Arista recording artist Wakefield hit the road opening for All-American Rejects starting May 4th in Portland, Oregon. Two days later on May 6th, Wakefield’s debut album, American Made, will officially arrive in stores, it was announced today by Antonio “L.A.” Reid, President and CEO, Arista Records.
Set to impact at radio on May 19th at modern rock, “Say You Will,” is described as a love song inspired by the movie Scream. “Get your heart broken a few times and the tragedy begins to unfold,” says Ryan the band’s frontman. The video for “Say You Will” was directed by Marc Webb, whose credits include clips with Green Day, Good Charlotte, and Unwritten Law.
Hailing from St. Mary’s County Maryland, the four members of Wakefield – Ryan Escolopio (vocals, guitar), Aaron Escolopio (drums), JD Tennyson (guitars, vocals), and Mike Schoolden (bass, vocals) – recorded American Made in Los Angeles last year with producer Matt Wallace (whose credits include the Replacements, Faith No More, Train, and Maroon 5).
Grade school friends Ryan and JD decided that the only way to break out of the monotony of Mechanicsville, Maryland was to be in a rock and roll band. “Music was everywhere growing up,” recalls Ryan. “My dad was in a Journey and Chicago cover band.” Wakefield began playing anywhere the locals would have them, including gigs with local celebrities Good Charlotte (in which Ryan’s older brother Aaron played drums and later left to join Wakefield). Shortly after a fan base began to take shape.
American Made is a mix of brash and sometimes poignant songs strung together by rising and falling guitar riffs, staccato drum beats, and three-part vocal harmonies underscored by hook-heavy melodies that bounce around like ping-pong balls. Tracks range from the fierce guitar strains of “Sold Out” and the straightforward punk-pop morsel “Un-sweet Sixteen,” to the ska-tinged, celebrity-jabbing “Infamous.” “There are a lot of emotions on American Made,” says Mike, “but ultimately, we’re all about having fun.” “Playing live is our thing.”
Wakefield U.S. Tour (W/ All-American Rejects):
- May 4 – Portland, OR – B Complex
- May 5 – Seattle, WA – Graceland
- May 7 – San Francisco, CA – Slim’s
- May 12 – Springfield, MO – The Forum
- May 13 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
- May 14 – St. Louis, MO – Mississippi Nights
- May 16 – Little Rock, AR – Juanita’s
- May 19 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave Bar
- May 20 – Chicago, IL – Metro
- May 21 – Detroit, MI – Shelter St. Andrew’s
- May 23 – Montreal, Canada – Club Soda
- May 24 – Ottawa, Canada – Babylon
- May 25 – Toronto, Canada – Trasheteria
- May 27 – Louisville, KY – Jillian’s
- May 28 – Atlanta, GA. – Cotton Club