Bio

One of the cornerstones of the Chicago rock scene, Wolcott has indisputably made a name for themselves as the hardest rocking and working band around. Formed by business partners and friends Ryan DeYoung and Ben Mollin, Wolcott’s infectious brand of unabashed arena rock has left fans gasping for more.

Stemming from the ashes of the seminal punk band Winepress, lead singer Ryan DeYoung’s impassioned vocals and heart-on-the-sleeve lyrics strike a chord with even the most brazen of listeners.  Backed by the throbbing bass of Mollin, the knife-edged guitar work of Eddie Jones, the soulful glissando of keyboardist Adam Kelsven, and the torrential cacophony that is Terry Moon on the drums, Wolcott’s infectious brand of rock ‘n’ roll is quite the breath of fresh air.  And lest you think they simply rock, let it be known these boys can sing!

Formed in 2001, the band played relentlessly under the guidance of manager Fabian Guerra, selling out The Metro, Double Door and a litany of Chicago clubs (not to mention the endless road trips and college tours they embarked on).  The band’s first FM play was the concert favorite "Fiending", which received heavy rotation on Chicago radio stations Q101 and WXRT.  With their hard rocking live show so integral to their success, Wolcott released their first and, to date, only full length LP "All Aboard" in 2001.

Following "All Aboard" and the 2002 "Johnny Crisis" EP, founding members DeYoung & Mollin severed ties, essentially ending a 3 year arena-rocking run. As each member moved on to other projects, honing their craft, they individually held on to the belief that one day the impossible would happen.  And that impossible took place in early 2009 as the Wolcott boys strapped on their guitars for a memorial show to benefit the family of their deceased former manager.  Once again finding the magic in three chords and the truth, Wolcott has embarked on yet another chapter of their lives together.

Having established their high octane live show, Wolcott has set out to claim what rightfully belongs to them.  Fresh from the studio with their new EP “Let’s Paint This Town Tonight” and their new single “Teardrops” (with the accompanying shot by the esteemed director Nicholas Richards), Wolcott’s endless determination to spread their message of love, heartbreak, and solidarity has come full circle.  As the amps are turned to eleven, and the crowds line up outside the clubs, the rock ‘n’ roll world is once again “feinding for more ecstasy”.  The jury in this town may be rigged, but people always know who the Champ is.