The Strive
Kansas City, Missouri, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2012
Music
Press
Kansas City pop-rock quintet The Strive will be featured in the AP&R section of AP issue 312, but you can get to know the band now with their new video for their latest single "Keep Dreaming."
We recommend this band if you like their influences Cartel, Mayday Parade and Every Avenue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T921hr300a0 - Alternative Press
Kansas City, MO – April 9, 2014 - Power-pop force, The Strive has exclusively premiered their new song “Keep Dreaming” on PureVolume today! “Keep Dreaming” will be available for purchase on iTunes starting April 15th. With a hard rock edge, The Strive is breaking ground with a fiery, infectious spin on today’s power-pop vibe.The Strive’s name comes from their never-ending drive to impact as many people as possible with the forward thinking aesthetic that goes into their soaring music. Their previously released EPs, Anything Goes and Caught Inside produced by Kevin Gates (Never Shout Never, The Ready Set) and Design The Road produced by Matt Noveskey of Blue October, are a testament to their unstoppable progress and vibrant energy. Listen to “Keep Dreaming” on PureVolume, here: http://bit.ly/1gLxvej
The Strive, consisting of Brendan Stevens (lead vocals), Luke Davis (lead guitar), Greg Dowd (rhythm guitar), Michael Zenk (bass) and Nick Stacy (Drums), has lived up to its name by dominating the indie-rock/pop scene and the college market.They’ve developed a passionate following via explosive performances on bills with Cartel, Hawthorne Heights, Ivoryline, Madina Lake and Hey Monday, sharing the stage with All Time Low, Yellowcard, Blue October and Eve 6, and at Warped Tour on the Ernie Ball & Kevin Says stages.
With heartfelt, personal lyrics by Stevens and music by Davis and Stacy, The Strive’s songs are genuine and original, with irresistiblecommercial appeal. Backed by CineMusic, The Strive has also produced some of the best independent music videos, with over 15,000 YouTube subscribers and over 2 million views. For more information, please visit: http://www.wearethestrive.com/
Check out more on The Strive, here:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thestrive
Twitter: www.twitter.com/wearethestrive
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DrUMK1nG - Vents Magazine
Hailing from Kansas City, The Strive has exclusively premiered their new song “Keep Dreaming” on PureVolume today! “Keep Dreaming” will be available for purchase on iTunes starting April 15th. With a hard rock edge, The Strive is breaking ground with a fiery, infectious spin on today’s power-pop vibe, with their name coming from their never-ending drive to impact as many people as possible with the forward thinking aesthetic that goes into their soaring music. Their previously released EPs, Anything Goes and Caught Inside produced by Kevin Gates(Never Shout Never, The Ready Set) and Design The Road produced by Matt Noveskey of Blue October, are a testament to their unstoppable progress and vibrant energy. Listen to “Keep Dreaming” on PureVolume, here: http://bit.ly/1gLxvej
The Strive, consisting of Brendan Stevens (lead vocals), Luke Davis (lead guitar), Greg Dowd (rhythm guitar), Michael Zenk (bass) and Nick Stacy (Drums), has lived up to its name by dominating the indie-rock/pop scene and the college market.They’ve developed a passionate following via explosive performances on bills with Cartel, Hawthorne Heights, Ivoryline, Madina Lake and Hey Monday, sharing the stage with All Time Low, Yellowcard, Blue October and Eve 6, and at Warped Tour on the Ernie Ball & Kevin Says stages. - Planet Stereo Live
Kansas City, Missouri's The Strive are gearing up to release a new single on April 15, and we're excited to give you the first listen. "Keep Dreaming" shows the five-piece continuing to push the boundaries of typical power-pop by meshing fiery infectiousness with a hard rock edge. Stream the exclusive PureVolume premiere of "Keep Dreaming" above.
"The single stems from the idea that love and heartbreak can make you unable to function properly," drummer Nick Stacy divulges, "so you force yourself into being distracted by something constantly as a coping mechanism i.e 'dreaming'."
