The Ready Set

Jordan Mark Witzigreuter (born November 14, 1989), known professionally as The Ready Set, is an American singer-songwriter from Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States. He is the lead vocalist and sole member of the act, using a backup band while on tour.[4] He has released five studio albums, Syntax and Bright Lights, Tantrum Castle, I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming, The Bad & the Better, and I Will Be Nothing Without Your Love, nine extended plays and fourteen singles. He is best known for the commercially successful single "Love Like Woe" from his major label debut, I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming.

The Ready Set
The Ready Set in 2009
The Ready Set in 2009
Background information
Birth nameJordan Mark Witzigreuter
Born (1989-11-14) November 14, 1989
Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer-songwriter
  • musician
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • piano
  • guitar
  • bass
  • keyboards
  • drums
Years active
  • 2008–19, 2022–present (as the Ready Set)
  • 2019–2022 (as Onlychild)
Labels
WebsiteOfficial website

From 2019 to 2022, Witzigreuter briefly released music under the name Onlychild. He has released twelve singles and a four-track EP, Solstice under this name.[5]

Witzigreuter is also a part of the synthpop band Nekokat, alongside Cameron Walker, and Jess Bowen of the Summer Set.[6]

In 2021, in collaboration with Walker, Witzigreuter created the music label Swim Team Records.[7] The company has featured a multitude of artists such as Future Coyote, TALKBAK, and Casey Abrams.[8] The label's music has been featured in promotion for things such as the PGA Tour.[9]

Early life

Witzigreuter was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a location he frequently mentions in his music. At the age of 11, his mother signed him up for drum lessons.[10] This led to him playing the drums in bands throughout middle school and high school.[11] After becoming acquainted with other instruments, he began touring with bands and writing songs at the age of 16.[10] As a seventeen-year-old, Witzigreuter participated in various bands playing drums for the ska band Take Sides and the hardcore band Saints Never Surrender.[12] Witzigreuter was credited on Saints Never Surrender's sophomore album, Brutus, which was released in 2008.[13] He was also in the acoustic band brideandgroom.[14]

Career

2007–09: Syntax and Bright Lights and Tantrum Castle

In 2007, Witzigreuter began making music independently in the basement of his childhood home under the name the Ready Set.[15] His first two albums Syntax and Bright Lights and Tantrum Castle were released in 2008.[16][17] Initially uploading his music to the once popular Myspace, Witzigreuter then began performing his music live. His first performances took place at The Mocha Lounge in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a coffee shop where he worked.[18][19] His performances evolved to that of a live band, and he began performing for music festivals. These included The Bamboozle and Bamboozle Left,[20] the Bamboozle Roadshow,[21] and the mtvU VMA Tour.[22] He also opened for bands like Boys Like Girls and Never Shout Never.[23]

The Ready Set has also made performances on MTV on multiple occasions, including an appearance on MTV's TJ Search Live Finale and being the "One to Watch" on MTV's 10 on Top.[24] Witzigreuter has also been featured twice on MTV's Buzzworthy.[25]

2010–11: I’m Alive, I’m Dreaming and Feel Good Now
The Ready Set performing at Emo's in 2010.

Pete Wentz signed Witzigreuter to his label Decaydance Records in 2009.[26] His debut single, "Love Like Woe" was released on March 29, 2010. The song was met with commercial success peaking at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100[27] and number 30 on the Canada CHR/Top 40 chart.[28] This led to the song being certified platinum by the RIAA[29] and winning the BDS Certified Spin Award based on the 50,000 spins it received.[30] "More Than Alive" was released as the second single from the album on May 25, 2010.[31] The Ready Set's major label debut album, I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming, was released on June 9, 2010. It peaked at number three on the Heatseekers Albums chart and peaked at number 172 on the Billboard Top Current Album Sales chart.[32][33] In support of the albums release, Witzigreuter went on tour in the fall of 2010 with Cartel, Hey Monday, This Century, and We Are the In Crowd.[21]

