Autopilot Off

by Rebecca Clark

Fresh Off the Warped tour, Autopilot Off is a punk/pop band from Orange County New York that will rock your world into a mosh pit frenzy. APO Chris Johnson: Vocals, Guitar, Chris “Houston” Hughes: Guitar, Phil Robinson: Drums, Rob Kucharek: Bass were known getting their name out by doing it the “old fashion way.” Pilling into their van and playing all the shows they could, APO slowly but surly began to take off and have been touring all over the US and even parts of Canada with well known bands such as New Found Glory, H20 and Less Than Jake.

            Recently signed to Island Records, APO have released their self-titled five song EP featuring “Long Way To Fall,” and “Nothing Frequency” revealing a taste their punk/pop sound. APO are trying to break the norm when it comes to punk music, they want to be more aggressive and prove that you do not need anything fancy, just a group of regular people with raw talent. This is evident at their live shows. On Friday September 20, APO kicked off their first show in Rochester, NY at the Water Street Music Hall with Snapcase. Their performance was amazing, playing songs off of their five song EP. For being one of the opening bands, APO really got the crowd into the show making them jump up and down and getting them pumped up for Snapcase.

            APO are easygoing guys that are down to earth and just love doing what they do. They remain very active with their band when it comes to setting up their own instruments, maintaining their own website and even managing their own band. “We do our own gear, and we like to really be hands on and stay involved,” Hughes says.  They try and remain active because “otherwise there is nothing to do, and you get bored, and that’s when you get into trouble,” Hughes said.  If you want to meet APO just find them because they will be around the merchandise booth and are eager to meet their new fans! Be sure to go out and catch them on their tours with Snapcase, then Good Charlotte and then Sugarcult. For a full list of tour dates and more information on APO check out their official web site at www.autopilotoff.com