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Awolnation
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Awolnation (stylized in all caps) is an American rock band from Los Angeles formed and fronted by Aaron Bruno, formerly of Under the Influence of Giants, Home Town Hero, and Insurgence. The band is signed to Better Noise Music and formerly was signed to Red Bull Records. Their first EP, Back from Earth, was released on iTunes on May 18, 2010. They released their first studio album, Megalithic Symphony, on March 15, 2011; it featured their most notable hit, "Sail", which peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100,[2] number 4 on the Billboard Rock Songs chart,[3] and number 5 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.[4] On June 14, 2021, Sail became just the 57th song to be certified diamond by the RIAA[5][6] and has sold 10,000,000 copies in the United States.[7] As of February 29, 2016, the album has been certified platinum.[8]

Key Information

The band's second studio album, Run, was released on March 17, 2015. The band's third studio album, Here Come the Runts, was released on February 2, 2018. Their fourth studio album, Angel Miners & the Lightning Riders, was released on April 24, 2020. On May 6, 2022, the band released a covers album titled My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers, and Me. Their fifth studio album of original material, The Phantom Five, was released on August 30, 2024.

History

[edit]

Creation and Back from Earth (2009–2010)

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Aaron Bruno was approached by Red Bull Records in 2009, asking if he wanted free use of the Red Bull recording studio in Los Angeles.[9][10] 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 was with numerous bands before he created Awolnation, including Home Town Hero with Drew Stewart and Under the Influence of Giants with Dave Amezcua. Bruno writes all of his songs himself, but confides in close friends and family or respected artists for guidance.[11] The band released their first EP Back from Earth on May 18, 2010.[12]

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 (slang from the military acronym for Absent Without Leave) came from."[13]

Megalithic Symphony and Touring (2011–2014)

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The band released their debut album Megalithic Symphony digitally on March 15, 2011 through Red Bull Records.[14] Megalithic Symphony features a total of 14 tracks, including the singles "Sail",[15] "Not Your Fault",[16] and "Kill Your Heroes".[17] Bonus tracks for the album include "Shoestrings", "Swinging from the Castles" and "I've Been Dreaming".[18]

The band's first single, "Sail", peaked at number 10 on the U.S. Billboard Rock Songs[19] and has gone platinum in the US[20] and double platinum in Canada. "Sail" was featured in the episode "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" of CBS's television show The Good Wife, commercials for the Fox television show House, Nokia's commercial for Lumia and PT's commercial for 4G LTE, and is also the background music for Under Armour's "Are You from Here" commercial, featuring Derrick Williams. "Sail" was covered by Macy Gray (included on her album Covered) and by DevilDriver (on their album Winter Kills). "Sail" was also used for a Sonya Tayeh routine in So You Think You Can Dance season 9, episode 6; at the end of the episode "Dog Soldiers" in season 1 of Longmire; and featured on the soundtrack of the thriller horror movie Playback released in March 2012, as well as featured throughout the film Disconnect (2013). The track gained even greater exposure when it was featured during BMW's Olympic Opening Ceremony and in commercial spots throughout the Olympic broadcasts. "Sail" was used during CBC Hockey Night's opening tease in Canada on February 18, 2012, prior to a game between the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs. It was also used as of March 2013 in commercials for History Channel's new series, Vikings. "Sail" peaked at no. 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100, 27 on the Australian charts, 33 on the New Zealand charts and 17 on the UK Singles Chart. "Sail" was also used on wingsuit flyer Jeb Corliss's YouTube film "Grinding the Crack",[21] which as of October 2021 has had over 34 million views.

Another of the band's songs, "Burn It Down", is featured in the Sons of Anarchy episode "To Be, Act 1", and is also one of the in-game radio songs in Saints Row IV. Also one of their songs "Guilty Filthy Soul" has been featured in the episode "Break On Through" of The CW television show The Vampire Diaries. The band's songs "Sail" and "All I Need" are featured in the season 1 episode "Gun!" of Common Law. The band's song "Sail" was also featured in the season 4 episode "Hot for Teacher" of Pretty Little Liars. "Kill Your Heroes" is featured at the beginning and the end of season 3, episode 2 of the Canadian TV series Rookie Blue, and the remix of "Sail" together with Innerpartysystem was played in episode 8 of the same season. It was also used in the episode "The Wake-Up Bomb" of Covert Affairs. Furthermore, "All I Need" was used in the season finale of the NBC show Whitney and "Kill Your Heroes" is in Season 4 episode 9 of The 100.

On June 6, 2012, the band released an Extended Play, I've Been Dreaming, for free download on their official website. The extended play includes 3 unreleased songs, ("I've Been Dreaming", "Shoestrings", "Swinging From The Castles") and recorded live versions of "Kill Your Heroes", "Not Your Fault", and "People" that they played in Toronto.

They released two new songs, "Thiskidsnotalright"[22] and "Some Kind of Joke".[23] "Some Kind of Joke" appears as the second song on the Iron Man 3: Heroes Fall – Music Inspired by the Motion Picture soundtrack. The track "Thiskidsnotalright" is featured in the video game Injustice: Gods Among Us. Beacon audio did a Kickstarter for a limited edition speaker.[24] They released a Deluxe Edition of Megalithic Symphony on November 19, 2013 that includes "Thiskidsnotalright," "Some Kind Of Joke", "Everybody's Got a Secret", songs from their EP I've Been Dreaming, "MF", and several remixes of other songs from Megalithic Symphony. "Everybody's Got a Secret" was used in the soundtrack for the Disney film Frankenweenie in 2012.

