The members of Way To Fall have pop punk running through their veins. When Jake Baker (drums), Ian Milligan (guitar) and Kevin Vermillion (vocals, guitar), of Bath, met and realized their combined passion for the pop punk genre, creating a band was something they felt they just had to do.
"I got a drum set and Kevin got an electric guitar," Baker said. "I played snare drum in band, but other than that I never really played. We spent our first summer as a band learning and getting the hang of it."
A year later, Seth Rentfrow (vocals, bass) joined Way To Fall and completed the lineup. They recorded a demo that Baker coined Greatest Hits, which included eight original songs and a cover of Blink 182's hit single "Dammit." All 100 copies the band recorded were sold.
With the success of its first release and some experience to pave the way, Way To Fall had the motivation it needed to begin a follow-up album. In March 2009, the band teamed up with Elm Street Recording in Lansing- the same studio where Greatest Hits was recorded- to work on an EP that would boast seven original songs. By March 2010, the band had put the final pieces of the album together.
"We have definitely grown since the demo," Baker said. "The songs are more structured now and Seth's voice and the songwriting have matured. Overall, we've kept it pretty simple."
Influenced by bands like Blink 182 and Green Day, Way To Fall strives to create the high energy performances these bands are known for. To draw creativity, the members simply look to their everyday experiences.
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Way to Fall wsg Elliot Street Lunatic, Res Publica, Three Cents Short Mac's Bar, Lansing BAND: Way To Fall |
"When you're 16, 17, or 18 years old, you're not a world philosopher," Baker said. "It's like, ‘Oh man, the girl I like laughed at me when I spilled food on my shirt during lunch.' That's usually what our songs are about- growing up, and friendships, and trying to figure out your place in the world."
Way To Fall will promote its new EP at Mac's Bar in Lansing on May 22, along with Elliot Street Lunatic, Res Publica and Three Cents Short. Copies of The Falling EP will be available for $5. May 22 also marks the last performance of Jake Baker and Ian Milligan as members of Way To Fall, as they are moving on to pursue degrees at Central Michigan University.
