Community hub
0 subscribers7 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to Open Air Stereo.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Open Air Stereo
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Key Information
Open Air Stereo is a rock band that originated in Laguna Beach, California.[1]
Biography
[edit]In early 2001, Chase Johnson, Kelan and Braeden Hurley, along with Ryah Arthur formed Stulpigeon, a band that played mostly covers of songs by groups such as Foo Fighters and Incubus. Drummer Nick Gross joined the band in 2002.[1] In 2006, the group, now called Open Air Stereo, gained national exposure on the MTV program Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.[1] The band claims influences such as Rage Against the Machine, Muse, Incubus, Led Zeppelin and The Doors, evident in their older work, with their later work adopting a more pop punk-esque sound.
The band independently released a self-titled EP in April 2005. Following the success of their break-thru single, they signed to Epic Records. They have released two albums titled Primates and Living Proof.[2]
2008-present
[edit]In March 2008, both Kelan Hurley (guitar) and Braeden Hurley (bass) left the band to pursue other passions according to the band's myspace, they have been replaced by Scott Pounds on guitar and Dan Pappas on bass.
On September 11, 2008 drummer Nick Gross posted on the group's official website this statement. "If you guys haven't noticed, Open Air Stereo has gone on an indefinite hiatus. The issues that happened remain closed to the public for the time being. OAS hopes to regroup sometime towards the end of the year, but nothing is for sure. We are very sorry to give you guys this news and we thank you all for such great support over the years. Cheers"[3]
In October 2008, Chase Johnson was on the red carpet of Christian Audigier for Mercedes-Benz LA Fashion Week.
As of February 2009 drummer Nick Gross has joined California rapper Thrasher as part of his touring band and recorded on his EP as well. As of January 2010 Gross is no longer touring with Thrasher.
February 2010 Drummer Nick Gross is currently working with up and coming artist Lolene and is a part of her touring band.
As of March 2010 Chase Johnson has formed a new band called Hard James.
In late 2010, Chase Johnson and Nick Gross reconvened and reactivated Open Air Stereo. It also appears that Scott Pounds and Dan Pappas, who briefly replaced Kelan and Braeden Hurley right before the band's hiatus are back as well.
By 2016 "Open Air Stereo" had disbanded and Johnson and Gross had founded a new band named "Half the Animal".[4]
Open Air Stereo on Laguna Beach
[edit]The third season of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County began filming in December 2005 and premiered in mid-August 2006. While Open Air Stereo was mentioned sparingly early in the season by the last two episodes placed a heavy emphasis on the circumstances and emotions surrounding the "band's" major-label signing with Epic Records.[1][5] Members of the band have commented on how the show has affected its career trajectory. "It was always our main goal of getting on the show to gain more exposure for our band. We really cared about the show to be honest. It was weird how it all evolved. They had already been filming for a few weeks and were like "Fine, we will put your band on tv." According to Gross, "Whether it's the 'Real OC' or not, we knew it would be stupid to pass up an opportunity to reach out to more people and have them hear our "music", and we're going to make it work."
Discography
[edit]Albums
- Primates (album) (2013)
- Living Proof (album)
EP
- Open Air Stereo (EP) (2005)
Members
[edit]Former Members
[edit]- Kelan Hurley - guitar and vocals (2001–2008)
- Braeden Hurley - bass (2001–2008)
- Dan Pappas- bass (2008,2010–2011)
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Open Air Stereo - Biography & History - AllMusic". AllMusic. Archived from the original on August 12, 2013. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
- ^ "Open Air Stereo - AXS TV". www.axs.tv. Archived from the original on August 4, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
- ^ "News". www.openairstereo.com. Archived from the original on May 30, 2009. Retrieved March 27, 2009.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "This Band From 'Laguna Beach' Is Even Hotter Now". galoremag.com. October 14, 2016. Archived from the original on March 10, 2018. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
- ^ "Front Page". Archived from the original on March 22, 2017.
