States of Emotion

Alternative/indie band States of Emotion survived a turbulent start to their career, but went on to triumphantly self-release their anthemic debut album in 2016. The band originally formed in 2001, at a time when all four members attended the same school in Brentwood, U.K. Olly Hookings (vocals, guitar), Mike "Bonzai" Tsui (bass), Luke Lloyd (drums), and Adam Harris (guitar) began by rehearsing in a shed, and playing in local pubs throughout their formative years. In 2010, they were finally ready to share the fruits of their labor, self-releasing their debut single "The Unsung," which was written about the difficulties they had faced so far. The single was met with a warm reception, which lead to them signing with London label Rinse. Around the same time, they embarked on a U.K. tour with the Enemy, a band who they owed a lot to in terms of sound and style. Despite having their debut album half-finished, Rinse suddenly became unsupportive, eventually shelving the record entirely. Three years later, in 2015, States of Emotion managed to break away from Rinse, although the stress and disappointment of their first label experience led to Lloyd and Harris leaving the band entirely. Undeterred, Bonzai and Hookings carried on as a duo; setting up their own label, White Room, to finish the album. Black and White to Gold eventually saw release in 2016. ~ Liam Martin