Band
The Starting Line
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“Say It Like You Mean It”
The Starting Line began in Churchville, Pennsylvania, in 1999, initiated by guitarist Matt Watts, who connected with vocalist and bassist Kenny Vasoli through an online search. The original lineup solidified with Watts, Vasoli, guitarist Mike Golla, and drummer Tom Gryskewicz. An early member, Ryan Altmiller, was also briefly involved. Initially performing as Sunday Drive, the band recorded a demo titled “Four Songs” and built a local following before signing with Drive-Thru Records in April 2001.
Their debut EP, With Hopes of Starting Over…, was released in July 2001, setting the stage for their first full-length album. In July 2002, The Starting Line released Say It Like You Mean It, which quickly became a significant release in the pop-punk and emo scenes. The album featured popular tracks like “The Best of Me,” gaining the band broader recognition and radio airplay. This period culminated with the release of The Make Yourself at Home EP in November 2003, further showcasing their developing sound.
“Island”
The Starting Line continued their momentum with the release of their second album, Based on a True Story, in 2005. The album showcased a continued evolution in their songwriting. During this time, Brian Schmutz joined the band as a touring keyboardist in 2005, officially becoming a full member by 2007, adding new layers to their live performances and studio recordings.
After a brief stint with Geffen Records, from which they requested a release, The Starting Line signed with Virgin Records in early 2006. Under Virgin, they released their third studio album, Direction, in 2007. This album featured the single “Island,” which garnered rock radio attention and further cemented their presence in the alternative music landscape. The band’s sound during this era explored more intricate arrangements while maintaining their melodic sensibilities.
“Anyways”
In March 2008, The Starting Line announced an indefinite hiatus, allowing members to focus on other musical endeavors. Kenny Vasoli and Brian Schmutz formed Person L, while Matt Watts and Tom Gryskewicz worked with The Seventy Six, and Mike Golla pursued The Traded Series. Despite the break, the band periodically reunited for special performances, including annual “Reconnect” holiday shows and a 10th-anniversary tour for Say It Like You Mean It in 2012.
The band’s return to new material was signaled in 2015 when Kenny Vasoli confirmed they were working on new music. This led to the release of the Anyways EP in December 2015, marking their first studio output in nine years. The EP was met with anticipation from fans and solidified Brian Schmutz’s full-time status within the band. This period demonstrated the enduring connection among the members and their audience.
“Sense of Humor”
Since 2016, The Starting Line has maintained a presence through touring and appearances at various festivals, including the When We Were Young Festival. The band’s commitment to their craft and their fanbase continued, leading to a significant announcement in 2025: their fourth studio album, Eternal Youth, would be released on September 26, 2025.
This album marks a new chapter, as it is being released independently on their newly formed imprint, Lineage Recordings, a move the band stated allowed for their “most PURE form of expression.” Singles like “Sense of Humor” and “Circulate” preceded the album’s release, showcasing a blend of their established melodic style with a refined maturity. Eternal Youth represents the band’s longevity and their continued collaborative spirit, with all original members still intact since their 1999 formation, alongside Brian Schmutz.
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