White Light Riot is an Independent musical act based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. [1]. The members consist of: brothers, Mike Schwandt (vocals, rhythm guitar), Mark Schwandt (drums) as well as, Joe Christensen (lead guitar, back-up vocals) and Dan Larsen (bass). White Light Riot is sometimes abbreviated as WLR.

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History

In 2005, brothers Mike and Mark Schwandt formed the band. During their junior year in high school at Robbinsdale Armstrong High School, Mike was studying abroad in England and Mark took on the task of finding additional band members. He recruited Dan Larsen, a bassist in their jazz band and invited another classmate, guitarist Joe Christenson to join the ensemble.

White Light Riot was formerly named ‘The Evening Glow’ but changed their name almost immediately ^[2].

In 2006, the band signed with 50 Records, a Minneapolis-based independent record label.

Discography

The Dark is Light Enough

White Light Riot released their first EP “The Dark Is Light Enough”, produced by Erik Appelwick Tapes 'n Tapes on October 30, 2005.

Out of Sight

On April 13, 2007, they released their second EP “Out of Sight”. This album had a limited release of 1,000 copies.

Atomism

Their first full length album “Atomism”, was recorded at Pachyderm Studio in Cannon Falls, MN; produced/co-engineered by Brent Sigmeth,(Grant Hart, They Might Be Giants, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott), co-engineered by Paul Marino (The New Congress, Desdemona) and mastered by Bob Ludwig. It was released nationally on August 21,2007 by RED Distribution.

The CD release party was held on June 23, 2007 at the Fine Line Music Café in Minneapolis, MN ^[3].

The songs on the album are defined as, tightly crafted and expertly produced ^[4]. Album singles, “Midway Souvenirs”, “Charlatan”, “Out of Sight” and “Dive” have won numerous awards from GarageBand including; Track Of Day and Track of Week ^[5].

Recent

In June, 2008 WLR performed on the US Cellular Stage at Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI. They opened for Gavin Rossdale and Missy Higgins at the Basilica Block Party on July 12th, 2008. Most recently, they performed at the First Avenue Mainstage First Avenue for a I Rock the Cause ^[6] “All You Need Is Love - A Tribute To The Beatles” event. They have 12 songs written for their next album and will continue to tour the United States through the end of 2008, playing at universities and festivals across the nation ^[7].

References

1. 50 Records Official WLR Website
2. White Light Riot in the Ascot Room
3. White Light Riot Alarmists Villains of Verona
4. Revelle Magazine Artist Feature
5. GarageBand.com
6. I Rock the Cause
7. White Light Riot: 'Charlatan': NPR Music