As It Is is a British-American rock band that originated in Brighton, England. Initially formed in 2012, the group quickly rose to prominence with their unique blend of pop punk, emo, and pop rock sounds. Over the years, the band has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their relatable lyrics and energetic live performances.
Early Days of As It Is
The seeds of As It Is were sown when Minnesota-born Patty Walters posted an advertisement seeking musicians to form a pop-punk band. Andy Westhead, Patrick Foley, and Benjamin Langford-Biss responded, and the quartet became the founding members. The band’s name was inspired by a lyric from the American hardcore band Have Heart.
As It Is: Breaking into the Music Scene
In the early years, As It Is gained traction by playing local shows and releasing several extended plays (EPs). Their fourth EP, “This Mind of Mine,” garnered significant attention, leading to tours across the UK and Europe. In October 2014, they became the first UK band to sign with Fearless Records.
As It Is: Studio Album Releases
After signing with Fearless Records, As It Is embarked on their journey to create their debut full-length album. “Never Happy, Ever After” was released in April 2015 to critical acclaim, featuring singles like “Dial Tones,” “Concrete,” and “Cheap Shots & Setbacks.”
Their second album, “okay.,” followed in January 2017, further solidifying their unique sound. However, in October 2017, guitarist Andy Westhead departed the band due to creative differences.
The group continued their momentum with the release of “The Great Depression” in August 2018, which included hits like “The Wounded World,” “The Stigma (Boys Don’t Cry),” and “The Reaper.” Their latest album, “I Went to Hell and Back,” arrived in February 2022, showcasing the band’s evolution and growth.
As It Is: Live Performances and Festivals
As It Is has graced numerous prestigious festivals and tours throughout their career. They performed at every date on the 2015 Vans Warped Tour and appeared at the Reading and Leeds Festivals in the UK. They have also played at Slam Dunk Festival, Jera On Air Festival, 2000 Trees Festival, and the Gunnersville Concert Series.
As It Is: Lineup Changes and Hiatus
Over the years, the band has experienced lineup changes. In 2019, Benjamin Langford-Biss left the band, followed by Patrick Foley’s departure in 2020 to pursue a career as a firefighter. In August 2022, bassist Alistair Testo announced his departure.
After the Reading and Leeds Festivals in 2022, As It Is went on hiatus. In January 2024, Patty Walters announced the band’s indefinite break through a rare Instagram post, stating, “Here’s to another new chapter. It’s never goodbye. It’s just ‘see you around.'”
As It Is: Musical Style and Influences
As It Is has been described as a pop punk band with a “melodic, earnest, emo-inspired” sound, drawing comparisons to early works by Taking Back Sunday and The Starting Line. Bands like The Wonder Years have been cited as significant influences on their music.
The bad has left an indelible mark on the rock music scene, captivating fans with their energetic performances, relatable lyrics, and unique blend of genres. While the band is currently on hiatus, fans eagerly await their potential return, hopeful for more memorable music and experiences from this talented group.
