Brothers John Gomez and Stephen Gomez laid the groundwork for the Summer Set in Scottsdale, Arizona, during 2007. They completed the initial roster by bringing in guitarist Josh Montgomery, drummer Jess Bowen, and vocalist Brian Dales. The four teenagers selected their name after randomly spotting Somerset, New Jersey, while flipping through an atlas. Although the reference pointed eastward, the band found its creative spark in Arizona sounds, drawing from acts such as Jimmy Eat World and the Format to shape its emo-pop material. While still attending high school, the members cultivated a modest social-media following through local performances and multiple EP releases. Following graduation, they secured a deal with Razor & Tie. Their first proper album, Love Like This, appeared in 2009. Everything’s Fine arrived two years later, carrying production from John Fields (Jimmy Eat World, Andrew W.K.) and additional songwriting from Paul Doucette (Matchbox Twenty) and Mike Daly (Whiskeytown). Early 2013 brought the third album, Legendary, which included guest vocals by Dia Frampton. While promoting their fourth release, Brian Dales disclosed that the Summer Set had nearly disbanded at the close of 2015 after feeling the project had “run its course.” The members nevertheless pushed forward and finished Stories for Monday, issued in April 2016.
