We Are the Union
{{short description|American ska punk band}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = We Are the Union
| image = We_Are_The_Union_(2021).jpg
| caption = 2021 promotional photo of We Are The Union.
| image_size = 300
| alias =
| origin = Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States{{cite web |title=We Are the Union -- Audiotree |url=https://audiotree.tv/session/we-are-the-union |access-date=26 January 2021|via=Audiotree}}
| genre = {{flatlist|
- Ska punk
- ska{{cite web|url=https://glidemagazine.com/217151/wannabe-reviews-we-are-the-unions-self-care|title=Wannabe Reviews We Are The Union's 'Self Care' - Glide Magazine|accessdate=December 28, 2020|via=Glide Magazine|quote=In the latest Wannabe, artist Chris Prunckle offers his illustrated commentary on Self Care, the punk and ska band We Are The Union, in his signature six-panel comic strip form.}}{{cite web|last=Mandell|first=Xan|date=Nov 5, 2014|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/56377/interviews-reed-michael-wolcott-we-are-the-union|title=Interviews: Reed Michael Wolcott (We Are The Union)|accessdate=January 8, 2021|website=Punknews.org}}
- pop punk{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/review/8307/we-are-the-union-the-gun-show-must-go-on|title=We Are the Union - The Gun Show Must Go On|accessdate=January 8, 2021|via=punknews.org}}
}}
| years_active = {{flatlist|
- 2005–2013{{Cite web|url=https://wearetheunion.tumblr.com/#about|title=We Are The Union : 1 of 8|accessdate=December 17, 2020|via=Tumblr|quote=Unhappy with the current state of ska music, We Are The Union decided to stick out their own necks and tried to change things for the better in the summer of 2005. Getting a paycheck is not on their agenda. Instead of following typical ska punk conventions, WATU takes a harder-nosed approach to the genre. With influences ranging from Philadelphia/New Jersey favorites Lifetime and Kid Dynamite, and bands like Slapstick and This Is A Standoff, they rage with the best of them while still retaining a heightened sense of melody. Their love for fast music, horns and their incredibly short attention spans are a simple explanation for why WATU sound the way they do.}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/review/11577/we-are-the-union-you-cant-hide-the-sun|title=We Are the Union - You Can't Hide The Sun|accessdate=January 8, 2021|via=punknews.org}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVoo8_WepBQ|title=We Are The Union Interview|time=3:15|accessdate=December 29, 2020|via=YouTube}}{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/50646/breakups-we-are-the-union-2005-2013|title=Break-ups: We Are the Union (2005-2013)|via=punknews.org}}
- 2015–present
}}
| label = {{flatlist|
- Youth Owned
- Self-released
- Paper + Plastick
- WATU
- Audiotree
- Bad Time
}}
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
- JER{{Cite web|url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/jer-skatune-network-we-are-the-union-releases-debut-single-album-out-in-2021|title=JER (Skatune Network, We Are The Union) releases debut single; album out in 2021|quote=Jeremy Hunter, who built up a following doing ska covers of non-ska songs as Skatune Network, and who plays in We Are The Union, and who has also lent their talents to music by Jeff Rosenstock, Omnigone, and others, makes their own music as JER.|via=BrooklynVegan}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/skatune-network-releasing-ska-covers-album-of-undertale-video-game-soundtrack|title=Skatune Network releasing ska covers album of 'Undertale' video game soundtrack|quote=Jeremy Hunter also recently debuted their solo project of original music, JER, and they play in the band We Are The Union who recently released two great new songs.|via=BrooklynVegan}}
- Ska Tune Network{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqkbViTDvmE|title=Practicing for the we are the union // Skatune network show on December 21st|publisher=Ska Tune Network|accessdate=December 29, 2020|via=YouTube}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/skatune-network-ska-cover-band-interview-2018/|title=This Person Is Determined to Make a Ska Version of Every Song, Ever|first=John|last=Ochoa|access-date=January 4, 2021|via=Vice}}
- Gouge Away
}}
| website = {{URL|http://wearetheunion.net}}
| current_members = * Reade Wolcott
- Brandon Benson
- Ricky Weber
- Devan Bentley
| past_members =
- Jeremy Hunter
- Emily Williams
- Brent Friedman
- Matt Belanger
- Tony Weinbender
- Jim Margle
- John Ryan, Jr.
