Not Long After

"Either go big, or go home" advised a bum after a show in Salem, OR. These words of wisdom soon became the motto of the up-and-coming indie punk band, Not Long After. "What’s the point of trying if you don’t give it everything every second you play?" asks Ryan, co-singer of the four member group. "It’s not like we’re the best band in the world, but what makes us stand head and shoulders above the rest is that we just try harder." Well, he’s right and try they do. Although they’re a relatively young band, through their extensive touring and hard work ethic Not Long After is making waves all across the country.

Not Long After is based out of Vancouver, WA, just across the river from Portland, OR. The band came together in January of 2001 when singers Ryan and Brandon found a crazy drummer named Chris and started playing shows throughout the Northwest. In May of 2001, the band released their first EP, On the Road to Somewhere, on Caustic Records of Vancouver, WA. The pop-punk EP proved to be a good success and the band sold 1,000 copies in three months after playing over 60 shows. Since then, Not Long After has continued touring, playing over 100 shows within this last year including such noted events as Vans Warped Tour 2002. Throughout their travels, they’ve visited eight Western states and BC, Canada while playing with such bands as Noise Ratchet, Acceptance, Sick Shift, Watashi Wa, Slick Shoes, Shorthanded, All Wound Up, Brodie, Buddy Ruckus, The Start, and PDEX.

In the fall of 2001, the band started writing for their new CD. The LP entitled Contrary To Popular Belief featured 12 songs showing the band’s relatively personalized style combining elements of punk, emo, alternative rock, pop, and jazz into a very deep and emotional album. The CD was released by a new indie label HiFi Records in April of 2002 and quickly sold 1,000 copies by the time band played Warped Tour in July. In August, the album was sold to New School Records who signed Not Long After to a one album contract. New School gave Contrary To Popular Belief the facelift it needed by sending it to Nickel and Dime Studio’s in Atlanta, GA to be produced and remixed by Marc McClusky. Now finished and featuring a brand new song, the album was released on Dec 31st. 2002 and is in national distribution by Diamante, Revelation, Choke, and Nail.

Now all 21, these guys are looking to take the next step. They’ve recently added a second guitarist, Richie, to give the band a fuller and more entertaining live show, and they’ll tour the U.S. in February to support the new CD. Watch for Not Long After to start making bigger and bigger waves as they get closer to achieving their dream. It’s only a matter of time until their motto becomes reality. After all, it comes down to "Either going big, or staying home." And guaranteed these guys are definitely not staying home.