The Rocket Summer Biography
The Rocket Summer is the solo project of multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and record producer Bryce Avary from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Avary writes, produces, and performs every instrument on his albums, creating a sound AustinCityLimits.com described as "lush, explosively catchy, and artful power pop that hints at a new Brian Wilson or Prince in the making."
Since launching his career as a teenager with the independently released The Rocket Summer EP (inspired by a Ray Bradbury short story), Avary has toured extensively, selling out venues worldwide. He's graced stages at iconic festivals like Glastonbury (UK), T in the Park (Scotland), Summer Sonic (Japan), and Soundwave (Australia), alongside appearances at Austin City Limits, SXSW, Bamboozle, Cornerstone, and the Vans Warped Tour.
"I try to write songs the whole world would want to sing along to," Avary says. "But I also want to make an album of genuine and honest songs written from my heart, that musically and lyrically are better than anything I have done before, and above all will be an album that would hopefully move and affect people. For me, it's all about focusing everything you have on making the greatest music you can without banking on anything else. I'm grateful to be doing this, and I want to do it for the right reasons."
While not a prominent figure in the Christian music scene, Avary's faith is a significant influence. A committed Christian who views his faith as "the biggest thing in my life," he has stated, "I need to seek the Lord all the time" and finds joy in his beliefs. This spiritual focus impacts his music and songwriting.
The Rocket Summer's discography includes studio albums like Calendar Days (2003), Hello, Good Friend (2005), and Do You Feel (2007). "I like the term 'young veteran,'" Avary reflects. "We have this loyal, hardcore following and I couldn't be more grateful for this. I keep pushing myself forward, trying to make great records, trying to put on the best live performance I can, all the while expanding The Rocket Summer to as far as it can be taken."
Of Men and Angels (2010) debuted at No. 1 on iTunes, surpassing The Black Eyed Peas' The E.N.D., and reached #38 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on the Top Rock Albums charts. The viral success of the "Do You Feel" video, featuring Paramore, Relient K, All Time Low, and others, further showcased Avary's dedicated fanbase. The album went on to sell over 100,000 copies in the US, solidifying his reputation as a unique artist.
Life Will Write The Words (2012) was followed by Zoetic (2016), Sweet Shivers (2019), and his most recent album, Shadowkasters (2023). The Rocket Summer's latest single, "Don't Be Yourself" (released in March 2024), is an acoustic rock anthem celebrating individuality. Soaring guitar riffs and Avary's confident vocals urge listeners to embrace their true selves and avoid living under the shadows of others' expectations. Instead, it encourages drawing from one's strengths and weaknesses to build a fulfilling life.
Both his albums and live shows emphasize positivity, optimism, sing-alongs, excitement, and overcoming struggles. The Rocket Summer has toured with a who's who of alternative rock, including The Goo Goo Dolls, OneRepublic, Paramore, Relient K, The All-American Rejects, Copeland, All Time Low, The Ataris, Something Corporate, Plain White T's, Hellogoodbye, Phantom Planet, and many others. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.