Danger Radio

Puerto Rico native Andrew de Torres, who handled vocals, and Finland native Nico Hartikainen, responsible for drums and programming, first crossed paths in 1999 during middle school in Everett, Washington, immediately north of Seattle. The pair initially appeared together in small-scale talent shows, later expanding from a duo into a trio upon bassist Marvin Kunkle’s arrival. Over time the lineup matured into Danger Radio, a six-piece whose additional members were Andy Brookins on guitar and vocals, Spencer Phillips on keyboards, and Elan Wright on guitars and vocals. Early recordings carried a rawer, more punk-oriented edge than the polished style the group later adopted. Their debut EP, The Difference Between Love and Envy, came out independently in 2006 after sessions with local producer Casey Bates of Gatsbys American Dream. The band gradually moved beyond basic rock by folding in touches of Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, and Stevie Wonder, shaping an energetic fusion of rock, pop, funk, and jazz propelled by youthful energy and the confessional tone common to early-2000s pop-punk acts. Festival appearances followed in 2007 at Bamboozle in New Jersey and Bumbershoot in Seattle. New York City-based Photo Finish Records then signed the group, releasing the five-song EP Punch Your Lights Out in January 2008. Shows alongside The Audition and Envy on the Coast supported the new material.