 "Photo: gymclassheroes.com")
Whether you've seen them gaining popularity by the day on MySpace, heard one of their insanely catchy songs on the radio or caught their newest video for "Clothes Off!" on TV, chances are that Gym Class Heroes have made their way into your life in some way, shape or form.
This unique foursome, hailing from Geneva, N.Y., have worked their way up to rock-star status with a lot of hard work; and of course, with some help from their friends and fellow label-mates. After touring extensively for years, churning out creative and entertaining music videos, and making appearances all across the United States, Gym Class Heroes have earned every inch of their long-deserved, and what seems to be newfound, popularity.
This was made crystal clear after the boys in Gym Class Heroes brought home the award for Best New Group at this year's MTV Video Music Awards. Although they were up for Best Group as well, they gave that up to Fall Out Boy. The boys in Gym Class Heroes should be more than content; the Best New Group award is an honor voted for exclusively by the fans. If this is not enough affirmation for the band that they have reached the point of utmost prominence, then nothing will be.
Although their music would typically be classified as hip-hop, Gym Class Heroes has a hard time fitting into one specifically-labeled group. While most would try to mindlessly categorize them into the aforementioned genre, the boys have resisted putting a label on themselves by touring with an array of artists, making them hard to categorize and even harder not to like. With catchy, R&B/funk inspired beats and wry, humorous lyrics, Gym Class Heroes have quickly proved themselves as fresh and controversial.
Gym Class Heroes have been gaining ground in the indie/pop-rock scene throughout the past couple years. After securing their current lineup in 2005 and playing a slot on the infamous Vans Warped Tour, Gym Class Heroes began to develop a cult-like following. "Papercut Chronicles," the band's first full-length CD released in 2005, made a small splash in the music scene and gained them some popularity among anyone who heard their charismatic tunes.
With the help of the internet and their modest but devoted fan base, the band got propelled even further into the spotlight after countless appearances and relentless touring. Their work ethic and amazing live shows eventually paid off when they caught the attention of lead singer/guitarist of Fall Out Boy, Patrick Stump. The vocalist was so impressed that soon thereafter Gym Class Heroes were signed to bassist Pete Wentz's record label, Fueled By Ramen/Decaydance.
After finally legitimizing themselves, the band toured even more extensively -mostly with their new labelmates- and continued to gain popularity after putting out their second CD in 2006, "As Cruel As School Children." Multiple music videos (including the popular "Cupid's Chokehold") and thousands of "new friend requests" later, Gym Class Heroes have successfully become one of the hottest new bands in the indie/pop-rock/hip-hop scene.
If their catchy beats have captured your attention, you can see them playing with Fall Out Boy, Plain White T's and Cute Is What We Aim For this fall on the "Young Wild Things" tour. You can also catch their energetic live set on Wednesday, September 19 at the Mullins Center at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 with a UMass ID and $34 for the public.
Michelle Abbasciano can be reached at mabbasci@student.umass.edu.
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