Van Atta High

Based in New Jersey, the five-member Van Atta High make high-energy emo-leaning rock. Founded as a trio in 2006 by Steve Kellner (vocals), Socrates Moutsakis (guitar), and Santino LoConte (drums), the band released its debut EP, We Are the Captivated, in 2006. Shortly thereafter, Van Atta High were joined by additional members Steve Jasko (guitar) and Clark Starace (bass). Further shakeups resulted in the departure of Moutsakis and LoConte, who were replaced by guitarist Justin Maikisch and drummer Glenn Petnel. After making a name for themselves on the local New Jersey band circuit, Van Atta High were invited to join the Vans Warped and Taste of Chaos tours in 2007. Later in the year they released their second EP, Run Like Hell, and saw a spike in traffic on their MySpace page.