Early States was a Sacramento-area pop-rock band that emerged in the late 2000s with an arena-scaled, hook-driven sound, distinguishing itself from the region's dominant hardcore and metal scenes.[1] The group later shifted toward a more keyboard- and synth-heavy "electro-pop" direction.[2]
At a glance
- Sacramento group, formed around 2007.[1]
- Fronted by songwriter Zack Gray.[1]
- Debut EP Powerlines released November 2008.[1]
- Signed a music-licensing contract with Los Angeles firm Immediate Music — described as the first band to sign with the company.[1]
- Music later featured in multiple MTV programs and commercials.[3]
Origin and members
Early States formed roughly a year before its late-2008 Submerge feature, placing its founding around 2007.[1] The band was fronted by 18-year-old songwriter Zack Gray, with an average member age of about 19 at the time.[1] The 2008 lineup included Shaun O'Brien (guitar and keyboard), Brandon Lee (drums), and recent additions Tom Hatch (bass) and Nick Silva (lead guitar).[1] By a January 2011 live review the group was described as a three-piece, indicating a lineup change.[4]
Local status
Early States was repeatedly identified as a Sacramento band. The 2008 feature situated them within "the greater Sacramento area" and the "local music scene," contrasting their pop sensibility with hometown peers such as Tera Melos, Deftones, and Far.[1] A 2010 note called them a "Sacramento group,"[2] a 2011 live review described them as a "Sacramento three-piece,"[4] and Submerge's 100th Issue Party profile listed their "Home Base" as "Sacramento, Calif."[3] These consistent origin cues — not merely playing local shows — confirm a local classification.
Sound and evolution
The Powerlines-era material was characterized as melodic, hook-driven pop-rock with "expansive indie-rock pomp."[1] By late 2010 the band's in-progress full-length leaned into "electro-pop," with prominent keys, synths, and driving rhythms while retaining elements of their earlier rock vibe.[2] A 2011 live review compared their techno-infused pop to Muse and noted a U2-reminiscent guitar style.[4] Submerge's later capsule pitched them "For Fans Of" Muse, Coldplay, and The Killers.[3]
Releases
The debut EP Powerlines was officially released at a November 21, 2008 CD release show at Club Retro, though it appeared on PureVolume a week earlier as a free download (with the band featured on the front page) and subsequently reached iTunes, Amazon, and other online outlets.[1] As of December 2010 the band was working on an upcoming full-length, previewing songs including "Run," "Torch," and "Outside."[2] Live songs documented in 2011 included "Stop Calling Me Out" and "Smoke in My Eyes."[4]
Industry deals and placements
In 2008 Early States signed a licensing contract with Immediate Music, a major Los Angeles music-licensing firm; Gray said they were the first band to sign with the company.[1] The band also acquired a clothing endorsement from Dickies.[1] They planned to shop their music to record labels beginning in January 2009.[1] By the 100th Issue Party profile, their music had been featured in multiple MTV programs and commercials, including The Real World, True Life, Made, and Real World/Road Rules Challenge.[3]
Notable shows
- November 21, 2008: Powerlines CD release show at Club Retro.[1]
- December 10, 2010: at the Boardwalk with Amberglance and Wesley Avery (all ages).[2]
- January 21, 2011: at The Refuge in Sacramento on a bill with A Lot Like Birds, Not to Reason Why, The Dreaded Diamond, and Cryptics, where the band's set featured a lighting rig and stage smoke "appropriate on an arena tour."[4]
- June 11, 2011: opening Ace of Spades' first annual Second Saturday Rock N' Style show, co-headlined by Arden Park Roots and Lonely Kings.[5]
- December 16, 2011: Submerge's 100th Issue Party at Ace of Spades, alongside Sister Crayon, Tera Melos, Ganglians, Zuhg, and Random Abiladeze.[3]
- July 27, 2012: Friday Night Concerts in the Park at Cesar Chavez Park, on a bill with The Brodys and Hero's Last Mission.[6]
Scene relationships
Frontman Zack Gray also appeared in Submerge's 2009 "Love It, Or Hate It!" feature of local musicians.[7] The band shared bills with a wide cross-section of the Sacramento scene, including Tera Melos, Sister Crayon, Ganglians, Zuhg, Arden Park Roots, and Dogfood, and performed in flagship local series such as Submerge's 100th Issue Party and Friday Night Concerts in the Park.[3][5][6]
After Early States
Following the band's activity period, frontman Zack Gray went on to a solo career based in Las Vegas. According to his Spotify artist page, he released his debut solo output in 2017 and has accumulated over 100 million streams across platforms.[8] His solo releases have appeared on labels including Ophelia, Seeking Blue, Lost In Dreams, Lowly, and his own 191 Collective, the latter distributed via Sony/The Orchard.[8]