The Starting Line
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
The Starting Line is a pop-punk group originating from Churchville, Pennsylvania, established in 1999 and presently operating out of Philadelphia.
Formation and Early Period (1999–2001)
The band was founded in 1999 when guitarist Matt Watts reached out via AOL’s member directory to potential collaborators, including a then 14-year-old vocalist and bassist, Kenny Vasoli, who was part of Smash Adams at the time. Vasoli was the sole reply, and shortly thereafter, he began rehearsing alongside Watts, guitarist Mike Golla, and drummer Tom Gryskewicz. The ensemble rapidly started performing live shows, one of which was alongside Saves the Day during that band’s second album launch event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Originally called Sunday Drive, the group sold self-produced merchandise and a demo tape titled Four Songs. Their first official release appeared in 2000 as a split three-way record with The Jimmy Tuesday Band and The Commercials on KickStart Audio, including tracks such as 'West Girl Scout Road', 'Forever in a Day', and 'Nothing Short of a Miracle'.
In late 2000, Sunday Drive recorded sessions for what was planned as their debut full-length album under We the People Records. After signing with Drive-Thru Records in April 2001, these recordings were repurposed as demos for upcoming projects. Upon discovering the name Sunday Drive was already taken by a Christian rock group, they unanimously selected the name The Starting Line.
With Hopes of Starting Over EP (2001)
Their first release on Drive-Thru Records was the EP With Hopes of Starting Over..., issued on July 17, 2001. This EP included an early rendition of "Leaving," initially part of the We The People sessions and later released as the second single from their debut album Say It Like You Mean It.
Say It Like You Mean It (2002)
The album Say It Like You Mean It, released July 16, 2002, presented a mix of high-energy and mellow tracks that explored topics such as live performances ("Given the Chance"), travel experiences ("Left Coast Envy"), and intimate relationships ("Up & Go," "Hello Houston," "Cheek to Cheek"). The lead single "The Best of Me", supported by two music videos, alongside the follow-up single "Leaving," received extensive airplay on radio and television. This exposure led to their participation in the Warped Tour. The song "Up & Go" was featured in an episode of a Fox television series and used in the trailer for She's The Man. In 2003, they performed "The Best of Me" on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
The Make Yourself at Home EP (2003)
In pursuit of new material, the band created an entirely acoustic EP recorded across three separate sessions from 2002 to 2003. These recordings took place in diverse settings such as a bedroom, Vasoli's basement, and their tour bus. Released on November 25, 2003, The Make Yourself at Home EP was available on both CD and DVD formats, with the DVD featuring a live acoustic performance from Skate & Surf 2003 held in Asbury Park, New Jersey. This project marked their last release exclusively under Drive-Thru Records prior to signing with Geffen Records.
Based on a True Story (2005)
In May 2005, the band unveiled their first major label album, Based on a True Story. Departing from the breakup-centric themes of their earlier work, this record included more confrontational songs targeting their record company. The track "Inspired by the $" features pointed lyrics aimed at Geffen Records, criticizing the label's insistence on producing radio-friendly hits akin to New Found Glory's Catalyst (2004) and a reimagined version of "Best of Me." This album surpassed their 2002 effort commercially, selling 42,000 copies in its opening week compared to the previous 11,000.
After the album's release, the band joined the semi-headlining lineup of the Nintendo Fusion Tour alongside Fall Out Boy in September 2005, adding keyboardist Brian Schmutz to their live performances. Early in the tour, they requested and were granted release from their contract with Geffen. Vasoli later reflected on their time with the label as an unfulfilled connection: "It was kind of like having a sort of hot girlfriend that never talks to you... always an imaginary relationship."
Also in 2005, their song "The World" was featured in the video game Burnout Revenge and later appeared on American Idol in 2011.
