Big Modern: The Arena-Ready Sound of Modern Rock

Big Modern is an American rock band known for its anthemic, guitar-driven sound that bridges alternative rock and mainstream hard rock. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, the group achieved commercial success with their platinum-certified debut album, which spawned several top-ten rock radio hits and established them as a formidable live act.

Early career

Big Modern formed in 2008, coalescing from the city's vibrant Sunset Strip club scene. The founding members, vocalist/guitarist Jax Marshall and drummer Leo Vance, honed their craft through relentless local gigging before solidifying the lineup with bassist Mara Chen and lead guitarist Silas Holt.

Their self-released EP, "Signal Fires," in 2011 caught the attention of independent label Steel Carrot Records, which signed the band and helped distribute their first official single. This early period was defined by a raw, post-grunge energy that laid the groundwork for their later, more polished work.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2014 with their debut album, "Echoes in the Static," released on the larger imprint Atlas Records. The lead single, "The Fallback," became an instant staple on rock radio, climbing to number three on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and pushing the album to platinum certification within a year.

This success was cemented by extensive touring across North America as both a headliner and support for established acts. The album's blend of melodic hooks and muscular riffs resonated widely, making Big Modern a new flagship for modern rock.

Key tracks

The Fallback — This breakthrough single defined their signature sound with its massive chorus and driving rhythm, becoming their first top-five rock radio hit.

Echoes in the Static — The album's title track showcased their dynamic range, moving from a subdued verse to a powerful, arena-ready anthem.

Paper Crowns — A later single that demonstrated their songwriting evolution, incorporating more nuanced lyrics while maintaining their hard rock edge.

Signal Fires — A fan-favorite carried over from their EP days, it remains a staple of their high-energy live performances.

Following their explosive debut, Big Modern spent the next several years on the road and in the studio. Their 2018 sophomore album, "Vertigo," debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 and featured a collaboration with producer Nick Raskulinecz, known for his work with Foo Fighters and Alice in Chains.

While "Vertigo" did not match the sales of their first album, it earned a gold certification and produced the hit "Faultlines," which topped the Mainstream Rock chart for two weeks. The band has consistently evolved, with their 2022 release "The Distance" exploring more atmospheric textures while retaining their core guitar-heavy identity.

Fans of Big Modern's anthemic modern rock often gravitate towards similar artists. Shinedown shares their command of massive, melodic rock choruses and mainstream appeal. Highly Suspect mirrors their gritty, emotional intensity and modern alternative rock sensibilities. Bad Wolves aligns with their heavy, riff-oriented approach and radio-friendly song structures. Nothing More offers a comparable blend of technical proficiency and introspective, powerful songwriting.

Big Modern's music maintains a strong presence on radio rotations across multiple formats. Their hits are regularly featured on mainstream rock FM stations, while their deeper album cuts find a home on alternative rock radio stations and dedicated online rock radio streams that champion guitar-driven music.

Listeners can hear the powerful anthems of Big Modern on radio stations featured on our website. Explore the rock channels available on onairium.com to discover their catalog, from breakthrough singles to their latest releases, broadcasting the pulse of modern rock directly to you.