The Junior Varsity

Emo rock outfit the Junior Varsity originally came together in 2002 around guitarist Andy Wildrick. An EP, various shows around central Illinois, and several lineup changes later, the group released their first full-length, The Great Compromise, on British Records. By this time, the Junior Varsity comprised Wildrick, Chris Birch (drums), Serigo Coronado (guitar), Asa Dawson (vocals/bass), and Nick Dodson (keyboards). The album received good reviews, prompting the guys to quit college to concentrate on the band full-time. They played and toured behind the record as much as possible, playing close to 200 shows following the album's release. Frequent and successful gigs in Chicago brought the band to the attention of Victory Records, eventually inking a deal with the label in October 2004. That same year, the Junior Varsity also donated the track "Raining in Baltimore" to the 2004 Counting Crows indie tribute album Dead and Dreaming. For their Victory debut, Matt Squire (Midtown, Northstar) was called in for production duties; Wide Eyed was recorded over a five-week period and released in July 2005. Touring continued, including various dates with Sullivan, Amber Pacific, Number One Gun, and labelmates June, among others. Victory re-released The Great Compromise in May 2006 with additional tracks and a bonus DVD. After recording for four months, the band unveiled a musical change of direction in June 2007 with a rawer and more aggressive release titled Cinematographic.