Look Afraid
Encyclopedia
Look Afraid is an Ohio-based rock band formed in 2007. They won the international competition called Famecast in December 2007.
band called The Proles became the original lead guitarist. When auditioning bass players, Ulanski suggested that Sam Duff, who was playing bass in The Proles, audition and he soon became a permanent member of Look Afraid. When Mike's time restraints with the Proles became too much for the band, the five of them agreed that Mike would step down and Cole Walsh-Davis, formerly of the Culling Song, was asked to join the group.
The now finalized lineup entered the studio with producer Brian Whitten to record their debut EP, Zombie Dance Party, in June 2007. The EP, along with nonstop playing, garnered Look Afraid a number of dedicated fans, who the band took to calling "Fraidy Cats", who would help the band tremendously as they won an international talent competition hosted by Famecast in December 2007. The band took home $10,000 and much press attention after beating hundreds of bands from around the world. Aaron Burgess of Spin Magazine was at their performance in Austin, Texas and called them "A Badass Rock Band" (can be seen in print beneath the live performance video). Look Afraid also collaborated with legendary poster artist Jeff Gaither
, who has designed images for the Misfits, Van Halen
and Guns N' Roses
, on two poster designs for a series of Halloween shows, one of which was featured on the cover of Miami University's Amusement Magazine.
The band rode this surge of attention back into the studio in January 2008, again with Whitten at the helm, to produce the Rock N' Roll Glory Hole EP. A much darker and more rock oriented disc than their first, the EP showed a maturity in the more seasoned band, and their live shows continued to garner attention. The band recorded their third Whitten-produced EP, entitled Drive, which included the track "Hell City," the official theme song of the world famous Hell City tattoo convention, which was be held in Columbus, Ohio on May 29–31, 2009. The song will also be featured on the official DVD of the festival which was released in Fall 2009.
Look Afraid recorded their fourth EP, a split with Cincinnati's Banderas called Hired Guns, with producer Mitch Wyatt in January 2009. The EP features two new original tracks as well as a cover of Banderas' "Ground Out Heel". The band contributed the song "Bring in the Tide" to the soundtrack of An Education in Rebellion, an upcoming biography of Motley Crue
bassist Nikki Sixx
, due out in 2010.
In addition to Look Afraid, Sam plays bass for Loudmouth, a punk band from Cincinnati, with original Look Afraid guitarist, Mike Ulanski.
Vegas, Mat, and Cole perform as Cadaver Dogs
, and have opened up for various bands and recently had a very successful East Coast tour.
Alex is a member of Foxy Shazam
, singing backup and playing trumpet. Look Afraid have opened for Foxy Shazam on tour and at Foxy's Snow Show at The Madison Theater in December 2008.
Look Afraid have shared the stage with a number of other notable bands including The Pink Spiders, Nightmare of You
, River City Rebels
, Drive By
, Inhale Exhale
, The Showdown
, Karate High School
, LoveHateHero
, Blessed By A Broken Heart
, Dr. Manhattan, The A.K.A.'s, Agraceful, The Wonder Years
, I See Stars
, The Bad Rabbits, and The Young Veins
.
"[Look Afraid] have grown into a full-scale, badass rock band that could easily slide into any number of scenes and take over. And while I realize image isn't everything, the fact that you guys even LOOK like a rock 'n' roll band will only add points for all the industry scumbags out there scouting for a new band to break....Whether it's on a Warped Tour up-and-comer stage or as support for some suit-wearing Scandinavian rock-revival gods, I predict we'll all be hearing and seeing much more from you in the very near future." -Aaron Burgess, Writer for SPIN/Revolver/Alternative Press
"Oxford, Home of Miami University, isn't quite the most conducive environment for budding young bands that want to play original music...That being said, it's all the more impressive when something original is born in the college town. The Pop Punk outfit LOOK AFRAID...constructs a throbbing, thrashing, uptempo sound in the vein of Coheed and Cambria...The band is building momentum from the recognition of its members' past projects and the accessible and danceable sound they are now creating..."
-City Beat Aug. 8-14-07
“Look Afraid will go down in history as a band that makes damn sure they’re the life of the party wherever they go – whether they’re kicking over their drumset, smashing their guitars, or simultaneously spraying fans with beer from their mouths”. -Miami Quarterly
“Look Afraid has proven themselves to be infectious, danceable, and face-melting all at the same time and has deservedly begun to ascend past the doldrums of paying one’s dues in the college town scene”. -Amusement Magazine
New Look Afraid album nabbing rave reviews "[Rock N’ Roll Glory Hole] is full of energy your body instinctively reacts to when your ears process the aural information. Personality permeates every song on Glory Hole; 'Whiskey Trigger Finger' is no exception. It’s driving rock-and-roll, dripping with attitude – and grooves – and balances rebellion and independence with the right proportion of pop sensibilities. It’s been stated: Every Look Afraid song is unique. [They’re] the kinds of songs to catch every ear, without regard to personal musical tastes." -A&R Select
Split EP
History
Look Afraid was formed by Alex Nauth and Mat Franklin, previously of Sofapunch (a ska band with mild Ohio exposure). Alex "Lex Vegas" Mosie was called in to play drums, as he had filled in with Franklin and Nauth for previous projects and was a close personal friend of the two. Vegas was on a trip to West Virginia when Franklin called him saying "How would you like today to be the first day of the rest of your life?" which Vegas agreed was a good idea. Mike Ulanski who was playing in a local gutter punkGutter punk
A gutter punk is a homeless or transient individual who displays a variety of specific physical traits and characteristics that often, but not always, are associated with the punk subculture...
