Victims Of Circumstance

Victims Of Circumstance

Victims Of Circumstance is a punk-ska group from Tampa, United States, active since 2005. The band develops a sound that combines punk, ska and pop-punk, and it builds its profile through a strong DIY approach and active involvement in the local music scene.

Formation and early work

The group begins in late 2005 when drummer Glenn Stewart and guitarist Michael Smyth start writing songs together while working at a debt settlement company. They rehearse after hours and at weekends in and around Stewart’s office, eventually converting unused warehouse space beside it into a practice room. Over time, that space becomes a recording studio. The band’s early line-up is completed by Alan Garcia on bass and Aaron Zylman on trombone.

Their debut album, Do It Yourself, is recorded at Stewart’s Audio Impact Studios in Clearwater. Stewart and Smyth co-produce the album with Tim “Johnny Vegas” Burton of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, who also plays saxophone on the release. Burton becomes involved after hearing the material and offers to produce it. Smyth writes many of the songs, and the record includes tracks such as “Legacy”, “Me And Alex P. Keaton” and “My Fate”.

Style and influences

The band is known for catchy pop hooks, fast songs and a blend of punk and ska. Smyth cites the Mighty Mighty Bosstones as an influence, along with The Ramones and Against Me. Stewart and Smyth say the group develops its own sound rather than simply copying its influences.

Independent releases and label work

While finishing Do It Yourself, Stewart, Burton and Smyth discuss forming a label, and Financial Records is established. The label releases the band’s debut and also issues Professional Help, a compilation of local and national acts connected to the scene around the band.

Do It Yourself gains airplay on more than 150 college radio stations across the United States, and the band earns a following in Florida as well as in states including Ohio, Massachusetts and New York. Its second full-length album, Roll the Dice, appears in 2009 and is produced by Steve Foote of Big D and the Kids Table. That record features prominent horn arrangements and Michael Smyth’s vocal style.

Live activity and community involvement

Victims Of Circumstance plays the 10th Official Hometown Throwdown at the Middle East Club in Cambridge alongside The Pietasters and Big D and the Kids Table. The band also finances and promotes shows in Tampa-area nightclubs and theatres. In 2007 it hosts the outdoor Summer Free-For-All festival in Tampa, which features local acts.

Line-up changes and recognition

Jay Atheney joins on saxophone in 2008 to complete the horn section. Lindsey Pittard becomes the band’s bassist in 2009. The group receives Creative Loafing’s award for Best Horn Section in a Ska Band in 2009.