The Academy Is...

Frontman William Beckett and guitarist Michael Carden grew up in rivaling bands in the local Chicago music scene. Beckett eventually ended his short-lived solo project Remember Maine, wanting to take music more seriously and looking for someone who shared his passion. When Carden's band broke up, the two gradually found themselves talking more and more, engulfed in deep conversations about music. After realizing they were very much alike, they decided to try their hand at writing songs together and The Academy was born.

Since Beckett and Carden first came together in 2002, the band has paved their way with lightning speed. After adding Adam Siska on bass, Adrian LaTrace Jr as a second guitarist and drummer Mike DelPrincipe, the full band headed into the studio and recorded their self-titled debut EP, The Academy (2004), for the Chicago-based label LLR Recordings, who had previously released Remember Maine's debut album The Last Place You Look in 2002. The ep was recorded in Villa...