Written in Red

Band Story
Written in Red: Southern Chicago’s Sonic Architects of Emotion and Energy
Emerging from the vibrant heart of Southern Chicago’s underground rock scene, Written in Red is a band that doesn't just play music—they build it. They blend visceral emotion, layered musicianship, and lyrical substance into a sound that pulses with purpose. It's not just about making noise—it's about making meaning.
From their inception, Written in Red set out to craft music that moves—physically, emotionally, spiritually. Their sound is marked by lush, atmospheric guitar work that envelops the listener, anchored by a rhythm section that doesn’t hold back. Every beat, every chord progression is designed to elevate the vocals, which soar with both clarity and conviction. Their live shows? Unforgettable. High-energy performances laced with raw honesty and electric chemistry.
The band’s roots are familial—literally. Brothers Justin and Robb began jamming together years ago, unknowingly laying the groundwork for what would become Written in Red. Their early experiments in sound and identity went through the typical evolutions—twists, turns, and name changes—until longtime guitarist and friend Jordan entered the fold. Jordan didn’t just fill a role; he brought a new creative lens, adding dimension and depth to the band’s developing identity.
The missing piece came in the form of Jennifer—a dynamic singer-songwriter whose voice carried both power and precision, and whose musicianship on guitar and piano added a new layer of complexity. From the moment she joined, it was clear: this was the frontperson they had been searching for. With a re-energized lineup, the band began reworking their early material while pushing forward into fresh sonic territory.
Their debut EP, The Best of What's Around, represents the culmination of that evolution. It’s a record that captures the band’s duality—delicate and aggressive, accessible yet intricate. Engineered and produced by Joseph Bader, and mastered by Grammy-winner Roger Nichols, the project reflects the band’s commitment to quality and authenticity. Under the guidance of manager David Knuth of Barefoot Studio, they’ve emerged from the studio with a sound that’s both polished and powerful.
Their track “Swimming with Sharks” is a standout—racking up over 75,000 plays on MySpace in just a few months after its 2008 release. With more than 250,000 hits in the past year alone, Written in Red is clearly striking a chord.
Still, for all the digital success, the heart of Written in Red beats loudest onstage. After months of studio work, they’ve returned to the live circuit with renewed purpose and a setlist that reflects both who they are and where they’re headed. For this band, the journey isn’t just about chasing fame—it’s about delivering truth, wrapped in melody and amplified by passion.
They know the road won’t be easy. But Written in Red is in it for the long haul—uncompromising, unrelenting, and undeniably real.
Emerging from the vibrant heart of Southern Chicago’s underground rock scene, Written in Red is a band that doesn't just play music—they build it. They blend visceral emotion, layered musicianship, and lyrical substance into a sound that pulses with purpose. It's not just about making noise—it's about making meaning.
From their inception, Written in Red set out to craft music that moves—physically, emotionally, spiritually. Their sound is marked by lush, atmospheric guitar work that envelops the listener, anchored by a rhythm section that doesn’t hold back. Every beat, every chord progression is designed to elevate the vocals, which soar with both clarity and conviction. Their live shows? Unforgettable. High-energy performances laced with raw honesty and electric chemistry.
The band’s roots are familial—literally. Brothers Justin and Robb began jamming together years ago, unknowingly laying the groundwork for what would become Written in Red. Their early experiments in sound and identity went through the typical evolutions—twists, turns, and name changes—until longtime guitarist and friend Jordan entered the fold. Jordan didn’t just fill a role; he brought a new creative lens, adding dimension and depth to the band’s developing identity.
The missing piece came in the form of Jennifer—a dynamic singer-songwriter whose voice carried both power and precision, and whose musicianship on guitar and piano added a new layer of complexity. From the moment she joined, it was clear: this was the frontperson they had been searching for. With a re-energized lineup, the band began reworking their early material while pushing forward into fresh sonic territory.
Their debut EP, The Best of What's Around, represents the culmination of that evolution. It’s a record that captures the band’s duality—delicate and aggressive, accessible yet intricate. Engineered and produced by Joseph Bader, and mastered by Grammy-winner Roger Nichols, the project reflects the band’s commitment to quality and authenticity. Under the guidance of manager David Knuth of Barefoot Studio, they’ve emerged from the studio with a sound that’s both polished and powerful.
Their track “Swimming with Sharks” is a standout—racking up over 75,000 plays on MySpace in just a few months after its 2008 release. With more than 250,000 hits in the past year alone, Written in Red is clearly striking a chord.
Still, for all the digital success, the heart of Written in Red beats loudest onstage. After months of studio work, they’ve returned to the live circuit with renewed purpose and a setlist that reflects both who they are and where they’re headed. For this band, the journey isn’t just about chasing fame—it’s about delivering truth, wrapped in melody and amplified by passion.
They know the road won’t be easy. But Written in Red is in it for the long haul—uncompromising, unrelenting, and undeniably real.
Band Members
Jennifer(vocals) Jordan(guitar) Robb(bass) Justin(drums)
Jennifer(vocals) Jordan(guitar) Robb(bass) Justin(drums)
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: Illinois (IL)
Genre: Rock