"Keep Dreaming" will be available digitally on April 15. - Purevolume
The power pop band, The Strive from Kansas City have released an upbeat catchy new tune with Keep Dreaming. The song has a great hard rock edge to it and will have listeners from all genres enjoying the passionate vocals, heartfelt lyrics and solid hook. Check out the song here:
The song is set to be available tomorrow on Itunes. Their previously released EPs, Anything Goes and Caught Inside produced by Kevin Gates(Never Shout Never, The Ready Set) and Design The Road produced by Matt Noveskey of Blue October, are a testament to their unstoppable progress and vibrant energy. This indie rock/pop band has definitely been catching everyone’s attention at their explosive performances and have played with All Time Low, Yellowcard, Blue October and Eve 6, and at Warped Tour on the Ernie Ball & Kevin Says stages and many more!
Band Members:
Brendan Stevens – Lead Vocals
Luke Davis - Lead Guitar
Greg Dowd – Rhythm Guitar
Michael Zenk – Bass
Nick Stacy – Drums
Make sure to visit The Strive social media sites so you can stay up to date on their latest news. I will leave you with one of my favorite music videos by them for Bury Me Under :
We will keep you updated on the release of their upcoming video for Keep Dreaming. - Music Junkie Press
The Strive, an indie band based in Kansas City, Missouri, has burst upon the indie rock scene with a powerful four-song EP, Design the Road, produced by the incredible Matt Noveskey, the bassist for rock icon Blue October.
The EP, which dropped on July 10, 2012, is a departure from their earlier EP Anything Goes and their single Sleepless. The overall feel reflects the Blue October influence of its producer, and positions The Strive for a whole new target audience. The Strive's very viable and diverse commercial sound opens the door for multiple placement opportunities.
The Strive had the chance to play The Vans Warped Tour last month in their native Kansas City, and quickly launched themselves as one of the brightest up and coming indie bands this year.
The two things that caught my attention on their new EP were the infectious drum groove of Nick Stacy and the soaring vocals of lead singer Brendan Stevens, which shine over the spotless guitar riffs of Luke Davis.
All four tracks rock, but the title track is especially noteworthy, with its driving drums and Daughtry-like feel. It is the obvious choice for their next single.
My favorite track, though, is Hold Me Back, which makes me want to just kick off my shoes, stand up and rock out. With the signature drum groove, the compelling voice and masterful lyrics, this song has great potential for radio and commercial success.
Likewise, the upbeat, incredibly fun On My Own is as tasty as cotton candy, washed down with your favorite soft drink.
It's impossible to sit still when listening to The Strive. So, kick off your shoes, turn up the music, and have a rocking good time. - LA Examiner
File-O-Facts: Brendan Stevens of The Strive
With a hard rock edge, The Strive is breaking ground with a fiery, infectious spin on today's power-pop vibe. The Strive's name comes from their never-ending drive to impact as many people as possible with the forward thinking aesthetic that goes into their soaring music. Their previously released EPs, Anything Goes and Caught Inside produced by Kevin Gates (Never Shout Never, The Ready Set) and Design The Road produced by Matt Noveskey of Blue October, are a testament to their unstoppable progress and vibrant energy.
The Strive, consisting of Brendan Stevens (lead vocals), Luke Davis (lead guitar), Greg Dowd (rhythm guitar), Michael Zenk (bass) and Nick Stacy (Drums), has lived up to its name by dominating the indie-rock/pop scene and the college market.They've developed a passionate following via explosive performances on bills with Cartel, Hawthorne Heights, Ivoryline, Madina Lake and Hey Monday, sharing the stage with All Time Low, Yellowcard, Blue October and Eve 6, and at Warped Tour on the Ernie Ball & Kevin Says stages.
We sat down with lead singer Brendan Stevens to find out more about what makes him tick...
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Name: Brendan Patrick Stevens
Star Sign: Gemini
Place of Birth: Kansas City, Missouri
Now Based At: Kansas City, Missouri
Level of Education: Junior at University of Kansas City, Missouri
First Instrument Played: Guitar/Vocals
Current Instrument: Vocals
Last Venue Played: The Shell at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana
Last Gig Attended: All Time Low in Springfield, MO
Can't Go On Tour Without: Sunflower seeds, Mountain Dew, good movies, and good tunes.
The Best Thing About Live Music Is: Feeling something evoke emotion in you, or being taken back to a place and time by a song. I love leaving shows inspired to write things that make people relate to your music.
The Person I Would Most To Collaboration Is: Will Pugh from Cartel.
Worst Thing To Happen To Music Is: Spotify.
Best Thing About The Current Music Industry: Independent artists taking control of their careers and being able to have a unique and personal relationship with their fan base.
