Ever since Upstanding Youth (UY) formed in 2001, they have been a musical force in Hawaii. Following various line up changes, UY now consists of vocalist/guitarist Marc Allred, drummer Thomas Robertson, bassist Demitri Marmash, saxophonists Tim Goshi and Adam Eskaran, and vocalist/trumpet player Aaron Eskaran. Heavily influenced by groups like Sublime, NOFX, Less Than Jake, and Reel Big Fish, their unique blend of ska, punk, and reggae form a clear and original voice with a definitive “Upstanding Youth” sound and style. UY’s music is crafted masterfully, incorporating these three genres into catchy, upbeat songs that grab the audience from the very first riff. On stage, Upstanding Youth exudes energy as the horns bob in synchronicity, punctuating the intensity and humor delivered by the bassist and guitarist. It is this adept musicianship, delivery, and talent that launched UY to the top of Hawaii’s music scene.

UY has currently self-produced four albums since 2001: Trying to Stand 2002, Kam Highway Catharsis 2004, STILL 2006, A Sense of Urgency 2008. Each album was recorded and engineered by UY’s bass player Demitri Marmash, owner of Lowbrow Studio in Kailua, Hawaii. Testifying to the quality of their music, every single album has won a Hawaii Music Award and their most recent album, A Sense of Urgency was nominated for a Na Hoku Hanohano award in 2009. UY is currently working on a fifth and hopefully equally as successful album.

Both in and outside of the islands, UY made a name for themselves performing in major venues and festivals like Aloha Tower, Waikiki Shell, Pipeline Café, Kaneohe Bayfest, The Knitting Factory in Hollywood, and the Hyperactive Music Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico. UY has made a point to get their music out of Hawaii in every way possible. In 2007, UY booked their own tour through five states in the southwest, which included California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada. Due to years of endless gigging, online promotion and sales, and damn good music, UY has established a cult following and a growing pool of supporters.

Over the past nine years, UY worked endlessly to remain a constant fighter amidst an unpredictable musical industry by recording multiple albums, focusing on live shows, and touring. Their personal lives have evolved now that three out of the five members are now husbands and fathers, but their dedication to music and the band has not wavered. Even with busy personal lives, Upstanding Youth has continued to produce new music and remain a strong contender in Hawaii’s music scene. UY will continue to push forward, always working towards the goal of writing, playing, and recording music for a living.