New album A.R.S.O.N. from Story of the Year reflects on life in St. Bio-State
Story of the Year, a rock band hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, has made waves in the music industry for over three decades with their unique sound and captivating performances. The band, consisting of Dan Marsala, Ryan Phillips, Adam Russell, and Josh Wills, first formed in 1995 under the name 67 North before transitioning to Big Blue Monkey and ultimately settling on their current moniker in 2002. Their commercial breakthrough came in 2003 with the release of their debut album, Page Avenue, which sold over a million copies, marking the beginning of their successful career in the industry.
In a recent interview with First Alert 4, members of Story of the Year discussed their latest studio album, A.R.S.O.N., and the creative process behind it. Unlike previous albums where they experimented with different sounds and genres, the band took a more simplistic approach this time, allowing the music to flow organically. Russell noted, “We tried not to reinvent the wheel or rebel against our last album. We just tried to turn up every knob in terms of genre and style.” The new album has received high praise from the band members, with Wills expressing excitement about performing one particular track, ‘Into the Dark,’ live for their fans.
Over the years, Story of the Year has evolved their performance style to include slower, more emotional tracks alongside their usual high-energy rock anthems. The band appreciates the opportunity to connect with their audience on a deeper level while still maintaining their signature rock sound. Russell reflected on the evolution of their live shows, stating, “In the beginning, it had to be pure maximum energy all the time. But as we’ve gotten older, we appreciate more just the fact that people will sing along with a song and feel it emotionally.”
For the members of Story of the Year, returning to St. Louis for album releases and performances holds a special nostalgia factor. The band’s connection to their hometown, from recording studios to rehearsal spots, serves as a constant reminder of their journey in the music industry. Phillips emphasized the importance of fun and passion in their work, stating, “If this isn’t fun, why do it?” The band’s relentless work ethic and determination, instilled in them by their blue-collar backgrounds, have driven their success and set them apart in the music scene.
Despite facing challenges as a rock band from the Midwest, Story of the Year has persevered through hard work and dedication. The band’s commitment to their craft and their fans has solidified their status as rock legends in the industry. As they continue to evolve and experiment with their sound, Story of the Year remains true to their roots, delivering electrifying performances and heartfelt music to their devoted fan base.