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The Starting Line

The Starting Line is an pop-punk band formed in 1999 in , and currently based in . The band consists of vocalist and bassist Kenny Vasoli, guitarists Matt Watts and Mike Golla, drummer Tom Gryskiewicz, and keyboardist Brian Schmutz. Known for their energetic, melody-driven sound blending with pop sensibilities, The Starting Line rose to prominence in the early 2000s emo and scenes through tours with bands like New Found Glory and appearances on the . Their debut full-length album, Say It Like You Mean It (2002), featured the breakout single "," establishing them as key players in the genre alongside acts like and . Following their breakthrough, The Starting Line released in 2005 and in 2007, both of which charted on the and showcased maturing songwriting with themes of relationships, youth, and introspection. The band entered an indefinite hiatus in 2008 due to creative after nearly a decade of non-stop touring and recording, during which Vasoli pursued side projects like the band Vacationer. They sporadically reunited for tours and the 2016 EP Anyways featuring new material. That year, inspired by a new management team and a desire to reconnect with their roots, the group returned with , their first studio album in 18 years, released on September 26, 2025, via their own Lineage Recordings, produced by and mixed by and featuring singles like "Sense of Humor" and "Circulate." The release has been praised for recapturing their authentic energy while reflecting on aging and resilience, solidifying their enduring influence on .

History

Formation and early years (1999–2001)

The Starting Line was formed in , in 1999 when guitarist Matt Watts contacted vocalist and bassist Kenny Vasoli via an , inviting him to join for informal jamming sessions. Weeks later, Vasoli began rehearsing with Watts, along with guitarist Mike Golla and drummer Tom Gryskiewicz, establishing the band's initial core lineup. This collaboration marked the beginnings of the group amid the burgeoning scene in the suburban area. Initially operating under the name Sunday Drive, the band focused on local performances at venues such as elk lodges and Club Chrome in , while producing self-recorded demos to share their sound. These early shows allowed them to build a following in the DIY punk community around , where they sold homemade merchandise to support their efforts. In 2000, the group rebranded as The Starting Line after discovering that Sunday Drive was already in use by a band. During this period, the band continued honing their material through additional informal recordings and persistent local gigs, laying the groundwork for their transition toward broader recognition in the pop-punk landscape.

Debut releases and breakthrough (2001–2003)

In early 2001, The Starting Line signed with , marking their entry into the professional music industry after years of independent efforts. This deal paved the way for their first official release, the EP With Hopes of Starting Over, which dropped on June 25, 2001. The five-track effort showcased the band's raw energy, with songs like "Leaving" and "Saddest Girl Story" highlighting Kenny Vasoli's emotive vocals and the group's tight instrumentation, drawing immediate attention within the underground scene. Building on the EP's momentum, The Starting Line released their debut full-length album, Say It Like You Mean It, on July 16, 2002, also via . Produced by , the record expanded their sound with polished production while retaining melodic hooks and heartfelt lyrics about youth and relationships; standout tracks included "The Best of Me," which emerged as the and became a staple in playlists. Critics praised its infectious energy and accessibility, with noting the album's "bubbly, positive lyrics" and "plenty of upbeats and catchy hooks" that solidified the band's appeal. Punknews.org echoed this sentiment, describing it as a "great band that [does] what they do very, very well," emphasizing its enjoyable listening experience. To capitalize on growing buzz, the band issued the acoustic-focused The Make Yourself at Home EP on November 25, 2003, featuring reimagined versions of album tracks like "" alongside new material such as "Make Yourself at Home." This release, accompanied by a DVD of live acoustic performances, demonstrated their versatility and deepened fan connection through intimate arrangements. Concurrently, The Starting Line toured extensively to build their audience, opening for New Found Glory on dates including the 2001 Warped Inside Tour and the 2002 , where they shared stages that exposed them to larger crowds. These performances, along with appearances at local festivals, helped cultivate a dedicated following in the genre, as early reviews in outlets like Punktastic highlighted the band's live charisma and dual-guitar dynamics.