band called The Proles became the original lead guitarist. When auditioning bass players, Ulanski suggested that Sam Duff, who was playing bass in The Proles, audition and he soon became a permanent member of Look Afraid. When Mike's time restraints with the Proles became too much for the band, the five of them agreed that Mike would step down and Cole Walsh-Davis, formerly of the Culling Song, was asked to join the group.
The now finalized lineup entered the studio with producer Brian Whitten to record their debut EP, Zombie Dance Party, in June 2007. The EP, along with nonstop playing, garnered Look Afraid a number of dedicated fans, who the band took to calling "Fraidy Cats", who would help the band tremendously as they won an international talent competition hosted by Famecast in December 2007. The band took home $10,000 and much press attention after beating hundreds of bands from around the world. Aaron Burgess of Spin Magazine was at their performance in Austin, Texas and called them "A Badass Rock Band" (can be seen in print beneath the live performance video). Look Afraid also collaborated with legendary poster artist Jeff Gaither
Jeff Gaither
Jeff Gaither is a graphic artist noted for his many pictures for the music industry.Gaither has been practicing his particular blend of horror and rock art for over 25 years. He has created art for The Misfits, Guns N' Roses, Look Afraid, The Undead, Biohazard, Insane Clown Posse, Accused and many...
, who has designed images for the Misfits, Van Halen
Van Halen
Van Halen is an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. The band has enjoyed success since the release of its debut album, Van Halen, . As of 2007 Van Halen has sold 80 million albums worldwide and has had the most #1 hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart...
and Guns N' Roses
Guns N' Roses
Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band, formed in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, in 1985. The band has released six studio albums, three EPs, and one live album...
, on two poster designs for a series of Halloween shows, one of which was featured on the cover of Miami University's Amusement Magazine.
The band rode this surge of attention back into the studio in January 2008, again with Whitten at the helm, to produce the Rock N' Roll Glory Hole EP. A much darker and more rock oriented disc than their first, the EP showed a maturity in the more seasoned band, and their live shows continued to garner attention. The band recorded their third Whitten-produced EP, entitled Drive, which included the track "Hell City," the official theme song of the world famous Hell City tattoo convention, which was be held in Columbus, Ohio on May 29–31, 2009. The song will also be featured on the official DVD of the festival which was released in Fall 2009.
Look Afraid recorded their fourth EP, a split with Cincinnati's Banderas called Hired Guns, with producer Mitch Wyatt in January 2009. The EP features two new original tracks as well as a cover of Banderas' "Ground Out Heel". The band contributed the song "Bring in the Tide" to the soundtrack of An Education in Rebellion, an upcoming biography of Motley Crue
Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1981. The group was founded by bass guitarist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, who were later joined by lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil...
bassist Nikki Sixx
Nikki Sixx
Nikki Sixx is an American musician, songwriter, author, fashion designer, radio host, and photographer, best known as the co-founder and bassist of the band Mötley Crüe. Prior to forming Mötley Crüe, Sixx was a member of Sister before going on to form London with his Sister band mate Lizzie Grey...
, due out in 2010.
In addition to Look Afraid, Sam plays bass for Loudmouth, a punk band from Cincinnati, with original Look Afraid guitarist, Mike Ulanski.
Vegas, Mat, and Cole perform as Cadaver Dogs
Cadaver Dogs
Cadaver Dogs are an Ohio based rock band formed in late 2009. Composed of Mat Franklin, Cole Walsh-Davis, and Alex "Lex Vegas" Mosie, all members of notable Ohio band Look Afraid, they have quickly made an impression on not only their home base of Columbus, OH but the entire mid-west music scene...
, and have opened up for various bands and recently had a very successful East Coast tour.
Alex is a member of Foxy Shazam
Foxy Shazam
Foxy Shazam is an American rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, formed in 2004. The band is composed of lead vocalist Eric Sean Nally, guitarist Loren Turner, pianist Sky White, and bass player Daisy. Later, trumpeter and back-up vocalist Alex Nauth joined, and Aaron McVeigh became the band's permanent...
, singing backup and playing trumpet. Look Afraid have opened for Foxy Shazam on tour and at Foxy's Snow Show at The Madison Theater in December 2008.
Look Afraid have shared the stage with a number of other notable bands including The Pink Spiders, Nightmare of You
Nightmare of You
Nightmare of You is an American indie-rock band from New York City. Formed in 2004, the band currently consists of original founder vocalist Brandon Reilly, guitarist Joseph McCaffrey, and drummer Michael Fleischmann....
