Part-Time Valentine

Time to Move On (War Waltz)

Up In Smoke, Down In Flames

The Mascot Theory has been kicking around Wisconsin weekend-warrior style for the past decade, but like many musicians, the great pandemic-induced entertainment halt of 2020 forced the band to reflect and refocus their musical efforts. With the core foundation of singer/songwriter Erik Kjelland and the rhythm section of Nick Fry on bass guitar and Paul Metz on drums, The Mascot Theory used this time off to grow their sound into a more classic Rock 'N Roll groove, especially thanks to the addition of lead guitarist Cory Swadley who brings a strong musical swagger and reverence to the guitar gods of the past. In 2021 the band made a major leap towards a more national focus when they were discovered and signed by manager Chuck Toler of TolerVision LLC, who helped steer the careers of artists like Cheap Trick and Mudvayne. Toler circulating the band’s music to his many trusted colleagues led to producer Terry Manning (Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, Shakira, Lenny Kravitz) agreeing to work with The Mascot Theory. In April 2022 Manning and the band assembled at Sonic Ranch Studios near El Paso, TX and recorded 13 new songs as well as 2 updated versions of classic live show staple songs. From those sessions comes the brilliant new album "Every Sign Of Life" scheduled to be released in early 2023.

Along with a 2017 WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) win for Best Male Vocalist (Erik Kjelland) and a nomination for​ ​Best Americana/folk artist, The Mascot Theory has won over 20 MAMA (Madison Area Music Association) awards including back-to-back 2016 and 2017 Artist of the Year awards.  They have played major festivals throughout Wisconsin including Summerfest, Freak Fest, and Mile of Music Festival, and have shared the stage with The BoDeans, America, Don McLean, Vance Joy, Frank Turner, Chase Rice, Kaleo, The Wild Feathers, Guster and many others.

"Every Sign Of Life" travels into its classic rock influences; harmonies that bring to mind the Eagles or Poco, a bit of that Rolling Stones guitar swagger, a little ZZ Top blues rock, a dash of the Pink Floyd mood, but never straying far from the core of the Tom Petty/Beatle-esque importance of solid melody and lyrics. Songs like "When I Drift Away", "Lavender Blues" and "Fast Car Getaway" showcase the new album's infectious energy and beautiful harmonies within an eclectic landscape of well-crafted and memorable songs. Look for The Mascot Theory to be on the road performing their new album​ ​and grabbing new fans everywhere with "Every Sign Of Life".

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