Cobra Starship
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder | Gabe Saporta |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Number of employees | 5 |
Cobra Starship is a dance-rock group originating from New York City, established in 2005 by Gabe Saporta. Initially, Saporta recorded their first album, While the City Sleeps, We Rule the Streets, as a solo endeavor before bringing on board guitarist Ryland Blackinton, bassist Alex Suarez, drummer Nate Novarro, and keytar player Victoria Asher, all of whom also provided backing vocals.
Throughout a decade-long career, Cobra Starship produced four studio albums and achieved two singles that reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their inaugural album, While the City Sleeps, We Rule the Streets (2006), included the track "Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)". This was followed by their second release, ¡Viva La Cobra!, in October 2007. The third album, Hot Mess, debuted in August 2009, and their fourth record, Night Shades, was released in August 2011 in the United States and later in October 2011 in the United Kingdom.
On November 10, 2015, Cobra Starship announced their disbandment. However, the band reunited in 2024 for a performance at the When We Were Young festival in Las Vegas and revealed plans to appear at Riot Fest in Chicago and Warped Tour in Long Beach during 2025.
Formation and While the City Sleeps, We Rule the Streets (2005–2007)
In 2005, former Midtown bassist Gabe Saporta founded Cobra Starship following an influential journey to Arizona where he underwent a "vision quest" with Native American communities. Drawing inspiration from synthpop and hip-hop genres, Saporta began developing the band’s debut album, While the City Sleeps, We Rule the Streets. He first gained recognition through "Hollaback Boy," a parody on Myspace of Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl," which led to signing with Decaydance Records, operated by Fall Out Boy’s bassist Pete Wentz.
Saporta contributed "Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)" to the 2006 soundtrack of Snakes on a Plane, collaborating with members from The Academy Is..., Gym Class Heroes, and The Sounds. While producing the album, he assembled drummer Nate Novarro, guitarist Ryland Blackinton, bassist Alex Suarez, and keytarist Elisa Jordana.
The album was released on October 10, 2006. It reached number 125 on the US Billboard 200 chart and topped the Heatseekers Albums list. The single "Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)" appeared during the closing credits of the movie. Later that year, Cobra Starship toured with Thirty Seconds to Mars on their Welcome to the Universe Tour. In December 2006, due to internal disagreements noted by Saporta, Jordana was replaced by Victoria Asher.
¡Viva la Cobra! (2007–2008)
With a steady lineup established, Cobra Starship embarked on a US tour supporting Fall Out Boy during the 2007 Honda Civic Tour, alongside +44 and The Academy Is... in May. While touring, they engaged in collaborative songwriting by recording individual parts on laptops while traveling. By studio sessions time, much of ¡Viva la Cobra! had already been composed. The album was recorded over twenty days at Mission Sound Studios in Brooklyn, New York and released on October 23, 2007. Produced by Patrick Stump, who also contributed backing vocals, it consists of "11 tracks of unabashed party jams" combining electropop with guitar-driven sounds. The record peaked at number 80 on the US Billboard 200 and sold approximately 119,000 copies domestically.
The group also recorded a cover version of "Three Times A Lady" by Commodores for an episode of Gilmore Girls and contributed "Awww Dip" to the soundtrack of TMNT: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles during spring 2007. Music videos were released for "The City Is at War" on December 31, 2007 and for "Guilty Pleasure," which featured a cameo from Patrick Stump. "The City Is at War" was subsequently issued as a single in May 2008.
From January through March 2008, Cobra Starship headlined the Really Really Ridiculously Good Looking Tour with support from Metro Station, The Cab, and We The Kings. They also took part in Warped Tour 2008 and led the SassyBack tour between October and November alongside Forever the Sickest Kids, Hit the Lights, and Sing It Loud. The single "Kiss My Sass" was released on September 29, 2008 with its video debuting on FNMTV in December.
Artwork from ¡Viva la Cobra! was utilized to promote Apple’s fourth-generation purple iPod Nano.
Following Katy Perry's hit "I Kissed a Girl", Cobra Starship recorded a cover titled "I Kissed a Boy" during summer 2008. This track was released on August 25, 2008 as part of Fall Out Boy's mixtape Welcome To The New Administration. Additionally, they participated in thetruth.com's Remix Project by remixing Sunny Side's song "Magical Amount."
Hot Mess (2009–2010)
Following an extensive tour in 2008, the group entered a New York City studio in September of that year to record new tracks, prompted by their label’s insistence on another album. However, due to Saporta’s vocal cord cyst and creative dissatisfaction, they chose to seclude themselves in a cabin located in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains during 2009 to develop fresh material. Throughout this two-week retreat, they broadcast live sessions on Stickam, which helped establish the unofficial fan community known as the "Shelf Kids." Pleased with their creations, the band announced plans to release the album during the summer.
