Major League is an American

rock Rock most often refers to: * Rock (geology), a naturally occurring solid aggregate of minerals or mineraloids * Rock music, a genre of popular music Rock or Rocks may also refer to: Places United Kingdom * Rock, Caerphilly, a location in Wale ...

band from

Mantua Township, New Jersey Mantua Township (pronounced man-CHEW-uh) is a township within Gloucester County in the U.S. state of New Jersey, within the Philadelphia metropolitan area. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 15,235, its highe ...

, originally active from 2009 to 2016. Their music blends

pop punk Pop-punk (also punk-pop, alternatively spelled without the hyphen) is a rock music fusion genre that combines elements of punk rock with power pop or pop music, pop. It is defined by its fast-paced, energetic tempos, and emphasis on classic pop s ...

emo Emo () is a genre of rock music characterized by emotional, often confessional lyrics. It emerged as a style of hardcore punk and from the Washington, D.C., hardcore scene, where it was known as emotional hardcore or emocore. The bands ...

, and

alternative rock Alternative rock (also known as alternative music, alt-rock or simply alternative) is a category of rock music that evolved from the independent music underground of the 1970s. Alternative rock acts achieved mainstream success in the 1990s w ...

. They released two studio albums on

No Sleep Records No Sleep Records was an American independent record label in Huntington Beach, California. They were founded by Chris Hansen in 2006 and have released records by artists including Balance and Composure, La Dispute, and The Wonder Years. They hav ...

: ''Hard Feelings'' (2012) and ''There's Nothing Wrong with Me'' (2014). In June of 2025 the band announced they were reuniting with their original lineup.

History

Formation and Early Years (2009–2011)

Major League was formed in 2009 in Mantua Township, New Jersey, initiated by guitarist Brian Anthony Joyce, soon joined by vocalist Nick Trask, guitarist Matt Chila, bassist Eric Bouda, and drummer Justin Unruh. They self-released two EPs—''The Truth Is...'' (2010) and ''Variables'' (2011)—which both included early tracks like “From States Away” and “Seasons.” These songs helped define the band's emotionally driven pop‑punk sound. In April 2011, drummer Justin Unruh left the band and was succeeded by Luke Smartnick. During this time, the band toured extensively through small clubs, DIY spaces, and house shows, developing a grassroots fan base and regional reputation.

''Hard Feelings'' and Rise in Popularity (2012–2013)

In 2012, the band signed with No Sleep Records and released their debut full-length album, ''Hard Feelings'', on November 13. The album combined introspective lyrics with driving, guitar‑centric energy, reflecting the emo‑revival and pop‑punk trends of the early 2010s. Critics generally responded positively: *Consequence of Sound* noted the album’s “raw honesty and melodic sensibility,” while *Stereofox* described it as “a punchy and passionate effort that balances emo revivalism with pop-punk urgency.” To promote the album, Major League toured across North America, supporting acts such as

Man Overboard "Man overboard!" is an exclamation given aboard a vessel to indicate that a member of the crew or a passenger has fallen off of the ship into the water and is in need of immediate rescue. Whoever sees the person fall is to shout, "Man overboar ...

Senses Fail Senses Fail is an American rock band formed in Ridgewood, New Jersey, in 2001. Founded by vocalist Buddy Nielsen, drummer Dan Trapp, guitarists Garrett Zablocki and Dave Miller, and bassist James Gill (replaced by Mike Glita shortly after); th ...

, and Turnover. Internationally, they performed in the UK and Europe with

Funeral for a Friend Funeral for a Friend are a Welsh post-hardcore band from Bridgend, Wales, Bridgend, formed in 2001. The band's members are Kris Roberts (guitar, backing vocals), Gavin Burrough (guitar, vocals), Darran Smith (guitar), Richard Boucher (bass), an ...

and toured Japan with Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!. In 2013, they also appeared at the Skate and Surf Festival in New Jersey.

''There's Nothing Wrong with Me'' and Lineup Change (2014–2015)

In early 2014, vocalist Nick Trask left the band, with guitarist Brian Joyce taking over lead vocals. The band entered Studio 4 in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, to record their second full-length album with producer Will Yip. Released in late 2014, ''There's Nothing Wrong with Me'' explored themes of personal reflection and emotional growth. According to Joyce, the record was “very honest and personal,” marking a shift toward a more introspective tone. The album's artwork, a mirrored inkblot design, reinforced its focus on mental health and identity. The band supported the release with tours alongside

PVRIS Pvris (pronounced "Paris" and stylized PVRIS) is an American pop rock band formed in Lowell, Massachusetts in 2012. Following several lineup changes, the band is now composed solely of frontwoman Lynn Gunn. Pvris has released four studio LPs: ...

Mayday Parade Mayday Parade is an American rock band formed in Tallahassee, Florida, in 2005, as the result of a merger between two local Tallahassee bands, Kid Named Chicago and Defining Moment. Their debut EP '' Tales Told by Dead Friends'' was released i ...

, Silverstein,

Stray from the Path Stray from the Path is an American hardcore punk band formed in 2001 in Long Island, New York. They have released eleven full-length albums. Their first three records were independently released – ''People Over Profit'' in 2002, ''Audio Prozac ...

, and Beartooth. In 2015, they were part of the

Vans Warped Tour The Warped Tour is a touring rock music festival that toured the United States and Canada each summer from 1995 until 2019, and returned in 2025 for its 30th anniversary. By 2015, Warped was the largest traveling music festival in the United S ...

lineup.

Farewell Tour and Disbandment (2016)

On January 15, 2016, Major League announced a farewell tour and confirmed they would disband following its completion. The tour featured support from Forever Came Calling and served as a retrospective on the band’s career.

Hiatus and 2025 Activity (2017–Present)

After disbanding, members pursued individual projects. The band’s music continued to receive steady streaming activity. In 2025, the band's official Instagram account posted rehearsal footage and archival material featuring the original lineup, prompting speculation about a reunion. On June 17, the band announced that they would be pressing ''The Truth Is...'' on vinyl for the first time for the EP's 15 year anniversary. The following day they confirmed they were reuniting with the with a mix of old and new member’s.

Band members

Current members *Nick Trask - Lead Vocals (2009-2014) *Brian Anthony Joyce – Backing Vocals (2009-2014), Lead vocals (2014-2016), Guitar (2009-2016), *Matt Chila – Guitar (2009-2016) * Eric Bouda - Bass (2009-2012) *Luke Smartnick – Drums (2011-2016) *Justin Unruh - Drums (2009-2011) *Kyle Bell – Bass (2012-2016)

Discography

Albums

* ''Hard Feelings'' (2012) * ''There's Nothing Wrong with Me'' (2014)

Compilation albums

* ''Mixtape'' (2011)

Extended plays

* ''The Truth Is...'' (2010) * ''Variables'' (2011)

References

External links

{{authority control Musical groups from Gloucester County, New Jersey No Sleep Records artists