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The Academy Is...

From Alfawiki
The Academy Is...
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded2003
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
,
United States
ProductsAlbums, EPs
Websitewww.facebook.com/theacademyis/

The Academy Is... is a rock ensemble originating from Chicago, Illinois, established in 2003. Prior to their hiatus, they were affiliated with the Decaydance label, a subsidiary of Fueled by Ramen. Initially called "The Academy," the band appended "Is..." in 2004 to resolve trademark conflicts with other groups. Their discography includes three full-length albums: Almost Here (2005), Santi (2007), and Fast Times at Barrington High (2008), alongside four extended plays. The band declared their breakup on October 8, 2011.

In May 2015, lead vocalist William Beckett confirmed the band's reunion for Riot Fest 2015 held in Chicago. The reunion featured principal members Beckett, Mike Carden, Adam Siska, and Andy Mrotek, supplemented by Jamie Reed Schefman and Ian Crawford, culminating in a farewell tour in December 2015.

A subsequent reunion was announced on May 11, 2022, aligning with their appearance at the 2022 Riot Fest. Since then, they have supported Fall Out Boy on tour and performed at the When We Were Young event. It was later confirmed that they would return to perform at Riot Fest in Chicago in September 2025.

Formation and early years (2003–2004)

On March 4, 2003, William Beckett and Adam T. Siska formed the band after meeting at Barrington High School. They brought on guitarist Mike Carden following the disbandment of his former group, Jodie. Soon after, AJ LaTrace (lead guitar) and Michael DelPrincipe (drums) joined the lineup. The band recorded their debut self-titled EP, The Academy (2004), through Chicago-based LLR Recordings, which had previously released Beckett's solo project Remember Maine and Carden's folk solo album. Produced by Brian Zieske in Villa Park, IL, this EP attracted interest from Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, resulting in a deal with Fueled by Ramen. That summer, they toured alongside Fall Out Boy, Bayside, Name Taken, and Armor for Sleep.

Almost Here (2005–2006)

In 2004, the group entered the studio in Florida to record their Fueled by Ramen debut album Almost Here, collaborating with producer James Paul Wisner, recognized for his work with Dashboard Confessional and Underoath. Following recording sessions and a summer tour, personnel changes took place: Thomas Conrad replaced LaTrace as guitarist and backing vocalist, while drummer Andy Mrotek—formerly of Last Place Champs—succeeded DelPrincipe. Both musicians are credited in the album liner notes despite joining after recording was completed. The band embarked on extensive tours supporting the album alongside acts such as Fall Out Boy, Something Corporate, and Motion City Soundtrack. Released on February 8, 2005, Almost Here reached No. 7 on the Top Heatseekers chart, No. 16 on Independent Albums, and No. 185 on The Billboard 200.

Later that year, during Pete Wentz’s work on Fall Out Boy’s sophomore album and the establishment of his Decaydance Records imprint with John Janick from Fueled by Ramen, he discovered Panic! at the Disco and helped facilitate their debut release A Fever You Can't Sweat Out. In 2005, The Academy Is... also signed to Decaydance.

Santi (2007)

During their headlining stint on the 2006 Warped Tour, the group composed material for their sophomore album. They subsequently recorded Santi in Los Angeles with producer Butch Walker. The recording was finalized by December 23, 2006, and the album was officially released on April 3, 2007, through Fueled By Ramen. It earned recognition in Blender's list of 25 reasons to love 2007 and reached a peak position of No. 32 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album’s lead single, "We've Got a Big Mess on Our Hands," was issued prior to the album launch. Following this, the band toured alongside Fall Out Boy, +44, Cobra Starship, and Paul Wall during the 2007 Honda Civic Tour. They then embarked on the "Sleeping With Giants" tour, supported by acts such as The Rocket Summer, Armor for Sleep, and Sherwood. Midway through the tour, labelmates Cobra Starship joined the lineup. The tour concluded on November 24, 2007, in Chicago.

