- Myspace Editor - -
T1stL’s sound actually started in the mid 1990’s with a band that is simply referred to today in local circles as “Custom.†Custom Made Ear-Ache Project started as a 3-piece punk band which originally united guitarist/singer Danial “Danny D†Levins and drummer Dominique Atoigue. Custom had all the elements that T1stL considers as its foundation: the classic Levins’ guitar sound, catchy lyrics, and drumbeats played with soul. Although Custom had a short lifespan of only a few years, it saw the addition of Kevin Levins (2nd guitar and vocals), and as the band was put to rest, the members always kept the influence of Custom close at heart with hopes of reuniting eventually.
Between 1997 and 2005, Dominique, Kevin, and Danny D moved throughout the U.S., and started careers and families. However, their friendship remained strong and they all continued to stay active in writing music. To say the least, this period was filled with many CDs, tapes and home-recorded acoustic tracks exchanged among themselves.
In 2006, Kevin and Dominique started the T1stL project with absolutely no clue how serious the band would eventually become! Danny was contributing some music and lyrics for the band while living in Michigan, and when he moved back to California’s Central Coast in 2008 he instantly had a spot in the band that he helped create and inspire. In 2009, the allstar line-up was officially complete when longtime friend and musician Justin Abernethy took over the bass responsiblities.
In June 2009, The 1st Line's debut album 'What’s New To The Old You?' was released by Northeast Records, a label that seems to have a knack for releasing debut albums of bands with amazing potential (i.e., The Briggs and The Ignorant). 'What’s New To The Old You?' is loaded with 13 tracks of pure dynamite that will make you want to put your fist in the air and wonder why you haven’t heard of these guys before. If you are a fan of Rise Against, Pegboy, or Face to Face, you will be captivated by The 1st Line.