- ^ "INTERVIEW – Nick Gross of Open Air Stereo, May 2013". 100percentrock.com. May 28, 2013. Archived from the original on July 27, 2013. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
- ^ https://www.facebook.com/pages/OPEN-AIR-STEREO-Fan-Page/171846812856108?sk=info [user-generated source]
External links
[edit]
Open Air Stereo
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Formation and early years
Open Air Stereo was formed in 2001 in Laguna Beach, California, by high school friends Chase Johnson on lead vocals, Kelan Hurley on lead guitar, and Braeden Hurley on bass. Drummer Nick Gross joined shortly thereafter in 2002, solidifying the initial lineup. The band initially operated under the precursor name Stulpigeon before adopting Open Air Stereo in the mid-2000s, drawing from the vibrant Southern California indie rock scene.[11][12] During their early years, the band immersed themselves in the local music community, performing frequently at venues across Orange County and Southern California to cultivate a grassroots audience. Notable spots included the House of Blues in Anaheim and Chain Reaction, where they honed their energetic live sets amid the competitive regional circuit. These performances helped them connect with fans in the independent scene, though they operated without significant industry backing or widespread recognition at the time.[13] In April 2005, Open Air Stereo independently released their self-titled debut EP, marking a key milestone in their pre-fame development. Produced without major label support, the EP featured eight tracks: "Last Words," "S.H.E.," "Seed," "On These Crowded Streets," "21 Stars," "Coughdrop," "Innocense," and "(Late Night) Phone Call." The release underscored their DIY ethos and efforts to gain traction locally, facing hurdles like limited distribution and the need to build visibility through word-of-mouth and regional gigs.[14]Rise to fame via Laguna Beach
Open Air Stereo's breakthrough came in 2006 through their prominent feature on the third season of MTV's reality series Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, where frontman Chase Johnson served as a main cast member and the band received significant screen time.[6] The exposure began early in the season, with their songs "Seed" and "Highest Heights" featured in episode 2, and "21 Stars" appearing in episode 14, helping to introduce their emo-infused rock sound to a national audience.[15] This visibility culminated in episode 14, titled "Show Them What You've Got," which showcased the band's live performance for Epic Records executives, highlighting their potential and directly tying the show's narrative to their career aspirations.[16] The MTV spotlight rapidly translated into a major-label deal, as Open Air Stereo signed with Epic Records (a Sony BMG imprint) later that year, managed by Bobby Collin, with label president Charlie Walk credited for securing the contract.[17] This signing was a pivotal moment, serving as early promotion for their anticipated debut album and generating immediate media interest, including coverage in entertainment outlets that noted the band's transition from local Laguna Beach act to national prospects.[18] Following the deal, the band began recording sessions in Los Angeles, producing demos and original tracks intended for the album, though creative differences eventually stalled progress after over a year and a half of work.[1] The Laguna Beach exposure fueled substantial fan growth and media buzz from 2006 to 2008, elevating the band from playing to small crowds of family and friends to drawing thousands, as evidenced by their sold-out headline show at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles at the close of the season's storyline.[19] Interviews and profiles during this period emphasized the TV platform's role in their ascent, with the band's appearances contributing to peak popularity metrics such as widespread MTV airplay and mentions in pop culture recaps, though no major chart success emerged without a full album release.[20] This era marked their highest profile, blending reality TV drama with musical ambition to captivate a young demographic.[11]Hiatus and lineup changes
