This Century
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Phoenix, Arizona , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
This Century was a pop rock ensemble originating from Phoenix, Arizona, comprising members Joel Kanitz, Ryan Gose, Alex Silverman, and Sean Silverman. In February 2014, Alex Silverman exited the group. By May 2015, after unveiling their third studio album Soul Sucker, the band declared farewell performances and disbandment to enable each member to focus on personal ambitions and individual projects. Their discography includes three full-length albums: Soul Sucker, Biography of Heartbreak, and Sound of Fire.
Formation and Early Years (2006–2007)
The band was established while the members were still in high school, initially performing under names such as "Modern Poets" and "Evident Earth" before adopting "This Century," a name inspired by a humorous remark from guitarist Silverman about choosing a band name relevant to this century.
Initial Releases and Growth (2007–2009)
In 2007, This Century debuted with their self-titled EP 2007, followed by multiple EPs and singles including Look What We Made (2008), "Dream of Christmas" (2008), "Kiss Me Like It's Christmas" (2009), as well as the No Way Out Digital Sampler (2009) and To Love and Back (2009). The group signed with Tim Kirch and Tanner Radcliffe of 8123 Management in 2008 and delivered acoustic performances at the 2009 Vans Warped Tour Baby Cakes Tent.
Touring and Sound of Fire Era (2010–2012)
In 2010, This Century secured a contract with The Maine's label Action Theory Records and released the EP Hopeful Romantic Sampler, which included tracks that preceded their debut album Sound of Fire. They appeared at Bamboozle Left, sharing the stage with artists such as Anarbor, The Ready Set, and Never Shout Never. The band also embarked on a national tour alongside The Maine and Austin Gibbs during the Evening With The Maine Tour.
Late in 2010, during the 'Hey Monday Tour', This Century canceled several shows due to lead vocalist Joel Kanitz experiencing vocal difficulties. Subsequently, they joined Good Charlotte and Forever the Sickest Kids on the 'Cardiology Tour'.
March 2011 saw the release of the single "Sound of Fire" ahead of their full album launch on April 19, 2011. That summer, This Century led their inaugural headlining "Young and Useless Tour" with support from Carter Hulsey and Austin Gibbs; due to personal reasons, Sweet Talker replaced Gibbs on select dates.
By mid-2012, This Century expanded internationally, performing in Manila alongside We Are the in Crowd and Set Your Goals. Their song "Everywhere Everything" dominated Manila’s charts for two consecutive weeks, while "Sound of Fire" had previously held the number one spot in June 2011.
They headlined The Endless Summer Tour featuring Austin Gibbs, collaborating on the track "Someone For Everyone." In September 2012, This Century supported The Maine’s UK/Europe Pioneer tour and returned to Manila in December for two complimentary concerts sponsored by Pulp magazine.
Biography of Heartbreak, Soul Sucker, and Final Chapter (2013–2015)
On May 14, 2013, This Century launched their sophomore album Biography of Heartbreak globally through Rude Records across Europe, the UK, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Japan, while releasing it independently in the United States via management partner Eighty One Twenty Three.
Produced by Colby Wedgeworth, this album featured standout tracks such as "Bleach Blonde" and "Skeletons," along with eleven additional songs. The lead single "Slow Dance Night" was accompanied by a music video released on Vevo on April 23, 2013. To promote the album, This Century joined The 8123 Tour alongside labelmates The Maine, A Rocket to the Moon, and Brighten.
In autumn 2013, they co-headlined the Up Close + Personal Tour with Nick Santino & The Northern Wind.
Bassist and keyboardist Alex Silverman departed from the band in February 2014.
Following the release of their final album Soul Sucker, This Century announced a concluding tour in May 2015 to allow members to pursue individual musical endeavors. Lead vocalist Joel Kanitz now performs solo under Gorgeous War; drummer Ryan Gose releases music as Stop Dead; guitarist Sean Silverman is active with Arizona-based group The Technicolors.
Discography
- 2011: Sound of Fire
- 2013: Biography of Heartbreak
- 2015: Soul Sucker
Tours
As Headliners
- The Endless Summer Tour featuring Austin Gibbs (Summer 2012)
- Acoustics Tour alongside The Getaways (Spring 2012)
- Young and Useless Tour (Summer 2011)
- Up Close and Personal Tour (Fall 2013)
Supporting Performances
- The Long & Winding Roadshow (Fall 2014)
- Art of Tour (Spring 2014)
- The 8123 Tour (Summer 2013)
- Circuit Fest in the Philippines (2013)
- The Maine Europe Pioneer World Tour (Fall 2012)
- District Lines Tour (Spring 2011)
- Cardiology Tour (Spring 2011)
- Hey Monday Tour (Fall 2010)
- An Evening with the Maine Tour (Summer 2010)
- Bamboozle Left (Spring 2010)
- Vans Warped Tour (Summer 2009)