Biography
Stage Fright was born in the heart of Detroit, a city where the pulse of rock ‘n’ roll runs as deep as the factories and the sound of rebellion reverberates through every street corner. The band came together in the fall of 2016 when Jake Malone, a former solo artist with a gritty, soulful voice, met Lena Wright, a sharp and fiery guitarist with a penchant for power riffs. They quickly realized their musical chemistry was undeniable, blending their influences from classic rock and post-grunge with a hard-edged, modern twist.
After a series of jam sessions at small, hidden Detroit venues, they brought on Mickey Adams, a bassist with deep roots in punk rock, and Chris Clark, a drummer whose aggressive style fit perfectly with the band’s raw energy. Together, they formed Stage Fright—a band that captured the struggle, the intensity, and the haunting beauty of their hometown.
Stage Fright’s sound is a raucous blend of hard rock hooks, grunge-inspired angst, and introspective, sometimes haunting lyrics. Jake’s raspy, emotionally charged vocals deliver themes of inner conflict, love, and defiance, while Lena’s guitar work dances between heavy, distorted riffs and melodic, soul-searching solos. Mickey’s bass lines thunder through the mix, pulling listeners into the depth of the band’s sound, while Chris’s drumming is a relentless force that gives the music an undeniable drive.
Their music isn’t just for the casual listener—it’s for those who feel the weight of life’s struggles, who understand the power of music to heal and to rebel. Stage Fright has crafted their own niche in the Detroit rock scene, staying true to the city’s rich musical history while pushing boundaries with a sound that speaks to both the past and the future.
Stage Fright’s big break came in 2019, when they played at the Detroit Music Festival, a highly regarded local showcase. The band’s performance, full of fire and passion, caught the attention of major labels, and shortly after, they were signed to Redline Records. Their debut album, “Echoes of the City”, released in 2020, brought them wider recognition and national acclaim. The album’s success led to tours across the U.S., playing alongside bands like Shinedown and Halestorm.
Stage Fright isn’t just another band—they’re a testament to the enduring spirit of Detroit and its rock heritage. Their music continues to evolve, as they experiment with new sounds while staying true to their roots. In an era dominated by trends and gimmicks, Stage Fright remains focused on making music that speaks to the heart and soul.
Their next album is in the works, and early reports suggest it will push the boundaries of their sound even further, blending influences from electronic music, blues, and even jazz, while maintaining their gritty, hard rock foundation. No matter what comes next, Stage Fright’s music will continue to reflect their relentless drive to break free, face their fears, and stay true to their own voice.