Mainstream success and challenges (2004–2007)

Following the breakthrough success of their debut full-length album, The Starting Line transitioned to a major label era, marking a period of heightened commercial visibility and rigorous touring schedules. Their second studio album, , was released on May 10, 2005, through Drive-Thru and . The record debuted at No. 18 on the chart, representing the band's highest chart position to date and signaling their growing mainstream appeal within the genre. Key singles from the album included "," which received promotional support and airplay on , helping to expand the band's exposure to a broader audience. The band supported the album with extensive live performances, including appearances on the Vans in 2005, where they shared stages with acts like and . This momentum carried into 2006 and 2007, with additional slots and participation in the Black Clouds and Underdogs Tour alongside Fall Out Boy, , and , further solidifying their status as a staple in the mid-2000s scene. In early 2006, the group signed a multi-album deal with , paving the way for their next release. Keyboardist Brian Schmutz, who had joined as a touring member in 2005, became a full contributor on the band's third studio album, , released on July 31, 2007, via . The album incorporated prominent keyboard elements, adding a layer of atmospheric texture to their sound, as heard in tracks like the "," which featured a directed for rotation and emphasized the band's evolving production style. Despite the creative advancements and chart performance—peaking at No. 30 on the —the intense touring regimen began to take a toll, with band members later reflecting on the physical and mental strain of near-constant road life. By late 2007, the cumulative effects of non-stop performances and industry expectations contributed to growing exhaustion among . Guitarist Matt Watts noted in a interview that resuming the "grind it out nine months a year like we used to" would be unsustainable, highlighting the burnout from prolonged touring and the pressures of maintaining momentum in a competitive label environment. This period of peak success thus intertwined with emerging challenges, setting for the band's eventual decision to pause activities.

Hiatus (2008–2011)

Following the release of their 2007 album and the subsequent tour, The Starting Line announced an indefinite in March 2008, stating that the band needed a break after years of intensive touring to pursue individual interests and spend time with their families. The decision came amid reports of internal exhaustion from the demanding schedule, though the group emphasized it was not a permanent split at the time. During the hiatus, frontman Kenny Vasoli launched the project Vacationer in 2010 as a creative outlet, independently releasing the band's debut album Gone in 2012, which featured a shift toward dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes distinct from the band's roots. Guitarist Matt Watts transitioned into artist management, joining Red Light Management in 2008 where he oversaw acts including Fake Problems, New Atlantic, and Hit the Lights, leveraging his industry experience to build careers in the scene. Other members, including drummer Tom Gryskiewicz and guitarist Mike Golla, similarly focused on personal endeavors outside the band, contributing to a period of creative diversification. The hiatus saw limited activity from The Starting Line, with no new studio recordings produced, though the group released the live CD/DVD Somebody's Gonna Miss Us on November 10, 2009, capturing performances from their 2008 farewell tour as a capstone to their active years. Sporadic one-off shows occurred, notably a holiday performance on December 29, 2009, at Philadelphia's Theater of the Living Arts alongside and , which drew dedicated fans eager for any reunion glimpse. Amid the break, rumors of the band's permanent dissolution circulated among fans, prompting online speculation and calls for clarification, which guitarist Matt Watts addressed in 2011 by confirming ongoing discussions but no firm commitments.

Reunion and independent releases (2012–2022)

The Starting Line announced their reunion in late 2011, initially through a series of holiday shows in , marking their return to the stage after a period of inactivity. These performances featured the original lineup of vocalist and bassist Kenny Vasoli, guitarists Mike Golla and Matt Watts, and drummer Tom Gryskiewicz, augmented by keyboardist Brian Schmutz, who had joined in 2005 and was confirmed as a full-time member during this phase. By 2012, the band resumed full touring, headlining the "Say It Like You Mean It" 10th anniversary tour, where they performed their 2002 debut album in its entirety across multiple U.S. dates. In 2015, the group celebrated the 10th anniversary of their second album Based on a True Story with additional touring, incorporating full performances of the record alongside holiday shows that emphasized their roots. That same year, on December 4, they announced the Anyways EP, their first original material in eight years since 2007's , released independently via Downtown Records on February 19, 2016. Produced by , the three-track EP—including the lead single "Anyways"—revisited the band's energetic sound while signaling a commitment to self-directed projects without major-label involvement. The band maintained steady participation in fan-centric events throughout the decade, such as annual holiday shows and festival appearances, culminating in their set at the 2022 When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas, where they delivered full album performances to nostalgic crowds. Post-reunion, the lineup achieved notable internal stability, with no departures and a focus on grassroots engagement through these events, though the group held off on a new full-length album during this independent era.

