How a high school nickname became a diamond-certified rock phenomenon
In short: In 2010, Aaron Bruno released an EP that would change his career forever. From a nickname earned for simply leaving without saying goodbye, Awolnation rose to international stardom, driven by a single track that eventually achieved the rare distinction of diamond certification.
The band's identity is rooted in Aaron Bruno's high school years. His nickname, AWOL—a military acronym for 'Absent Without Leave'—came from his habit of leaving situations without saying goodbye. This moniker became the foundation for the Los Angeles-based rock band formed by Bruno, who previously performed with groups like Under the Influence of Giants and Home Town Hero. Before launching this project, Bruno was involved in several other musical groups. He typically composes all of his own songwriting but often seeks creative input from family and close associates.
The band's breakout success was fueled by the single 'Sail,' which appeared on their 2011 debut album, Megalithic Symphony. The track achieved massive exposure through various media, including commercials for Nokia and BMW's Olympic broadcasts, as well as television shows like The Good Wife and House. This visibility helped propel the song to number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song's popularity was further bolstered by its inclusion in various television series like Pretty Little Liars and The Vampire Diaries. It also gained significant traction through its use in the video game Injustice: Gods Among Us.
On 14 June 2021, 'Sail' reached diamond certification from the RIAA, marking it as the 57th track to achieve this status with 10,000,000 US sales. This success allowed the band to continue releasing studio albums, such as Run in 2015 and Here Come the Runts in 2018, as they transitioned from a solo-driven project into a touring force. Following this success, the group released several subsequent albums, including Angel Miners & the Lightning Riders in 2020. Their most recent collection of original material, titled The Phantom Five, arrived in late 2024.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Awolnation
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