The Format Dropped From Atlantic

[Rohan Kohli]

The Format (http://www.theformat.com) has been dropped by Atlantic Records (http://www.atlanticrecords.com). The following message was posted on the band's web site:

i didn't mention in the last post how sick nate and i were when we went out to CA for pre-production. we tried everything to get better... vitamins, medicine, soup, we even turned the heat on in the car full blast for 2 hours trying to sweat it out... which seemed like a good idea at the time, but looking back it probably wasn't the best thing for us. so anyway... over the next few days, as i was getting better, nate's body decided to do the exact opposite... he started feeling worse and ended up getting these giant white things in his throat. we're all better now and excited to be back in CA making up the few days of "pre-pro" we’ve missed, and will be soon tracking all the new songs we've been waiting so long to do. so it's time to let the cat out of the bag about why we have been waiting so long to make this record. for those of you who don't know, we were placed in the hands of atlantic records when elektra was put to sleep. after a few months of being admittedly stand-offish and weirded out by the situation, we decided to let our guard down and soon came to realize that there were actually some really great people working there... which seems rare to find in the music business these days. as the year went by and we turned in songs for the new album, we started to get the sense that some people at the label (who unfortunately we didn't get a chance to know very well) were not exactly feeling the songs we were working on. i've noticed - and i'm sure you have too - that sometimes record labels like bands to stay with one particular formula. that's cool for some people. but we didn't think it would be fun or fair to you guys if we came out with interventions and lullabies II. we got the feeling that's what they wanted from us. we wrote about five more songs and we were really excited about them but when the day came for approval to begin recording, something completely unexpected happened: we were dropped. it was a big moment because it came down to us making the record that we wanted to make or taking more time to write an album that was more for the atlantic's vision of the band. we seized this moment and became officially released from the label on the day before thanksgiving. in a lot of cases this could be a scary situation but we think it's the exact opposite. we're still going to go into the same studio, with the same producer, during the same time period, to complete an album we now know for sure we want to make. suddenly the world is filled with opportunities again for us to be the band that we want to be. so, to those past and present employees of atlantic records who were good to us, we'd like to thank you for caring about our music and making us feel comfortable in what could have been a very uncomfortable environment. even though some labels have already approached us, right now we're focusing more on making the record than figuring out how it will be released. it's our definite goal to have the album out this spring... and now you know the rest of the story.

Submitted by: thewebguy

[DroppedUrPocket]

Fuck Atlantic. The Format is great stuff.

[GlobesandSoCo]

Sucks for Atlantic, these guys are amazing. I can't wait for the new CD to come out.

[last light]

that sucks, i was in tucson at u of a a couple weeks back and they were playing a frat there...pretty random

in related news dropped is hot.

[thechrisformat]

i love the format

[DroppedUrPocket]

in related news dropped is hot.

Thanks baby. ;)

[unwritten]

That was a huge mistake.....huge.

[One Aware]

I went to an over-priced stadium-like show this past April at my college, James Madison University, to see Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday, and The Format. I pretty much paid $25 bucks to see The Format - I couldn't have cared less about J.E.W. because they are really bad live and lack stage presence, TBS I've seen many times and they're great, so this was my chance to finally see The Format. Needless to say, their set was short, but every single second of their performance was crazy good. They are rad musicians and I really like their newer stuff like "Janet" and "Snails." If that's the new direction they're talking about going with the band, I'm sure it will turn out completely stellar. I'd wish them luck but I don't think they need it.

P.S. The MAE show last Friday in Va. Beach/Norfolk, VA (their hometown and mine) was out of this world. If anybody is interested in getting a copy of Dave's first band's cd, Sky's The Limit, let me know, I have it b/c I used to hang out with them in high school. It's an amazing album as well.

[DeathCabForCoon]

These guys rule. Does anyone know the dates for their stint with MCS yet?

[crit]

The Format rules. That's Atlantic's loss.

[crit]

I couldn't have cared less about J.E.W. because they are really bad live and lack stage presence.

JEW is amazing live.

[David Wooley]

sucks for atlantic The Format is great. My friend in arizona said he saw them the other day and said they played a new song that was really amazing. I cant wait to hear a new cd.

[thedood]

Its awesome that they are making a record they want...and JEW do not suck live, your crazy.

[fromwithin]

let me guess Fueled by Ramen will sign them now.


(only a joke)


and yes JEW is one of the greatest live bands you will ever see. some "kids" don't know real music.

