The Active Set

The Active Set
The Active Set live in 2016
Background information
Origin Los Angeles, California, United States
Genres
Years active 2007–present
Labels
Chisel Pixel Records
Associated acts The Briggs Math and Silences Matthew Stolarz
Website www.theactiveset.com
Members Matthew Stolarz
Gabriel Grinta
Alen Racedo

The Active Set is an indie/alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California formed in 2007. The band consists of Matthew Stolarz (lead vocals, guitar), Gabriel Grinta (drums) and Alen Racedo (bass).

History

The Active Set was formed after Matthew Stolarz departed his position as bassist for punk rock band The Briggs. Unsuccessful with his first attempt at putting a band together, he recorded the first Active Set EP at Aermotor Studios in Sunland, CA. Shortly thereafter guitarists Charlie Capen and Wayne Russell joined, as well as drummer Morgan Murphy, and the band began playing live. Later that year Capen left and was replaced by guitarist Francis Ramsden (Champion The Average). The following year Murphy left town and was replaced by Michael Castro. The band toured regionally, including trips to SXSW.

Over 2010/2011 three singles, "Let The Games Begin"[1] "It Multiplies"[2] and "Famous For Dying" [3] were released digitally (with accompanying videos) as the band continued playing regularly and tracking their first album. 11 was released in late 2011 on Chisel Pixel Records to favorable reviews, including the L.A. Times[4] and Buzzbands L.A.[5] The song "Better Brigade" was featured in Season 3 of Royal Pains on the USA Network.[6]

The band toured regionally in early 2012, including another trip to SXSW and several weeks in the East Coast/Midwest, opening for Neon Trees and Awolnation. In December 2012 alt-rock radio station KROQ launched the video for a charity-driven Christmas single by the band.[7]

In July 2013 the band played a fundraising concert at Vista Murrieta High School with Neon Trees that raised funds for various school programs.[8] The event was documented in the "Run" concert video. In August the band played the Sunset Strip Music Festival with other acts such as Linkin Park, Awolnation, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and others and was named one of the "Top 5 Bands" at the festival by LA Music Blog.[9] After two regional tours in the fall guitarist Wayne Russell departed the band to form Wiveton Downs and bassist Alen Racedo joined.

The first new single "Shut 'Em Down" was released online in July 2014, and spent ten weeks in rotation on KROQ Locals Only. .[10]

The new EP Lights was released January 22. Months later, Francis Ramsden departed the band to continue touring with Enrique Iglesias.[11]

In August 2015 the band supported Bloc Party on two sold-out club shows leading up to their appearance at FYF Fest in Los Angeles. [12]

The band spent much of 2016 mostly writing and playing select shows, including opening for Eve 6 on their 2016 tour[13]. They released their third EP Everything Changes on November 18 and played a headlining release show at the Satellite in Silverlake.

In 2017, the band took a hiatus from live shows to work on new music and explore other creative endeavors, but played the New Professor Records showcase at Echo Park Rising,[14] as well as some Sofar Sounds acoustic performances.

The band is set to release a new video in 2018, and is currently working on their second studio album. [15]


Discography

Studio albums

Year Album
2011 11

EPs

Year EP
2008 The Active Set
2015 Lights
2016 Everything Changes

Singles

Year Single
2010 Let The Games Begin
2011 It Multiplies
2011 Famous For Dying
2012 Making Out (Is the Best Part of Christmas)
2014 Shut 'Em Down
2016 Let's Go Out Tonight

Music Videos

Year Video
2010 Let The Games Begin
2011 It Multiplies
2011 Famous For Dying
2012 Making Out (is the Best Part of Christmas)
2013 Run (at Vista Murrieta High School)
2014 Shut 'Em Down

References

  1. "MUSIC FAN'S MIC//: The Active Set: Let The Games Begin". Musicfansmic.net. 2010-05-24. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
  2. "The Active Set releases new song "It Multiplies"". Under the Gun Review. 2011-01-31. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
  3. Hallam, Scott (2011-10-22). "The Active Set Has Some Zombie Fun with Famous for Dying Video". Dread Central. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
  4. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/11/la-unheard-the-active-set.html
  5. Seraphina Lotkhamnga (2011-11-11). "Ears Wide Open: The Active Set". Buzzbands.la. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
  6. "ROYAL PAINS SONG LIST: SEASON THREE". usanetwork.com.
  7. "The Active Set Release New Video For "Making Out (Is The Best Part Of Christmas)" « The World Famous KROQ". Kroq.cbslocal.com. 2012-12-10. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
  8. Franko, Vanessa (7 June 2013). "MURRIETA: The Active Set to open for Neon Trees". The Press Enterprise. The Press Enterprise.
  9. "TOP 5 LA BANDS AT SUNSET STRIP MUSIC FESTIVAL 2013". http://lamusicblog.com/. External link in |website= (help)
  10. "Stream: The Active Set, 'Shut 'Em Down'". Buzzbands LA.
  11. Ramsden, Francis (1 June 2015). "Enrique Iglesias Recovering After Fingers Sliced At Concert". The Telegraph. The Telegraph.
  12. "BLOC PARTY AND THE ACTIVE SET RATTLE THE GLASS HOUSE WITH INDIE ROCK SHEEN". Grimy Goods.
  13. "Eve 6 - Tickets - Velvet Jones - Santa Barbara, CA - September 7th, 2016". Velvet Jones. Retrieved 2017-07-27.
  14. "Echo Park Rising 2017: Here are your set times for this weekend". Buzzbands LA.
  15. "new video coming soon". Instagram. Retrieved 2018-06-28.
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