The Criticals are a Nashville based rock band formed by Parker Forbes and Cole Shugart. In November 2019, they released their first EP, “Mimosa Hygienem” starting their journey. When covid hit in early 2020, the band focused on writing, recording and releasing music and music videos. Their first music video for Treat Ya Better became popular online, leading many diehard fans to their music. Their sophomore EP, “Sour Grapes” was released in October 2020, along with several singles in '21 and '22. In addition to the organic traction on Spotify, along with their music videos, the band has built a loyal and growing audience eager to see them live.
Weaving heartfelt lyrics into danceable indie tunes, the three-piece indie project “blankstate.” has cut their way through the Charlotte music scene since their formation in 2018. The trio fine- tuned their sound through 3 years of live performance prior to releasing studio music. With traces of everything from alternative rock to bedroom pop, blankstate. creates unforgettable music and an even more unforgettable live act. Their years of live-performance experience make for an explosive show that can fill any space, shake any room, and move any crowd. On any stage, blankstate. creates a captivating and one-of-a-kind experience.
Formed in 2018, blankstate. began as three friends finding their footing in the Charlotte scene by playing cover songs while refining their skills and crafting a unique style. In early 2021, the band debuted their original music with the release of the EP: “alone in the end.”, which pairs melancholic lyrics with vibrant indie melodies for a non-stop, high-energy listening experience. This debut has garnered over thirty-six thousand streams and set the stage for a wider variety of performance opportunities.
Beginning with the release of the lead single “Jasper never cries!” in mid-2022, the band began promotion for their first full-length album. This single led to rapid growth of the band’s online following and number of listeners. The new album, “The World is Not Kind to These Things” reflects a step-up in musical maturity, as the band tackles new sounds and increasingly vulnerable subject matter. This album illustrates the versatile nature of the band, which is not confined to the barriers of any specific genre.
Most recently, the band ventured into the world of touring, bringing their sound far from their hometown of Charlotte.