Megalithic Symphony and Sail's immediate success exposed the band to fans of all different genres of music. They were starting to gain diehard fans by playing various music festivals and consistently touring. Between the years 2011 and 2014, Awolnation played 306 shows, 113 in the year 2012 alone, supporting the album and its singles.[25]

Run, Touring, and Christopher Thorn's return (2014–2016)

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The band released their second studio album, Run, on March 17, 2015.[26] The album received polarizing but positive reviews, and the band received its first Metacritic review; with the album getting an aggregated 68 out of 100, from 6 critics. The album's lead single, "Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf)", was released on January 26, 2015.[26] The second single, "I Am", was released on July 7, 2015.[27] The third single, "Woman Woman", was released on December 9, 2015.[28]

On April 7, 2015, they made an appearance on Conan.[29]

In September 2015, Bruno said that long-time guitarist Drew Stewart had left the band to spend time with his family. He was replaced by Irontom guitarist Zach Irons (son of former Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam and Eleven drummer Jack Irons).

On December 1, 2015, Awolnation released a B-side track from Run named "Wichita Panama" for Red Bull Records "Red Bull 20-Before-16" December event.[30] Later, in February 2016, Awolnation released the videoclip for the song "Woman Woman" for Red Bull Records.[31]

In 2015, a music kit for the video game Counter Strike: Global Offensive was released called "I Am". The kit includes songs from both Run and Megalithic Symphony.[32]

Awolnation would be an opening act along with PVRIS to Fall Out Boy’s tour, Wintour is Coming. They played February 26, 2016 through March 27, 2016.[33]

On June 20, 2016, the band announced that it was cancelling many dates of its summer headlining tour so it could serve as the opening band for the Prophets of Rage tour. This announcement was met with consternation and upset by many of the band's fans, many of whom took to the band's Facebook page to express their anger at the fact that some ticket purchases were non-refundable.

On July 8, 2016, Awolnation released an alternate version of Run named Run (Beautiful Things), where the repeating lyric "capable of doing terrible things" is replaced with "capable of doing beautiful things." The music video for this shows a person in a cloak with the AWOL helmet holding a purple lantern while emerging from the sea. At times, the scene cuts away to a mermaid with the person as she swims away at the lyric "run."[34]

During the tour with Prophets of Rage, Zach Irons left the tour during the second leg to tour with IRONTOM. In his absence, former guitarist Christopher Thorn replaced Zach on a handful of shows starting in Tampa on October 1, 2016. This would mark the first time Thorn played with the band since around March 2012.

Awolnation toured over 80+ plus dates in support of the album Run including multiple festival appearances and their own headlining tour that brought the band to Europe and South America.[35]

Here Come the Runts and touring (2016–2019)

[edit]

In a late 2016 interview, Aaron said he had a vision for the next album's sound. "I think people are getting really burnt out on hearing robotic instrumentation..." He said guitar-driven songs should be brought back to the forefront. "It's been a little abandoned, and it seems like most labels have been chasing songs like 'Sail' and all the other songs that followed in its path."[36]

By late 2016/early 2017, Awolnation had started posting cryptic messages to their various social media accounts in regards to a new album. The main theme of these posts seem to reference inspiration for new songs, recording new material, and the future of Awolnation. One of these photos was of Aaron sitting down on an amplifier with a guitar in his hands.[37] Another was of Aaron and drummer Isaac Carpenter with guitar in hand.[38] Some of the hashtags included with these photos were #2017, #trilogy, #newalbum and #thesagacontinues.[39]

On January 24, 2017, Red Bull Records confirmed on their Facebook page that Awolnation was indeed back in the studio.[40]

On February 7, 2017, bass player Marc Walloch posted a photo on Instagram of him in Aarons' personal home studio with producer Eric Stenman, confirming his involvement in the work of a future album.[41]

In March 2017, longtime keyboardist Kenny Carkeet announced his departure from the band to spend time working on material for his own electro-alternative band with former member of the band Eve 6, Max Collins, called Fitness.[42] Singer Aaron Bruno also took to e-mail to offer an update to fans on the state of the new album and the future.[43]

In October 2017, Marc Walloch updated his Instagram profile to indicate he is now the "former bassist for Awolnation". No announcement or other statements have been made as of November 2017.[44]

On October 12, 2017, the band released a new single called "Passion" to be featured on the third album.[45] On November 6, 2017, Aaron announced the new album's name, Here Come the Runts, alongside the release of a new song "Seven Sticks of Dynamite".[46] The band followed the album release with the Here Come the Runts Tour, kicking off on February 11, which included concerts across North America and Europe.[46][47] Before the album was released, the band released a promotional single, "Miracle Man", on December 15, 2017.[48] Another single, "Handyman," was released on January 19, 2018. The album was released on February 2, 2018.[47][49]

DJ LAM of Self Expression Music with Awolnation in 2018

On October 16, 2018, alongside indie artist Max Frost, Awolnation began touring with the alternative band Twenty One Pilots.[50][51] They were openers for the band on their world tour titled The Bandito Tour.[50][51] During the tour, all three acts would come together to play the Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris" and the Beatles' "Hey Jude".[50]

