Hawthorne Heights

Hawthorne Heights, formed in Dayton, Ohio in 2001 , built their reputation on emotionally raw songwriting, blending the urgency of post-hardcore with the melodic sensibilities of early 2000s emo and punk. Frontman JT Woodruff’s lyrics often explore themes of distance, identity, and perseverance, drawing on both personal experiences and the band’s deep roots in the alternative music scene. Throughout their long and storied career, Hawthorne Heights have overcome obstacles at every turn – but these challenges often came from external forces, from unscrupulous record labels and shifting musical trends to unimaginable personal tragedy that threatened to derail them. Despite the odds, the quartet — JT Woodruff (vocals, guitar), Mark McMillon (guitar, backing vocals), and Matt Ridenour (bass, backing vocals) — has persevered. They’ve earned two Gold albums (The Silence in Black and White, 2004, and If Only You Were Lonely, 2006), written some of the genre’s most enduring anthems (“Ohio Is for Lovers,” “Saying Sorry”), and remained a relentless touring force nearly two decades after their formation. In 2026 Hawthorne Heights will be celebrating 20 years of If Only You Were Lonely.