. Their debut album, 3-D, featured a guest appearance from Bizzy Bone of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.^[1] The album peaked at #176 on the Billboard 200. Their second album, The End of the World Party, was released on February 22, 2011.
The band covered the song "Your Love" by The Outfield for Fearless Records' compilation album Punk Goes Classic Rock.
The song "Comfortably Confused", off their album 3-D, was featured on the music video game Power Gig: Rise of the SixString.

History

[edit] Inception and Green Light Go (2006–2008)

In an interview with BVTV,^[3] featuring band members Devin Oliver and Brent Allen, Oliver stated: "me, Brent, the drummer's my brother, and the bass player, Jeff, we all lived on the block from each other since we were kids, [in] elementary school." In the same interview, it is also stated that there is no specific reason for the band's name, I See Stars, other than the fact they needed a title and "someone brought it to the table". The band was officially formed in 2006.
The group released its debut EP Green Light Go! in 2007 and several demos, including a self-titled EP, before signing with Sumerian Records in 2008.^[4]

[edit] 3-D, Johnson's departure and Moore's arrival (2008–2009)

I See Stars recorded their debut album, 3-D, in 2008 at Chango Gridlock Studios in Orlando, Florida with producer Cameron Mizell. The album featured Zach Johnson as the unclean vocalist and keyboardist, and Jasper Crowenn high screamer who both left the band soon after the album's release on April 14, 2009. The band then gained Chris Moore, formerly of We Came as Romans and a merch salesman for the group, to join as the new unclean vocalist and keyboardist.
In August 2008, I See Stars embarked on the second annual "Artery Foundation Across the Nation" tour, headlined by Emarosa with supporters Our Last Night, In Fear and Faith, Burden of a Day and Broadway. In late 2009, I See Stars finished touring with Attack Attack!, Breathe Carolina, Asking Alexandria and Bury Tomorrow for the third annual Artery Foundation Across the Nation tour.^[5]

[edit] Moore's departure, Johnson's return and The End of the World Party (2010)

On June 14, 2010 the band's keyboardist/screamer Chris Moore announced his departure from the band, citing "artistic differences". Former I See Stars member Zach Johnson re–joined the band and joined them on Warped Tour 2010.
The group entered the studio in May 2010 to begin writing and recording their sophomore studio album called The End of the World Party with Sumerian Records and 3-D producer Cameron Mizell. Almost immediately after finishing the album, the band played Vans Warped Tour from June 24 to July 18, 2010.^[6] The band has also been confirmed for Soundwave 2011 in Australia.^{[citation needed]}
The band released a preview of their second album's title track, "The End of the World Party", on November 4, 2010 to Sumerian Records' YouTube page. They played the song at various live shows in 2010 before the album's release.^[7] The full version of the title track was released to iTunes on December 7, 2010.
The band revealed the album's track listing on January 17, 2011. Before the album's release, the band played another song entitled "Glow" at various live concerts. On February 1, 2011, Alternative Press started streaming a new song from the album entitled "Wonderland".^[8] The full album was released on February 22, 2011.
The band has played in the Soundwave 2011 tour in Australia. They supported We the Kings alongside VersaEmerge in the United Kingdom. They also participated in the 2011 American AP Tour along with Conditions, VersaEmerge, Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows and Black Veil Brides.
On May 31, 2011, the band made their national TV debut, while performing the songs "Glow" and "What This Means to Me" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!^[9]

[edit] New album and touring (2011–present)

The band toured on the Scream It Like You Mean It tour with Breathe Carolina and Chiodos as headliners. The tour also features the rapper Mod Sun, The Color Morale and the new metalcore band from Rise Records, The Air I Breathe.
On recent interviews the band stated that they will begin recording a new album in September as soon as the Scream It Like You Mean It Tour finishes. After a few recording sessions they will begin another tour in November. The new album will be produced by Joey Sturgis.
On October 6th, it was hinted that the album would be released in January 2012, since they updated a status stating a CD release tour in January with Stick To Your Guns

[edit] Musical style

I See Stars is recognized primarily for its stylistic mixture of post-hardcore and electronica characteristics.^[4] Reviewers have stated that the band "strays away from all the musical features you are used to, blending all genres of music."^[10] Heavy use of auto-tuned or synthesized vocals along with screamed vocals and typical hard rock instrumentation has defined their music. Due to this, the band has been labeled electronicore, or synthcore.^[11][12][13]
In addition to post-hardcore, electronica, and electronicore, I See Stars has been described as representing pop punk,^[14] screamo,^[4] alternative rock,^[4] and emo.^[4]

[edit] Band members

Current members

• Devin Oliver – lead vocals (since 2006)
• Brent Allen – lead guitar (since 2006)
• Jimmy Gregerson – rhythm guitar (since 2006)
• Jeff Valentine – bass (since 2006)
• Andrew Oliver – drums, backing vocals (since 2006)
• Zach Johnson – unclean vocals, synthesizers, keyboards, programming (2006–2009; since 2010)