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TX2 | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S. |
| Genres | Emo, pop punk, alternative rock, metalcore (newer material) |
| Years active | 2015–present |
| Labels | Hopeless Records (2023–present) |
| Website | Official TX2 Website |
TX2 is an American rock band formed in Fort Collins, Colorado, by singer-songwriter Timothy Evan Thomas, known professionally as TX2. Originally launched as a solo project in 2015 at the age of 15, the act expanded into a full band and gained attention through social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. In July 2023, TX2 signed with Hopeless Records, a label known for its roster of alternative and punk artists. [1]
TX2 began in 2015 as a solo project by Evan following experimentation as a rapper and musician in Fort Collins, CO and Miami, FL. The initial musical output was solo, featuring a blend of punk, hip-hop, and emo influences that prefigured the band’s eclectic later style
As the project gained local and online traction—helped in no small part by Thomas’ social media engagement and viral content on platforms like TikTok—the scope of TX2 expanded. Thomas was joined by guitarist and close friend Cameron “Cam” Rostami, after an encounter initially arranged via social media for band practice. Rostami rapidly became a musical and personal partner, contributing both to songwriting and the band’s live performances. Shortly thereafter, Evan recruited Courtney “Corky” Howard on bass. Drums have generally been handled by session or touring musicians, with notable contributors including Sam Palombo (formerly of Blame Candy) and Ethan Church. This collaborative structure supports both Evans’ leadership and the adaptable nature of TX2’s live and recorded sound. [2]
By 2023, the band’s lineup solidified around Evan as frontman, Cam on guitar, Corky on bass, and a rotating cast of drummers. The formation of the band coincided with a significant increase in exposure from viral clips on TikTok and the success of tracks such as "I Would Hate Me Too." This rise quickly drew the attention of record labels, culminating in TX2 signing with Hopeless Records in July 2023.
TX2 has used livestreams and social media to connect with fans and advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQ rights. In 2022, Evan launched a Discord community called the “X Movement,” designed to support fans struggling with mental health. The group grew to over 17,000 members and became a central part of TX2’s outreach efforts. [3]
TX2's rise to prominence is often attributed to the viral spread of their music and videos on social media platforms—most notably TikTok. A turning point arrived in early 2023 when the song "I Would Hate Me Too" went viral, propelling the band beyond its underground following to a mainstream alt-rock and emo-punk audience. [4]
The track, distinguished by self-aware and provocative lyrics, resonated with a wide spectrum of listeners, particularly those identifying with issues of self-doubt, mental health struggles, and alienation. This viral exposure directly contributed to the band attracting several record labels, with TX2 ultimately signing with Hopeless Records. Under Hopeless, the group released multiple singles and EPs, rapidly expanding their discography and professional reach. The combination of social media virality and label support positioned TX2 as a representative of the growing trend of alternative artists leveraging digital platforms to achieve rapid career acceleration.
With increased national and international attention, TX2 began to tour extensively. Their "Cruel World Tour" in 2025 featured numerous sold-out shows across the United States and international dates scheduled for Europe and the UK. [5] The band also supported larger acts like Ice Nine Kills on major tours, playing stadium shows with crowds as large as 6,000 people per night. Their energetic live performances, audience engagement, and willingness to discuss taboo or sensitive emotional topics on stage contributed to their notoriety and rapid growth in popularity. [5] [6]
TX2’s music combines elements of emo, pop-punk, alternative rock, and hip-hop, frequently employing a blend of distorted guitars, driving drums, electronic production touches, and direct, sometimes aggressive vocal delivery. The band’s lyrics are distinguished by their confessional tone, often grappling with themes of mental health, alienation, resilience, social injustice, and subcultural identity. Evan Thomas has cited a variety of influences shaping both the band's musical output and its broader philosophical direction. Chief among these are Green Day, My Chemical Romance,Get Scared, Hollywood Undead, Ice Nine Kills, and iconic punk and post-punk acts like Black Flag and The Clash. The latter are particularly influential in shaping the group's attitude toward music as a form of news or social commentary, echoing Joe Strummer’s dictum that "punk rock is the news. [7]
TX2’s sound frequently juxtaposes pop-punk hooks with heavier elements and occasional hip-hop flow, at times reminiscent of Linkin Park’s hybridization or recent pop-punk resurgents like Machine Gun Kelly. However, the group maintains a distinctly modern and internet-native sensibility, evident in its use of meme culture, online skits, and direct commentary on both fandom and criticism. [4]
Reception to TX2’s musical style is polarized, with some critics and audiences lauding the band's high-energy performances and blending of genres, while others find elements of their sound derivative or "cringe," often pointing to the band's unapologetic, sometimes provocative, lyrical style as a point of contention. [8] [9]
TX2 faces significant criticism from certain sectors of the alternative music audience and from online communities. Among the most prevalent complaints are accusations of formulaic or "cringe" lyrics, excessive internet marketing, and questionable claims of "authenticity"—with frequent labeling as an "industry plant" or "poser," particularly on subreddits and music forums [10] This phenomenon is not unique to TX2 and is a frequent topic in modern pop-punk and alternative demographics, reflecting anxieties around authenticity and digital-era success stories [11]
Some negative reviews challenge the quality of Thomas’s vocals, the originality of song structures, and the band’s perceived dependence on controversy or social media engagement to maintain relevance. Criticism has also touched upon specific lyrics parodying or purportedly denigrating Christian identity in tracks such as "Randy McNally (No Love Like Christian Hate)", as well as concerns about the repetitive use of certain lyrical and thematic tropes
| Title | Release Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Small Town | 2016 | Early hip-hop/rap EP; later removed from streaming platforms. Includes "Run This Town", "Instafamous", and "Halfway" |
| DROP DEAD | 2022 | Includes "DROP DEAD", "TRUST NO ONE", "Vampire By Rumor", "Fuck It All", "Where'd You Come From?", and "Pull The Plug" |
| Ghost Of LA | 2023 | Includes "Walking Dead Man",“Am I A Ghost?", "Degrade Me", "Black Wedding", and "6 Seconds Left" |
| Say You're Insecure (Without Saying It) | 2023 | Includes "Say You're Insecure (Without Saying It), "Randy McNally (No Love Like Christian Hate)", "I Would Hate Me Too", "Two Pills", and "Heaven Was Full (I'm Headed Straight To Hell)" |
| Randy McNally (No Love Like Christian Hate) | 2023 | Includes "Randy McNally (No Love Like Christian Hate)", "I Would Hate Me Too", "Heaven Was Full (I'm Headed Straight To Hell)", and "Two Pills" |
| Cruel World | 2024 | Features collaborations with Ice Nine Kills and From First To Last. Includes "MAD (feat. Ice Nine Kills)", "Cruel World", "So Numb", "Swing At Me", "Violent Nature", and "THIS ISN'T ABOUT DRUGS (I SWEAR) (feat. From First To Last)". Physical version also includes "Hatchet", "Vendetta (feat. Johnny 3 Tears)", and "Burn". |
Thomas’s early releases, especially "The Modern Punk" and "99 Proof", predate the expansion to a full-band lineup and are largely solo projects, with Thomas responsible for most, if not all, instrumentation and production. [12] [13]
TX2’s releases have received attention for their emotionally raw lyrics and punk-inspired sound. The *Ghost Of LA* EP was noted for its confessional tone and genre fusion, while the *Cruel World* EP drew interest for its collaborations and advocacy themes. [7]