The band also released an alternate version of their song "Table For One" featuring singer Elohim on October 18, 2018.[52]

Angel Miners & The Lightning Riders (2019–2021)

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While on tour with Twenty One Pilots, Aaron's home studio and much of his property were destroyed by fire. This event, as well as a shooting in nearby Thousand Oaks that claimed the life of 12 people, inspired Aaron to write the songs that would become the album Angel Miners & the Lightning Riders.[53]

On November 5, 2019, now signed to Better Noise Music, the band released the single "The Best" from their upcoming fourth studio album.[54][55] The single was released along with a music video.[54][55] They also announced a tour for the summer of 2020.[54][55] This tour would be called off on April 14, 2020[56] due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[57] On November 29, 2019, the band released the second single "California Halo Blue".[58][59] The song was released along with a music video and a cover of the song "Drive" by The Cars.[58][59] The third single "Mayday!!! Fiesta Fever" was released on February 4, 2020.[60] The fourth single "Slam (Angel Miners)" was released on March 13, 2020.[61] The band released Angel Miners & The Lightning Riders on April 24, 2020.[62]

On August 28, 2020, the song "Carry On" was released by The Score featuring Awolnation.[63] Aaron Bruno and The Score appear in the official music video for this song which released just a few days later on October 2, 2020.[64] They performed this song together on an episode of The Late Late Show with James Corden that premiered on October 22, 2020.[65]

My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers, and Me and The Phantom Five (2022–present)

[edit]
Bassist Josh Moreau and drummer Linden Reed joined in 2020 and 2025, respectfully

On January 4, 2022, it was announced that the band would be releasing a covers album. It was also announced that the lead single would be released in January.[66] On January 20, 2022, the band released a cover of "Wind of Change" by Scorpions. The cover features members of Portugal. The Man and Brandon Boyd of Incubus and is the first song from the band's covers album My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers, and Me. The covers album was released on May 6, 2022.[67][68] On February 27, 2022, the band released the second single from the covers album, a cover of Midnight Oil's "Beds Are Burning". The cover features Tim McIlrath of Rise Against.[69] On March 31, 2022, the band released a cover of Madonna's "Material Girl". The cover features Taylor Hanson of Hanson.[70] The digital version of the album consists of 11 tracks while the physical album has 10.[71] Their cover of the song "Drive" by The Cars was the one song that was excluded.[72]

On May 2, 2022, the band announced that they would be going on the "Falling Forward" tour with special guests Badflower and The Mysterines. They visited 30 different cities across the United States beginning October 6, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah and concluded on November 11, 2022 in Seattle, Washington.[73]

On September 23, 2022, the band released the single "Freaking Me Out".[74] Aaron Bruno intended for the next album to be the band's last, because "most bands (he's) known haven't done well after releasing more than five records".[75] On November 4, 2022, the band released the single "We Are All Insane".[76]

On September 22, 2023, the band released the single "Candy Pop". An EP with the same name was released on November 10, 2023.[77]

On March 28, 2024, the band released the single "Panoramic View". It was also announced that the band will be joining 311 and Neon Trees on the "Unity Tour" in the summer. The tour will start in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 20 and runs until August 31 in Redmond, Washington.[78] The album's title, The Phantom Five, was revealed on May 23, 2024.[79]

On Instagram, Aaron Bruno mentioned that The Phantom Five would sound like a more mature version of "Run", the band's 2015 studio album. On May 31, 2024, the band released the single "Jump Sit Stand March" featuring Emily Armstrong.[80] On July 19, 2024, the band released the single "I Am Happy" featuring Del the Funky Homosapien.[81] The Phantom Five was released on August 30, 2024, along with the single "Barbarian". On August 19, 2025, the band was featured on the song "Guiding Lights" by electronic rock band Pendulum.[82]

Musical style

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Awolnation's music has been described as alternative rock,[83][84][85][86] electronic rock,[87][88][89][90] indie rock,[91][92] electropop,[93][94] pop rock,[95][96] dance-rock,[97] power pop,[98] and hard rock.[90] The band's first two albums, Megalithic Symphony and Run were more electronica heavy while their third album, Here Come the Runts, onwards went for a more "'organic' indie rock sound".[85] Louder Sound described their sound as "hard-edged electro indie rock".[91] The Phantom Five returns to a more electronic-based sound.[99]

Band members

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Awolnation's current lineup performing on July 4, 2025

Current members

  • Aaron Bruno (AWOL) – vocals, rhythm guitar (2009–present)
  • Zach Irons – lead guitar, backing vocals (2015–present)
  • Daniel Saslow – programming, keyboards (2016–present)[100][101]
  • Josh Moreau – bass (2020–present)
  • Linden Reed – drums (2025–present)[102]

Former members

  • Jimmy Messer – lead guitar, backing vocals (2009–2010)[103]
  • Billy Mohler – bass, backing vocals (2009–2010)[104]
  • David Amezcua – bass, synths, piano, organ, backing vocals (2010–2013)[105]
  • Devin Hoffman – bass (2013)[106]
  • Hayden Scott (The Shark) – drums (2009–2013)[104]
  • Drew Stewart (Drublood) – lead guitar, backing vocals (2012–2015)[107]
  • Christopher Thorn – lead guitar (2010–2012, 2016)[108]
  • Kenny Carkeet (Y.A., Awol Assassin) – keyboards, programming, backing vocals, rhythm guitar (2009–2016)[107]
  • Marc Walloch – bass, rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2014–2017)[44]
  • Michael Goldman – bass, backing vocals (2017–2020)
  • Isaac Carpenter – drums, backing vocals (2014–2025)

