Honor Society (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 in New York City, United States |
| Defunct | September 2013 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Honor Society was a pop rock group originating from New York City in 2006. The ensemble consisted of Michael Bruno (vocals and guitar), Jason Rosen (guitar and keyboard), Andrew Lee Schmidt (bass), and Alexander Noyes (drums); Rosen exited the band toward the end of 2012. They were affiliated with Jonas Records, a subsidiary connected to Hollywood Records, until 2011.
Their initial album, Fashionably Late, launched on September 15, 2009, entered the Billboard 200 chart at position No. 18. The track "Where Are You Now" emerged as their most prominent single, achieving notable success on the MYX International Top 20 chart in the Philippines. In October 2011, their sophomore album A Tale of Risky Business: Part II was released, reaching No. 29 on the Independent Album charts. The band officially dissolved in September 2013. Hailing from Midland Park, New Jersey, Honor Society gained early momentum through their connection with the Jonas Brothers and their associated label network.
2006–2008: Early EPs and formation
Formed in 2006 without drummer Alexander Noyes initially, Honor Society debuted with The Green Light EP that same year. Their follow-up EP, A Tale of Risky Business, was issued in May 2008.
2008–2010: Breakthrough, Fashionably Late release, and "Where Are You Now"
Late in 2008, the Jonas Brothers discovered Honor Society and subsequently signed them to their label in partnership with Hollywood Records. By spring 2009, Rolling Stone recognized them as one of six emerging bands to watch, while MTV featured them as a Buzzworthy act.
The band's first full-length album, Fashionably Late, debuted on September 15, 2009, securing the No. 18 spot on the Billboard 200 during its opening week. They supported the Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009 as opening acts and later headlined their own Fashionably Late Tour.
On August 27, 2009, Honor Society unveiled the music video for "Where Are You Now," which achieved significant popularity in the Philippines. This song was also included on the soundtrack of the American musical film Bandslam.
In the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, Honor Society performed "You Really Got Me" during its opening sequence.
The band had the honor of ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on December 14, 2009.
In January 2010, they joined Timbaland as supporting performers for six shows on his Shock Value II Tour. Additionally, they delivered both the National Anthem and a musical performance at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree on July 31.
During autumn 2010, Honor Society initiated the #HONORsystem campaign by releasing several new tracks as complimentary downloads through HonorSocietyMusic.com.
2011–2013: Second album release, Serendipity EP, Rosen's exit, and disbandment
Their second studio album, A Tale of Risky Business: Part II, was released on October 25, 2011, featuring singles such as "Living a Lie" and "Hurricane". This record entered the Billboard 200 at No. 133 and attained No. 29 on the Independent Album charts. On September 18, 2012, they issued their third EP titled Serendipity, preceded by its lead single released in July of that year.
Jason Rosen, a founding member responsible for lead guitar and keyboards, amicably left the band in late 2012. The remaining members continued as a trio until they announced their breakup in September 2013. Before disbanding, they planned to finalize a fan-funded documentary along with its accompanying soundtrack and perform farewell concerts.
Band members
Members returning
- Michael Bruno – lead vocals, guitar (2006–2013)
- Andrew Lee Schmidt – bass guitar, backing vocals (2006–2013)
- Alexander Noyes – drums, backing vocals (2006–2013)
- Jason Rosen – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (2006–2012)
Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009
Honor Society's initial nationwide tour experience was serving as an opening act on the Jonas Brothers' 2009 World Tour, which also featured Jordin Sparks and the Wonder Girls. Simultaneously, they led their own "Full Moon Crazy Tour," which became the seventh top-selling tour of 2009, ranking alongside major artists such as Britney Spears and Beyoncé.
Fashionably Late Tour
In September 2009, to support their first album, the band headlined the "Fashionably Late Tour," performing across 20 cities in North America with YouTube star Esmee Denters as the opening performer.
Shock Value II Tour
During January 2010, Honor Society opened for six shows on Timbaland's Shock Value II Tour, sharing the stage with notable guests including Justin Timberlake, Jay Sean, Katy Perry, and Miley Cyrus.
Here Comes Trouble Tour
The spring of 2010 saw Honor Society leading their third tour, titled the Here Comes Trouble Tour, which spanned 32 locations and featured opening acts Ashlyne Huff and Just Kait.
Wherever You Are Tour
Following a year-long break, the band launched its fourth national headlining tour called the "Wherever You Are Tour," comprising 22 stops with supporting acts Action Item and Katelyn Tarver.
Rock the Red Kettle Tour
In autumn 2011, Honor Society was the headliner for the Salvation Army's Rock the Red Kettle Tour, a 17-city journey from Orlando to West Hollywood. Opening performances were provided by Sunderland, The Trace, and Aaron Camper.
Summer of Love Tour
Between July 24 and August 20, 2012, Honor Society acted as a supporting headliner on Allstar Weekend's Summer of Love Tour.
Serendipity: The Tour
In spring 2013, the band embarked on an 18-date Serendipity tour from March 10 to April 13. This tour included complimentary shows at iPlay and Macy's locations as well as private engagements.
Television
At the beginning of 2010, Honor Society appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! during one of the program’s highest-rated episodes.
On January 31, 2010, they performed "Over You" and "See U in the Dark" on NBC’s Skate for the Heart, also delivering the National Anthem at that day’s NFL Pro Bowl.
Throughout 2010, Honor Society sang the National Anthem at six Major League Baseball games featuring teams such as the San Francisco Giants, Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, and New York Mets.
Drummer Alexander Noyes made an appearance on MTV’s When I Was 17, where he shared insights about his friendship with Kevin Jonas.
The band achieved sixth place on MTV’s 10 on Top list in 2010 and participated in season three of MTV’s Silent Library.
Albums
- 2009: Fashionably Late
- 2011: A Tale of Risky Business: Part II
Extended plays
- 2006: The Green Light
- 2008: A Tale of Risky Business
- 2012: Serendipity
Singles
| Year | Title | Highest chart position | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | |||
| 2009 | "Where Are You Now" | — | Bandslam/Fashionably Late |
| "Over You" | — | Fashionably Late | |
| "Two Rebels" | — | ||
| 2010 | "Here Comes Trouble" | — | |
| 2011 | "Hurricane" | — | A Tale of Risky Business: Part II |
| 2012 | "Serendipity" | — | Serendipity |
Soundtracks
| Year | Song | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | "Where Are You Now" | Bandslam |
| "Magic" | Wizards of Waverly Place | |
| "White Christmas" | All Wrapped Up Vol.2 | |
| "You Really Got Me" | Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack | |
| 2010 | "Real Gone" | Disneymania 7 |
| "Can't Box Me In" | Team USA Olympics 2010 Soundtrack |