Bright Eyed Youth

In late 2009, Jackson Hughes and Gil Kaplan were able to bond over their mutual love of classic rock and modern punk/alternative bands. At that time, the two were in eighth grade and so as the end-of-the-year variety show date approached, they decided to create a band to play at it, with Jackson on vocals/rhythm guitar and Gil on bass. Then, through friends of friends of friends and several different lineup changes, Ben Hammer, Justin Van Wagenen, and Alex Masset were added and the band originally entitled Flash Gordon was birthed in December of that year.
Over the course of the next month, countless different, generic covers were attempted and abandoned until finally, there came a creative breakthrough. With that creative breakthrough, a four-chord, hypnotic sounding synth line, and a lot of other collaboration, the band that would become Bright Eyed Youth had created their first original song, "Better." Then, after performing, "Better," at the variety show two months later and getting an applause like no other eighth grade band had likely ever gotten before, the decision was made to continue as a band together.
The next year was spent, frequently holed up in Justin's dimly-lit basement jamming, writing new songs, becoming close friends, and arguing over a band name. Finally though, in November of 2010 when enough original material had been created and the guys were ready to start playing live shows in the area, the name, Bright Eyed Youth, was adopted and an image/following began to develop.
From that time up until now, Bright Eyed Youth has grown exponentially. Their music has become an eclectic, coherent mix of the varied styles and tastes of each member and with their self-titled EP recorded at Oso Studios, that fresh, original sound is exemplified by each of the six tracks. Through performing often at multiple venues, events, and festivals like Madlove Music Festival and CHMF throughout Cincinnati and the tri-state and playing with numerous, talented local and national acts, BEY's live show has also become an intense, fast-paced experience. 

In following years, Bright Eyed Youth has released a two song EP, Beige, which brings out their psychedelic funk side with the help of friend and producer Mike Demaio. 

Currently, Bright Eyed Youth is continuing to produce more complex, catchy, and mature music. Their most recent project sought production help from guitarist Loren Turner from popular Cincinnati band Foxy Shazam. The band plans to reunite in Cincinnati this coming year after breaking apart to attend college. They are looking to aggressively pursue their art by playing many shows, contacting record labels, and spreading their names by any means possible.