- Trey Cook
- Daniel Ray
- David Lackey
- Charlie Held
- Ben Wixson
- Noah Fenton
- Ryan Collins
}}
We Are the Union is an American ska punk band from Ann Arbor, Michigan, formed in 2005. The band is now based out of California. The band has had many lineup changes since its inception, with vocalist/guitarist Reade Wolcott and bassist Brandon Benson as the only remaining original members. As of 2022, their live lineup often features guest horn players and touring members.
History
=Early years and hiatus (2005–2013)=
The band formed in August 2005 in Ann Arbor, Michigan due to members being "unhappy with the current state of ska music." Their debut album, Who We Are, was released in 2007.{{cite web |title=We Are the Union "Who We Are" Vinyl Re-Issue |url=https://www.badtimerecords.com/press/2018/8/7/we-are-the-union-who-we-are-vinyl-re-issue |website=Bad Time Records |access-date=26 January 2021}}
Who We Are would be followed by albums Great Leaps Forward in 2010{{cite web |last1=Schultz |first1=Brian |title=We Are the Union - Great Leaps Forward |url=https://www.altpress.com/reviews/greatleapsforward/ |website=Alt Press |date=17 May 2010 |access-date=26 January 2021}} and You Can't Hide the Sun in 2012.{{cite web |title=Album Premiere: We Are the Union, "You Can't Hide the Sun" |url=https://www.altpress.com/features/album_premiere_we_are_the_union_you_cant_hide_the_sun/ |website=Alt Press |date=9 October 2012 |access-date=26 January 2021}} In 2013, We Are the Union announced they were going on an indefinite hiatus,{{cite web |last1=Mandell |first1=Xan |title=Interviews: Reed Michael Wolcott (We Are the Union) |url=https://www.punknews.org/article/56377/interviews-reed-michael-wolcott-we-are-the-union |website=Punk News |access-date=26 January 2021}} stating: "We've decided to take a hiatus from active status. […] We were a band. Maybe someday we will be again. We've had some amazing times, and we truly appreciate those of you who've contributed to our existence. We've never been a supercool hype band or uberpunx beardy band, so we thank each and every one of you who listened to our music over the years."
=Return, ''Self Care'', and ''Ordinary Life'' (2015–present)=
The band returned from hiatus in 2015,{{cite web |last1=Chiasson |first1=Alex |title=We Are the Union Premiere Two New Songs, Announce "Keep It Down" EP |url=https://www.bostonska.net/news/we-are-the-union-premiere-two-new-songs-announce-keep-it-down-ep/3420/ |website=Boston Ska (dot) net |date=2 May 2015 |access-date=26 January 2021}} with Jer Hunter of the YouTube channel Skatune Network joining the band on trombone.{{cite web |last1=Hudson |first1=Nick |title=Gainesville musician runs successful "Skatune Network" YouTube channel |url=https://www.alligator.org/article/2019/08/gainesville-musician-runs-successful-skatune-network-youtube-channel |website=The Independent Florida Alligator |access-date=26 January 2021}} They released their fourth studio album, Self Care, in 2018. Following this album release, the band appeared on Audiotree,{{cite web |title=We Are the Union -- Audiotree |url=https://audiotree.tv/session/we-are-the-union |access-date=26 January 2021}} and released new singles in 2020.{{cite web |last1=Sacher |first1=Andrew |title=We Are the Union deliver super catchy ska-punk on new single "Your Way, Your Time" |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/we-are-the-union-deliver-super-catchy-ska-punk-on-new-single-your-way-your-time/ |website=Brooklyn Vegan |access-date=26 January 2021}}