[iampunkrock]

i saw the format a couple of weeks ago here in arizona at asu. they played a lot of new stuff and all i can saw is...it was incredible..its not a completely different direction from interventions and lullabies, the songs still sound like the format...but they are more exciting...especially the last song they played...it was very....motion city soundtrack.

[halfamile]

I went to an over-priced stadium-like show this past April at my college, James Madison University, to see Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday, and The Format. I pretty much paid $25 bucks to see The Format

funny...my friend told me yesterday how she saw The Format last year in Nebraska and there were 8 people there!?!? it was at a bowling alley so they all bowled together after the show. The Format are hardcore. They should start their own record label with Acceptance. "Fueled By So-So Major Label Promotion Records"

[tinymosh]

i love the format. ):

[Mercy Medical]

I can't believe they dropped them, what a bunch of fuckin' morons.

[One Aware]

let me guess Fueled by Ramen will sign them now.


(only a joke)


and yes JEW is one of the greatest live bands you will ever see. some "kids" don't know real music.

Hmm...I'm 23 years old, in graduate school and have been going to shows since I was in 8th grade. You don't have to agree with me on my opinion about what I've seen of J.E.W. But calling someone names is more immature than me expressing an opinion about a band whose members stand in the same spot on stage for an hour and half.

[Nate_RAWKS]

Its awesome that they are making a record they want...and JEW do not suck live, your crazy.
I heard you missed me, so i'm back baby !!!!!!!
Fuck Atlantic. The Format is great stuff.
ummmm. Yes.

in related news dropped is hot.
agreed.
I went to an over-priced stadium-like show this past April at my college, James Madison University, to see Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday, and The Format. I pretty much paid $25 bucks to see The Format - I couldn't have cared less about J.E.W. because they are really bad live and lack stage presence, TBS I've seen many times and they're great, so this was my chance to finally see The Format. Needless to say, their set was short, but every single second of their performance was crazy good. They are rad musicians and I really like their newer stuff like "Janet" and "Snails." If that's the new direction they're talking about going with the band, I'm sure it will turn out completely stellar. I'd wish them luck but I don't think they need it.
P.S. The MAE show last Friday in Va. Beach/Norfolk, VA (their hometown and mine) was out of this world. If anybody is interested in getting a copy of Dave's first band's cd, Sky's The Limit, let me know, I have it b/c I used to hang out with them in high school. It's an amazing album as well.
J.E.W. Live > Sex with your mom > Mae Live
But hey......That's just one man's opinion....
take it or leave it.

[jimboj917]

just another example of why major labels like to ruin art. i personally loved the growth the format showed from interventions and lullabies to the snails ep. i'm really excited for the new album now, and think everything turned out for the best.

[jimboj917]

richard and stephanie over at drive-thru love the format

[sarita853]

i was listening to the format when i read this...weird...

and theyre awesome ;)

[fearthesloths]

I went to an over-priced stadium-like show this past April at my college, James Madison University, to see Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday, and The Format. I pretty much paid $25 bucks to see The Format - I couldn't have cared less about J.E.W. because they are really bad live and lack stage presence, TBS I've seen many times and they're great, so this was my chance to finally see The Format. Needless to say, their set was short, but every single second of their performance was crazy good. They are rad musicians and I really like their newer stuff like "Janet" and "Snails." If that's the new direction they're talking about going with the band, I'm sure it will turn out completely stellar. I'd wish them luck but I don't think they need it.

P.S. The MAE show last Friday in Va. Beach/Norfolk, VA (their hometown and mine) was out of this world. If anybody is interested in getting a copy of Dave's first band's cd, Sky's The Limit, let me know, I have it b/c I used to hang out with them in high school. It's an amazing album as well.

so wait.. you're trying to tell me that you think J.E.W suck live.. .and TBS are good.

i see......

[Everiggs]

At least they have a good attitude.

And no one stole their shit.

[Sureshot182]

that is a shitty move by atlantic. the format got on laguna beach almost half the episodes of the first season and are known. this cd will be what makes them big.

[matt_rawlings]

It could have been worse, they could have been signed to victory records and had their cd's branded with huge 'They sound like straylight run! You know! John and Shaun from TBS's other band! They did the song you're so last summer! Also, they sound like Thursday and some other completely unrelated bands that sound nothing like the format!"

Now that would really blow ass

[JohnnyG]

Bad move for Atlantic. I could picture maybe Vagrant picking these guys up or maybe Drive Thru Records.

[heytheredelilah]

i love these guys so much eeeeek

[Bucc4019]

wow atlantic most likely made the biggest mistake...i think this band is going to hit it big. they'll be kicking themselves when another major makes loads of money off them.