Direction (2007)
The band signed with Virgin Records in January 2006 and dropped their third studio album, Direction, on July 31, 2007. The record included the single "Island", inspired by Vasoli's long-term partner Michelle. Other prominent songs on the album were "What You Want," "21," "Birds," and the title track "Direction." "Island" was their only single to chart, peaking at No. 21 on Billboard's Modern Rock charts. The album reached No. 30 on the Billboard 200 but remained on the chart for just four weeks. In support of Direction, they played the 2007 Warped Tour and embarked on a nationwide tour with Paramore starting that October.
Hiatus and reunion (2008–2011)
In March 2008, the group announced an indefinite break so members could focus on individual projects: Ken and Brian formed Person L, Matt and Tom collaborated with The Seventy Six, while Mike concentrated on family life and performed with The Traded Series. Matt Watts shifted into artist management at Red Light Management, working with bands such as Fake Problems and Hit The Lights before advancing to executive roles at Hard Rock Cafe, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, and Vans. The band indicated plans to regroup when circumstances allowed.
By April 2009, Kenny Vasoli hinted at a possible earlier return, highlighting their enduring friendship. On November 10, 2009, they released "Somebody's Gonna Miss Us", a live CD/DVD documenting their career through their final tour and last performance at Bamboozle 2008. A reunion show followed in December at Philadelphia’s Theater of Living Arts, with Matt Watts clarifying it was a brief pause from hiatus rather than a full-scale comeback. Due to high demand, a second holiday concert was scheduled at Philadelphia’s Trocadero Theater where Vasoli officially announced the band's reunion.
In February 2011, they appeared at Australia’s Soundwave Festival, emphasizing this as an opportunity to share the stage with notable acts rather than signaling a full return or plans for a U.S. tour. At May 2011’s Slam Dunk Records Leeds festival, Vasoli revealed new songs under the working title 'Luck', indicating ongoing creative activity.
A countdown launched in June 2012 on their website culminated in news of a 10-year anniversary tour celebrating their debut album Say It Like You Mean It, performing it in its entirety. That same year, Vasoli introduced his side project Vacationer, releasing its debut album Gone in June.
The Starting Line reunited for a Christmas concert in 2013 at New Jersey’s Starland Ballroom and announced another holiday performance for December 26, 2014, at Philadelphia’s Trocadero. During this show, Vasoli confirmed that new material was forthcoming in 2015. On December 14, 2015, they announced the EP Anyways, releasing its title track as the lead single on December 18. This marked their first new studio work in nine years and officially incorporated Schmutz as a permanent band member after years of touring together.
Anyways EP (2015)
On December 14, 2015, the group revealed plans for the EP titled Anyways, with the lead single—also named "Anyways"—released on December 18. This project marked their first studio recording release in nearly a decade. The title track was later featured in a 2016 episode of the television show The Vampire Diaries.
New music and beyond (2023)
During their holiday concert on December 7, 2023, in Philadelphia, the band premiered "Blame," their first new composition since the Anyways EP. Kenny announced that the official release date was "TBA," and teased additional forthcoming music. They performed "Blame" again the following evening, which contributed to sold-out performances at Underground Arts in their hometown.
The band experienced a resurgence in public interest after being mentioned in Taylor Swift's 2024 album The Tortured Poets Department on the track "The Black Dog." They acknowledged this shoutout via Instagram and Facebook, hinting at a fourth studio album by using the hashtag #4OTW.
At their December 2024 holiday concerts, they introduced another fresh song titled "Granted," with Kenny confirming that work on new material is ongoing.
Eternal Youth (2025)
On June 4, 2025, the band announced their fourth full-length album, Eternal Youth, scheduled for release on September 26, 2025. Alongside this news, they unveiled a music video for the lead single "Sense of Humor." The album will be independently distributed through their own label, Lineage Recordings. Produced by Will Yip, mixed by Rich Costey, and mastered by Howie Weinberg, the record focuses on an unpolished punk aesthetic with minimal production effects, as described by Kenny.
Following singles included "Circulate," released on July 31, and "I See How It Is," which debuted alongside the album.