Timeline


Discography

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Studio albums

Cover albums

Awards and nominations

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Billboard Music Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2012 "Sail" Top Alternative Song Nominated[109][110]

iHeartRadio Music Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2016 Awolnation Alternative Rock Artist of the Year Nominated[111]

Teen Choice Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2013 "Sail" Choice Music: Rock Song Nominated[112][113]
Awolnation Choice Music: Rock Group Nominated[112]

World Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2014 "Sail" World's Best Song Nominated[114]
Awolnation World's Best Live Act Nominated[114]
Awolnation World's Best Group Nominated[114]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Awolnation (stylized as AWOLNATION) is an American band formed in 2009 in by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist , formerly of the band Under the Influence of Giants. Fronted by Bruno as its creative leader and primary songwriter, the project blends , electronic, and elements, evolving from a solo endeavor into a collaborative band effort. The band first gained widespread recognition with their debut single "" from the 2011 album , which became a major commercial success, certifying diamond by the RIAA in 2021 after selling over 10 million units and charting for 79 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. Following the breakthrough of , released via , Awolnation toured extensively and built a dedicated fanbase through high-energy live performances that incorporated electronic production and Bruno's dynamic stage presence. Their second album, Run (2015), featured the single "Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf)," continuing their exploration of introspective lyrics and genre fusion, while Here Come the Runts (2018) delivered raw, politically charged tracks amid Bruno's growing production role. The band's expanded with Angel Miners and the Lightning Riders (2020), recorded during the early and emphasizing themes of resilience, and their most recent release, The Phantom Five (2024), which includes the single "Panoramic View" and marks a return to touring post-pandemic. Over their career, Awolnation has amassed millions of streams across platforms and collaborated on soundtracks, including contributions to films like , solidifying their influence in . As of 2025, Awolnation remains active, with Bruno at the helm alongside a rotating lineup that has included guitarists like Drew Stewart and keyboardists like Kenny Carkeet in earlier years, though the core sound is driven by Bruno's vision. The band continues to release music and perform live, including festival appearances and a 10th-anniversary deluxe edition of Run, reflecting their enduring commitment to innovative rock experimentation.

History

Formation and early releases (2009–2010)

Aaron Bruno, a Los Angeles-based musician with prior experience in several rock acts, launched Awolnation as a solo project in 2009 after the dissolution of his previous bands, including the post-hardcore group Insurgence in the late 1990s, Home Town Hero from 2002 to 2004, and the indie rock outfit Under the Influence of Giants, which disbanded in 2008 following a major-label deal with Island Def Jam. Bruno, who had co-founded Home Town Hero and Under the Influence of Giants alongside guitarist Drew Stewart and bassist David Amezcua, sought greater creative control after years of collaborative band dynamics and industry setbacks. That same year, Red Bull Records approached Bruno with an offer for complimentary access to their Los Angeles recording studio, prompting him to begin producing new material and ultimately securing a record deal with the label. Initially conceived as a solo venture, Awolnation transitioned into a band setup to support live performances, with Bruno enlisting Stewart on guitar and Amezcua on bass—both carryovers from his earlier projects—along with additional musicians for an expanded sound blending electronic rock elements. The group's debut extended play, Back from Earth, was recorded at the Red Bull studio and issued exclusively as a digital release on iTunes on May 18, 2010, marking Awolnation's first official output under Red Bull Records. The five-track EP included "Burn It Down," "Guilty Filthy Soul," the lead single "Sail," "MF," and a remix of "Burn It Down" by Innerpartysystem, showcasing Bruno's fusion of aggressive guitars, electronic beats, and introspective lyrics. Promotional efforts centered on digital distribution to build online buzz, complemented by early live appearances in the Los Angeles area, such as performances at local venues and events like the PacSun Summer Solstice in Santa Monica. These foundational steps positioned Awolnation for the development of a full-length album.

Megalithic Symphony breakthrough (2011–2014)

Megalithic Symphony was produced primarily by frontman Aaron Bruno alongside collaborators such as Jimmy Messer and Eric Stenman, with recording sessions taking place across multiple studios including Avatar Studios, Red Bull Studios in Los Angeles, and Gymnasium Hollywood between 2010 and 2011. Christopher Thorn, known from Blind Melon, contributed guitar and served as additional producer and engineer specifically for the track "Sail," which he also co-produced. The album's sound blended electronic rock elements with Bruno's raw vocals, reflecting his vision for a project free from prior band constraints. The album was released on March 15, 2011, via , featuring 12 tracks including standout singles "," "Not Your Fault," and "Kill Your Heroes." "," the lead single originally from the 2010 EP Back from Earth, became the album's breakout hit, debuting on the in September 2011 and eventually peaking at No. 17 while charting for a record-tying 79 weeks, the longest run for a rock song at the time. It earned multi-platinum certification from the RIAA, certified diamond on June 14, 2021, for 10 million units sold in the U.S., and gained further traction through licensing in media, including ESPN's NFL game broadcasts and promotional spots. Awolnation's rising popularity fueled extensive touring from to 2014, including support appearances at major festivals like the DeLuna Festival alongside and , as well as headlining tours across the U.S. and internationally. The band played over 100 shows in this period, building a dedicated live following with high-energy performances emphasizing electronic-infused rock anthems. The core lineup during this era consisted of on vocals and guitar, Drew Stewart on guitar and backing vocals, and David Amezcua on bass, supplemented by touring musicians such as Christopher Thorn on guitar.

