I would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to a band that started one town over from Bethlehem, the place I call home: Refuse the Conformity, based out of Easton, Pennsylvania. RTC, as they often go by, are primarily influenced by Green Day, blink-182, Fall Out Boy, and other similar punk rock bands. Their first album was released in October of 2012 and have been releasing music since 2010, so they’re definitely not new to the music scene. The band plays mostly in the Lehigh Valley area, but has performed in places as far as Connecticut!

Refuse the Conformity is currently a two-person band. Charlie Bruno is the main vocalist and guitarist, and Sal Calandra plays the drums.They’re currently not signed to a record label, which in my personal opinion, is a shame! However, the boys always work hard to write new music and are currently working on the release of their first LP. It’s clearly evident that they have a passion for music, given the fact that they released a pop punk cover of Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and also that they both are currently pursuing their musical careers full-time.

Growing up and listening to punk rock music (completely on the down low, might I add, because I didn’t think my parents would be happy), when I first heard this band, I was hooked! I actually went to school with Charlie for a little while, and he’s a super chill and really cool guy. If you ever get to go to one of their gigs, definitely take the chance to talk to him if you can. Besides being in RTC, he also is currently touring with another band that he is part of called Keep Flying (which I also recommend).

There’s several ways to get connected to the band, including their Twitter (@OfficialRTCband), following Charlie on Twitter (@CharlieRTC) and Snapchat (@charliertc), their Facebook page (Refuse The Conformity), their Youtube channel (just search for Refuse the Conformity), or purchasing their music through their website, which is www.refusetheconformity.bandcamp.com. You can also buy their merchandise through their website!

I can’t wait for the day that they break into the music scene officially so that I can be a super proud fan and say that I’ve known them since the beginning! I honestly already promote this band as much as I possibly can. Also, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.