1997

1997 is an emo pop and indie rock group from Chicago, United States, active from 2005 to 2010. The band is associated with Victory Records and is also described through genres including pop punk and twee pop.

Formation and early line-up

The group begins in the Chicago suburbs in 2006, rehearsing in a rundown attic apartment. Its early work comes from songs built around guitar and tambourine, and the band plays local shows with a mix of original material and Bob Dylan covers. The line-up listed for the group includes Nick Coleman on drums; Arthi Meera on vocals, keyboards and guitar; Caleb Pepp on guitar and vocals; Brian Oster on bass; and Cody Josephson on harmonica and guitar. Other members associated with the group include Kerri Pepp, Alida Marroni, Alan Goffinski and Kevin Thomas.

Debut release and line-up change

Victory Records signs the band after local performances bring them attention. The group prepares its debut album, ...A Better View of the Rising Moon, for release in 2007, but vocalist Kerri Mack leaves the band just before it comes out. Alida Marroni joins soon afterwards, bringing classically trained background that fits with the band’s rock foundation.

Touring and recognition

After the debut release, 1997 tours extensively, playing shows across the United States and travelling in a van while supporting themselves on the road. The band is named Spin.com’s “Band of the Day” and tours coast to coast with groups including Aiden and The Audition. Its debut sells thousands of copies.

On the Run

The band records a second album, On the Run, in January 2008 at VuDu Studios in Freeport, New York with producer Steve Haigler, who has worked with Brand New and As Tall As Lions. The album contains eleven songs and reflects change, reflection and obstacles overcome. Its vocals are shared by Pepp, Marroni and Kevin Thomas, while Alan Goffinski and Cody Josephson add bass, guitar, harmonica and singing saw, with Coleman providing percussion. Caleb Pepp’s daughter Lily is born before the recording sessions, and the band says the event influences the song development.

Break

By 2010, the group decides to take a break, which results in the band’s split.