Turn On: A great sense of humor.
Turn Off: A lack of motivation, or blaming the world for problems that are in your control.
Biggest Influence: New Found Glory and Say Anything.
My Favourite Person On TV Right Now Is: Jimmy Fallon is hilarious.
Childhood Hero: My father.
When I Was Younger I Wanted To Be: A politician.
Last Album Bought: I just re-purchased Circa Survive's "Blue Sky Noise" last night.
Last Song Listened To On MP3 Player: "Strange Terrain" by Circa Survive
LISTEN | Circa Survive - Strange Terrain
The Music I'm Into Is: Anything that can captivate my attention. Any genre, any artist. I love everything about it.
Favourite Current Band: Relient K.
My Favourite Drink Has To Be: Root beer and real beer!
My Favourite Book Is: It's a toss up between The Catcher In The Rye, Death of A Salesman, Fight Club, The Road, and of course the Harry Potter series.
My Favourite Website Is: www.wearethestrive.com
My Favourite Item Of Clothing Is: New socks.
My Favourite Shop Is: H&M and Escapist Skateboarding.
The Best Boredom Buster Is: Writing music and NHL 14 for XBox.
The Best Film I Ever Saw Was: Forrest Gump, hands down.
My Ultimate Snack Is: Sunflower seeds and honey roasted peanuts.
The Worst Food Invented Is: Vegemite.
The First Thing I Do When I Wake Up Is: Hit snooze on my alarm clock.
I Can't Leave The House Without: My keys, wallet, phone charger, and water.
I'm Well Known For: Singing and being a goof!
My Hobbies Are: Singing, playing guitar, skateboarding, disc golf, and watching baseball and hockey.
I Have A Passion For: Music and helping people.
First Band Name: Haha oh man...Shaded By A Mailbox. I was 13, give me a break.
Tomorrow I Will: Unload the trailer, clean out the van, and try to catch up on school.
My Biggest Aspiration: Tour 3/4 of the year with my boys, inspire as many people as possible, and have a beautiful family to come home to.
I Think AltSounds is: Awesome for giving us this opportunity! Thanks a ton, guys! - Alt Sounds
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
The Strive is breaking ground with a fiery, infectious spin on todays power-pop vibe that simply must be heard. They named their band The Strive after the fun but intense, forward thinking aesthetic they brought to their 2011 debut EP Anything Goes. Their subsequent standalone singles The Way It Goes, Sleepless, and their second and third EPs Design The Road (produced by Matt Noveskey of Blue October) and Caught Inside are a testament to their unstoppable progress and vibrant energy.
The Strive has lived up to its name, making spectacular inroads on the indie-pop scene. Besides their formal releases, the home recorded demo track Caught Inside quickly rose to the top of the charts on Purevolume.coms Top Unsigned Bands playlist over three years ago. This same song, reworked and rerecorded, makes its catchy appearance on their most recent EP. In addition to developing a passionate following via explosive performances at KC hotspots like the Beaumont Club and Uptown Theatre, they have performed on bills with Cartel, Hawthorne Heights, Ivoryline, Madina Lake and Hey Monday; shared the stage with All Time Low and Yellowcard at The Rave in Milwaukee, played shows in Dallas, Austin, the Springboard South Festival in Houston; were featured at the Red, White & Boom concert, put on by hit radio station Mix 93.3 at KCs Starlight Theatre, that also included performances by superstars Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw. Lastly, their more recent gig in Kansas City on the Warped Tour.
Backed by CineMusic, The Strive have produced some impressive music videos and have over 15,000 YouTube subscribers and over 1.5 million views. Their Facebook fans number 7,600 presently and average 250-300 additional fans each month with no professional marketing.
With heartfelt, very personal lyrics by Stevens and music by Davis, Stacy, and Dowd, the songs on their EPs reveal writers who are deep thinkers and artists whose powerhouse performances are genuine and original, but have an irresistible commercial appeal.
The band is presently, in the studio recording a new single and preparing for their next associated music video.
Music Videos:
Bury Me Under - www.vimeo.com/76782748
Keep Dreaming - http://vimeo.com/90703695
General Manager - CineMusic
cinemusicprojects@gmail.com
Booking - Night Sky Entertainment
doretta.osburn@gmail.com
Band Members
Links