From car trunks to platinum records: the ska-punk rise of Save Ferris

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before they were a household name in the late 90s, this Orange County band sold thousands of copies of their debut EP directly out of the trunks of their cars. It was a grassroots hustle that paved the way for mainstream success and a complex legal battle over their very identity.

Formed circa 1995 in Orange County, California, Save Ferris emerged from the dissolution of several local bands. Operating under their own 'Starpool' label, they initially built an underground following through Southern California venues. Their early hustle was remarkably effective; by 1996, they had sold nearly 20,000 copies of their debut EP, "Introducing Save Ferris," by selling them directly from their vehicles.

The band's trajectory shifted rapidly in 1996 when they became favorites on KROQ radio. Possibly becoming the initial independent group to gain consistent rotation on an LA alternative station, they secured a Grammy showcase award for best-unsigned band plus a deal with Epic Records (SONY). Their 1997 debut full-length album, "It Means Everything," became a massive success, selling over 400,000 copies and achieving RIAA platinum certification. The album featured their most iconic single, a cover of Dexys Midnight Runners' "Come On Eileen."

Success brought internal friction. After the departure of main songwriter Brian Mashburn in 2002, the band announced a breakup. However, lead singer Monique Powell continued to champion the project, eventually winning a legal battle against former members for the rights to the band's name and branding. Following an indefinite hiatus, Powell regrouped with new musicians in 2013. The group has remained active through crowdfunding and recent releases, including their first new material in 18 years in 2017.

Impact from this group reaches into TV and cinema; tracks have featured in 'Scary Movie' (2000), 'The Big Hit' (1998) and the 1999 teen movie '10 Things I Hate About You'. Today, they continue to release new singles, maintaining a legacy that spans three decades of ska-pop and pop-punk history.

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