In 2010, Witzigreuter was part of the Punk Goes Pop Volume 03. compilation album performing the track, "Airplanes".[34] On November 26, 2010, he released a Christmas EP, Regifted and the song "Wishlist" peaked at number 32 on the Holiday Digital Song Sales chart.[35][36] In 2011, he embarked on his first headlining tour called, "The Glamour Kills Tour" with supporting acts from Allstar Weekend, We Are the In Crowd and The Downtown Fiction.[37] On October 7, 2011, The Ready Set released an EP titled, Feel Good Now which was produced by Ian Kirkpatrick.[15] The EP peaked at number 179 on the Billboard 200.[38] The lead single, "Young Forever" was released on March 1, 2011 and peaked at number 39 on the US Mainstream Top 40 and at number five on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.[39][40] The EP was followed up by two more single releases: "Hollywood Dream" and "Killer".[41][42] In 2012, Witzigreuter was featured in an episode of Disney Channel's So Random!.[43] In the spring of 2012, The Ready Set and Breathe Carolina co-headlined the Blackout Forever Tour with support from Ashland High.[44]

2012–15: The Bad & The Better
The Ready Set performing live in 2011

On May 18, 2012, The Ready Set released the song, "Give Me Your Hand (Best Song Ever)" which was released through Warner Records and later served as the lead single from his fourth studio album, The Bad & The Better.[45] The song peaked at number 30 on the US Mainstream Top 40 and number 33 on the New Zealand Top 40 chart.[39][46] In 2013, The Ready Set toured in North America with Breathe Carolina and rapper T. Mills.[47] After leaving Decaydance following his third album, he subsequently signed with the label Razor & Tie, releasing The Bad & The Better on May 27, 2014.[48] The album peaked at number 75 on the Billboard 200.[38] "Higher" served as the albums second single and was released on April 8, 2014.[49] "Freakin' Me Out" was released on May 6, 2014 as the third single from the album.[50] He served as an act on Warped Tour in 2014.[48] The Ready Set co-headlined a tour with Metro Station called, The Outsiders Tour with supporting acts, the Downtown Fiction and Against the Current.[51] In 2015, Witzigreuter started a side project band Nekokat with artist Cameron Walker-Wright and drummer Jess Bowen from The Summer Set.[6]

2016–18: I Will Be Nothing Without Your Love and V1 & V2

In 2016, Witzigreuter signed with Hopeless Records and released his fifth studio album, I Will Be Nothing Without Your Love on April 8.[52] The album peaked at number 24 on the US Independent Albums chart.[53] He released "Good Enough" on February 5, 2016, as the lead single from the album.[52] He collaborated with Haitian DJ Michael Brun and made a remix to the track which peaked at number 40 on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart.[54] The albums second single, "Disappearing Act" was released on March 11, 2016.[55] The Ready Set went on the Fight For Something tour in the spring of 2016 with Tonight Alive, Set It Off and SayWeCanFly.[56] Witzigreuter stated in a 2016 interview with Alternative Press that he almost ended the Ready Set following the release of his fourth album.[57]

He started to release music independently in 2018 again with two extended plays: V1 and V2.[58] "Life In Pink" was released on February 15, 2018.[59] He released another single, "Stitch" on July 27, 2018.[60] Another EP, V3, was set for release in October 2018, however was pushed back for a later date.[61]

2019–2022: Onlychild

In mid-2019, Witzigreuter temporary took a step back from The Ready Set and adopted a new name, Onlychild.[62] He released his first EP Solstice under that name on July 27, 2019.[63] In 2020, he released a non-album single "Chardonnay and Tangerine" in May.[64] On October 23, 2020, Witzigreuter released another single "Thank Me Later".[65] On April 16, 2021, he released a new single, "Sad Fantasy", which featured Panic! at the Disco guitarist, Mike Naran.[66][67]

In 2021, Witzigreuter and Nekokat collaborator Cameron Walker contributed writing credits to the single "Rock with You" on South Korean band Seventeen's mini-album Attacca.[68]

2022–present: return of The Ready Set and Cherryland

Witzigreuter revived the Ready Set name in 2022 at the So What Music Festival[69] and performed under that name at the 2022 When We Were Young Festival.[70] In May 2023, Witzigreuter released his first solo single under the Ready Set name since 2018 titled, "Who You Really Are".[71] Another single followed in July 2023 titled "Teammate".[72] In August 2023, Witzigretuer released a hyperpop track "ACT 2". He is set to tour with Boys Like Girls in the fall of 2023 on the Speaking Our Language Tour.[73] On August 25, 2023, Witzigreuter announced his sixth studio album, Cherryland which would be released on October 27, 2023.[74]