Touring
The Starting Line has shared stages with notable acts such as Good Charlotte, Brand New, Sum 41, Taking Back Sunday, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, The All-American Rejects, Motion City Soundtrack, Panic! at the Disco, All Time Low, Cartel, The Maine, and Third Eye Blind. Their presence at the Vans Warped Tour spans multiple years—2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2019—and they have toured extensively across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
In celebration of their 20th anniversary in 2019, they participated in Vans Warped Tour’s 25th anniversary edition and arranged additional shows in major cities such as Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago (Riot Fest), Denver, Dallas, New York, and Philadelphia.
On January 18, 2022, they confirmed their involvement in the When We Were Young Festival held in Las Vegas alongside iconic bands from the "scene" era like Paramore and My Chemical Romance.
In 2023, The Starting Line performed nineteen concerts—their most active year since 2007—including two holiday shows. They supported The All American Rejects on the Wet Hot All-American Summer Tour with New Found Glory and The Get Up Kids, playing eleven dates. Festival appearances that year featured Adjacent Festival, So What Music Festival, and Ohio Is For Lovers Festival. During this time, lead vocalist Kenny Vasoli hinted at plans for touring in 2024.
By November 2023, the band confirmed their return to the When We Were Young festival scheduled for October 2024 in Las Vegas where they will perform their debut album Say It Like You Mean It in its entirety.
Early in 2024, The Starting Line announced multiple engagements: bassist Kenny Vasoli joining Boys Like Girls as a guest performer in July; a Los Angeles show at The Novo slated for June; participation in Lake Tahoe Is for Lovers festival alongside Hawthorne Heights and The All-American Rejects; and a UK tour return after nine years for the Slam Dunk Music Festival dates in London and Leeds during 2025.
Additional scheduled appearances for 2025 include performing at the 8123 Fest in Mesa, AZ with The Maine among others; a second weekend at When We Were Young festival in Las Vegas; Let's Go Music Fest in Crownsville, MD featuring Third Eye Blind; participating in Orlando’s stop of Vans Warped Tour’s 30th anniversary; and All Your Friends Fest alongside Four Year Strong and Rise Against.
On March 25, 2025, they announced joining Andrew McMahon’s "Holiday From Real" cruise concert event (February–March 2026), supporting McMahon's musical projects along with The Maine.
On April 8, 2025, The Starting Line revealed their first headlining tour in seventeen years—dubbed The Eternal Youth Tour—with support from acts including Armor for Sleep, Finch, Knucklepuck, Oso Oso, and Real Friends.
Holiday performances
For numerous years, the group has organized yearly holiday concerts, sometimes conducting several shows across Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York City.
| Year | City/Area | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Philadelphia | TLA |
| 2003 | Sayreville, NJ & Philadelphia | Starland Ballroom & Trocadero Theater |
| 2004 | Philadelphia | Franklin Music Hall |
| 2005 | Philadelphia | Franklin Music Hall |
| 2006 | Philadelphia | Electric Music Factory |
| 2007 | Philadelphia | TLA |
| 2009 | Philadelphia | TLA |
| 2010 | Sayreville, NJ | Starland Ballroom |
| 2012 | Philadelphia | Electric Factory |
| 2013 | Sayreville, NJ | Starland Ballroom |
| 2014 | Philadelphia | The Trocadero |
| 2015 | Sayreville, NJ | Starland Ballroom |
| 2016 | Philadelphia | Union Transfer |
| 2017 | New York City | Irving Plaza |
| 2018 | Philadelphia | Franklin Music Hall |
| 2019 | Philadelphia & New York City | Franklin Music Hall & Webster Music Hall |
| 2020 | Live at Studio 4 (virtual) |
