Audio Karate comprised childhood friends from Rosemead, CA: vocalist/guitarist Art Barrios, bassist/vocalist Justo Gonzalez, drummer Gabriel Camacho and guitarist Jason Camacho (those last two being cousins). They all bonded over a shared love of both ’80s skatepunk and ’70s metal, and in May 2002, released their debut of furiously catchy SoCal pop-punk via Kung Fu Records titled Space Camp. Tour dates with acts like the Ataris, Tsunami Bomb and the Vandals followed, as did a stretch on the 2004 Warped Tour. Audio Karate’s Warped appearance was well timed, coinciding with the June release of their matured (and very well-received) follow-up, Lady Melody, which was produced by Bill Stevenson (Descendents, ALL, etc). More touring was completed before the guys announced at year’s end that they would be taking a “vacation” for an undisclosed amount of time. Audio Karate resurfaced in the spring of 2006 with the notice that they were working on a new album, in addition to writing the score and soundtrack — music much different than their past efforts — for the Spanish language independent film, Maquillaje. In the meantime, Jason Camacho had also opened his own studio Lady Melody, named after the band’s 2004 album. ~ Corey Apar, Rovi

Tightwire formerly named “Drones” started as an acoustic project in 2015 by Paul Kettler. Through playing basement shows and opening for bands at The Triple Rock Social Club and Hexagon Kettler had met Parker Thompson and Tane Graves who joined in late 2016 to complete the three piece idea Kettler had intended all along. From 2016 – early 2018 the three had released two EPs on Bloated Kat Records under the name Drones.

In August of 2018 Toby Jeg (Red Scare Industries) had caught wind of the bands latest demos and offered to put out their first full length later that year. Due to a UK band already having the name “Drones” the band was asked by the label to think of a new name for the band which they did not do. Days before announcing the release of their record and the joining of Red Scare the band decided to start thinking of names most of which were rightfully rejected. Finally deciding on Tightwire after a day of listening to Tiltwheel. In an interview they express their dislike for the name stating “we just needed something that wasn’t already taken. Tightwire is a fine name, I guess. Whatever. If bands like Kiss and pull off a shitty band name, we can too.”

In late 2020, Kettler, decided to leave the band to pursue his masters degree, leaving Thompson and Graves to put off finding a new guitar player for at least a year. Procrastination seems to be a Tightwire tradition.

Finally in July of 2021 the band booked and announced shows with a new line-up. Graves taking over lead vocals and bass, Mullaney and Stolp on guitars, and Thompson still on drums.

In a podcast (They Come To America) Graves announces the band would be releasing their second full length album in early 2023 through Redscare featuring himself and Stolp on lead vocals.

Hi Ho started as a solo acoustic project of Chicago singer-songwriter Gillian McGhee. Now, Hi Ho is full band, weaving together delicate and heavy elements to create a sound that’s moody, melodic and deeply emotive.