Autopilot Off
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Orange County, New York , United States |
| Products | Punk rock music, albums, EPs |
Autopilot Off is a punk rock group originating from Orange County, New York, composed of Chris Hughes (guitar), Chris Johnson (guitar and vocals), Phil Robinson (drums), and Rob Kucharek (bass).
History
Initially formed in 1996 under the name Cooter, the band developed a following by performing live with well-known acts such as MxPx, Goldfinger, Sum 41, and Yellowcard. In 2000, they released a split record with Slick Shoes as well as their first full-length album, Looking Up. However, after encountering a trademark conflict with Mississippi-based The Cooters, they changed their name to Autopilot Off in April 2001, resolving the legal dispute by 2002. Despite this resolution, their label Fastmusic was unsuccessful in a federal court case regarding the naming rights.
By December 2001, Autopilot Off had secured a deal with major label Island Records, issuing a self-titled EP in April 2002. They toured alongside Sum 41 across the East Coast and Canada, followed by supporting the Ataris on tour later that year. Beginning in March 2003, the band took time off from touring to focus on recording their subsequent album. Between June and August, they joined "The Made Tour" with bands including Further Seems Forever, the Movielife, and Anberlin, which featured an appearance at Hellfest. In August 2003, they released the Regenerator EP, which contained covers of tracks originally by Quicksand, Bad Religion, U2, and Guns n' Wankers. Later that year, they toured the Northeast and Midwest regions alongside Lost City Angels.
In 2004, Autopilot Off unveiled their major-label debut album, Make a Sound, which included the single "What I Want," co-written with Tim Armstrong of Rancid. Several songs from this album were featured in popular video games: “Chromatic Fades” appeared in NASCAR Thunder 2004, "Make a Sound" was included in Burnout 3: Takedown, "What I Want" was part of both Test Drive Eve of Destruction and Cars: The Video Game, while “Clockwork” was featured on soundtracks for NHL 2004 and SSX3.
Indefinite hiatus (2005–2010)
On August 26, 2005, the band publicly announced an indefinite break through their official website, citing nearly a decade of nonstop activity and a wish to prioritize personal life beyond the band. They also disclosed their departure from Island Records after a four-year partnership. Their message conveyed appreciation for the ongoing support from their fanbase throughout their career.
Following the hiatus, Chris Hughes shifted his career toward music industry business management. Meanwhile, bassist Rob Kucharek established American Icon Screen Printing, an apparel screen printing enterprise catering to numerous bands as well as the East Coast BMX community.
Reunion (2011)
In May 2011, the creation of a Facebook page named "Autopilot Off (Official)" ignited rumors about a reunion. By June 20, 2011, the band confirmed intentions to produce and release new songs incrementally as free digital downloads to facilitate swift sharing and eventual compilation into an album.
An update on August 17, 2012, announced that recording sessions had recommenced, officially ending their seven-year pause. However, no further communication occurred until April 2, 2014, when two new tracks titled "Alcologic" and "When I Was Young" were made available as free downloads. The band highlighted their commitment to self-producing music while accommodating individual schedules.
Due to overwhelming demand exceeding initial hosting capacity, a direct download link was provided on April 3. These releases reaffirmed the band's dedication to creating new material despite limited public activity.
On April 9, 2015, Autopilot Off shared a third new song called "Lining Them Up."
On September 17, 2024, the band collaborated with Enjoy the Ride Records to issue "Alcologic," "When I Was Young," and "Lining Them Up" on vinyl under The Encore EP, marking these tracks' debut physical format release. Additionally, Make a Sound was slated for vinyl reissue commemorating its twentieth anniversary.
Band members
- Chris Johnson – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Chris Hughes – lead guitar
- Rob Kucharek – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Phil Robinson – drums
Albums
- Looking Up (2000)
- Make a Sound (2004) Reached No. 119 on US charts
EPs
- All Bets Off (1997)
- Slick Shoes / Cooter Split (2000)
- Autopilot Off (EP, 2002)
- Regenerator (2003), featuring four cover tracks from favorite artists
- The Encore EP (2024)
Game appearances
- "Make a Sound" was included in Burnout 3: Takedown.
- "Clockwork" featured in both SSX3 and NHL 2004.
- "Chromatic Fades" appeared on the soundtrack of NASCAR Thunder 2004.
- "What I Want" was part of the Cars game.
- "Long Way to Fall" and "Indebted" were featured in Project Gotham Racing 2.
- "What I Want" also appeared in Test Drive: Eve of Destruction.
- "Missing the Innocence" was included in Whirl Tour.
Video/film appearances
- "The 12th Day" was used in NoA: The Two Continents, Savage Bane, and Zero Dark Thirty.
- "Nothing Frequency" appeared in the movie Stealing Harvard.
Compilation appearances
- "Something for Everyone" featured on the compilation Orange County's New Punk.
- "Mrs Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter" appeared on the cover collection Oldies But Goodies.
- "Raise Your Rifles" was included on the soundtrack for the film Daredevil.
- "I'm Thinking" was part of the Rock Against Bush compilation album.
- "Clockwork" appeared on both the Projekt Revolution Sample CD and Hard to Get, Volume 1: An Island Rarities Compilation.
- "Long Way to Fall" was featured on the initial release of the Atticus: ...Dragging the Lake compilation.
- "Nothing Frequency" was included on both the 2002 Warped Tour Compilation and the soundtrack for Stealing Harvard.
- A demo version of "Indebted" appeared on the 2001 Warped Tour Compilation.
- "Long Way to Fall" was part of Osiris Shoes' Aftermath Tour 2002 Sampler.
- "Full House" was featured under their previous name "Cooter" on the Serial Killer Compilation by Fearless Records.