Run era and lineup shifts (2014–2016)

In the lead-up to their second album, Awolnation underwent significant lineup changes. Bassist David Amezcua departed in 2013 after contributing to the band's debut era, while guitarist Drew Stewart, a founding member, left in September 2015 amid the promotional cycle for the new record. To stabilize the rhythm section, the band recruited drummer Isaac Carpenter in 2014, who brought experience from groups like Loaded and Gosling, and bassist Marc Walloch, whose versatile playing on bass and guitar helped shape the album's live sound. Keyboardist Kenny Carkeet remained from the original lineup, providing continuity on synths and programming. Recording for Run took place primarily in 2014 at Dragonfly Creek studio in , with frontman handling most production duties and playing the majority of instruments, including vocals, synthesizers, drums, guitars, and piano. The album marked a sonic evolution, leaning more heavily into electronic-rock elements with layered synths and programmed beats compared to the rawer of Megalithic Symphony, while retaining Bruno's introspective lyrical themes. Released on March 17, 2015, via , Run featured 11 tracks, including the pulsating opener "Run," the synth-driven single "Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf)," and the anthemic "I Am," which explored themes of self-empowerment. The Run era emphasized extensive touring to build on the band's growing international profile. Awolnation headlined a North American run starting in spring 2015, supporting the album with high-energy sets that highlighted the new material's electronic edge, followed by appearances at major U.S. festivals like Firefly Music Festival and international events such as Lowlands Festival in the Netherlands and Sziget Festival in Hungary. These performances, often exceeding 80 dates, showcased the updated lineup's cohesion and allowed Bruno to refine the electronic-rock hybrid live, blending programmed elements with live instrumentation for a more immersive experience. By late 2015, the band began hinting at future shifts, including exploratory discussions with potential new label partners beyond Red Bull Records, setting the stage for their next creative phase.

Here Come the Runts period (2016–2019)

In 2016, following the conclusion of promotional activities for their sophomore album Run, AWOLNATION maintained their partnership with while beginning work on their third studio album, Here Come the Runts. The band, led by frontman , continued collaboration with key production personnel from the Run era, including engineer Eric J. Dubowsky, to ensure creative continuity. Recording took place primarily at Bruno's home studio in the coastal mountains near during 2016 and 2017, allowing for a more intimate and experimental approach to songwriting and production. Here Come the Runts marked a notable evolution in AWOLNATION's sound, shifting from the electronic and orchestral elements prominent in earlier works toward a rawer style infused with '80s-inspired pop anthems and guitar-driven energy. Influences from bands like and contributed to this direction, emphasizing Bruno's vision of blending rock accessibility with personal, introspective themes. The album was released on February 2, 2018, via , featuring standout tracks such as "Handyman" and "Passion," which highlighted the band's renewed focus on dynamic rhythms and melodic hooks. To promote the album, AWOLNATION embarked on an extensive world tour in and 2019, including a headline European leg in 2018 with dates in cities like , , and . Later that year, they joined as special guests on the North American portion of from October to December , performing over 30 shows and reaching diverse audiences across arenas. The tour schedule also incorporated festival appearances, such as at Arts & Music Festival in , in May 2018, underscoring the band's growing international presence and high-energy live performances. During this period, the band's core lineup remained stable, with on vocals and rhythm guitar, Zach Irons on lead guitar and backing vocals, and supporting members handling bass, drums, and keyboards for touring duties, allowing flexibility without major disruptions. By late 2019, AWOLNATION transitioned to ahead of their next project, closing out the Here Come the Runts era on a high note with sustained momentum from the album's reception and tour success.

Angel Miners & The Lightning Riders (2019–2021)

The production of AWOLNATION's fourth studio album, Angel Miners & The Lightning Riders, was significantly shaped by personal and environmental challenges preceding the . Following the 2018 , which destroyed frontman Aaron Bruno's Malibu studio, recording took place in makeshift home setups, including his living room and bedroom, with contributions from bandmates in . The process emphasized intimate, organic collaboration, drawing from Bruno's experiences of loss and recovery, though much of the core work occurred before global lockdowns. As the pandemic escalated in early , Bruno adapted by incorporating remote elements, such as Live discussions with artists like Pearl Jam's , and preparing acoustic arrangements for virtual formats, which influenced the album's raw emotional delivery. Released on April 24, 2020, via —the band's first project with the label—the album marked a stable partnership that supported its timely rollout amid industry disruptions. Standout tracks included "Slam (Angel Miners)," an energetic opener blending rock and electronic elements, and "Lightning Riders," a driving anthem of forward momentum. Collaborations added depth, with featuring on the sarcastic critique "The Best," of on the reflective "Pacific Coast Highway in the Movies," and of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros on the festive "!!! Fiesta Fever." A companion live album, Angel Miners & The Lightning Riders Live From 2020, followed on August 14, 2020, capturing studio performances without an audience to evoke the era's intensity. Thematically, the record explored isolation, personal reckoning, and resilience, inspired by the Woolsey Fire's devastation and broader societal turmoil, including the 2018 Borderline Bar and Grill shooting near Bruno's home. Songs like "Slam (Angel Miners)" channeled chaos and hope, while "I'm a Wreck" confronted self-doubt, offering an uplifting to despair. These motifs resonated during the , providing emotional solace as Bruno viewed the release as essential for connection in uncertain times. The global health crisis severely limited touring, with a planned 2020 co-headlining run with canceled shortly after the album's release, shifting focus to virtual engagements. Bruno hosted Lives and live streams, including a full album playback event in 2020 and archived concert streams premiering selections from the live album. By late 2021, as restrictions eased, AWOLNATION resumed small-scale U.S. performances, including festival appearances and intimate venues, signaling a cautious return to live activity under Better Noise Music's continued support.

