Posted on: October 8, 2011 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Oakland based punk band Emily’s Army has been selected for the mtvU Freshman 5. Every semester, mtvU identifies five up-and-coming artists that are primed to jump from campus favorites to household names. This fall the “Freshman 5” line-up includes Washed Out, Skrillex, Wallpaper, SBTRKT and Emily’s Army. mtvU is the first network to air each “Freshman 5” artists’ music videos on television. Past “Freshman 5” alums include Amy Winehouse, Silversun Pickups, Passion Pit, Bruno Mars, Wavves and Best Coast. The first videos from the incoming Freshman class are currently airing on mtvU.

Emily’s Army is comprised of Max Becker on bass, Cole Becker on guitar, Travis Neumann on guitar, and drummer Joey Armstrong. At the ripe age of 15, 16, and 17 years old, the Oakland based band has already spent two years touring up and down the West Coast. The band’s name comes from Max and Cole Becker’s 15-year old cousin Emily, who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis in 1998 and has suffered from the disease her entire life. In tribute, the band adopted the name Emily’s Army, which also happens to be the moniker for a fundraising organization in their cousin’s honor. At a time when young bands are homogenized and tailor made for consumption and eventual regurgitation, Emily’s Army is a breath of fresh air – rocking out together for the pure fact that they love playing music and they love playing together. Don’t Be A Dick by Emily’s Army is the sound of the torchbearers to come.

Even though they’re currently in school, Emily’s Army continue to play shows on the West Coast.

Confirmed Dates:

1/6 – Berkeley, CA – 924 Gilman Street

1/8 – San Jose, CA – SLG Art Boutiki & Gallery

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