The production of Hot Mess featured collaborations with notable figures such as Kara DioGuardi, Kevin Rudolf, S*A*M and Sluggo, Benny Blanco, and Patrick Stump, signaling a transition toward a dance-punk style. In April 2009, Cobra Starship toured as support for Fall Out Boy on the Believers Never Die Tour Part Deux across both the United States and the United Kingdom. Additionally, they contributed the track "Chew Me Up and Spit Me Out" to the soundtrack of Jennifer's Body.
The album’s lead single, "Good Girls Go Bad," included vocals from Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester and was produced by Kevin Rudolf. It was released on iTunes on May 12, 2009, becoming their first top ten entry on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart by reaching number seven. The single sold two million copies domestically and earned double platinum status. Upon its August 11 release, Hot Mess debuted at number four on the Billboard 200, moving over 42,000 units in its initial week and eventually selling 139,000 copies in the US. Guitarist Ryland Blackinton described the album as upbeat music designed to offer listeners an escape from everyday pressures. The follow-up single "Hot Mess," released on October 12, 2009, reached number 64 on the Hot 100.
To support Hot Mess, Cobra Starship embarked on the Hot Mess Across the US Tour beginning August 3, 2009. The tour featured 21 dates with opening acts including Friday Night Boys and DJ Skeet Skeet. After Plastiscines withdrew from participation, fans were invited to vote online for replacement performers; The Audition was ultimately chosen. The band also performed during MTV Video Music Awards weekend in September 2009 and earned nominations for Best Pop Video and Best Direction for "Good Girls Go Bad." Moreover, they secured an MTV Latinoamérica Award for Best Performance alongside Paulina Rubio.
In October 2009, Cobra Starship made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and served as opening act for Boys Like Girls during their headlining tour through November. At the January 2010 People's Choice Awards, they performed "Good Girls Go Bad" with Nicole Scherzinger filling in for Meester; they received a nomination for Favorite Music Collaboration but were bested by Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West.
Starting February 2010, the band launched their inaugural European tour covering key markets such as the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. After Europe, they proceeded to tour Japan followed by Australia and New Zealand on the Wet Hot Australian Summer Tour alongside Owl City and Amy Meredith. Additional German shows featured support from I Heart Sharks and One Night Stand!. Between April and June 2010, Cobra Starship co-headlined the Too Fast for Love Tour with 3OH!3; opening acts included Travis McCoy, The Lazarus Project, and I Fight Dragons. They also appeared at Chicago’s Bamboozle festival in May.
In late 2010, Cobra Starship collaborated with British vocalist Alexandra Burke on "What Happens on the Dancefloor," which was included in the deluxe edition of her debut album Overcome.
Night Shades (2011–2012)
In September 2010, Cobra Starship commenced production on their fourth album, opting to cancel their 2011 Australian tour to focus on finishing the project. They collaborated with notable songwriters Ryan Tedder and Kara DioGuardi. Initially, lead singer Gabe Saporta experienced a creative slump due to personal difficulties but regained inspiration following a trip to South America, where influences from electronic act Major Lazer shaped the new direction. On May 5, 2011, the track "Don't Blame the World, It's the DJ's Fault" was made available for streaming via Tumblr. Shortly thereafter, the album title Night Shades was revealed.
The album’s lead single, "You Make Me Feel...", featuring artist Sabi and penned by Steve Mac and Ina Wroldsen, premiered on May 10, 2011. It climbed to number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and secured the top position in New Zealand, later achieving triple platinum status in the United States. Its music video debuted on MTV on June 28.
Released on August 29, 2011, Night Shades was preceded by promotional singles including "#1Nite (One Night)", "Fool Like Me" featuring Plastiscines, and "Middle Finger". An acoustic iTunes Session – EP was also released alongside the album. It entered the Billboard 200 at number 50, selling 9,000 copies during its first week. The band promoted the album through appearances on shows such as Dancing with the Stars, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and a guest role on 90210.
Additionally, Cobra Starship contributed a rendition of Buddy Holly’s "Peggy Sue" for the tribute compilation Listen to Me: Buddy Holly. In September 2011, they headlined Fueled by Ramen’s 15th Anniversary concert and subsequently supported Justin Bieber during his South American My World Tour dates in October.
January 2012 saw "Middle Finger" released as the second single, reaching number 14 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. The band performed at Australia’s Soundwave festival in March. The third single, "#1Nite (One Night)" featuring My Name Is Kay, was issued in May and peaked at number 23 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. From June through October of that year, they embarked on a headlining US tour promoting the album.
