Ways: The Dynamic Force in Modern Alternative Rock

Ways is an American alternative rock band known for its driving guitar riffs and anthemic songwriting. Hailing from Chicago, the group achieved mainstream recognition with their 2017 debut album, which charted on the Billboard 200 and spawned a certified gold single.

Early career

The band Ways formed in 2012, solidifying its lineup around founding members vocalist/guitarist Alex Vance and drummer Sam Keller. They cut their teeth performing across the Midwest's club circuit, building a local following with a series of self-released EPs.

Their independent 2014 EP, Signal Fires, caught the attention of several indie labels, leading to a development deal. This period of intense touring and writing culminated in a major label signing with Atlantic Records in 2016.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the release of their debut full-length album, Echoes in the Static. The lead single, "Fading Out," became a staple on alternative rock radio, eventually earning a gold certification in the United States for sales exceeding 500,000 units.

This success propelled the album to a number 42 debut on the Billboard 200 chart. A relentless international tour schedule throughout 2018 and 2019 cemented their reputation as a powerful live act.

Key tracks

Fading Out — This gold-certified single broke the band on alternative radio and defined their signature blend of melodic hooks and gritty guitar work.

Static Heart — A fan-favorite album track known for its dynamic build and emotionally charged lyrics, often featured in their live set.

Borrowed Time — The lead single from their sophomore album showcased a heavier, more refined production style and charted on the Mainstream Rock charts.

Through the Wire — This collaboration with producer John Feldmann highlighted a more polished, anthemic side of the band's songwriting.

Continued evolution and collaboration

Ways returned in 2020 with their second album, Vertigo, which debuted in the Top 50 of the Billboard 200. The record demonstrated musical growth, incorporating elements of post-grunge and modern hard rock into their established alternative foundation.

The band has engaged in notable collaborations, including a co-writing session with songwriter and producer Butch Walker. They have also shared stages and festival bills with major acts like Shinedown and Seether, further aligning themselves with rock's contemporary elite.

Fans of Ways should also explore the catalogs of similar artists featured on our radio stations. The melodic intensity of Shinedown shares common ground with Ways' anthemic approach. The raw, guitar-driven energy of Seether mirrors the heavier side of their sound. Listeners may also appreciate the modern rock craftsmanship of Three Days Grace, which operates in a similar sonic space. For the alternative edge, the work of Highly Suspect offers a comparable blend of grit and melody.

The music of Ways maintains a strong presence on rock radio, frequently featured in the rotations of major market alternative rock stations and syndicated rock programs. Their hits are staples on online rock radio streams dedicated to the 2010s and 2020s rock landscape, ensuring their songs reach both dedicated fans and new listeners daily.

You can hear the powerful alternative rock of Ways on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their discography and listen to their essential tracks through our curated selection of rock and alternative radio stations.