The Academy Is - Come Down Video

The Academy Is
Come Down
Video Streams

The Academy Is…almost never was. Frontman William Beckett and guitarist Mike Carden grew up as rivals, in separate bands on the Chicago local music scene. William eventually left his band, wanting to take music more seriously and looking for someone who shared his passion. Mike's band broke up also and the two gradually found themselves talking more and more; engulfed in amazing conversations about music. After realizing they were very much alike, they decided to try their hand at writing songs together and The Academy Is…was born.

William and Mike share a love of the classics - Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, U2. These elements, along with eclectic alternative influences like Weezer and Death Cab For Cutie provide the foundation for Almost Here, the debut release from The Academy Is… Produced by James Paul Wisner (Dashboard Confessional, Further Seems Forever, Underoath), Almost Here is a love letter to music itself; a smart, honest record about growing up, having dreams and making them come true.

On Almost Here, The Academy Is…shoots from the hip and aims for the heart. "It's an extreme, magnified reflection of who we are as individuals." William explains, "Lyrically, I try to capture experiences we all have, and genuinely try to portray the ways we respond to them." From the first notes of the naturally perfect opening track, "Attention" to the raw, explosive "Checkmarks" the album bursts with infectious energy. Each song is a perfect pop picture that is both self-portrait and mirror.