In April 2021, We Are The Union announced a new album, Ordinary Life, to be released on June 4, 2021, via Bad Time Records.{{cite web |last1=Sacher |first1=Andrew |title=We Are The Union announce 'Ordinary Life' LP – BV-exclusive vinyl pre-order & new song! |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/we-are-the-union-announce-ordinary-life-lp-bv-exclusive-vinyl-pre-order-new-song/ |website=Brooklyn Vegan |access-date=23 April 2021}} Along with the album announcement, lead vocalist Reade Wolcott came out as a trans woman, with much of the album exploring topics surrounding her transition.{{cite web |last1=Stratis |first1=Niko |title=Dysphoria Dies at MAGFest: We Are the Union's Reade Wolcott Comes Out As Trans|url=https://www.spin.com/2021/04/reade-wolcott-we-are-the-union-comes-out-as-trans/ |website=SPIN |date=23 April 2021 |access-date=23 April 2021}}
In November 2022, it was announced that drummer Brent Friedman would be leaving the group.{{Cite Instagram|postid=ClhDK5SvA3o|user=wearetheunion|title=brent’s last shows are this weekend in pomona and phoenix. come give him the sendoff he deserves! we’re sad to see him go, but thankful he’ll still be a big part of the team behind the scenes. who are we gonna see?? #ska #punk #wearetheunion #skapunkdaily #antiflag|date=Nov 28, 2022|author=We Are The Union}}
Influences and musical style
We Are the Union cites Lifetime, Kid Dynamite, Slapstick, Less Than Jake, and This Is A Standoff as influences. More recently, they have been influenced by indie pop and pop music.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFYJ9QIpDlQ|title=20 NEW SKA Releases in 2020|accessdate=December 30, 2020|via=YouTube}}
Band members
=Current members=
= Former members =
- Jer Hunter – trombone, backing vocals {{small|(2015-2024)}}
- Emily Williams – tenor saxophone (2022–2024)
- Brent Friedman – drums {{small|(2015-2022)}}
- Jim Margle{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM_QBb2fO6U|title=We Are The Union Recording Update - Drums|accessdate=December 29, 2020|publisher=Jim Margle|via=YouTube}} – drums
- Charlie Held – drums
- Trey Cook – drums
- John Ryan Jr. – saxophone
- Denni Skagalera – saxophone
- Matt Belanger{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEsSS1SptQ0|title=THE SUICIDE MACHINES - "Hey Ska (f/ Matt from WE ARE THE UNION)" Live at THE FEST 9 10/29/10|accessdate=January 9, 2021|via=YouTube}} – trombone
- David Lackey – trombone
- Barney – trombone
- Daniel Ray – trombone
- Ryan Collins – guitar
- Noah Fenton- guitar
- Ben Wixson – guitar
Discography
Adapted from Bandcamp, Spotify, Tumblr and YouTube{{Cite web|url=https://wearetheunion.bandcamp.com|title=Music {{!}} We Are The Union|accessdate=May 4, 2020|via=Bandcamp}}{{Cite web|url=https://wearetheunion.bandcamp.com|title=Video {{!}} We Are The Union|accessdate=May 4, 2020|via=Bandcamp}}{{Cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/artist/4AAXAVOZ3fw7M8ILLrKLvs?si=7k_YyrH_TpWIMwq91RWIIw|title=We Are The Union, Spotify|via=Spotify}}{{Cite web|url=https://wearetheunion.tumblr.com/releases|title=Releases {{!}} We Are The Union|accessdate=May 4, 2020|via=Tumblr}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/wearetheunion|title=We Are The Union - YouTube|accessdate=Jan 29, 2020|via=YouTube}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMi4Fdis2zw9QoQAmxTOZsQ|title=We Are The Union - Topic - YouTube|accessdate=Jan 29, 2020|via=YouTube}}
= Studio albums =
- Who We Are (2007){{Cite web|url=https://wearetheunion.bandcamp.com/album/who-we-are|title=Who We Are {{!}} We Are The Union|via=Bandcamp}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px6nL4yYpXI|title=We Are The Union - Who We Are (Full Album)|accessdate=January 9, 2021|via=YouTube}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNspAZhhEa8|title=We Are The Union – Who We Are (Full + Bonus Track)|accessdate=January 9, 2021|via=YouTube}}
