Aerials Up: The Anthemic Sound of Modern Alternative Rock
Aerials Up is an American alternative rock band known for crafting soaring, emotionally resonant anthems. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, the group achieved significant recognition with their 2012 album We Are Here, which charted on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and solidified their place in the modern rock landscape.
Early career
Formed in 2006, Aerials Up emerged from the same Seattle music scene that birthed grunge legends. The founding members, vocalist/guitarist Benj Heard and drummer Chris Gohde, initially bonded over a shared love for melodic, guitar-driven rock. Their independent debut EP, This Is Home, released in 2008, garnered local radio play and established their signature blend of introspective lyrics and powerful crescendos.
Breakthrough
The band's breakthrough arrived in 2012 with their first full-length album, We Are Here, released through the independent label BEC Recordings. The album's lead single, Tonight, received substantial airplay on alternative rock radio stations across the United States. This exposure propelled We Are Here to number 22 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, marking a major milestone for Aerials Up.
Key tracks
Tonight — This 2012 single served as the band's commercial breakthrough, receiving widespread alternative radio rotation.
We Are Here — The anthemic title track from their breakthrough album encapsulates the band's uplifting and communal lyrical themes.
Hurricane — A later single known for its dynamic build and explosive chorus, frequently featured in their live setlists.
Start Again — This track from their 2015 EP Bright Eyes showcases a more nuanced, atmospheric side of their songwriting.
Following their initial success, Aerials Up continued to tour extensively and release new music. Their 2015 EP, Bright Eyes, and subsequent singles demonstrated a refined production style while maintaining their core anthemic identity. The band has collaborated with producers like Aaron Sprinkle (Anberlin, Acceptance) and shared stages with acts like The Almost and Ivoryline, further cementing their reputation within the alternative rock community.
Fans of Aerials Up often appreciate the work of similar U.S.-based alternative rock acts. Anberlin shares a similar command of soaring melodies and earnest lyricism. The Almost delivers the same brand of energetic, guitar-centric rock with passionate vocals. Acceptance operates in a comparable space of melodic alternative rock with catchy hooks.
The music of Aerials Up maintains a steady presence on radio, particularly on alternative rock radio stations and modern rock FM channels. Their catalog, especially the hit single Tonight, is a staple on stations dedicated to guitar-driven rock from the 2010s. Online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations also frequently feature Aerials Up in their rotations, introducing their anthemic sound to new audiences.
Listeners can explore the dynamic catalog of Aerials Up through the radio stations featured on onairium.com. Their defining anthems and deeper cuts are regularly played across a variety of rock-focused stations available on the platform, offering a perfect way to discover or revisit this standout alternative rock band.
