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Later Days started in February, 2001, with members Mike Wassef (singer/guitarist/songwriter and bassist), Derrick Peltz (drums and percussion/motivational speaker) , and John Faratzis (lead guitar/computer graphics/film editing and production). The band commenced their rocking in Naples, Florida, a town located on the Gulf of Mexico famous for its affluence and golf courses. Originally beginning as a pop-punk based band heavy influenced by the likes of Green Day, Blink- 182, No Doubt, and Fall Out Boy, Later Days has since evolved into a mature rock band with cleverly crafted and catchy pop songs ranging from genres in soul and funk, to arena rock, to pop rock. Mike Wassef, Derrick Peltz, and John Faratzis formed Later Days at the young ages of 13, 13, and 11 (respectively). Shortly after their establishment, Later Days began participating in local concerts, with their first ever concert was at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Later in 2000, Later Days had established a large enough following to participate in their local Battle of the Bands. Pulling a crowd of over 500 dedicated fans, Later Days placed first and won their first Battle of the Bands. After being together for a short year, and with a Battle of the Bands victory under their belts, Later Days embarked on their first, self-booked tour around Florida. At the end of the tour, Later Days raised enough money to record their first album. Balancing a schedule of school, and local touring, Later Days continued to grow their fan base, which translated into a great success at selling their independently released first album (Getting Off at The Bus Stop). Over the course of the following two years, Later Days participated in two more annual Battle Of the Bands, successfully defending their title in consecutive wins, produced two more independently funded albums, toured when school made it possible, and steadily grew the fan base. In the summer of 2004, Later Days garnered enough attention to hook up with successful producer Jim Wirt (No Doubt, Hoobastank, Something Corporate, Jacks Mannequin, and The Rocket Summer) to produce their nationally sold and recognized E.P. Catch this Epidemic. The release of Catch This Epidemic, produced such hits as Meant To Be, I’m Leaving and Evan’s Epidemic. These songs launched Later Days into the spotlight of being one of the most prominent and sought after independent acts in the nation. The attention Later Days received from the independent success of Catch This Epidemic, allowed them to embark on two more tours the latter of which was on the national level. Later Days embarked on their national tour in the summer of 2006. This led them to get the attention of local promoters which placed them in concerts, where they shared the stage with such acts as Hawthorne Heights, Unwritten Law, Sum-41, & No Address to name a few. Such success in late 2006 put Later Days’ Catch this Epidemic on Smart Punk’s list of top ten selling CDs selling out numerous times. From there Later Days made their way onto the Ernie Ball stage in the Summer of 2006 on the prestigious Van’s Warped Tour. The stint on Warped Tour provoked Alternative Press Magazine to chose them as one of their top unsigned bands, label them as “Damn Good in our Book”. Synthesis Magazine also featured them as one of their top unsigned band in the country. Naples Daily News also claimed Later Days music was amazing enough to make even “party boys Blink 182 envious.” The nationally recognized publication, Naples Daily News also featured Later Days on a full page front cover piece on two separate occasions. Later Days has also been featured in Forbe’s as well. In March 2007, Later Days was chosen to travel to Reno, NV to perform at the Collegiate Nationals to claim the title of best unsigned band in the country. Later Days was chosen over 2000 other bands by CBS and College Sports Television as the best band collegiate in the country. Later in the year, Later Days was also chosen by DJ Rosstar as a need to know unsigned band on his radio show. Later Days has also been chosen to be featured on the Johnny Mosely show on Sirius Channel 28, the Faction. Along with several national TV appearances, and newspaper spreads, Later Days has had their music played on several radio stations. From there on, Later Days went on to sell their EP Catch This Epidemic on iTunes, and headlining and participating in concerts all over Florida, playing with Forever The Sickest Kids, Underoath, HelloGoodbye, AFI, Paramore, and Gym Class Heroes. In 2008 Later Days worked with Grammy Award nominated producer David Bendeth (Paramore, Breaking Benjamin, Mayday Parade, All Time Low)having him mix the tracks "shake it" and "everything". Their album "I heard They're getting huge" is available now in Hot Topic. Along with rocking out across the nation and making an even larger splash as an independent act, Later Days chose to grow their brand and band by developing a program called the Later Days Decisions program. Later Days then proceeded to take their program, (which included motivational speaking exemplifying how one can live out their dreams by leading a positive lifestyle) to middle schools across Florida, gaining an even larger following. The raised enough money and attention to work with super producer Steve Evetts (Homegrown, Story of The Year, Every Time I Die, Dillinger Escape Plan, Senses Fail, Saves the Day, and Say Anything). From there Later Days constructed their most masterful release to date, “Don’t Forget the Name” featuring smash hits, “PCH Hustle This Place” “Affair with the Industry”, and “Living the Life”. The week of the CD release, Later Days played three concerts with attendances of, 700, 1100, and 1800, at Sun N Fun community park, the last of which was shut down due to over crowding. The CD release concert for “Don’t Forget the Name” , drew over 2000 in attendance, in their hometown. Later Days currently resides in Calabasas/Malibu California, growing their fan base steadily from the students at Pepperdine University, spreading the name across the Los Angeles area. Later Days most recent outings have been headlining concerts at world famous venues such as The Roxy, Whisky-A- Go-Go, and the Troubadour, and sold out their most recent concert at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood. Later Days plans to continue their success and grow in their new California roots, and gain even more national attention. Later Days music can be found on iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, Hot Topic, and Smart Punk. For more information, please visit www.laterdaysrock.com, www.myspace.com/laterdaysrock, Later Days Twitter Page, or the Later Days Facebook page (just search: Later Days Rock) |
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