Recent releases and ongoing tours (2022–present)

In 2022, AWOLNATION released their first covers album, My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers and Me, on May 6 via . The project features reinterpretations of tracks by various artists, including a brooding take on ' "," alongside covers of songs originally by , , and . The band announced their fifth studio album, The Phantom Five, on May 31, 2024, with recording sessions spanning 2023 and early 2024. Released on August 30, 2024, through Two Twenty Five Music, the album explores themes of resilience and reinvention, building on the introspective tone of Angel Miners & The Lightning Riders. Key tracks include the lead single "Panoramic View," the collaborative "" featuring , and "Jump Sit Stand March" with vocals from Emily Armstrong of . Supporting The Phantom Five, AWOLNATION launched the Phantom Five Tour in spring 2025, headlining U.S. dates starting March 27 in and concluding May 10 in , with stops in cities like and . Special guests included Bryce Fox and MAKUA, who joined for select performances, including the April 2 show at . The tour extended into late 2025 with festival appearances and was announced to continue into 2026, including a special set on the ShipRocked Cruise departing from January 26 to 31. During the Houston concert, the band introduced new drummer Linden Reed, who had joined earlier in 2025 following Isaac Carpenter's departure to . In a September 2025 interview, frontman discussed the lineup evolution as part of a creative refresh. Bruno also pursued a side project with Barbarians of , releasing the single "Pseudo Intellectuals Are Hating on My Band" in October 2025, channeling hardcore influences. In an August 2024 interview, Bruno hinted at The Phantom Five potentially marking AWOLNATION's final full-length album, citing personal growth and a shift toward shorter-form releases and collaborations, though he emphasized ongoing touring commitments.

Artistry

Musical style and evolution

Awolnation's music is primarily rooted in alternative rock, infused with electronic rock, electropop, and indie rock elements, alongside influences from dubstep and hip-hop that create a genre-blending sound. The band's core aesthetic emphasizes heavy synthesizer use for atmospheric depth and Aaron Bruno's dynamic vocals, which shift from raw, distorted delivery to melodic falsettos, driving the intensity of their tracks. This fusion produces a high-energy style that merges electronic production with live instrumentation, setting Awolnation apart in the alternative scene. The band's evolution began with the electronic-heavy sound of their debut album (2011), where synthesizers dominated alongside organic rock elements and Bruno's versatile singing, creating a chaotic yet cohesive mash-up of styles. By Run (2015), the sound shifted toward more organic rock foundations with stripped-back production, incorporating arrangements on some tracks but reducing the electronic bombast and intensity of the debut for a less aggressive palette. In Here Come the Runts (2018), Awolnation leaned into experimental tones, balancing rock riffs with electro-pop beats to explore rawer, more introspective textures while retaining electronic undercurrents. Signature elements of Awolnation's music include soaring, anthemic choruses that build to explosive crescendos and deliberate genre fusions, such as rap-infused verses in "" that juxtapose hip-hop rhythms with rock hooks. Production contributions from Christopher Thorn, particularly on early tracks like "," enhanced this hybrid approach by layering gritty guitars over electronic backdrops for added texture and punch. These traits underscore the band's commitment to boundary-pushing within alternative frameworks. Critically, Awolnation has been praised for the raw energy and innovative genre-blending in their sound, which delivers compelling, high-impact listening experiences across albums. However, later works like The Phantom Five (2024) have drawn critique for relying on formulaic hooks and repetitive structures, diluting the experimental edge of prior releases despite maintaining anthemic vigor.

