Set It Off, 20 February 2025

Set It Off, born and raised in Tampa, Florida, has grown to become one of the most energetic and versatile bands ever to have had the chance to perform within the modern rock scene. Drawing from pop, punk, and rock, with orchestral influences, Set It Off has created a sound that is at once personal and unique, unavoidable, and enormously incomparable to other bands. Formed in 2008 by lead vocalist Cody Carson, the band has undergone considerable changes musically and in lineup. This paper describes the path that Set It Off took, what discography looked like, the themes that defined their music, and the impact they had on the scene.

Formation and Early Days

Set It Off was formed in 2008 when Cody Carson, at the time pursuing music while attending Oberlin Conservatory of Music, decided he needed to leave school and start a band. This final call to start the band came when he got an invite to perform on stage with All Time Low while they were having one of their concerts —an experience that really fueled his passion for making music. Soon after, Carson collaborated with guitarist Dan Clermont, bassist Austin Kerr, and drummer Maxx Danziger to create Set It Off.
In the beginning, Set It Off took the grassroots path: social media outlets like MySpace and YouTube provided significant support for this band. The first sound of the band was deeply rooted in pop-punk, with highly contagious, amazingly melodic elements and too hyper-energetic performance, which made it so appealing to fans of the genre. The first EPs, "Baby, You Don't Tripajaharda" from 2008 and "Calm Before the Storm" from 2009, were prominent examples of what this band could do and really both great tools to initiate their fan base.

Breakthrough with "Cinematics"

Their first full-length album, "Cinematics", was released in 2012, and turned out to be a breakout effort for Set It Off. The self-titled EP had more maturity to its sound, integrating orchestral elements, which gave the music a cinematic quality—hence the title of the album. The so-called "Cinematics" was a concept album dealing with love, treachery, and revenge; vocals by Carson were theatrically intense.
Their lead single from the album, "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead", basically quickened to punk pace and hit radio charts by storm, firming their being able to mix pop-punk energy with orchestral flair. Other top favorites include "Swan Song" and "Plastic Promises", which proved to be an epitome of the band's principle in writing for huge, pounding choruses with powerful lyrics.
"Cinematics" received critical acclaim from both fans and critics, with many praising the band's original sound and their ambitious songwriting. The success of the album led Set It Off to gain a higher profile touring spot on several big-name tours, including Vans Warped Tour, continuing to help raise their presence in the rock scene.

Expanding Their Sound with "Duality"

In 2014, Set It Off released their sophomore album, "Duality", which yet further unraveled the band's sound. If "Cinematics" had been the start of the band's orchestral rock identity, then "Duality" featured a more refined approach to a pop direction. The theatrics of the group remained, but electronic traits were added to enter the wider stylistic spectrum.
The title "Duality" referred to the contrasting themes of the album, mainly light and dark, love and hate, hope and despair. A leading single of the album was "Why Worry", an upbeat anthem encouraging the fans to forget their worries and to focus on the good things life gives. It became one of their biggest hits through the memorable melody and positive vibe.
Other notable tracks from "Duality" include "Bleak December", which proved the band can write emotionally intense ballads, and "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing", which was their collaboration with Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low and just introduced audiences to a whole different, edgier, darker Set It Off.
"Duality" did very well commercially, peaking at number 18 on the Billboard 200 chart. In addition, it was met with widespread critical acclaim because of its bold experimentation. That one really cemented their role in the pop-rock scene and set up future growth.

Further Evolution: "Upside Down"

Set It Off continued to push the boundaries with their third album, "Upside Down", released in 2016. Upside Down was another shift in the band's sound, embracing something a little more pop-oriented with upbeat and really dancey tracks. The production on "Upside Down" was slicker and glossier, focusing on hooks and radio-friendly melodies.
The title track "Upside Down" further represented the pun, happy direction of the album, while tracks like "Something New" and "Uncontainable" further evidenced their ability to write pithy pop songs. Though the album's direction was decidedly more carefree than previous releases, "Upside Down" did not forego the emotional weight that marked Set It Off's earlier music.
Despite the mixed reviews from critics, who were divided on whether the band's movement toward the pop mainstream was good or not, "Upside Down" was well-received by fans, who fully appreciated the band's efforts to experiment and develop. The record did well commercially and really helped Set It Off reach some new audiences while retaining the old fan base.

Exploring Darker Subjects with "Midnight"

In 2019, Set It Off released their fourth studio album, "Midnight", where the band went back to a darker, more dramatic sound. "Midnight" was proof of the band's growth in maturity with regard to their music and the lyrical content. Thematically, "Midnight" touched on heartbreak, betrayal, and self-discovery, with raw emotion that further connected listeners to the record.
Killer in the Mirror", the first single, was another soaring anthem about self-reflection and struggle in an attempt to confront personal demons. contrasted with the brooding tone were heavy guitar riffs while Carson, through his vocals, added a level of depth to the title. Other tracks like "Dancing with the Devil" and "For You Forever" really show just how this band can grasp emotional depth through dynamic, exciting performances.
"Midnight" received very good reviews from critics, with the band returning to a more aggressive, rocking sound. The album entered at number 35 on the Billboard 200, which makes it one of the band's highest-charting releases to date. "Midnight" signaled a new chapter for Set It Off, as it is one of their releases with Fearless Records.

Legacy and Influence of Set It Off

The story of Set It Off is that of diversification and perseverance, from their earliest days in Tampa, Florida, to their reigning as one of the best staples of modern rock. Over the years, the band has been a picture of change. With changing times, they continue to dabble in new sounds and styles while keeping their roots intact. Such genre-blending — be it pop, punk, or rock, with orchestral elements — cemented the band's difference from its contemporaries and won it a fiercely loyal following.
The band's influence can be seen in the work of other artists who have followed in their footsteps, blending theatricality and emotional depth with catchy melodies. Beyond that, Set It Off's willingness to dig deep into profoundly personal, emotional subject matter has made them relatable to fans who attune some measure of solace or inspiration in their songs.
But beyond their musical accomplishments, it's also been the live show that has helped propel Set It Off to notoriety — often with elaborate stage setups and high-energy antics. In all, this helps secure a reputation for them as one of the more exciting bands to see live.

It's in this risks-taking, willingness to experiment, and growth that has truly defined Set It Off as a band. From pop-punk anthems written in their early days to their now darker and more challenging themes, they hung on to the ability to come closer to their listeners at a deep level.
Years from now, writing and performing are long gone; the legacy of Set It Off will always be written as one of the most versatile and most innovative bands in modern rock. Their capacity to bind their fan base toward their music, from the grand, empowering anthems to the most introspective of ballads, makes certain the impact they have on the music industry will resound for years to come. A discography at once diverse and dynamic, proving with every album that Set It Off's evolution will keep pushing the boundaries of rock music.