Recent developments (2023–present)

In 2023, continuing their post-reunion activity following the 2016 Anyways EP, The Starting Line heightened anticipation for new material through a series of live performances, including appearances at festivals such as So What?! in and their annual holiday shows in . During the first of these holiday shows on December 7, the band debuted an unreleased track titled "," which appears on their 2025 album Eternal Youth, signaling ongoing creative momentum and exciting fans with hints of fresh energy. On June 4, 2025, The Starting Line announced their fourth studio album, , marking their first full-length release in 18 years since 2007's . Released via their own Recordings label on September 26, 2025, the album was produced by and represents a bet on their enduring passion rather than a major-label venture. Accompanying the announcement, released the "Sense of Humor" on the same day, which quickly garnered positive reception for its upbeat, introspective vibe and strong streaming performance across platforms like and . A second single, "Circulate," followed on July 30, 2025, praised for its energetic drive. Critics praised the tracks for blending 's classic sound with modern polish, positioning the album's themes of personal growth. To support Eternal Youth, The Starting Line launched an extensive North American headline tour in late 2025, featuring dates at venues like on December 6 and a two-night "Reconnect 2025" stand in on December 12 and 13, with supporting acts including Copeland and Jet Fuel Soda. These shows, part of a broader itinerary that also included festival slots, allowed the band to perform new material alongside fan favorites, fostering a sense of renewed connection with audiences. Vocalist Kenny Vasoli reflected on the album's songwriting as a matured evolution, incorporating nostalgia for the band's early influences like Lifetime and The Get Up Kids while emphasizing in overcoming personal insecurities. In interviews, he highlighted the process as achieving "the best achievement of tones that you can put together with rock songwriting," focusing on raw vulnerability and forward momentum rather than mere retrospection.

Musical style and influences

Genre and sound characteristics

The Starting Line is primarily classified as a band with significant and influences, evident in their blend of punk energy and melodic accessibility. Their sound is characterized by upbeat tempos, catchy choruses, and heartfelt lyrics that capture the raw emotion of early 2000s . This style emerged prominently in albums like Say It Like You Mean It, where fast-paced tracks deliver infectious hooks alongside introspective narratives. Signature sonic elements include dual guitar harmonies that create layered, melodic textures, driving rhythms that propel the songs forward, and frontman Kenny Vasoli's emotive, high-range vocals, which convey vulnerability and intensity. Vasoli's delivery often balances nasal clarity with soaring , adding emotional depth to the band's rock-driven arrangements. The use of power chords provides a sturdy foundation, while occasional acoustic arrangements, as featured in their 2003 EP The Make Yourself at Home, strip down the sound for intimate, cozy interpretations of their material. Lyrically, the band explores themes of relationships, , and , often infusing optimistic into tales of heartbreak and personal despite underlying emotional . Tracks like "" exemplify this, turning relational longing into anthemic calls of resilience. Their melodic structures draw comparisons to contemporaries such as New Found Glory and , sharing a focus on harmonious, chorus-driven that prioritizes accessibility over raw aggression.