Influences and themes

Aaron Bruno, the founder and creative force behind Awolnation, draws from a diverse array of musical influences that span genres and eras, shaped significantly by his early exposure to music through his older brother and his own experiences in prior bands. In interviews, Bruno has cited 1980s pop icons like , Prince, and as foundational, alongside hip-hop acts such as , , , and , which he encountered as a teenager and views as a modern extension of punk's rebellious energy. His rock influences include Nirvana and Radiohead's , while his formative years in punk and hardcore bands—like the sixth-grade group Ice Monkeys and a high school straightedge hardcore outfit—instilled a raw, genre-defying ethos. These prior signed bands, which failed despite major-label deals, profoundly impacted Bruno's approach, pushing him toward independent, emotionally driven songwriting free from commercial constraints. Bruno's admiration for electronic music further broadens Awolnation's palette, with references to producers like , , , and informing the band's fusion of synth elements and aggressive rhythms; he has described electronic music as a key awareness in his creative process, blending it seamlessly with hip-hop's urgency and metal's intensity. This eclectic inspiration echoes in collaborations that reflect these roots, such as the 2018 reimagining of Awolnation's "Table For One" with electronic artist and producer , which amplified the track's introspective electronica layers. Later works, like the 2022 covers album My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers, and Me, featured electronic-tinged reinterpretations with artists including , highlighting Bruno's ongoing nod to and industrial influences akin to ' electro-rock aggression. Lyrically, Awolnation's themes often center on alienation and introspection, as exemplified in the breakout single "Sail" from 2011's Megalithic Symphony, where Bruno explores overwhelming personal struggles, depression, and a desire to escape societal expectations through abstract metaphors of drifting away—lines like "Maybe I should cry for help" and references to ADD convey a profound sense of isolation and self-doubt. This introspective core evolves across albums, incorporating societal critique in 2020's Angel Miners & The Lightning Riders, where tracks like "The Best" lambast digital-age superficiality and the obsession with social media validation, urging authenticity over performative competition. The album's motifs of resilience amid chaos draw from real-world events, including the 2018 Woolsey Fire that destroyed Bruno's studio, inspiring songs like "Slam (Angel Miners)" to reflect hope and frustration in the face of environmental and personal loss. By contrast, 2024's The Phantom Five shifts toward personal growth and navigating complexity, delving into happiness, frustration, and the pursuit of genuine self-expression as Bruno reflects on artistic maturity and life's uncertainties. This thematic progression—from the metaphorical escapism of early work like "" to more direct confrontations with societal and existential issues in Angel Miners, and ultimately to affirmative self-evolution in The Phantom Five—mirrors Bruno's growth as a songwriter, informed by pandemic-era isolation that served as therapeutic fuel for raw, unfiltered expression.

Personnel

Current members

AWOLNATION's current lineup, as of 2025, centers around founder , who serves as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist since the band's inception in 2009 and remains the primary songwriter. Zach Irons joined as lead guitarist and in 2015, contributing melodic complexity and energy to both recordings and live performances. Daniel Saslow handles programming and keyboards, having been involved since 2016 and producing recent albums like The Phantom Five. Josh Moreau plays bass, bringing his extensive touring experience to the band since around 2020 and anchoring the live sound with heavy, hypnotic grooves. Linden Reed joined on drums in April 2025, debuting during The Phantom Five Tour and providing a rhythmic foundation shaped by his background in rock scenes. This core group is supported by additional touring musicians on guitar and keys for expanded live arrangements, ensuring dynamic stage presentations.

Former members

Drew Stewart served as Awolnation's lead guitarist from 2009 to 2015, contributing guitar performances to the debut album , which helped shape the band's early sound during its breakthrough period. David Amezcua joined as in 2010 and remained until 2013, providing essential low-end support and backing vocals for the foundational tours promoting and establishing the band's live energy in its initial years. Christopher Thorn was the and from 2010 to 2012, with occasional returns later; he produced the breakout single "" and contributed guitar work that influenced the electronic-rock fusion on , while also touring internationally during that era. Kenny Carkeet served as keyboardist, programmer, and backing vocalist from 2009 to 2016, co-producing key tracks like "" and contributing to the band's synth-driven sound on early albums and tours. Prior to 2014, the band featured short-term drummers like Hayden Scott (2009–2013), who drove the rhythm section on early tours and recordings.

Discography

Studio albums

Awolnation's studio albums have showcased the band's evolution from to more organic alternative sounds, with varying commercial success primarily in the United States. Their debut album gained traction through the enduring popularity of the single "," which propelled long-term chart longevity and certifications. Later releases emphasized independent distribution and streaming, reflecting a shift toward performances and dedicated fanbases rather than mainstream radio dominance.
TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positionsCertifications
Megalithic SymphonyReleased: March 15, 2011
Label:
Format: CD, digital download
US: 35US: Platinum (February 29, 2016)
RunReleased: , 2015
Label:
Format: CD, digital download, vinyl
US: 17
Here Come the RuntsReleased: February 2, 2018
Label: Red Bull Records
Format: CD, digital download, vinyl
US: 42
Angel Miners & the Lightning RidersReleased: April 24, 2020
Label:
Format: CD, digital download, vinyl
US Album Sales: 16
The Phantom FiveReleased: August 30, 2024
Label: Two Twenty Five Music
Format: CD, digital download, vinyl
The band's debut, , marked their breakthrough, spending over 110 weeks on the due to the viral success of "," which was certified diamond by the RIAA for 10 million units sold in the . Run built on this momentum with experimental production, achieving a higher debut amid growing alternative radio play. Here Come the Runts adopted a raw, independent approach, bolstered by festival appearances that drove sales without major label backing. Angel Miners & the Lightning Riders leaned into streaming platforms during the pandemic, focusing on thematic depth rather than immediate chart peaks, and peaked at #16 on the US Album Sales chart. The latest, The Phantom Five (2024), features collaborations including Emily Armstrong on "The Drop" and received positive reviews for its anthemic energy, though it did not enter the .