In March 2008, Open Air Stereo announced an indefinite hiatus, citing the need for personal growth amid internal challenges and stalled progress on their debut album with Sony Epic Records. The band's statement emphasized that "the issues that happened remain closed to the public for the time being," while highlighting their familial bond and desire to mature individually before advancing together. This pause was precipitated by creative blockades during recording sessions, compounded by pressures from label expectations following their exposure on MTV's Laguna Beach.[1] The hiatus was immediately preceded by the departure of guitarist Kelan Hurley and bassist Braeden Hurley, original members since the band's formation in 2001. Their exits, occurring in early 2008, stemmed from creative differences and a mutual recognition that the group required time apart to evolve personally, disrupting the established dynamics and leaving vocalists Chase Johnson and drummer Nick Gross to reassess the band's direction. These changes intensified the sense of uncertainty, as the core songwriting contributions from the Hurley brothers had been integral to Open Air Stereo's early sound.[1] To navigate the transitional period, Johnson and Gross briefly brought in temporary musicians, including guitarist Scott Pounds in 2008 to fill the void left by Kelan Hurley, and Dan Pappas on bass for a short stint. These additions allowed for limited activity but underscored the instability, as the band grappled with post-fame challenges such as typecasting from their Laguna Beach association and the commercial demands that had shifted focus from artistic development. During this roughly three-year break, members pursued individual paths; notably, drummer Nick Gross engaged in various music projects, laying groundwork for future endeavors like founding the band girlfriends and Big Noise Music Group.[1][8]Reformation and later career
Following a three-year split after their early major-label efforts, Open Air Stereo reformed in the early 2010s, reuniting core members Chase Johnson on lead vocals and Nick Gross on drums to pursue new material.[1] Guitarist Scott Pounds and bassist Evan Smith soon joined the lineup, solidifying the group as a Southern California-based quartet during this independent phase.[19] The reformed band released their debut full-length album, Primates, in May 2013 via Goomba Music, marking a shift to self-directed production after previous label constraints.[19][21] This 11-track effort captured their evolved alt-rock sound, with Johnson noting in interviews that the reunion allowed for creative freedom unhindered by prior commercial pressures.[1] To promote the album, they undertook a U.S. tour in 2013, including stops in support of acts like Hinder and Candlebox, and recorded a live session for Audiotree Live on October 7, 2013, featuring acoustic renditions of tracks like "Damned" and "Where Do We Go?"[12] Activity continued through 2015 with additional live dates, highlighted by a performance at the Kaaboo Del Mar Festival on September 20, 2015, alongside major acts.[12] The band disbanded in 2016, as Johnson and Gross announced a creative pivot, rebranding their collaboration as Half the Animal to explore fresh directions while retaining elements of Open Air Stereo's pop-rock foundation.[10][8] As of 2025, there has been no further activity under the Open Air Stereo name.Musical style and influences
Genre and sound characteristics
Open Air Stereo was primarily classified as an alternative pop rock band incorporating emo and indie rock elements, often characterized as "emo's answer to the Monkees" due to its blend of emotionally resonant lyrics with catchy, youthful hooks that evoke a sense of playful accessibility.[5][6] The band's sound emphasized upbeat rhythms and steady percussion, providing an energetic foundation that drove tracks forward, complemented by guitar-driven arrangements featuring mesmerizing chords and occasional experimental edges reminiscent of early 2000s alternative rock.[20] Central to their sonic identity were the melodic yet raspy and soulful vocals of lead singer Chase Johnson, which delivered strong, emotive performances over harmonious choruses designed for sing-along appeal, as heard in radio-friendly anthems like those on their debut album Primates.[20] Percussion played a prominent role, with heavy drumming underscoring grungy loudness in heavier sections while transitioning smoothly into softer, pop-oriented builds, creating a dynamic contrast that meshed classic rock influences with modern polish.[20] This arrangement style contributed to a signature beachy, California vibe in their themes, reflecting the band's Laguna Beach roots through laid-back yet vibrant energy that infused lyrics with themes of youth, relationships, and coastal introspection.[5][19] The band's sound evolved notably over time, beginning with a rawer indie rock foundation during their formative years from 2001 to 2005, marked by self-released material that earned local recognition in Southern California's music scene.[22] Following their 2006 signing to Epic Records, the band aimed for a more polished pop-rock direction, incorporating pop-punk-esque accessibility and radio-friendly production to broaden appeal, though the hiatus delayed releases until their independent debut Primates in 2013, which reflected this evolution.[8] After a hiatus and lineup changes in the late 2000s, their reformation led to a return to rawer alternative rock elements in independent work, emphasizing tighter, economical execution while retaining core rhythmic and vocal signatures.[1][20]Key influences and evolution