Evolution and influences

The band's early recordings from 2001 to 2003 established a raw foundation, characterized by high-energy riffs and youthful exuberance on their debut full-length Say It Like You Mean It, which captured the unpolished drive of the era's suburban rock scene. This period's sound emphasized direct, melodic hooks without extensive production layers, reflecting the DIY ethos prevalent in Philadelphia's local community at the time. By 2005–2007, The Starting Line shifted toward a more polished production style, evident in Based on a True Story... and their third album , where keyboardist Brian Schmutz's contributions added atmospheric depth and subtle orchestration to the mix, broadening the band's sonic palette beyond strict constraints. This evolution marked a maturation in arrangement, incorporating cleaner mixes and instrumental variety while retaining core melodic structures, as produced by for . Following their reunion in 2012, the band's output from 2015 onward, including the 2016 single "Anyways" and the 2025 album , integrated mature pop-rock elements with nostalgic undertones, featuring introspective songwriting and refined dynamics suited to contemporary streaming platforms. Sonically, dabbles in modern-emo textures while retaining guitar-driven energy. Key influences on The Starting Line's sound include Green Day's energy and anthemic songcraft, which shaped their early high-octane delivery, as Vasoli has highlighted in curated playlists featuring the band alongside his own work. Vasoli has cited personal growth as a driving force behind the band's lyrical evolution, noting in interviews that experiences like marriage and fatherhood informed the reflective maturity in Eternal Youth's themes of relationships and self-examination, moving from adolescent romance to adult introspection. For Eternal Youth, Vasoli drew influences from bands like , , Lifetime, and Face to Face, honoring early and roots. This progression aligns with a broader to the landscape, where the band prioritizes concise, replayable tracks with nostalgic appeal while experimenting via independent releases on platforms like and .

Band members

Current members

The current lineup of The Starting Line, as of 2025, consists of the band's core members who have driven its reunion and recent releases, including the album . Kenny Vasoli serves as the and , a role he has held since the band's formation in 1999. As the primary songwriter and frontman, Vasoli has shaped the band's lyrical and melodic direction across its discography. He is also active as the lead singer and songwriter of the project Vacationer. Matt Watts has been the rhythm guitarist since 1999 and is a co-founder of the band, having initiated its formation alongside Vasoli. Watts contributes significantly to the band's production process, drawing on his experience in music marketing and recording discussions. Mike Golla performs and provides backing vocals, positions he has maintained since 1999 except for a brief hiatus from 2008 to 2011. He is recognized for his intricate guitar solos that add technical depth to the band's sound. Tom Gryskiewicz handles drums and percussion, a role he has filled since the band's inception in 1999, aside from a short break during the 2008–2011 hiatus. His playing forms the energetic rhythmic foundation for the band's live performances. Brian Schmutz joined in 2005 as the and , remaining with continuously thereafter. His addition brought atmospheric layers to the music, particularly evident starting with the 2007 album , where his keyboards enhanced the record's textured production.

Former members

The Starting Line has maintained remarkable lineup stability since its formation in 1999, with no major permanent departures among its core members. The original —Kenny Vasoli (vocals and bass), Matt Watts (guitar), Mike Golla (lead guitar and backing vocals), and Tom Gryskiewicz (drums)—has remained intact throughout the band's career, later augmented by Brian Schmutz in 2005, forming the current five-piece configuration. The band's from 2008 to 2011 stemmed from after over eight years of relentless touring, prompting members to pursue individual side projects and personal endeavors for regrouping. During this period, Golla and Gryskiewicz took brief absences from band activities, but the core group reconvened fully in 2011 without permanent changes or reliance on session players for their limited reunion performances.

Live performances

Major tours and festivals

The Starting Line began building their live reputation in the early by supporting New Found Glory on East Coast dates, which helped introduce their sound to wider audiences across the U.S. These outings, including a leg with New Found Glory, marked their initial forays into international markets and solidified early fan connections through high-energy performances of tracks from their debut album Say It Like You Mean It. The band's visibility surged with appearances on the Vans Warped Tour in 2004, 2005, and 2007, where they performed as a main act alongside and contemporaries, drawing larger crowds and enhancing their status in the scene. These festival slots, spanning dozens of North American stops each summer, showcased their anthemic songs like "" to diverse, enthusiastic audiences and contributed significantly to their breakthrough momentum. From 2005 to 2007, The Starting Line transitioned to headlining status with U.S. and international tours to the and , allowing them to refine their stage presence and expand globally. These tours, such as the 2006 run with Copeland, , and , emphasized their maturing style and drew sellout crowds in venues like the . Following their hiatus, the band reunited for anniversary tours between 2012 and 2015, focusing on full album performances to celebrate milestones; a highlight was the 2012 Say It Like You Mean It 10th anniversary tour, featuring complete playthroughs of the 2002 debut across eight U.S. dates in December, including stops at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia and Irving Plaza in New York. These intimate yet nostalgic shows rekindled fan interest and demonstrated the enduring appeal of their early material. In the 2020s, The Starting Line returned to major festivals with performances at When We Were Young in in 2022, 2023, and 2025, sharing bills with headliners like and Blink-182 while delivering sets heavy on classics from Based on a True Story. Their momentum continued with the 2025 Eternal Youth Tour, their first major headlining run in over 17 years, comprising more than 20 North American dates from June to October, supported by acts like , , and , and extending to UK festival appearances at .

