Of Mice & Men y Mothica

Founded by lead vocalist Austin Carlile (formerly of Attack!Attack!) and bassist Jaxin Hall in 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. Together they recruited drummer Valentino Arteaga (formerly of Lower Definition), guitarist Jon Kintz (formerly of Odd Project), and guitarist Phil Manansala. This resulted in Austin and Jaxin moving to California, but shortly after Kintz departed from the group and was replaced by Shayley Bourget.

The band gained attention and popularity from their myspace page, resulting in their signing with Rise Records. By spring 2010 the band released their first, self-titled album followed by a two tours as the support for the Squash the Beef Tour and the Atticus Tour and was a part of the Vans Warped Tour. Unfortunately, Carlile had to have heart surgery and was not able to tour, and in addition to some conflict with the rest of the band, he left the band, leaving Roush to take over lead vocals. Later that same year, Jaxin left for personal reasons, later replaced by Dane Poppin (formerly of A Static Lullaby).

In early 2011 the band came to a decision to let go of Roush in favor of brining back Carlile as lead vocalist. Carlile’s return also welcomed guitarist Alan Ashby, and a lineup rearrangement was made so Bourget was playing bass. With the new line-up, the band recorded and released “The Flood” in 2011 and went on a headlining tour; in addition they returned for the 2011 Vans Warped Tour. In 2012 they underwent another lineup change when Shayley departed from the band, and Aaron Pauley took over as the bass player just in time for the 2012 Vans Warped Tour. In 2014 the band released their third album, “Restoring Force” and toured throughout the UK and America.