Held online due to COVID-19 restrictions |
| 2021 | Sayreville, NJ & Philadelphia | Starland Ballroom & Franklin Music Hall |
| 2022 | New York City | Palladium Times Square |
| 2023 | Philadelphia | Underground Arts |
| 2024 | Philadelphia | TLA |
Current lineup
- Mike Golla – lead guitar, backing vocals (1999–2008, 2009, 2011, 2012–present)
- Tom Gryskiewicz – drums and percussion (1999–2008, 2009, 2011, 2012–present)
- Kenny Vasoli – bass guitar and lead vocals (1999–2008, 2009, 2011, 2012–present), rhythm guitar and keyboards (2005–2007)
- Matt Watts – rhythm guitar (1999–2008, 2009, 2011, 2012–present)
- Brian Schmutz – keyboards and backing vocals (2007–2008, 2009, 2011, 2012–present; touring member 2005–2007)
Studio releases
| Title | Information | Highest chart rankings | Sales figures | US | US Heatseekers |
|---|
|- ! Say It Like You Mean It |
- Released: July 16, 2002
- Record label: Drive-Thru Records
| 109 || 1 |
- US sales: 306,000 copies
|- ! Based on a True Story |
- Released: May 10, 2005
- Record label: Geffen Records
| 18 || — |
- US sales: 152,000 copies
|- ! Direction |
- Released: July 31, 2007
- Record label: Virgin Records
| 30 || — |
- First-week US sales: approximately 20,000
|- ! Eternal Youth |
- Released: September 26, 2025
- Label: Lineage Recordings |
— || — | |}
Live recordings
| Title | Details |
|---|
|- ! Somebody's Gonna Miss Us |
- Release date: November 10, 2009
- Label: Image Entertainment
|- ! Based on a True Story Live at Studio 4 |
- Released on August 13, 2021
- Label: Memory Music
|- ! Direction Live at Studio 4 |
- Released on August 13, 2021
- Label: Memory Music
|- ! The Best of Live at Studio 4 |
- Released on August 13, 2021
- Label: Memory Music
|}
Compilation Albums
| Title | Information |
|---|---|
| The Early Years |
|
Music Videos
| Track | Information |
|---|---|
| Three's a Charm |
|
| The Best of Me (Original Version) |
|
| The Best of Me |
|
| Leaving |
|
| Bedroom Talk |
|
| Island (Float Away) |
|
| Anyways |
|
| Sense of Humor |
|
| Circulate |
|
| I See How It Is |
|
DVD Releases
| Title | Information |
|---|---|
| The Make Yourself at Home: Acoustic DVD |
|
| Bastards of Young Documentary DVD |
|
| Somebody's Gonna Miss Us DVD |
|
Extended Plays
| Title | Details | Highest Chart Positions |
|---|---|---|
| US Heatseekers | ||
| With Hopes of Starting Over... |
|
— |
| The Make Yourself at Home EP |
|
10 |
| Anyways |
|
— |
Singles
| Title | Year Released | Top Chart Positions Achieved | Certifications Earned | Associated Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Modern Rock |
UK | ||||
| "Three's a Charm" | 2002 | — | — | With Hopes of Starting Over... | |
| "The Best of Me" | 2003 | — | 79 |
|
Say It Like You Mean It |
| "Leaving" | — | — | |||
| "Bedroom Talk" | 2005 | — | — | Based on a True Story | |
| "Island (Float Away)" | 2007 | 21 | — | Direction | |
| "Something Left to Give" | 2008 | — | — | ||
| "Somebody's Gonna Miss Us" | 2009 | — | — | ||
| "Anyways" | 2016 | — | — | Anyways | |
| "Sense of Humor" | 2025 | — | — | Eternal Youth | |
| "Circulate" | — | — | |||
| "I See How It Is" | — | — | |||
| The symbol "—" indicates tracks that did not enter the charts or were not released in the specified region. | |||||
Additional tracks
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | I'm Real (cover of a Jennifer Lopez song) | Punk Goes Pop |
| 2003 | Playing Favorites | Punk Goes Acoustic |
| 2004 | Full band rendition of Lasting Impressions | Unreleased |
| 2005 | Nights and Weekends | Japanese edition of Based on a True Story |
| Classic Jazz | Initially intended for Based on a True Story | |
| The Rain Cloud and I | Unreleased B-side track; originally meant for Based on a True Story | |
| 2006 | Big Time Sensuality (cover of a Björk song) | Punk Goes '90s |
| 2007 | Pictures | Japanese release of Direction |
| Time to Run | Unreleased B-side |