Midtown

Midtown, an American pop-punk band, was formed in November 1998 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The group originated with three Rutgers University students: Gabe Saporta on vocals and bass, Rob Hitt on drums, and Tyler Rann on guitar and vocals. Shortly after its formation, Heath Saraceno joined on guitar and vocals, completing the quartet. Rooted in the New Jersey punk scene, Midtown developed a sound that combined elements of pop-punk and punk rock, drawing influences from bands like The Get Up Kids, The Promise Ring, and Lifetime.

Midtown began recording soon after their inception, releasing their first EP, “The Sacrifice of Life,” through Pinball Records in 1999. Their debut full-length album, “Save the World, Lose the Girl,” was released in early 2000 by Drive-Thru Records. This initial success led to them being signed by MCA Records for their subsequent album, “Living Well Is the Best Revenge,” released in 2002. Although they were not under contract with a record label for their third album, “Forget What You Know,” released in 2004, it was later picked up by Columbia Records. The band officially disbanded in 2005 to pursue other projects.

Following their initial disbandment, members pursued individual ventures. Gabe Saporta went on to become the lead singer of the alternative dance band Cobra Starship, which disbanded in 2015. Heath Saraceno joined the band Senses Fail in 2005 before leaving in 2009 to pursue other interests. Tyler Rann entered the fashion/clothing industry, and Rob Hitt took a role at Crush Management while also founding his own record label, I Surrender Records. Midtown reunited briefly in 2014 for three shows, including a secret show at The Knitting Factory and two appearances at the Skate and Surf Festival. In 2022, the band reunited once more, supporting My Chemical Romance on their Reunion Tour and embarking on their own headlining “Resurrection Tour,” performing at the 2023 Adjacent beach festival.