Dead Sara: A Rock Band with a Unique Identity
Dead Sara is an American rock band hailing from Los Angeles, California. Known for their powerful sound and dynamic performances, the band comprises three core members: Emily Armstrong (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Siouxsie Medley (lead guitar, backing vocals), and Sean Friday (drums, backing vocals). The group gained widespread recognition for their breakout single “Weatherman,” which appeared on their self-titled debut album released in 2012. Since then, Dead Sara has continued to evolve musically, releasing their second album, “Pleasure to Meet You,” in 2015 and their most recent work, “Ain’t It Tragic,” in September 2021. This article delves into the history of Dead Sara, exploring their formation, rise to fame, challenges faced along the way, and recent developments.
Formation and Early Years (2002–2010)
The roots of Dead Sara can be traced back to the early 2000s when Emily Armstrong and Siouxsie Medley began their musical journeys as individual singer-songwriters. Armstrong picked up the guitar at the tender age of 12, while Medley started her musical exploration at 9 years old on a Fender Telecaster that belonged to her nanny. By the time she was 11, Medley had saved enough money from her allowances to purchase her own guitar. Their paths crossed in 2002 through a mutual friend, leading to a collaboration that would eventually evolve into Dead Sara.
In 2003, Armstrong and Medley began writing songs together. By 2004, they had recorded their first studio song titled “Changes.” Their live debut as a band occurred in March 2005 at The Mint nightclub in Los Angeles, where Armstrong initially played bass. A brief period under the name Epiphany followed before they officially settled on the name Dead Sara in mid-2005, inspired by a misheard lyric from Fleetwood Mac’s song “Sara.” They aimed to honor the song’s connection while adding a unique twist to their identity.
During this formative period, Dead Sara experienced numerous personnel changes within their lineup. However, by 2009, they found stability with Sean Friday on drums and Chris Null on bass—both of whom had previously collaborated with Skrillex under his real name, Sonny Moore. In addition to performing together, Armstrong was invited by Courtney Love to contribute backing vocals for Love’s album “Nobody’s Daughter” in 2010. This connection helped elevate Dead Sara’s profile within the music industry.
Radio Breakthrough and Debut Album (2011–2013)
Dead Sara’s breakthrough came in 2011 when radio stations such as KYSR-FM and WCCC began playing their music extensively. WCCC’s Mike Karolyi discovered them during the Sunset Sessions convention and decided to feature their song “Weatherman,” which was still unreleased at that time. The single quickly gained traction and ranked No. 2 on WCCC’s Top 69 list for that year.
In early February 2012, Dead Sara officially released “Weatherman” as the lead single from their self-titled debut album. The album hit shelves in April 2012 and was produced by Noah Shain. It peaked at No. 16 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart. The success of “Weatherman” was further amplified when it was featured in a Fiat advertisement.
The band’s accomplishments during this period included winning the “Best New Rock Group” award at the Vegas Rocks! Magazine Music Awards in August 2012 and receiving nominations for several other awards. Following their debut album release, Dead Sara embarked on tours with prominent rock bands such as Bush and Muse while also participating in festivals like Vans Warped Tour.
Challenges with Labels and Second Album (2014–2020)
In early 2014, Dead Sara began working on their second album with producer Noah Shain; however, complications arose with Epic Records that delayed its release until March 2015. After parting ways with Epic Records later that year, they announced that “Pleasure to Meet You” would be released under their own label, Pocket Kid Records.
Utilizing PledgeMusic for pre-orders allowed fans to engage with the album’s creation process. One song from this campaign, “Suicidal,” was made available as a free download for contributors. After its release, Dead Sara embarked on a short headlining tour but faced another setback when bassist Chris Null departed from the band.
The band’s cover of Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box,” recorded for the video game Infamous Second Son, won accolades at the NAVGTR annual awards program in 2015. They signed with Atlantic Records in 2017 and released an EP titled “Temporary Things Taking Up Space” in June 2018.
Ain’t It Tragic and Recent Developments (2020–Present)
As of November 2020, Dead Sara began teasing new music with the release of “Hands Up.” Their third full-length album, “Ain’t It Tragic,” debuted on September 17, 2021. In subsequent years, they contributed tracks such as “Bones” and collaborated with Demi Lovato on her eighth studio album “Holy Fvck.” Their partnership continued as they joined Lovato on tour during the North American leg of her concert series.
In an unexpected turn of events for fans and followers alike, Emily Armstrong was announced as the co-lead vocalist for Linkin Park starting in early 2024. She made her first appearance with the band on September 5 of that year. This development marks a significant milestone not only for Armstrong but also for Dead Sara as they navigate this new chapter alongside their evolving music career.
Media Appearances
Dead Sara has made several notable media appearances throughout their career. They made a memorable television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in June 2012 where they performed both “Weatherman” and another track titled “Sorry for It All.” The band has also been featured prominently across various platforms; Dave Grohl publicly praised them during an appearance on FUSE NEWS in March 2013, stating that they should be recognized as one of rock music’s leading bands.
In addition to television appearances, Dead Sara contributed songs to popular series such as The Vampire Diaries and Banshee—further solidifying their presence within mainstream media.
Conclusion
Dead Sara has carved out a unique place within the rock genre since its formation in the early 2000s. With powerful vocals led by Emily Armstrong and skilled musicianship from Siouxsie Medley and Sean Friday, they have created a compelling discography marked by critical acclaim and fan appreciation. Despite facing challenges related to label dynamics and lineup changes over the years, Dead Sara has demonstrated resilience through consistent musical output and engaging performances.
As they continue to evolve artistically—with recent endeavors including collaborations with major artists like Demi Lovato—Dead Sara remains an exciting force within contemporary rock music. Their journey serves as an inspiration not only for emerging artists but also for long-time fans who appreciate authentic musical expression.
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