Appastar

Powerpop / Rock / Indie

Chicago IL

Billboard

Appastar Biography:

There's a certain fuzzy feeling you get when you listen to the pop-rock quintet, Appastar. Mornings seem brighter, midnights seem calmer, and a smile can take no effort at all. Appastar's mission statement has always been to make people happy through their music. Whether it be their cute fictionesque lyrics, their power driven guitars, or their sweetened vocal harmonies, Appastar promises to make you feel at home.

The Chicago suburban native band started in the summer of 2005 after the break up of their prequel band Udamen. Judd Ortiz (vocals, drums) and Allen Cruz (vocals, guitar) started the project to continue with their songwriting. Their duo status would be decided after much encouragement of their family and friends. This lead to the recording of their first e.p. "For the Breakfast Table" in the early winter of 2006. After a year of playing they realized their live shows needed more of a bang and enlisted the help of bassist and explosives expert Stephen Mortensen. A few months later, Allen's side group, "Lilacs for your Mother" joined up with Appastar adding the guitar work of Tim Malak, and the keyboard melodies of Chris Palafox. The departure of Judd would have their new drummer Zephaniah Whitt join the group. With that, their new and final lineup was formed. In the fall of 2007 they released their second E.P. consisting of 8 songs called, "The Sweetest of Memoreies." Each song is filled with metaphors of family and love, told in story by Mort and Allen's powerful voices. Bones from SwingsetSound has said, "your vocal work really stands out, and i'd love the chance to produce you guys at some point." Appastar's positive outlook on life shines through their music, and their funny dancing on stage. Their live shows include lots of comedic banter, non-stop movement, and constant crowd participation. People often say, "Holy crap! I love the vocals!" or "Your music made me wake up and dance in my house!"

These boys have created a sound that is unmatched by just any pop rocker. Being enclosed in such small space provokes strange creativity which might be heard in their music. Everyone will know the answer when they ask the question, "who sings this song again?" Some songs are fast paced pop-punk, while others are thought provoking acoustic ballads. Friends have compared Appastar to bands such as Daphne Loves Derby (Outlook), Motion City Soundtrack (Epitaph), This Providence (Fueled by Ramen), and have gone as far as to say that they are, "Eisley's (Warner Bros) hyper little brother." But even with all that said, none can compare to their feel-good energy both on and off stage. Appastar will challenge the pattern of unhappy music and turn your frowns upside down one song at a time. Please, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!