Musical styles and influences

The Ready Set's music is described as electropop and synth-pop.[75][76][77] Witzigreuter has stated that he typically likes to blend his sound ranging from pop to hip-hop to hardcore punk.[78][11] Witzigreuter grew up listening to Copeland which he has stated as his main influence.[10] The Ready Set also has been compared to Owl City, generally for his sound, work as a one-man band and how he uses a live band while on tour.[79]

Touring members

The Ready Set
Final touring members
  • Cameron Walker – guitar, backing vocals[15]
  • Travis Rountree – drums, percussion[80]
  • Matthew Shaughn – bass guitar
Former touring members
  • Mike Naran – guitar, backing vocals[81]
  • Nick Annis – bass guitar, keyboards[82]
  • Deryck Stanek – guitar, backing vocals[83]
  • Andy Snyder – bass guitar[84]
  • Keegan Weckler – guitar[84]

Onlychild
Current touring members
  • Mike Naran – guitar, backing vocals
  • Jess Bowen – drums, percussion

Personal life

Witzigreuter married his longtime girlfriend Katelyn Gentry in late 2017.[85] Witzigreuter has a brother who is also a musician.[11]

Discography
Main article: The Ready Set discography

The Ready Set

Nekokat
Main article: Nekokat § Discography

Onlychild
  • Solstice EP (2019)

Awards and nominations

BDS Spin Awards
YearPerformanceAwardResult Ref.
2010 "Love Like Woe" 50,000 Spins Won [30]

PETA's Libby Awards
YearNominatedAwardResult Ref.
2012 The Ready Set Most Animal-Friendly Band Nominated [86]
2014 Won [87]

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2011 Silent Library Themselves Contestants [88]
2012 So Random! Themselves Guest performers [43]
2013 Oh Sit! Themselves Guest performers [89]