Holiday shows

The Starting Line established their holiday show tradition in December 2003 with back-to-back performances in the area, including a show at the Trocadero Theatre on December 28 and another at the in , on December 27. From 2003 to 2007, prior to the band's , these annual events became a staple, featuring holiday-themed setlists with festive decorations, covers of seasonal songs, and guest appearances by local and affiliated artists to enhance the celebratory mood. Venues rotated among iconic spots, such as the for the December 29, 2005, show and the Electric Factory on December 28, 2006, fostering a sense of hometown camaraderie. The tradition paused during the 2008–2011 but was revived in 2009 with a sold-out one-off performance at the Theatre of Living Arts on December 29, prompting an additional show the next night on December 30 at the Trocadero Theatre due to overwhelming demand. Since the band's 2012 reunion, the holiday shows have resumed consistently each December, typically spanning multiple nights in venues and emphasizing intimate, community-driven experiences separate from their larger promotional tours. These events often incorporate acoustic renditions of catalog tracks, surprise covers, and collaborations with friends in the scene, cultivating a warm, nostalgic vibe that reunites fans and performers. The 2024 iteration, rebranded as a "Reconnect" gathering, integrated material from the band's 2025 album , including the live debut of "Granted" at the December 13 show at the Theatre of Living Arts, attracting over 1,000 attendees amid rapid sellouts. For 2025, the band announced two "Reconnect" shows on December 12 at the Theatre of Living Arts and December 13 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, expected to feature material from .

Discography

Studio albums

The Starting Line's debut studio album, Say It Like You Mean It, was released on July 16, 2002, by Drive-Thru Records. The record features 12 tracks, including standouts such as "The Best of Me" and "Leaving," which captured the band's early pop-punk energy centered on themes of young love and relationships. It debuted at No. 109 on the Billboard 200, selling 11,000 copies in its first week, and by May 2005 had accumulated sales of 306,000 units in the United States. The band's sophomore effort, , arrived on May 10, 2005, via Drive-Thru and . Comprising 12 tracks, the album marked a slight shift toward more polished production while retaining the group's melodic hooks, with notable singles like "" highlighting introspective lyrics about escape and longing. It achieved stronger commercial success, debuting at No. 18 on the with 42,000 copies sold in its opening week. Direction, the third studio album, was issued on July 31, 2007, through . The 12-track release introduced more prominent keyboard elements to the band's sound, blending with influences for a mature evolution, as heard in tracks like "" and "Something Left to Give." It debuted at No. 30 on the , reflecting sustained popularity despite the group's impending . After an 18-year gap, the band returned with on September 26, 2025, as an independent release. The 11-track delves into themes of reflection, aging, and personal growth, led by the single "Sense of Humor," which exemplifies the group's enduring melodic style with introspective storytelling. It marks a triumphant comeback for the original lineup.