- Great Leaps Forward (2010){{cite web|url=https://entirelysmooth.wordpress.com/tag/we-are-the-union|title=We Are The Union {{!}} WMUC's Entirely Smooth|accessdate=December 28, 2020|via=entirelysmooth.wordpress.com|quote=I absolutely love WATU, and you’ll find that out very quickly by either listening to the show or poking around this site. Just a great combination of ska, punk and hardcore, these guys have a huge potential to break out soon. Great Leaps is also a phenomenal record that should be picked up by any fan of ska or punk}}{{Cite web|url=https://wearetheunion.bandcamp.com/album/great-leaps-forward|title=Great Leaps Forward {{!}} We Are The Union|via=Bandcamp}}
- You Can't Hide The Sun (2012){{Cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/67wFQKytRPwMM4AR80zwcb?si=T1TtSzcxTMyixN-tOVMJ1A|title = You Can't Hide the Sun|website = Spotify|date = 16 October 2012}}{{Cite web|url=https://wearetheunion.bandcamp.com/album/you-cant-hide-the-sun|title = You Can't Hide the Sun, by We Are the Union}}
- Self Care (2018){{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/1rb4vw3gnALa1HLMf3PA6X?si=d2xZk5fwTKKZ8siiBUORQQ|title=Self Care - album by We Are The Union|date=October 2018|via=Spotify}}{{cite web|url=https://wearetheunion.bandcamp.com/album/self-care|title=Self Care {{!}} We Are The Union|via=Bandcamp}}
- Ordinary Life (2021)
= Extended plays =
- The Grow Up Or Shut Up EP (2006, out of print){{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCkiYwpjWsE|title=We Are The Union - Grow Up Or Shut Up|accessdate=January 9, 2021|via=YouTube|quote=Off their first EP "Grow Up or Shut Up."}}
- The Gun Show Must Go On (2009, digital only)
- Graveyard Grins (2011, digital only)
- You Can't B-Side The Sun (2014){{Cite web|url=https://wearetheunion.bandcamp.com/album/you-cant-b-side-the-sun|title= You Can't B-Side The Sun {{!}} We Are The Union|accessdate=May 7, 2020|via=Bandcamp}}
- Keep It Down (2015){{Cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/3BM1Zen6wfxvusv2WgEEZ9?si=uzjo42wvSVqMAoZ56o_mTQ|title= Keep It Down by We Are The Union on Spotify|date= 15 May 2015|accessdate=May 7, 2020|via=Spotify}}
= Singles =
==As lead artist==
==As featured artist==
| class="wikitable"
!Year !Title !Album |
| rowspan="2" |2021
|"Set It All On Fire"{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/6j8PquppUNIPV18OyyTsgu?si=EtQIT_ylTTS2CAUQr5r5Nw|title= Set It All On Fire - song by Louser|date= 9 February 2021|accessdate=February 22, 2021|via=Spotify}} | Super Gwario Kart |
| "2 OF US"{{Citation |title=2 OF US |date=2021-11-03 |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/6HTtGvWbrYBiI58N0fKOsg |language=en |access-date=2022-03-30}}
{{small|(Eichlers featuring We Are the Union)}} |
= Demos =
= Live albums =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Title ! scope="col" style="width:23em;"| Album details |
| We Are The Union on Audiotree Live{{Cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/53c9j1IR5hTxh5PsGgkzkl?si=-oXWKmehQ22qNFQ6byJaEQ|title = We Are the Union on Audiotree Live|website = Spotify|date = 18 September 2019}}
|
|
|---|
=Music videos=
=Compilation appearances=
- Fall Sampler 2012 (2012, Paper and Plastick Records)
- Features the track "Dead End" from You Can't Hide The Sun{{Cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/track/4rxXeiIOUkovOeZyzE6yEa?si=DYU9AEZqTSGKw6akVsQu2Q|title=Spotify - Dead End|date=10 October 2013|via=Spotify}}
- 2013 Summer Sampler (2013, Paper and Plastick Records)
- Features the track "Dust on the Hourglass" also from You Can't Hide The Sun{{Cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/track/7x7j53l9QKwSAvjgUAG1dx?si=mDI_EzJeT2SZZsQl92IMbg|title=Spotify - Dust of the Hourglass|date=9 October 2013|via=Spotify}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Discogs artist|2135507-We-Are-The-Union}}
- [https://musicbrainz.org/artist/c3c906a7-5363-445d-8495-53b6c59f2c37 We Are the Union] discography at MusicBrainz
{{Authority control}}
Category:American ska punk musical groups
Category:Musical groups from Detroit
Category:American pop punk groups