The Active Set
The Active Set live at the Fonda Theatre in 2019 (photo by Michelle Shiers)
The Active Set live at the Fonda Theatre in 2019 (photo by Michelle Shiers)
Background information
OriginLos Angeles, California, United States
Genres
Years active2007–present
Members
  • Matthew Stolarz
  • Alen Racedo
  • Jason Friday
Websitewww.theactiveset.com

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), Alen Racedo (bass) and Jason Friday (guitar).

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 with producer Jason LaRocca. Shortly thereafter he assembled a band and began playing live and 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] The band followed this with two regional tours.

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 7-song second album Lights was released January 22.

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.[11]

The band spent much of 2016 mostly writing and playing select shows, including opening for Eve 6 on their 2016 tour.[12] 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,[13] as well as some Sofar Sounds acoustic performances.

2018 was spent mostly writing songs for a new record, but on October 22, 2018, the band released a music video for "Let's Go Out Tonight".[14]

In 2019 the band recorded the first third of their new record at Sunset Sound Recorders and La-Rocc-A-Fella Studios, opened for Mae and Matt Thiessen,[15] and also did a short run of shows supporting White Lies on the West Coast.[16]

In 2020, the band was forced to cancel all tour plans due to the COVID-19 lockdown, and on May 11 released "Difficulties", the first single from their new album.

Discography

Studio albums

Year Album
2015 Lights
2011 11

EPs

Year EP
2016 Everything Changes
2008 The Active Set

Singles

Year Single
2020 Difficulties
2016 Say Goodbye
2016 Let's Go Out Tonight
2014 Shut 'Em Down
2012 Making Out (Is the Best Part of Christmas)
2011 Famous For Dying
2011 It Multiplies
2010 Let The Games Begin

Music Videos

Year Video
2018 Let's Go Out Tonight
2014 Shut 'Em Down
2013 Run (at Vista Murrieta High School)
2012 Making Out (is the Best Part of Christmas)
2011 Famous For Dying
2011 It Multiplies
2010 Let The Games Begin

References

  1. ↑ "MUSIC FAN'S MIC//: The Active Set: Let The Games Begin". Musicfansmic.net. May 24, 2010. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
  2. ↑ "The Active Set releases new song "It Multiplies"". Under the Gun Review. January 31, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
  3. ↑ Hallam, Scott (October 22, 2011). "The Active Set Has Some Zombie Fun with Famous for Dying Video". Dread Central. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
  4. ↑ "L.A. Unheard: The Active Set's jittery rock". November 15, 2011.
  5. ↑ Lotkhamnga, Seraphina (November 11, 2011). "Ears Wide Open: The Active Set". Buzzbands.la. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
  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)"". KROQ. December 10, 2012. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
  8. ↑ Franko, Vanessa (June 7, 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". lamusicblog.com/. May 7, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Stream: The Active Set, 'Shut 'Em Down'". Buzzbands LA. July 11, 2014.
  11. ↑ "BLOC PARTY AND THE ACTIVE SET RATTLE THE GLASS HOUSE WITH INDIE ROCK SHEEN". Grimy Goods. August 20, 2015.
  12. ↑ "Eve 6 - Tickets - Velvet Jones - Santa Barbara, CA - September 7th, 2016". Velvet Jones. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  13. ↑ "Echo Park Rising 2017: Here are your set times for this weekend". Buzzbands LA. August 14, 2017.
  14. ↑ "The Active Set - Let's Go Out Tonight (Official Video)". YouTube.
  15. ↑ "Mae with Matthew Thiessen (of Relient K) and The Active Set in Los Angeles". Eventful.
  16. ↑ "White Lies, The Active Set". August Hall site.
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