Extended plays

The Starting Line's debut , With Hopes of Starting Over, was released on July 17, 2001, through . This five-track EP, recorded at Portrait Recording Studios in , introduced the band's energetic style and served as their first official release after forming in 1999. The tracklist includes "Leaving," "Saddest Girl Story," "Three's a Charm," "Greg's Last Day," and "," with the latter becoming an early live staple that highlighted the group's harmonious vocals and driving rhythms. In 2003, the band followed up with The Make Yourself at Home EP, issued on November 25 via . This acoustic-oriented release featured six tracks emphasizing stripped-down arrangements, using guitar and keyboard beats to showcase introspective songwriting amid their rising popularity. Key songs include "Make Yourself at Home," "Selective," "Playing Favorites," "The Night Life," an acoustic rendition of "," and "Lasting Impressions," with the EP bundled with a DVD of live acoustic sessions that captured the band's intimate performance dynamic. Following a period of hiatus after their 2007 album Direction, The Starting Line reunited for tours in 2011 and returned with new music on the self-titled Anyways EP, released February 19, 2016, on Downtown Records and produced by . The four-track effort, the band's first original material in nearly nine years, reflected a matured yet familiar sound rooted in their pop-punk origins. Notable cuts include the title track "Anyways," an anthemic opener about personal reflection, alongside "Quitter," "Luck," and "Moths," the latter emerging as a fan standout for its emotive lyrics and guitar-driven energy.

Singles

The Starting Line's singles have primarily served as promotional vehicles for their studio albums, often achieving radio success within the and genres. "The Best of Me," released as a in 2003 from the band's debut album Say It Like You Mean It (2002), marked their early breakthrough with widespread radio airplay and a that received rotation on . The single included B-sides such as "Greg's Last Day" and was produced by Chris Badami. "Island (Float Away)," issued as a promotional in 2007 from the Direction, became a notable radio and the band's highest-charting release at the time. The track, featuring an accompanying , has retrospectively garnered over 14 million streams on , underscoring its enduring popularity. "Nylon," a 2005 B-side associated with the Based on a True Story era, received heavy rotation on the network, contributing to the band's growing visibility in outlets during that period. In 2025, "Sense of Humor" emerged as the lead single from the band's long-awaited fourth album Eternal Youth, representing their first new original material in 18 years. The track, accompanied by an official music video, quickly gained momentum through digital streaming and social media buzz. "Circulate," released on July 30, 2025, served as the second single from Eternal Youth, with an official music video highlighting the band's renewed energy. Additional standalone singles include "The Drama Summer" (2002), an early release tied to Say It Like You Mean It, and "Mine Is at the Beach" (2007), a promotional effort from the sessions, both of which highlighted the band's songwriting style without major commercial charting.

Compilations and live releases

The Starting Line's first release, The Early Years, was issued on October 31, 2012, via , collecting demo recordings from 2001 that predated their major-label debut. This 13-track album features early versions of songs like "Almost There, Going Nowhere" and "Leaving," offering insight into the band's formative sound. In 2003, the band released The Make Yourself at Home: Acoustic EP/DVD, a limited-edition set of six acoustic performances recorded live at the Skate & Surf Festival in . The DVD captures stripped-down renditions of tracks such as "The Best of Me" and "Make Yourself at Home," highlighting their versatility in an intimate format. The band's initial major live release, Somebody's Gonna Miss Us, arrived on November 10, 2009, through , as a two-disc CD/DVD package documenting a performance at Bamboozle 2008. Spanning 18 tracks drawn from across their catalog, including "Given the Chance" and "," it serves as a live overview of their career up to their hiatus, accompanied by tour documentary footage. Following their 2019 reunion, The Starting Line embraced live re-recordings at in , produced by . Based on a True Story Live at Studio 4, released August 13, 2021, via Memory Music, faithfully recreates their 2005 sophomore album in a full-band live setting across 13 tracks, such as "Action" and "Making Love to the Camera." Similarly, Direction Live at Studio 4, issued the same year, re-performs their 2007 album in sequence, featuring songs like "Island" and "Birds" to mark its anniversary. These sessions emphasize the band's enduring chemistry without acoustic alterations. Complementing the album-specific releases, The Best Of Live at Studio 4 (2021) compiles 19 highlights from the Studio 4 performances, including "Up & Go" and "A Goodnight's Sleep," providing a broader live anthology of their hits in this post-reunion era. Prior to 2020, the band had no traditional full-length live albums beyond the 2009 and 2003 offerings, with post-hiatus efforts shifting toward digital and vinyl live captures.

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