William Beckett and Adam Siska decided to start a band together on March 4, 2003, after becoming friends during their time attending Barrington High School , recruiting Mike Carden (guitar) after his former band, Jodie, broke up. Next they added AJ LaTrace as a lead guitarist and Michael DelPrincipe (Little Mike) as a drummer. They recorded their self-titled debut EP, The Academy (2004), for the Chicago-based label LLR Recordings. LLR Recordings had previously released Beckett’s solo project Remember Maine’s debut album The Last Place You Look in 2002 and Mike Carden ‘s solo folk album in 2003. The EP was recorded in Villa Park, IL at The Gallery of Carpet by producer Brian Zieske. Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy heard it and was impressed. In 2004, due to legal reasons, they needed to change their original name “The Academy”, and ended up adding the “Is…”. The label Fueled by Ramen immediately signed the band. In July and August, the group went on tour with Fall Out Boy, Bayside , Name Taken , and Armor for Sleep .
start a band together
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