Set It Off: The Deathless Tour Part 2

“No one should be able to decide your fate but you.” The three members of Set It Off are embracing their newfound status as an independent band by breaking the chains that once held them back. That is, letting go of the disillusionment, societal pressure, and online criticism that torments artists in the 21st century. Social media is pulling the strings, and the expectation to satisfy everyone else’s expectations is a heavy cross to bear. But the trio is done with the puppetry and entering a new era of prioritizing freedom over the fear of failure. Blending a vast spectrum of sonic influences, writing music is a means of catharsis for Set It Off. And their most recent singles prove that the genre-bending band is here to stay. From the unapologetically theatrical “Evil People” to the nu-metal charged “Punching Bag,” their latest catalog additions are nothing short of vibrant. Independence has reinvigorated Cody Carson (singer/lyricist), Zach DeWall (guitarist), and Maxx Danziger (drummer) to create a world that’s entirely new yet reminiscent of the sparks they felt during the release cycle of their debut record, Cinematics (2012). Emphasizing breaking the dopamine loop and finding true fulfillment means making music and visuals from the heart. And over a decade later, the trio’s sincerity continues to resonate with fans. It is this unvarnished honesty that has landed the rock act rotation on radio stations like Sirius XM’s Octane, a milestone that the guys take pride in.

In a small town, you either die where you came from or dream your way out. From Ashes To New understand this choice. As such, the Lancaster, PA band—Matt Brandyberry [rap vocals, keys, synths, programming, guitar], Danny Case [clean & unclean vocals], Lance Dowdle [lead guitar], and Mat Madiro [drums]—churn out an anthemic hybrid of hard rock, hip-hop, electronic, and alternative with enough energy to inspire you to get up, move forward, and maybe even, make a change. Since 2013, the group have risen from humble beginnings to the top of the 21st century rock vanguard with hundreds of millions of streams, sold out shows across the country, and acclaim from LoudWire, Alternative Press, and more. “Growing up in Elizabethtown, PA felt hopeless in a way,” admits Matt. “You go to college and become part of corporate America, or you’re just “trash”. For the longest time, I fell into the latter category according to other people. My mentality was, ‘Who are these people to fucking tell me what I’m going to do with my life?’ They don’t make my decisions; I make decisions for myself. It took a lot of ups and downs, but it’s paying off. I owe it to the small town blue-collar mentality that made me work harder. Danny grew up in Rochester, but his story is the same. We were the loners picked last. Everyone underestimated us. We fought through it for all of our lives, and we’re going to be picked first now.”

Kerrang! Magazine counts New Years Day among an elite handful of bands inspiring the next generation. Led by “the vibrant force of nature that is frontwoman Ash Costello,” New Years Day unleash anthems of discontent and empowerment, delivered with gothic flair and theatrical bombast. It’s a sound that crashed into the Mainstream Rock Top 40 for the first time in 2019 with a top 15 rock radio charting single "Shut Up" followed up by the cathartic “Hurts Like Hell,” which finished 2022 as one of SiriusXM Octane’s Top 25 songs of the year. Each successive victory is a celebration of hard-fought creative freedom, unstoppable determination, and dedicated fans. Throngs of diehards and newcomers alike sing and sweat along with New Years Day, at festivals, in clubs, or on tours with Halestorm, Falling In Reverse, Motionless In White, Ice Nine Kills and In This Moment.

Four piece metalcore outfit from Harrisburg, PA, If Not For Me, delivers their own brand of catchy choruses, driving riffs and hard-hitting breakdowns with an explosive live performance to match. While the band has an enticing fire lit underneath them, relatability is an important element to include. “I like to write about things that are going on around me in the world. If someone can relate to the things that we’re saying, that’s the best part of it.” Lead vocalist Patrick Glover says about their writing process. If Not For Me has cemented themselves as a fan favorite staple in the emerging metalcore scene. They’ve drawn inspiration from a range of metalcore and post-hardcore influences, including bands like August Burns Red, Killswitch Engage and Bring Me the Horizon. They also incorporate pop and melodic rock into their sound. “I remember being that kid and listening to music, hearing something that I needed to hear and having that lift me out of whatever I’m going through.” Glover says pertaining to their musical influences.