Boys Life (band)

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Boys Life
Origin Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Genres Midwest emo, math rock, post-hardcore
Years active1993–1997, 2015, 2024
LabelsCrank!, Headhunter, Cargo, Topshelf, Hit It!, Numero Group
Spinoffs Canyon, Lullaby for the Working Class, Matt Suggs, The Farewell Bend, Six Bells
Past membersBrandon Butler
Joe Winkle
John Rejba
John Anderson
Dave Banaka

Boys Life was an American indie rock band from Kansas City, Missouri, formed in 1993.

Contents

History

Boys Life initially consisted of Brandon Butler (vocals, guitar), Joe Winkle (guitar), John Rejba (bass), and Dave Banaka (drums), though Banaka would soon be replaced by John Anderson. [1] Early on, Boys Life was influenced by such bands as Fugazi, Pitchfork, and Jawbox. [1]

A number of the band's early releases came out on indie label Crank! A Record Company, included their self-titled debut full-length Boys Life. According to guuitarist Joe Winkle, Boys Life left Crank! upon discovering that the label was seeking financing from major record company Interscope Records. [2] Winkle has alleged that Crank! released them from their three-album deal on the condition that the band waive their rights to their debut and other EPs released on the label. [2]

The band only released two albums during their original time together, but were foundational in the emo genre.

Band members went on to form other bands such as Canyon and Lullaby for the Working Class. Brandon Butler has also released several albums of solo material under his own name and formed the band Six Bells in 2014, who released their debut album in late 2015. [3] In 2015, Boys Life reissued their second full-length Departures and Landfalls on Topshelf Records, [4] and announced a brief reunion tour. [5]

In 2024, Numero Group formally announced they would be reissuing the band's material. [6] A compilation of the band's two albums, singles, and self-titled demo was released later that year, titled Home Is A Highway. In celebration of the release, the band reunited once again for a series of shows around Kansas City. In 2025, Boys Life announced they were releasing a new EP titled "Ordinary Wars" on Spartan Records. [7] The band has also issued a lead single for the EP, titled "Ordinary War". [8]

Influence

Despite their short time together, their influence on the genre was seen after their disbandment, specifically having influencing Taking Back Sunday. [9]

The band's own influences included Jawbreaker, specifically their song "Tour Song". [10]

Band members

Discography

Studio albums

Live albums

EPs and singles

Compilations

Compilation appearances

References

  1. 1 2 Adams, Gregory (November 26, 2024). "Boys Life's Brandon Butler on reunion, van fires and how "you can't recreate 30 years ago"". Gut Feeling. Archived from the original on March 2, 2025. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  2. 1 2 "boys life". Held Like Sound. 1997. Archived from the original on March 4, 2002.
  3. ↑ "Brandon Butler | Album Discography". AllMusic . Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  4. ↑ "Boys Life's 'Departures & Landfalls' reissue is out now (win tix to Chicago & NYC) +++ Topshelf CMJ showcase announced". BrooklynVegan . September 29, 2015. Archived from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved January 21, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Boys Life (Topshelf Records)". Topshelfrecords.com. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  6. ↑ Group, Numero (March 14, 2024). "Boys Life: Now on Numero". Twitter. Retrieved March 18, 2024.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  7. ↑ Sacher, Andrew (October 2, 2025). "Boys Life share first new song in 29 years, announce 'Ordinary Wars' EP". BrooklynVegan . Archived from the original on October 6, 2025. Retrieved January 21, 2026.
  8. ↑ Jones, Abby (October 2, 2025). "Midwest Emo Pioneers Boys Life Share First New Music In 29 Years". Stereogum . Archived from the original on January 21, 2026. Retrieved January 21, 2026.
  9. ↑ Ian Cohen; David Anthony; Nina Corcoran; Emma Garland; Brad Nelson (February 13, 2020). "The 100 Greatest Emo Songs of All Time". Vulture.com. Vox Media . Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  10. ↑ Vans, Punk Band (October 4, 2020). "Interview with Brandon Butler from Boys Life". Band Vans. Retrieved December 14, 2024.


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