Signing Story with Cascade RiotDate Signed: July 2024

Label: PNWK Records

Type of Music: Alt-rock, punk

Booking: sam@pnwkmusic.com

Legal: robert@pnwkmusic.com

Publicity: Mike Cubillos - Earshot Media

Web: pnwkmusic.com/cascaderiot

Detroit’s Cascade Riot started playing music together as kids. Explains frontman Ryan Failla, “We're big on the chemistry that the three of us have… I don't think any one of us really have much of a desire to play with anyone else.” Those kids eventually grew up, with one member taking an out-of-state job, dissolving Cascade Riot into the harsh waters known as the nine-to-five grind.

Fast forward to 2022, six years later, when the departed member returned to Michigan, posing the question, “what’s stopping us now?” This time, however, the group decided they needed to be all-in. “We couldn't go away for another six years and then come back and expect it to happen,” laughs Failla. “So one of the things we were interested in [this time] was label support.” 

In attempt to take the band the next level, Cascade Riot began submitting demos. Rather than agreeing to the first pitch they heard, however, the dudes took their time. “[With the first label we met], we realized we didn’t need what they're offering… They were kind of wanting to market us as just a punk band that only does this kind of sound and looks like this and acts like this.” Hearing this leaves us projecting the harsh reality Cascade Riot will be disappointed seeing we pigeon-holed their genre to fit our bio box above.

After turning down their first offer, the trio found PNWK. Failla and company were familiar with the label’s track record as fellow Michigan natives, Potion Seller were already signed. “They weren't locking us into any sort of commitment,” expresses Failla. 

Along with no long-term commitment, PNWK didn’t push an agenda or narrative on the band’s vision or sound, and only offered to help in spaces where Cascade Riot seemed interested. Like merch ideation and printing. “[Having the right deal], you don't feel like you're entirely on your own anymore. If there's something we need, we know we can go to them and they're probably gonna take care of it for us.”

The band is now recording its PNWK debut for a release later this year.The post Signing Story with Cascade Riot first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.