, River City Rebels
River City Rebels
The River City Rebels are a punk/rock & roll band based in White River Junction, Vermont. The band has a long and detailed history, clouded with many line up changes over the years. Throughout the bands entire history, Dan O'Day has been the primary songwriter of the band...
, Drive By
Drive By
Drive By is a New Jersey based music group that has been touring nationally and internationally since 2004 after the release of their debut album I Hate Every Day Without You Kid... After three years of touring in support of the album, they released a new record, title A Delicate Situation, on...
, Inhale Exhale
Inhale Exhale
Inhale Exhale is a Christian metalcore band from Cleveland, Ohio.-Formation/The Lost. The Sick. The Sacred.:The band was formed in 2005 by Guitarist John LaRussa and bassist Brian Pittman...
, The Showdown
The Showdown (band)
The Showdown is a southern metal/metalcore band based in Elizabethton, Tennessee. While the members of the band are Christian and the band is signed to a Christian record label, the band does not consider itself a Christian act, according to guitarist Josh Childers...
, Karate High School
Karate High School
Karate High School was an American pop-punk/post-hardcore band from San Francisco, California, fronted by multi-instrumentalist and producer Paul McGuire. On March 21, 2006 the band released their debut album, Arcade Rock...
, LoveHateHero
LoveHateHero
LoveHateHero is a post-hardcore band from Burbank, California. They are signed to Ferret Records and have released three albums, Just Breathe in May 2005, White Lies in February 2007 and America Underwater in November 2009....
, Blessed By A Broken Heart
Blessed by a Broken Heart
Blessed by a Broken Heart, stylized as BBABH, is a post-hardcore and glam metal band, originally from Montreal, Quebec, Canada that was formed in 2003. They are currently signed to Tooth & Nail records.-History:...
, Dr. Manhattan, The A.K.A.'s, Agraceful, The Wonder Years
The Wonder Years
The Wonder Years is an American television comedy-drama created by Carol Black and Neal Marlens. It ran for six seasons on ABC from 1988 through 1993. The pilot aired on January 31, 1988 after ABC's coverage of Super Bowl XXII....
, I See Stars
I See Stars
I See Stars is a post-hardcore band formed in 2006 from Warren, Michigan. They have released two full length albums. Their debut album, 3-D, featured a guest appearance from Bizzy Bone of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. The album peaked at #176 on the Billboard 200...
, The Bad Rabbits, and The Young Veins
The Young Veins
The Young Veins is a rock band from Echo Park, California. The band is composed of Ryan Ross and Jon Walker, two former members of the Las Vegas band Panic! at the Disco, along with bassist Andy Soukal, drummer Nick Murray and keyboardist Nick White.-History:...
.
"[Look Afraid] have grown into a full-scale, badass rock band that could easily slide into any number of scenes and take over. And while I realize image isn't everything, the fact that you guys even LOOK like a rock 'n' roll band will only add points for all the industry scumbags out there scouting for a new band to break....Whether it's on a Warped Tour up-and-comer stage or as support for some suit-wearing Scandinavian rock-revival gods, I predict we'll all be hearing and seeing much more from you in the very near future." -Aaron Burgess, Writer for SPIN/Revolver/Alternative Press
"Oxford, Home of Miami University, isn't quite the most conducive environment for budding young bands that want to play original music...That being said, it's all the more impressive when something original is born in the college town. The Pop Punk outfit LOOK AFRAID...constructs a throbbing, thrashing, uptempo sound in the vein of Coheed and Cambria...The band is building momentum from the recognition of its members' past projects and the accessible and danceable sound they are now creating..."
-City Beat Aug. 8-14-07
“Look Afraid will go down in history as a band that makes damn sure they’re the life of the party wherever they go – whether they’re kicking over their drumset, smashing their guitars, or simultaneously spraying fans with beer from their mouths”. -Miami Quarterly
“Look Afraid has proven themselves to be infectious, danceable, and face-melting all at the same time and has deservedly begun to ascend past the doldrums of paying one’s dues in the college town scene”. -Amusement Magazine
New Look Afraid album nabbing rave reviews "[Rock N’ Roll Glory Hole] is full of energy your body instinctively reacts to when your ears process the aural information. Personality permeates every song on Glory Hole; 'Whiskey Trigger Finger' is no exception. It’s driving rock-and-roll, dripping with attitude – and grooves – and balances rebellion and independence with the right proportion of pop sensibilities. It’s been stated: Every Look Afraid song is unique. [They’re] the kinds of songs to catch every ear, without regard to personal musical tastes." -A&R Select
Members
- Alex Nauth: vocals
- Mat Franklin: guitar
- Cole Walsh-Davis: guitar
- Sam Duff: bass
- Alex "Lex Vegas" Mosie: drums
Discography
EPs- Zombie Dance Party (2007)
- Rock N' Roll Glory Hole (2008)
- Drive (2008)
- Anthology (2010)
Split EP
- Hired Guns (with Banderas (band)) (2009)