Hot Rod Circuit
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Auburn, Alabama , United States |
| Products | Emo music |
| Website | www |
Hot Rod Circuit (HRC) is an emo band originating from Auburn, Alabama, established in 1997.
Formation and Early Work
Initially known as Antidote, the group launched their first album, Mr. Glenboski, and were honored with the title "Best Unsigned Band of 1998" by Musician Magazine. After moving to Connecticut, they adopted the name Hot Rod Circuit and unveiled If I Knew Now What I Knew Then on September 21, 1999. The ensemble consisted of Andy Jackson (vocals, rhythm guitar), Casey Prestwood (lead guitar), Jason Russell (bass, vocals), and Wes Cross (drums), who left prior to their subsequent release. Their early touring focused on the New England area, where they opened for bands such as The Get Up Kids, At the Drive-In, and the Jazz June.
In September 2000, with Michael Poorman now on drums, they issued If It's Cool With You, It's Cool With Me. Its lead track "Radio Song" climbed to number two on college radio charts. To support this album, HRC embarked on nationwide tours alongside Jimmy Eat World and Reggie and the Full Effect, in addition to an acoustic tour featuring The New Amsterdams.
Sorry About Tomorrow
By autumn 2001, Hot Rod Circuit had secured a contract with Vagrant Records. Their third studio effort, Sorry About Tomorrow, was recorded at Salad Days Studio in Maryland and released on March 12, 2002. That year, the band performed over 250 shows supporting multiple acts and took part in the inaugural Vagrant America Tour. The single "The Pharmacist" gained extensive exposure through MTV and MTV2 broadcasts. In 2003, they toured the United Kingdom and appeared at the Reading and Leeds festival. Sorry About Tomorrow remains their best-selling album. Additionally, Triple Crown Records released Been There, Smoked That in 2002—a compilation of B-sides including rare EP tracks, live performances, tour commentary, and cover songs. Drummer Mike Poorman exited the band following their UK tour in late 2003.
Reality's Coming Through
Hot Rod Circuit's fourth album, Reality's Coming Through, arrived in August 2004 as their second release under Vagrant Records. This record introduced Dan Duggins on drums and featured Brian Kiss contributing backing guitar and vocals. The single "Save You" received airtime on MTV, FUSE, and MTV2. During 2004 and 2005, the band toured alongside acts such as Say Anything, Brand New, and Eisley.
In spring 2005, bassist Jason Russell departed to explore other musical ventures, prompting Hot Rod Circuit to withdraw from The Get Up Kids' farewell tour. Instead, they participated in the 2005 Warped Tour with a temporary bassist and incorporated various guest musicians into their live performances throughout that year.
Following their tour with Hit The Lights in 2005, the band entered a hiatus exceeding one year, limiting appearances to a handful of college shows in early 2006. Around Thanksgiving that year, Hot Rod Circuit ended their affiliation with Vagrant Records and signed with independent label Immortal Records. Joe Ballaro joined as the new permanent bassist.
The Underground is a Dying Breed
In early 2007, after joining Immortal Records, Hot Rod Circuit released The Underground is a Dying Breed, produced by Andy Jackson in Montgomery, Alabama. They supported the album by touring across the US and Canada with The Forecast and Limbeck.
A music video for the single "Stateside," featuring actress Eva Hamilton, was produced by the band and earned FUSE's "Oven Fresh" accolade.
Disbandment
Hot Rod Circuit declared their disbandment on October 8, 2007, marking the end of a decade-long journey. They wrapped up their career with an eight-show farewell tour along the East Coast, culminating at Toad's Place in New Haven, Connecticut.
Reformation
The band revealed their comeback on February 10, 2011, announcing their participation in Krazy Fest 2011 held in Louisville, Kentucky. Subsequently, Andy Jackson departed from his other project, Terrible Things, in April 2011. Later that year, in September, Hot Rod Circuit publicized an eight-date U.S. tour scheduled for November and unveiled plans to release a new three-song 7" vinyl EP.
In 2019, Hot Rod Circuit joined Saves The Day on the "Through Being Cool" tour, during which they performed the entire Sorry About Tomorrow album.
Lineup
Current members
- Andy Jackson – lead vocals and rhythm guitar
- Casey Prestwood – guitar and pedal steel
- Jason Russell – bass guitar and backing vocals
- Mike Poorman – drums
- Past members
- Wes Cross (1996–1999)
- Dustin Hudson (1997–1999)
- Dan Duggins (2006–2007)
- Brian Kiss (2004–2005)
- Jake Turner (Fill-In - 2005)
- Jeff Turner (Fill-In - 2005)
- Jerry Morrison (Fill-In - 2005)
- Rob Fitzgerald (Fill-In - 2005)
- Matt Wilson (Fill-In - 2024)
Studio Albums
- Mr. Glenboski (1998, New World Records)
- If I Knew Now What I Knew Then (1999, Triple Crown Records)
- If It's Cool With You, It's Cool With Me (2000, Triple Crown Records)
- Sorry About Tomorrow (2002, Vagrant Records)
- Reality's Coming Through (2004, Vagrant Records)
- The Underground Is A Dying Breed (2007, Immortal Records)
EPs and Singles
- Hot Rod Circuit (1999)
- Split with The Anniversary (2000)
- Split with thisyearsmodel (2001)
- Pharmacist (2003)
- The Underground Is A Dying Breed (iTunes Acoustic EP) (2007)
- Hot Rod Circuit (2011)
- Default Setting (2017)
Compilation Albums and Soundtracks
- Revelation-A-Pop-A-Lypse (1999)
- I ♥ Metal (1999)
- Y2K Proof (2000)
- Welcome To Triple Crown (2000)
- The Best Comp In The World (2000)
- Another Year On The Streets Volume 2 (2001)
- Been There, Smoked That (2003)
- Atticus ...Dragging The Lake II (2003)
- Beer: The Movie (2003)
- Last Nights Escape (2003)
- Outlaw Volleyball: Music From The Game (2003)
- Another Year On The Streets Vol. 3 (2004)
- A Santa Cause 2: Its A Punk Rock Christmas (2006)
- Yo! Indie Rock Raps (Warped Tour Edition) (2007)
- Punk Goes Crunk (2008)
- Friends (2014)