Awolnation, often called AWOLNATION is an American electro-rock, pop fusion band, formed and fronted by Aaron Bruno, formerly of Under the Influence of Giants, Hometown Hero and Insurgence. They are composed of Aaron Bruno (songwriting and lead vocals), Drew Stewart (lead guitar), Kenny Carkeet ( rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals), David Amezcua (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Hayden Scott (drums)
Awolnation began after frontman Aaron Bruno was approached by Red Bull Records in 2009, asking if he wanted free use of their studio in Los Angeles. He recorded a few songs in the studio and ultimately signed with the label, calling it more of a "partnership", and was allowed to make the recordings that he wanted. Bruno writes all of his songs himself, but confides in close friends and family or respected artists for guidance. The name Awolnation is derived from Aaron Bruno's high school nickname. In an interview with Kristin Houser of the LA Music Blog, he stated that he "would leave without saying goodbye because it was just easier, so that's where the name Awol came from."
The band also consists of Christopher Thorn, formerly a guitarist for the '90s band Blind Melon. Megalithic Symphony (2011–present) The band's first single, "Sail", peaked at #10 on the U.S. Billboard Rock Songs. The song was written with a nod to the Styx song "Come Sail Away" as is evident in the video and lyrics, as Bruno talks of extraterrestrial beings coming for him[citation needed]. Aaron Bruno also referenced this influence in an interview with VH1 Alternative Songs chart on the chart week of February 10, 2011. The single got extra media attention when it was used under a video of the professional BASE jump, skydiver, and wingsuit flyer Jeb Corliss. Also one of their songs "Guilty Filthy Soul" has been featured in the episode "Break On Through" of The CW's television show The Vampire Diaries The band released their debut album Megalithic Symphony digitally on March 15, 2011, and physically on March 29, 2011 on Red Bull Records. Megalithic Symphony features a total of 15 tracks, including "Kill Your Heroes" produced by Brian West, and a bonus track that differs based on location of purchase, being either "Shoestrings", "Swinging from the Castles" or "I've Been Dreaming".
This band came out of the gates with an album that struck me as somewhat good at first, but upon further listening and digesting, it quickly became one of my fave albums of the year. It is fresh sounding, high energy, and fun with some lyrics that point to a sense of humour about the self and to some intelligence which is something I appreciate in modern rock.
VERY stoked to hear more from this band and I would love to check them out live. Here is the album!