Extended plays and compilations

Awolnation's debut , Back from Earth, was released digitally on May 18, 2010, through . The EP consists of five tracks, including early versions of "," "Guilty Filthy Soul," "Burn It Down," "Not Your Fault," and "Soul Wars," which showcased the band's emerging sound blended with electronic elements. As a digital-only release available initially on , it served as an introductory project for frontman Aaron Bruno's solo endeavor following his previous band, Under the Influence of Giants, and helped build anticipation for their full-length debut album. In 2022, Awolnation released My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers & Me, a covers issued on May 6 via . Featuring 11 tracks of reinterpreted songs from various artists, the project highlights collaborative efforts with guest vocalists such as on "Eye in the Sky" (originally by ), Jewel on "Take a Chance on Me" (), and a cover of ' "," among others including of and Hyro the Hero. This release marked a departure from original material, emphasizing Bruno's appreciation for diverse musical influences through stripped-down and reimagined arrangements, and it was promoted as a celebratory, community-driven effort during the band's evolving phase. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of their 2015 album Run, Awolnation issued Run (10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) on June 27, 2025, through . The reissue expands the original 11-track with a six-track bonus section, including four previously unreleased songs—"Found Atlas," "Actors Have No Shame," "Walking Away," and "Somebody Let Me Know"—a live rendition of "Hollow Moon ()," and additional remixed material, all remastered for enhanced audio quality. Available in formats like a limited-edition three-LP set on 180-gram silver vinyl, the deluxe edition underscores the album's enduring impact, particularly the hit single "," while providing fans with rare archival content from the recording sessions.

Singles

Awolnation has released several singles across their career, with "Sail" standing out as their breakthrough hit. Initially released as a digital single on November 8, 2010, and later included on their debut EP Back from Earth and album Megalithic Symphony in 2011, "Sail" features multiple versions, including remixes that contributed to its widespread appeal. The track peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 after a remarkable 79-week chart run, the longest for any rock song at the time. It has been certified Diamond by the RIAA for sales exceeding 10 million units in the United States. "Sail" gained further exposure through its use in various media, including commercials for brands like Nokia and Under Armour, as well as soundtrack placements in television series such as Revolution and The Vampire Diaries. Following "Sail," Awolnation issued "Not Your Fault" in 2011 from Megalithic Symphony. The single reached number 3 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and number 11 on the Hot Rock Songs chart, and it was certified Gold by the RIAA. Also from the same album, "Kill Your Heroes" was released as a single in 2011, achieving moderate airplay success on alternative radio though it did not enter major Billboard charts. In support of their second album Run, "Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf)" served as the lead single in January 2015, topping the Billboard Alternative Songs chart for one week. The follow-up single "I Am," released later in 2015, peaked at number 6 on the Rock Airplay chart and number 18 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. From their third album Here Come the Runts, "" was released in January 2018 as the , reaching number 56 on the Hot Rock Songs chart. "Passion," issued in October 2018, charted at number 91 on the Hot Rock Songs chart. From Angel Miners & the Lightning Riders (2020), singles include "The Best" (2020), which peaked at #29 on . The from The Phantom Five (2024), "Jump Sit Stand March," peaked at #28 on , while "Panoramic View" reached #5 on .

Awards and nominations

Billboard Music Awards

Awolnation received a single nomination from the during the 2010s. In 2012, the band's debut single "Sail" from their album was nominated for Top Alternative Song. The track competed against entries including Adele's "," Coldplay's "Paradise," Foster the People's "," and ' "The Cave." "Sail" did not win the award, which went to Adele's "Rolling in the Deep." Despite the loss, the underscored the song's breakout and digital momentum, as it had climbed steadily on the following its initial release in 2011. Awolnation has not secured any wins at the to date, though "Sail" continued to achieve landmark success, including diamond certification by the RIAA in 2021 for over 10 million units sold in the U.S., reflecting its enduring impact on radio and streaming s.

iHeartRadio Music Awards

Awolnation earned a nomination at the in 2016 for Artist of the Year, a newly introduced category that recognized top acts in the genre based on fan votes and radio airplay metrics. The band competed alongside established groups like , , , and , with ultimately taking the award. This nod highlighted Awolnation's growing influence in , fueled by strong listener engagement on platforms. The awards' emphasis on fan-voted categories underscored the band's dedicated following, cultivated through extensive radio play of their breakthrough single "," which amassed over 79 weeks on the and peaked at No. 5 on the Alternative Songs chart, establishing significant dominance in the format. While Awolnation did not secure a win, the nomination affirmed their impact on digital streaming and broadcast radio, key pillars of the accolades.

Teen Choice Awards

Awolnation received two nominations at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards, recognizing the band's breakthrough success with their debut single "Sail" and its resonance with younger fans. The group was nominated in the Choice Music: Rock Group category, alongside acts like Imagine Dragons and Paramore. Additionally, "Sail" earned a nod for Choice Music: Rock Song, competing with tracks such as Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive." Neither nomination resulted in a win; Paramore won Choice Music: Rock Group, and Imagine Dragons won Choice Music: Rock Song for "Radioactive." The , broadcast by and targeted at a audience, are determined by fan votes from individuals aged 13 to 19, submitted online through the official website and platforms, with winners receiving distinctive surfboard-shaped trophies symbolizing summer freedom. Awolnation's inclusion reflected the teen media exposure of "Sail," which exploded in popularity through viral videos, including a fan-made that garnered tens of millions of views and amplified the song's edgy, anthemic appeal among adolescents. This early viral momentum, tied to the band's self-titled debut album in , positioned Awolnation as a fresh rock act for teen voters during the awards' rock categories. These 2013 nods marked Awolnation's sole recognition, confined to the early 2010s amid the band's shift toward broader explorations in later releases, which drew a more mature listener base beyond the initial youth-driven surge of "."

References

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