[deja andyroo]

They should start their own record label with Acceptance. "Fueled By So-So Major Label Promotion Records"

:thumbsup:

I love the Format. I hope they end up somewhere soon because I'd love to hear their new album.

[Ruggiero2oo8]

sucks for atlantic..their loss...i love the format

[TheWordsmith]

that's so exciting for them. 2006 is gonna be awesome for them.

[NinjaXcore]

Bad move for Atlantic. I could picture maybe Vagrant picking these guys up or maybe Drive Thru Records.Vagrant would be a good place for The Format.

[daaann mhmm]

makes me want to buy the cd even more.

[badstarsfall]

I went to an over-priced stadium-like show this past April at my college, James Madison University, to see Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday, and The Format. I pretty much paid $25 bucks to see The Format - I couldn't have cared less about J.E.W. because they are really bad live and lack stage presence, TBS I've seen many times and they're great, so this was my chance to finally see The Format. Needless to say, their set was short, but every single second of their performance was crazy good. They are rad musicians and I really like their newer stuff like "Janet" and "Snails." If that's the new direction they're talking about going with the band, I'm sure it will turn out completely stellar. I'd wish them luck but I don't think they need it.

P.S. The MAE show last Friday in Va. Beach/Norfolk, VA (their hometown and mine) was out of this world. If anybody is interested in getting a copy of Dave's first band's cd, Sky's The Limit, let me know, I have it b/c I used to hang out with them in high school. It's an amazing album as well.

now i'll admit that JEW have an obvious lack of strage presence. but how can you honestly say that any band are worse performers than taking back sunday? i've seen those guys a couple times, with both the old lineup and the current one and both were awful. i expected singing of that calibur from tom delonge.

[looram12]

it must suck to see your label going down the toilet because of years and years of neglect on the part of terrible A&R only to make the situation worse by clinging to Rob Thomas as your savior


but at least atlantic has the click five.... haha

[xxtheformat]

i miss the format. =/

[audiolove]

atlantic made a huge mistake letting them go.
oh well...they win some they lose some.

<33 to the format and best of luck to everything that will be/should becoming to them!

[astaticskyline]

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. I think it's actually really funny... it comes down to this in almost all cases:

The people who really lsiten to music and come here to ap.net for news, know a succesful band with a bright future WAY MORE than any rich label does.

Weird, considering a label is supposed to see ban potential and make a dream a reality...

Everyone here at ap.net knows that the format is great and Atlantic is stupid and will be pretty pissed when the album blows up.

[Isbu]

I saw the Format with Pipedown and Audio Karate in El Paso. Awesome show.

[halfamile]

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. I think it's actually really funny... it comes down to this in almost all cases:

The people who really lsiten to music and come here to ap.net for news, know a succesful band with a bright future WAY MORE than any rich label does.

Weird, considering a label is supposed to see ban potential and make a dream a reality...

Everyone here at ap.net knows that the format is great and Atlantic is stupid and will be pretty pissed when the album blows up.

makes me wonder if this site has ever had any influence in decisions made by record labels. my gut tells me no, but I'd like to think that it's true.

[Garett Press]

makes me wonder if this site has ever had any influence in decisions made by record labels. my gut tells me no, but I'd like to think that it's true.
Too bad for Atlantic because I bet this sells like hot cakes

[ForeverInADay]

i'm pretty sure everyone at atlantic has down syndrome.

[st shellay]

As someone who does promo work for Atlantic from time to time...BIG mistake.

This band definatley has potential.

[bubonic311]

I went to an over-priced stadium-like show this past April at my college, James Madison University, to see Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday, and The Format. I pretty much paid $25 bucks to see The Format - I couldn't have cared less about J.E.W. because they are really bad live and lack stage presence, TBS I've seen many times and they're great, so this was my chance to finally see The Format. Needless to say, their set was short, but every single second of their performance was crazy good. They are rad musicians and I really like their newer stuff like "Janet" and "Snails." If that's the new direction they're talking about going with the band, I'm sure it will turn out completely stellar. I'd wish them luck but I don't think they need it.

P.S. The MAE show last Friday in Va. Beach/Norfolk, VA (their hometown and mine) was out of this world. If anybody is interested in getting a copy of Dave's first band's cd, Sky's The Limit, let me know, I have it b/c I used to hang out with them in high school. It's an amazing album as well.

Wow, I merely counted the seconds until the Jimmy Eat World lovers and Taking Back Sunday haters would criticize you for your honest opinion. Absolutepunk = open minds!

