Formation and Early Years
Sleeping With Sirens was formed in 2009 in Orlando, Florida, when several musicians from distinct backgrounds decided to amalgamate their talents and create something unique in the post-hardcore scene. The members who laid the foundation for the band included frontman and lead vocalist Kellin Quinn, whose ethereal vocal range soon became the group’s signature. Alongside Quinn, the original lineup featured Jesse Lawson on rhythm guitar, Jack Fowler on lead guitar, Justin Hills on bass, and Gabe Barham on drums. Each member brought a wealth of experience from previous musical endeavors, enhancing their collective sound.
The band’s initial inspirations were varied, blending elements of rock, emo, and pop-punk. This eclectic mix allowed them to craft a sound that resonated intensely with a wide audience, particularly among younger listeners who were navigating similar emotional landscapes. The vision was clear from the start: to create music that could bridge the gap between raw emotions and melodious tunes. This ambition was underscored by their name, Sleeping With Sirens, which hints at a juxtaposition of serenity and tumult – a fitting representation of their musical journey.
However, the early years were fraught with challenges. One of the primary hurdles was standing out in an oversaturated market teeming with burgeoning bands. In addition to this, logistical struggles, including touring schedules and financial constraints, tested the members’ resolve. To differentiate themselves, they invested significant time in honing their sound and leveraging Quinn’s versatile voice, which could seamlessly transition from hauntingly soft melodies to powerful, piercing screams.
Persistence played a crucial role in their eventual breakthrough. After gaining a modest following through online platforms and local gigs, their efforts culminated in their debut album, “With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear,” released in 2010. The album was a critical success, praised for its heartfelt lyrics and dynamic compositions. This initial success marked the beginning of Sleeping With Sirens’ ascent in the music scene, laying a strong foundation for their future endeavors and growth as a band.
Discography and Musical Evolution
Sleeping with Sirens made their debut in 2010 with the album With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear. This first release, rooted in post-hardcore with high-energy riffs and Kellen Quinn’s notable high-pitched vocals, quickly garnered attention within the alternative music scene. Lyrically, the album touched upon personal struggles and relationships, setting a strong foundation for the band’s thematic direction.
In 2011, the band released Let’s Cheers to This, showcasing a noticeable shift towards a more refined and melodic sound. This album maintained the band’s post-hardcore essence but introduced enhanced production quality and more polished songwriting. Tracks like “If You Can’t Hang” became fan favorites, while critics appreciated the band’s growth in compositional complexity and thematic depth.
Sleeping with Sirens continued to evolve with their 2013 release, Feel. This album marked a significant turning point with its incorporation of electronic elements and a broader range of vocal styles. Songs like “Alone” featured hip-hop influences, demonstrating the band’s experimental tendencies. While some critics lauded their boldness, others were divided over the new direction.
Their fourth album, Madness, released in 2015, highlighted a further shift towards a more mainstream rock sound. The album’s emphasis on anthemic choruses and radio-friendly production resonated well with a wider audience, though it sparked mixed reviews among long-time fans and critics who preferred their earlier rawness.
Gossip, released in 2017, continued this mainstream trajectory, but with a poppier twist. The album’s lighter tone and catchier hooks showcased the band’s willingness to explore new musical territories. However, it was met with a polarized reception, receiving both praise for its boldness and criticism for straying too far from their original sound.
In 2019, the band released How It Feels to Be Lost, signaling a return to their post-hardcore roots while blending in their evolved sound. This album was well-received by both fans and critics, hailed as a mature and balanced representation of their musical journey. Emphasizing raw emotion and poignant lyrical content, it showcased the band’s ability to merge their past and present styles cohesively.
Their latest efforts continue to reflect their dynamic evolution. Each album in their discography symbolizes a chapter in their multifaceted journey, illustrating their adaptability and continuous growth as artists.
Major Tours and Performances
Sleeping with Sirens has a rich history of tours and performances that have significantly shaped their career. From their early days, the band performed at small, intimate venues, gradually building a dedicated fan base. Their initial tours included extensive U.S. and European legs, allowing them to cultivate a diverse following. These small venue shows were crucial for developing their energetic live presence and connecting closely with their audience.
As their popularity grew, Sleeping with Sirens embarked on larger tours, such as the “Let’s Cheers to This” tour, following the success of their second album. This tour was a turning point, seeing the band perform in larger venues and gaining more visibility. Their dynamic performances and lead vocalist Kellin Quinn’s distinctive voice, coupled with high-energy stage presence, garnered them critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
One of the band’s most notable tours was the “Feel” tour, promoting their 2013 album “Feel”. This tour saw them headlining notable music festivals and larger international arenas. They delivered powerful performances at events like Warped Tour, where they were a staple for several years, and UK’s Reading and Leeds Festivals, cementing their status as a prominent band in the post-hardcore music scene.
Throughout their career, Sleeping with Sirens has also participated in various special performances and acoustic sets. Their acoustic albums, such as “Live and Acoustic”, showcased a different, more intimate side of the band, receiving positive reception for their versatility in adapting their more aggressive sound into harmonious acoustic renditions. These stripped-down performances often included heartfelt fan interactions, adding a personal touch to their music.
Beyond their own headlining tours, they have also been a supporting act for renowned bands like Pierce the Veil and All Time Low, further broadening their exposure and appeal. These collaborations and festival appearances have been pivotal in solidifying their presence in the alternative rock and post-hardcore genres.
Band Members and Personal Facts
Sleeping with Sirens is composed of a group of talented musicians, each bringing unique skills and personal flair to the band. The current lineup includes Kellin Quinn (vocals), Justin Hills (bass guitar), Nick Martin (rhythm guitar), and Matty Best (drums). Over the years, each member has contributed significantly to the band’s sound and success, encompassing a wide range of influences and talents.
Kellin Quinn, the lead vocalist, has been a driving force behind the band’s distinctive sound. Known for his impressive vocal range and emotive performances, Quinn cites artists like Usher and Frank Sinatra as influential to his singing style. Beyond his work with Sleeping with Sirens, Quinn is also involved in a side project called “Before You Exit,” and he is an avid supporter of mental health awareness, often using his platform to advocate for this cause.
Bassist Justin Hills has been with the band since its formation. Hills brings a rhythmic backbone that is crucial to the band’s heavy yet melodic sound. A fan of punk rock and metal, Hills’ personal influences include bands like Blink-182 and Metallica. Outside of music, Hills is passionate about animal welfare and often volunteers at local shelters to raise awareness and support for homeless animals.
Nick Martin, who joined Sleeping with Sirens in 2013, plays rhythm guitar. Martin’s background in post-hardcore and rock genres has allowed him to merge seamlessly into the group’s dynamic. He lists bands like Saosin and The Used as personal favorites. In addition to his role in the band, Martin is engaged in various philanthropic efforts, particularly focused on youth education and empowerment programs.
Finally, Matty Best on drums adds a unique layer to the band’s sound with his versatile drumming style. Joining Sleeping with Sirens in 2019, Best draws influence from legendary drummers like John Bonham and Dave Grohl. When he’s not behind the drum kit, Best enjoys painting and is an advocate for the arts in his community, often participating in local art shows and events.
Each member of Sleeping with Sirens brings a rich, diverse background to the table, contributing to the band’s enduring appeal and success. Whether through their side projects, social causes, or personal hobbies, they continue to inspire and connect with fans worldwide.