Open Air Stereo's musical influences drew heavily from both classic pop and alternative rock traditions, blending accessible melodies with emotional intensity. The band has been characterized as "emo's answer to the Monkees," reflecting the pop accessibility of the 1960s group alongside the raw emotional depth of early 2000s emo acts.[5] In interviews, frontman Chase Johnson highlighted The Beatles as his primary influence, particularly their melodic craftsmanship in tracks like "Paperback Writer," while citing broader inspirations including Incubus for early alternative rock energy, Foo Fighters for dynamic rock structures, and Muse for expansive, anthemic elements.[1] Additional nods to U2, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Coldplay, Aerosmith, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Sublime underscored a SoCal-infused mix of funk, ska, and alternative vibes that shaped their foundational sound.[23][24] The band's style evolved across distinct phases, mirroring their career trajectory from local obscurity to mainstream exposure and back to independent authenticity. In their pre-fame years, rooted in Southern California's beach culture, Open Air Stereo exhibited a raw, energetic sound influenced by regional acts like Sublime and Incubus, incorporating elements of alternative rock that captured the unpolished vitality of Orange County youth scenes.[1] Their 2006 appearance on MTV's Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County propelled them toward a more polished, mainstream appeal, leading to an Epic Records deal and a shift toward pop-punk and alternative pop structures evident in their self-released EP and subsequent releases.[5] Following a hiatus due to creative differences and label issues around 2008, the band reformed in 2011 with a refined lineup, returning to an authentic alt-pop core on their 2013 debut album Primates, which Johnson described as a reflection of personal and musical growth, balancing high-energy tracks with introspective, easy-listening moments.[1][19] Lyrically, Open Air Stereo's work centered on themes of youth, relationships, and coastal life, evolving from naive exuberance to more reflective maturity. Early songs evoked the carefree yet tumultuous experiences of young adulthood in Southern California, with references to beachside romance and personal discovery, as seen in tracks like "Seed" featured on Laguna Beach.[5] Post-hiatus, their lyrics deepened into explorations of growth, family, and self-realization, drawing directly from band members' lived experiences to convey emotional resilience amid life's transitions— a shift epitomized in Primates, where the title itself symbolized evolutionary progress from youthful impulses to grounded introspection.[1] As part of the mid-2000s MTV reality TV wave, Open Air Stereo shared parallels with contemporaries like The Prom Kings, another band boosted by exposure on MTV reality shows such as Twentyfourseven, both leveraging pseudo-reality formats to transition from local acts to national attention in the pop-rock and alternative scenes.[25] This era's "MTV-reality band" phenomenon, including ties to Laguna Beach castmates like Kelan Hurley, positioned them alongside other SoCal-originated groups navigating the blend of indie authenticity and commercial polish.[5]Discography
Studio albums
Open Air Stereo's debut studio album, Living Proof, was released independently on February 21, 2012, via CD Baby and S.T.R.Z. Enterprises.[4][26] The album, recorded at S.T.R.Z. Enterprises, features eight tracks blending alt-pop and rock elements, with a runtime of approximately 37 minutes.[27] Standout tracks include "Hung Over You" and "Stuck On You," showcasing the band's early energetic sound and vocal-driven style led by Chase Johnson.| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marauder | ? |
| 2 | The Right | ? |
| 3 | Give Me Everything | ? |
| 4 | Heaven | ? |
| 5 | What You Want | ? |
| 6 | Stuck On You | ? |
| 7 | Where Do We Go | ? |
| 8 | Hung Over You | ? |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marauder | 1:01 |
| 2 | The Right | 3:00 |
| 3 | Love Is Blind | 3:16 |
| 4 | Give Me Everything | 3:44 |
| 5 | Stuck On You | 4:10 |
| 6 | Damned | 3:35 |
| 7 | Where Do We Go | 3:32 |
| 8 | Hung Over You | 4:19 |
| 9 | What You Want | 4:14 |
| 10 | Living Proof | 3:11 |
| 11 | Your Way Is My Way | 2:58 |
Extended plays and singles
Open Air Stereo's debut extended play, titled Open Air Stereo, was independently released on CD in 2005 through their own label, Not On Label. Recorded during the band's formative years in Southern California, the EP captured their early alternative rock sound with raw energy and featured eight tracks that showcased the original lineup's songwriting. The tracklist includes:- "Last Words"
- "S.H.E."
- "Seed"
- "On These Crowded Streets"
- "21 Stars"
- "Coughdrop"
- "Innocense"
- "(Late Night) Phone Call"[14]