"In case you didn't know, Marge, I was being sarcastic." - Homer

[resUrectMe617]

my respect for this band has just like..quadrupled. good for them...now if the word sell-out had any credibility....this band is the epitome of the anti-sell out. as talented as this band is, i don't think we should expect a new signing within the next couple of days. i'd give it a few weeks since they are probably going to meet with a few labels and discuss contracts, agendas, etc.... no doubt though,they will be signed soon enough.

[van_morrison]

i couldn't believe it when atlantic didn't promote their first full-length, it had "hit" written all over it.

good luck to the format, they should get picked up quickly, although most labels would rather sign shit instead of good music.

[upherskirt]

dang thats two good losses for them this week... too bad.

i really like the song snails :bigsmile:

[crzydrmmer]

the format is the shitttt, any label should be lucky to have them

[Hey Mr. Destiny]

This could be the best thing to happen to this band. They could become the top band on an indie label's roster and get 50 times better promotion than they did on Atlantic, who for some odd reason didn't see how much potential they have.

[crzydrmmer]

the format is the shittt, they deserve so much better than atlantic

[Four]

hahahahhaa

atlantic just lost a solid band.

[PassedOut]

I went to an over-priced stadium-like show this past April at my college, James Madison University, to see Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday, and The Format. I pretty much paid $25 bucks to see The Format - I couldn't have cared less about J.E.W. because they are really bad live and lack stage presence, TBS I've seen many times and they're great, so this was my chance to finally see The Format. Needless to say, their set was short, but every single second of their performance was crazy good. They are rad musicians and I really like their newer stuff like "Janet" and "Snails." If that's the new direction they're talking about going with the band, I'm sure it will turn out completely stellar. I'd wish them luck but I don't think they need it.

P.S. The MAE show last Friday in Va. Beach/Norfolk, VA (their hometown and mine) was out of this world. If anybody is interested in getting a copy of Dave's first band's cd, Sky's The Limit, let me know, I have it b/c I used to hang out with them in high school. It's an amazing album as well.


I pretty much agree with everything you said. I was there too and I think that The Format stole the show. I was totally impressed.

[soulineyes]

i'm pretty sure everyone at atlantic has down syndrome.

im in class right now and I just burst out laughing in the middle of it. thanks. hahahaaa

[golly_sandra]

let me guess Fueled by Ramen will sign them now.


(only a joke)Hahahah. That'd be hilarious.

What would also be hilarious is if their new album does really well (well hilarious on Atlanta's part).

[albatrossxivy]

they will be picked up in the next few weeks
thats for sureee

[EvenBetterYet]

let me guess Fueled by Ramen will sign them now.
(only a joke)
and yes JEW is one of the greatest live bands you will ever see. some "kids" don't know real music.
they were going to sign to Fueled by Ramen before Elektra came around ;)

[CorporateFish]

I went to an over-priced stadium-like show this past April at my college, James Madison University, to see Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday, and The Format. I pretty much paid $25 bucks to see The Format - I couldn't have cared less about J.E.W. because they are really bad live and lack stage presence, TBS I've seen many times and they're great, so this was my chance to finally see The Format. Needless to say, their set was short, but every single second of their performance was crazy good.
I saw the same tour. And The Format was amazing as always. However, I'll have to disagree with the rest. TBS was terrible. They had no more stage presence than JEW, unless you count the lead singer pretended to hang himself with the microphone every 10 seconds. Jew had an amazing set in which they played songs from every album, and sounded tight as hell.

The Format's great, sucks to be Atlantic.

[monkeyboy14]

Hope they find a decent label who is not going to dominate the band nice and soon. I hate it how major labels try to get bands to make formulaic albums just so they can generate the big $$$.

[Snails]

damn, this pisses me off.

[bubonic311]

I saw the same tour. And The Format was amazing as always. However, I'll have to disagree with the rest. TBS was terrible. They had no more stage presence than JEW, unless you count the lead singer pretended to hang himself with the microphone every 10 seconds. Jew had an amazing set in which they played songs from every album, and sounded tight as hell.

The Format's great, sucks to be Atlantic.

Whoa, you trekked from Illinois to Harrisonburg, VA? Ddddaaaammmnnn.

[One Aware]

I pretty much agree with everything you said. I was there too and I think that The Format stole the show. I was totally impressed.

Thank you. Finally someone who was at the SAME show that I was at has spoken and, not to my surprise, they agree with what I said about J.E.W./TBS's performances. If anyone has the right to speak about my comments, it would have to be someone who was at the same show because we all know that bands play well some nights, but can be off and play much worse on others.

[poppa Q]

Love the Format.