Cancelled fifth studio album and disbandment (2013–2015)
In 2013, Saporta placed Cobra Starship activities on hold to reunite with Midtown and married Erin Fetherston. During that period, he contemplated reviving Cobra Starship with a fresh creative vision. After nearly three years without new releases, on April 19, 2014, the band announced work had begun on a new single. The track "Never Been in Love," featuring Icona Pop, was released on August 25, 2014. Saporta had recorded eight songs with plans for an early 2015 album launch.
On October 21, 2014, members Suarez and Blackinton departed to pursue alternative career paths; they were succeeded by Eric Halvorsen (formerly of A Rocket to the Moon) and Andy Barr. This new lineup made its live debut at a Halloween event on October 30, 2014, followed by a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on November 6.
Cobra Starship officially announced their breakup on November 10, 2015. Saporta explained that diminishing creative energy motivated his decision to conclude the band while still successful. Later that month, he confirmed he would cease performing and releasing music as an artist and co-founded talent management company T∆G // The Artist Group alongside Mike Carden. The firm launched in early 2016 with a mission to support emerging talent behind the scenes.
Between October 2016 and 2018, guitarist Andy Barr toured with rock group America, before rejoining Cobra Starship in 2024.
Reunions (2021–present)
In October 2021, Cobra Starship unveiled the track "Beautiful Life" via Fueled By Ramen, followed by the December release of "Party With You." These songs, originally unreleased b-sides from the Hot Mess era, were included in the Tracks To The Future initiative commemorating Fueled By Ramen's 25th anniversary and coinciding with a limited vinyl reissue of Hot Mess. Additionally, "Party With You" was accompanied by a Hanukkah-inspired parody titled "Party With Jews," which was promoted through the multi-day Cobrakkah event preceding its launch.
The band appeared at the 2024 When We Were Young festival, where influencer Tara Yummy joined them onstage for a rendition of "Good Girls Go Bad." On March 4, 2024, Cobra Starship performed live alongside Fall Out Boy on the same song. The reunion lineup features Saporta, Novarro, and Asher. After their festival performance, they revealed plans for select live shows including an Emo Nite appearance and a scheduled participation in the 2025 Warped Tour.
Promotion and merchandise
Cobra Starship initiated their promotional efforts as a group through their official website in July 2005, with regular updates commencing in September to support their debut album, While the City Sleeps, We Rule the Streets. From 2005 until 2013, Myspace served as a key platform for promotion, offering fans diary entries, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and tour announcements. Their video for Church Of Hot Addiction was featured on the 2007 DVD compilation Love Songs and Beyond, alongside other artists from Decaydance and Fueled By Ramen.
Fueled By Ramen handled merchandise distribution, providing casual apparel and unique items such as 'Gabe's Glasses' and Rosary accessories. All albums were made available on CD as well as limited-edition vinyl formats. The band's iconic 'fangs up' logo was prominently displayed on apparel, pins, and foam fingers.
The official website consistently refreshed its merchandise offerings, and since 2024, exclusive products have been available exclusively at live events promoted via the band's Instagram account.
Musical styles and influences
Cobra Starship's sound is characterized by genres including dance rock, electropop, pop punk, neon pop-punk, alternative rock, and synthpop. Their musical style draws inspiration from electronic music and the 1980s new wave movement. The band has acknowledged influences such as Madonna, Depeche Mode, producer Arthur Baker, and French group Phoenix.
Band members
- Current
- Gabe Saporta – lead vocals , bass
- Nate Novarro – drums, percussion, backing vocals
- Victoria Asher – keyboards, backing vocals
- Former
- Eric Halvorsen – bass, backing vocals
- Andy Barr – guitars, backing vocals
- Ryland Blackinton – guitars, backing vocals, synthesizers
- Alex Suarez – bass, backing vocals, synth-bass
- Elisa Jordana – keyboards, backing vocals
- Timeline
Discography
- While the City Sleeps, We Rule the Streets (2006)
- ¡Viva la Cobra! (2007)
- Hot Mess (2009)
- Night Shades (2011)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Organization | Category | Work | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | MTV Video Music Awards | Best Pop Video | "Good Girls Go Bad" | Template:Nom |
| Best Direction | Template:Nom | |||
| 2009 | Premios MTV Latinoamérica | Best Live Performance | Template:Won | |
| 2010 | MuchMusic Video Awards | Best International Group Video | Template:Nom | |
| 2010 | People's Choice Awards | Favorite Music Collaboration | Template:Nom | |
| 2012 | MuchMusic Video Awards | Best International Group Video | "You Make Me Feel..." | Template:Nom |
| Most Streamed Video of the Year | "Middle Finger" | Template:Nom |
External links
- Articles with short description
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- American pop bands
- Artists managed by Crush Management
- Decaydance Records signed artists
- Fueled by Ramen signed artists
- Bands formed in 2005
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- Alternative rock bands from New York (state)
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