Concrete Castles
In 2009, a group of five elementary-aged friends from Erie, Pennsylvania, came together to form a band called M4 (Mini Men Making Music). Under the guidance and tutelage of their guitar teacher, Ryan Krysiak, they embarked on their musical journey. However, their early years were marked by a series of changes in lead vocalists, as various members left the band for different reasons.
In 2013, a significant turning point occurred when Audra Miller joined the band as their lead singer. With her powerful and captivating vocals, she brought a new dynamic to the group. From that moment onward, Miller became an integral part of M4 and has remained their lead vocalist ever since.
As the band progressed and evolved, they felt it was time for a fresh start. In December 2015, they made the decision to change their name, rebranding themselves as First to Eleven. This new name represented their unity and determination to be the first in their pursuits and passions.
Their dedication and talent caught the attention of music enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. In 2016, First to Eleven was given the incredible opportunity to perform at the renowned Vans Warped Tour. This event not only exposed them to a wider audience but also allowed them to showcase their skills on a larger platform.
However, as is often the case with young musicians, the band faced another hurdle in 2017 and 2018. Most of the original five members made the difficult decision to pursue higher education, leaving Matthew Yost as the only founding member who remained. It was a significant transition for the band, but they were determined to keep their music alive.
To fill the void left by departing members, First to Eleven welcomed new talents into their ranks. Sam Gilman and Ryan Krysiak, who had previously served as the band's manager, joined as replacements. Their experience and passion for music brought a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the group.
Throughout their journey, First to Eleven has continued to captivate audiences with their engaging performances and diverse musical repertoire. They have gained a loyal following on platforms such as YouTube, where they share their unique renditions of popular songs alongside original compositions.
ollowing their success in uploading rock covers of popular songs on YouTube, First to Eleven gained international recognition. By consistently sharing their unique interpretations of pop and rock hits on a weekly basis, their YouTube channel reached a significant milestone in January 2021, accumulating one million subscribers. Over time, the band had released more than 350 videos on their channel by May 2023.
In February 2021, three members of First to Eleven, namely Audra Miller, Matthew Yost, and Sam Gilman, made an exciting announcement. They revealed that they had signed with Velocity Records and Equal Vision Records to launch an original band named Concrete Castles. This marked a new chapter in their musical journey, as they shifted their focus towards creating their own music.
Concrete Castles wasted no time in making their presence known. In March 2021, they released their debut single titled "Just a Friend," showcasing their distinctive sound and style. The song received positive feedback from fans and served as a promising glimpse into what the band had to offer.
Shortly after, on June 5, 2021, Concrete Castles played their first live show at the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival, marking an exciting milestone in their career as a band. Their electrifying performance captivated the audience and further solidified their presence in the music scene.
Building on their initial success, Concrete Castles released their debut album, "Wish I Missed U," on September 17, 2021. Produced by notable names such as Blake Harnage, the album showcased the band's musical growth and artistic vision. The release of their first full-length album was met with anticipation and excitement from fans and music enthusiasts.
To support the album and connect with their audience, Concrete Castles embarked on a tour with Against The Current in September 2021. This tour allowed them to showcase their talents to a wider audience and solidify their place within the rock music community. Throughout 2022, the band continued to tour, sharing the stage with various acts, including Oxymorrons and Set It Off, expanding their fan base and leaving their mark on the live music scene.