Fast Times at Barrington High (2008)

Main article: Fast Times at Barrington High

Their third full-length release, Fast Times at Barrington High, was launched on August 19, 2008 via Fueled by Ramen. The album’s title pays homage to the high school attended by William Beckett, Adam Siska, and videographer Jack Edinger. The lead single "About a Girl" premiered on MySpace on July 15, 2008 and was featured on the television show The Hills. The album earned a spot at No. 46 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 50 Best Albums of 2008 and achieved a peak position of No. 17 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Lost in Pacific Time EP and disbandment (2009–2011)

The band completed an EP titled Lost in Pacific Time: The AP/EP, which was released digitally on September 22, 2009 via iTunes and sold during the AP Fall Ball Tour as well as through their webstore. Songs such as "I'm Yours Tonight" were made available online, while "Days Like Masquerades" was performed at a charitable event.

On September 29, 2009, Pete Wentz announced that The Academy Is... would substitute for The All-American Rejects during a St. Louis stop on the Blink-182 tour due to Tyson Ritter sustaining an injury.

By May 24, 2011, Andy Mrotek and Michael Guy Chislett had departed to focus on solo endeavors; William Beckett noted that remaining members intended to work on a fourth studio album. Nevertheless, on October 8, 2011, the band formally dissolved, expressing intentions to pursue individual projects while continuing to release music independently.

Following the breakup, Andy Mrotek launched his solo project The Animal Upstairs; Adam Siska toured with both Say Anything and Carly Rae Jepsen; William Beckett released solo EPs in 2012 and his first full-length solo album Genuine & Counterfeit in August 2013 under Equal Vision Records.

Currently, their official website redirects visitors to their Facebook page where occasional updates are posted by former label Fueled By Ramen.

Reunions and Almost Here Tenth Anniversary Tour (2015–present)

On September 12, 2015, The Academy Is... reunited to perform their debut album Almost Here in its entirety at Riot Fest Chicago. Former lead guitarist Michael Guy Chislett did not participate; Ian Crawford stepped in for live performances. In December of that year, they conducted a U.S. tour featuring Almost Here alongside additional songs from their catalog, concluding on December 30 in San Diego.

On May 11, 2022, an announcement via their Facebook page confirmed their return with plans to appear at Riot Fest 2022. Former members AJ LaTrace and Michael DelPrincipe briefly rejoined for guest appearances during Riot Fest events.

In May 2023, the band performed three shows across the United Kingdom including dates at Slam Dunk Festival. Following this, they served as opening act for Fall Out Boy during select North American dates of the So Much For (Tour) Dust leg.

Additionally, they appeared aboard Andrew McMahon's 'Holiday from Real' Cruise in November 2024.

TAITV

TAITV was a video podcast series providing fans with exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Created by the band and produced by photographer Jack "the Camera Guy" Edinger, it aired weekly until mid-2009. Ryland Blackinton of Cobra Starship appeared as Guy Ripley hosting his own segment. Production halted when Edinger began touring with Cobra Starship. Although bassist Adam Siska assured fans that TAITV had not been discontinued permanently, it ceased operations following the band's breakup.

Bill & Trav's Bogus Journey Tour

On October 1, 2008, The Academy Is... co-headlined "Bill & Trav's Bogus Journey Tour" alongside We the Kings, supported by Carolina Liar and Decaydance Records' Hey Monday. On November 6 of that year, William Beckett debuted "Winter Passing," a song inspired by harsh Midwestern winters; it was later released digitally via iTunes on December 2, 2008.

Band members

Current

  • William Beckett – lead vocals, piano, additional guitar (2003–2011, 2015, 2022–present)
  • Adam T. "Sisky Business" Siska – bass guitar (2003–2011, 2015, 2022–present)
  • Mike Carden – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2003–2011, 2015, 2022–present)
  • Andy "The Butcher" Mrotek – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2004–2011, 2015, 2022–present)

Touring

  • Jamie Reed Schefman – guitar, backing vocals (2011, 2022–2024)
  • Ian Crawford – lead guitar, backing vocals (2015, 2022–2023, 2025–present)

Former

  • Michael DelPrincipe – drums (2003–2004, 2022)
  • AJ LaTrace – lead guitar (2003–2004, 2022)
  • Thomas Conrad – lead guitar (2004–2006)
  • Michael Guy Chislett – lead guitar (2006–2011)

Timeline

External links

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