Tours

References
  1. ""I want it to feel like it comes out of nowhere" –The Ready Set sign to Hopeless, release new track". Alternative Press.
  2. "The Ready Set on His New Album and Hitting the Road for the 2014 Vans Warped Tour". Zimbio.
  3. "Album Review: The Ready Set – "The Bad & The Better"". New Noise Magazine.
  4. "The Ready Set - Biography". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 5, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
  5. Maria Serra (March 30, 2020). "How well do you remember Love Like Woe by the Ready Set?". Alternative Press. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  6. Nick Williams (June 2, 2015). "New Supergroup Nekokat's 'Gimme A Break': Exclusive Single Premiere". Billboard. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  7. "Swim Team Records YouTube". YouTube.
  8. "Swim Team Records Instagram".
  9. ""Get To Work" PGA Tour". Archived from the original on December 24, 2021.
  10. "CG Grooves with the Ready Set". Seventeen. June 23, 2010. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  11. Adam Lovinus (March 22, 2011). "The Ready Set Explains His Stage Name". OC Weekly. Retrieved September 29, 2022.
  12. "Ask The Ready Set 4". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  13. "Did you know the Ready Set began in a melodic hardcore band?". Alternative Press. May 31, 2016. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  14. "Brideandgroom - Reverbnation". Retrieved January 13, 2021.
  15. Andrew Leahey. "The Ready Set Biography by Andrew Leahey". AllMusic. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  16. "Syntax and Bright Lights - Album by The Ready Set". Spotify. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  17. "Tantrum Castle - The Ready Set". Amazon. August 19, 2008. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  18. "The Ready Set - Sixty-Eight (Live)". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
  19. "The Ready Set - The Scientist (Live)". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
  20. Robert Fayette (April 5, 2010). "Interview: Jordan Witzigreuter of The Ready Set". Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  21. Jessica Norton (September 15, 2010). "Ready, Set, Go!: The Ready Set". Seventeen. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  22. Chris Ryan (September 2, 2010). "The Ready Set Performs 'Love Like Woe' On The mtvU VMA Tour". MTV. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  23. "Boys Like Girls to tour with Never Shout Never, The Ready Set". Alternative Press. May 11, 2009. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  24. Gabrielle Sierra (August 5, 2010). "The Ready Set Perform Live MTV and ZYNC from American Express TJ Search Finale". broadwayworld.com. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  25. Chris Ryan (April 16, 2010). "Buzzworthy Exclusive: The Ready Set Talk Money, Power and Skinny Jeans With Pete Wentz". MTV. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  26. James Shotwell (November 24, 2009). "The Ready Set signs to Decaydance Records & Sire". Underthegunreview.net. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  27. "The Ready Set Album & Song Chart History – Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  28. "The Ready Set Chart History – Canada CHR/Top 40". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  29. "RIAA – Gold & Platinum – November 29, 2010: The Ready Set certified singles". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  30. "BDS Certified Spin Awards November 2010" (PDF). p. 24. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  31. Nadine Cheung (May 25, 2010). "Exclusive Song Premiere: The Ready Set, 'More Than Alive'". JSYK.com. Archived from the original on July 30, 2012. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  32. "The Ready Set – Chart History: Heatseekers Albums". Billboard. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  33. "The Ready Set Chart History: Current Album Sales". Billboard. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  34. Tim Karan (August 25, 2010). "The Ready Set, Mayday Parade, 12 more revealed on Punk Goes Pop Vol. 3". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on August 29, 2010. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  35. "Regifted - The Ready Set". AllMusic. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  36. "The Ready Set Chart History - Holiday Digital Song Sales". Billboard. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  37. James Miller (February 3, 2011). "The Ready Set Celebrates First Platinum Single With Headline Tour". broadwayworld.com. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  38. "The Ready Set – Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  39. "The Ready Set Album & Song Chart History – Pop Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  40. "The Ready Set Chart History: Bubbling Under Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  41. Scott Shetler (August 25, 2011). "The Ready Set Are Ready to Release Feel Good Now EP This Fall". PopCrush. Retrieved June 7, 2021.
  42. Brian Kraus (September 27, 2011). "The Ready Set release new song Killer". Alternative Press. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  43. "The Ready set performs Young forever on So Random". YouTube.com. Disney. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021.
  44. Grant Trimboli (February 7, 2012). "Breathe Carolina Reveal Blackout Tour". underthegunreview.net. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  45. "Give Me Your Hand (Best Song Ever) - Single by The Ready Set". iTunes. Archived from the original on October 12, 2013. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  46. "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  47. John Serba (June 20, 2013). "The Ready Set and Breathe Carolina among 4 new shows announced at The Intersection". MLive. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  48. "The Ready Set Signs to Razor & Tie". Razor & Tie. Archived from the original on March 21, 2014. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  49. Matt Crane (April 8, 2014). "The Ready Set Release New Single, Higher". Alternative Press. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  50. "Freakin' Me Out - Single by The Ready Set". Spotify. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  51. Eddie Barella (September 2, 2014). "A signed record from The Ready Set or Metro Station". idobi Radio. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  52. Shandana Mufti (February 5, 2016). "I want it to feel like it comes out of nowhere – The Ready Set sign to Hopeless, release new track". Alternative Press. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  53. "The Ready Set – Chart History: Independent Albums". Billboard. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  54. "The Ready Set Chart History – Dance Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  55. Janneke Stam (March 14, 2016). "The Ready Set Has A New Video". Rock Sound. Archived from the original on March 16, 2016. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  56. Alexandra Colatosti (February 7, 2016). "NEWS: The Ready Set Announce New Album I Will Be Nothing Without Your Love". Archived from the original on February 26, 2016. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  57. "The Ready Set - I Will Be Nothing Without Your Love Interview". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  58. Cihak, Lennon (August 9, 2018). "Electro-pop sensation The Ready Set talks creativity for 'V2' EP [Interview + Premiere]". EARMILK. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  59. Chris Payne (February 15, 2018). "The Ready Set Premieres Radiant Guitar-Pop Track 'Life in Pink,' Announces New EP". Billboard. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
  60. "Stitch - Single by The Ready Set". Apple Music. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  61. @thereadyset (September 14, 2018). "i know i said 10/5 for v3 but i think i'm gonna wait a bit. lots of changes & interesting things going on. it'll be worth it though. i'm gonna be quiet for a while 🖤😇" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  62. Maria Serra (March 17, 2021). "Jordan Witzigreuter and Colin Dieden are finally able to write more honestly". Alternative Press. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  63. "Solstice - EP by Onlychild". Apple Music. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  64. "Chardonnay & Tangerine - Single by Onlychild". Apple Music. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  65. "Thank Me Later - Single by Onlychild". Apple Music. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  66. "Sad Fantasy - Single by Onlychild". Spotify. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  67. @iamonlychild (April 12, 2021). "my friend who is @mikenaran played cool guitar on the new song" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  68. Dongre, Divyansha. "SEVENTEEN Embrace the Global Punk Resurgence on "Rock With You"". Rolling Stone.
  69. "the ready set on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  70. Larisha Paul. "When We Were Young Festival Gives Warped Tour a Run for Its Money With Bonkers Lineup". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  71. Paige Owens (May 26, 2023). "The Ready Set Return With Who You Really Are". idobi Radio. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  72. Maggie Schneider (July 7, 2023). "The Ready Set Releases Hopeful New Single Teammate". idobi Radio. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  73. Maria Serra (August 18, 2023). "The Ready Set Gets Sentimental In New Single ACT 2". idobi Radio. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  74. Maria Serra (August 25, 2023). "The Ready Set Announces Sweet Upcoming Record, Cherryland". idobi Radio. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
  75. Angie Piccirillo (April 24, 2018). "The Ready Set: On Being Ex-Emo, Making His Biggest Hit in Garageband, And His New Sound". Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  76. "The Ready Set, I Will Be Nothing Without Your Love Review". May 10, 2016. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  77. Michael Smith. "Album Review: The Ready Set – I Will Be Nothing Without Your Love". Renowned for Sound. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  78. Sara Brown (November 3, 2010). "The Ready Set is a go". Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  79. "The Ready Set does it all". March 16, 2011. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  80. Mike Shea (April 28, 2016). "The Ready Set performs acoustic songs in AP Session". Alternative Press. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  81. "Mike Naran". idobi Radio. April 8, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  82. @NickAnnisMusic (April 13, 2012). "@Bogner_Amps all month on the Blackout Forever tour with @MattToka, Breathe Carolina, & the Ready Set!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  83. Axl Rosenberg (June 23, 2014). "The Ready Set Guitarist Deryck Stanek Loves Watain". MetalSucks. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  84. "The Ready Set - Surround Yourself With Awesome (Season 2, SETisode 2) [Webisodes]". YouTube. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  85. "Katelyn Gentry on Instagram". Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  86. Jocelyn Vena (December 21, 2011). "Justin Bieber, Ke$ha, Lea Michele Up For PETA Awards". MTV. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
  87. "Craig Owens, the Ready Set win peta2 awards". Alternative Press. December 17, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  88. Whitney Shoemaker (August 27, 2019). "10 times Silent Library featured some of our favorite bands". Alternative Press. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  89. "The Ready Set Performs on Oh Sit!". CBS News. May 14, 2013. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  90. Aaron Krein (May 3, 2017). "Ready Set Rose Rock". Archived from the original on September 23, 2017. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
  91. Bryne Yancey (February 7, 2012). "Check out the routing for the upcoming Breathe Carolina/The Ready Set co-headlining tour". Alternative Press. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  92. Cassie Whitt (January 9, 2013). "The Ready Set and Outasight announce co-headlining tour". Alternative Press. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  93. Crane, Matt. "Metro Station Announce New EP, Fall Tour With The Ready Set". Alt Press. Alternative Press, Inc. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
  94. "Tonight Alive Announce the "Fight For Something Tour" with Set It Off". digitaltourbus.com. November 16, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  95. "The Ready Set's Jordan Witzigreuter on his busy 2011 and plans for 2012". Alternative Press. December 8, 2011. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  96. "Ready Set 2014 Vans Warped Tour". July 16, 2014. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  97. "The Ready Set's Concert History". Retrieved December 26, 2020.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to The Ready Set.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.