Artist
Footballhead
Artist Profile

Footballhead

Initially the solo project of Ryan Nolen, FOOTBALLHEAD showcases the poppier side of 90s radio rock. With big guitars and bubblegum hooks, these nostalgia soaked songs evoke the energy of early Jimmy Eat World, Third Eye Blind, and blink-182 while also incorporating elements of grunge and post-hardcore with bands like Story of the Year, The Used, Basement, and One Step Closer. Nolen has teamed up with Adam Siska (The Academy Is... & Say Anything) to keep the ethos of 90s/2000s alternative pop music fresh and dynamic. The band is currently signed to Tiny Engines and released an LP and EP through them already, and a new LP is set for March 2026.

Nº 01Discography

Releases

3 records
Footballhead — Weight of the Truth
Mar 20, 2026

Weight of the Truth

Footballhead, Chicago's prominent up and coming alternative rock band, is set to release their new album 'Weight of The Truth' on March 20, 2026 through Tiny Engines, featuring the single "Used To Be" with a nostalgic early 2000s heavy alt-rock vibe with monster hooks. Their sound blends melody and grit, reminiscent of late 90s/early 2000s heavy alt-rock and emo bands like Story of the Year, The Used, and Jimmy Eat World while also having heavier elements of bands like Basement, Anxious and One Step Closer. The new songs should have something for everyone ranging from alternative rock, pop punk and emo, to heavier, darker, more post-hardcore and grunge-influences throughout. With their debut album 'Overthinking Everything' receiving acclaim, the band is gearing up for a global presence with their upcoming release.

Footballhead — Before I Die
Aug 2, 2024

Before I Die

Footballhead, a Chicago alt-rock/emo pop punk band, is set to release their mini album "Before I Die" on August 2, 2024, following their debut full-length album "Overthinking Everything." The new release, mixed and engineered by Snow Ellet and mastered by Jesse Cannon, delves into themes of fate, time, and impact with a 7-song collection that showcases their emotionally charged alternative rock sound. Fans of bands like Basement, Joyce Manor, and Microwave will appreciate Footballhead's mix of melody and fuzzed-out energy.

Nº 02From The Desk

News

NewsFeb 24, 2026

Chicago alt-rock band Footballhead release latest single "Fall Away" from forthcoming LP "Weight of the Truth" out March 20th

February 24, 2026 – Chicago, IL – Footballhead have released a new single today called “Fall Away”, which can be found on the band’s upcoming new album ‘Weight of The Truth’, out March 20 via Tiny Engines. The song is the third track to be released from the album and follows “Used To Be” and “Diversion” also out now and all streaming below.

"We obviously wanted the record to be eclectic,” says the band on the new single out today. “We thought that this collection of songs needed a big rock ballad. It's been a minute since bands really pushed that flavor and we wanted to prove we can do it. We haven't done anything like this yet where there are strings and keys underneath everything; they accompany the rest of the big guitars so beautifully. My friend Mike Altergott tracked all the strings and keys- he's so talented. This song is essential to Weight of The Truth's completion."

This one is a change of pace from their normal heavier sound, a slowed down ballad, that still brings all the energy and hooks Footballhead are so good at, with huge early 2000s emo/alt-rock/nu-metal pop vibes.

NewsNov 18, 2025

Chicago alt-rockers Footballhead have announced their forthcoming LP "Weight of the Truth" along with latest single "Used to Be"

Footballhead, Chicago's prominent up and coming alternative rock band, is set to release their new album 'Weight of The Truth' on March 20, 2026 through Tiny Engines, featuring the single "Used To Be" with a nostalgic early 2000s heavy alt-rock vibe with monster hooks. Their sound blends melody and grit, reminiscent of late 90s/early 2000s heavy alt-rock and emo bands like Story of the Year, The Used, and Jimmy Eat World while also having heavier melodic post-hardcore and grungier elements of bands like Basement, Anxious and One Step Closer. The new songs should have something for everyone ranging from alternative rock, pop punk and emo, to heavier, darker, more post-hardcore and grunge-influences throughout. With their debut album 'Overthinking Everything' receiving acclaim, the band is gearing up for a global presence with their upcoming release. Check out the full press release below and be sure to stream the latest singles "Used to Be" and "Hesitant" from the forthcoming LP.

NewsJan 27, 2026

Chicago's Footballhead have released latest single "Diversion" from forthcoming LP "Weight of the Truth" out March 20 via Tiny Engines

Footballhead have released the new single and music video for “Diversion” now streaming below. The song follows “Used To Be”, both of which can be found on the band’s upcoming new album ‘Weight of The Truth’, out March 20 via Tiny Engines.

“With ‘Diversion’ I’m arguing that you have the power to reverse the order of the old negative adage: it can now be one step back and two steps forward. Any sense of your own individual progress is measured by only you inside your mind. Distractions around us are at an all-time high, so stay grounded, and embrace yourself in your own meat suit every day. Revel in the fact that it’s uniquely yours. That’s when you really start to see results and feel yourself,” says guitarist and vocalist Ryan Nolen.

Footballhead wears their 2000s-era influences on their waffle-knit long sleeves, with power chord drives and pummeling choruses, all sequenced together like the teeth of a skeleton key able to unlock core memories for people who’ve either been there or people who simply wonder what being there was like. For a generation that came of age during the cultural shift of the 2000s and all its lingering cynicism - the parade of illusions shattered between 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, and everything since - the lesson learned from looking back on sub generic movements like stomp-clap indie cosplay and barred-out dubstep drops might well be that chasing authenticity makes you look like a sucker. Tongue-in-cheek pastiche is all there is left. RIYL: late 90s heavy alt rock and nu metal and early 2000s bands with influences from bands like Trust Company and Hoobastank to The Used, Story of the Year, Jimmy Eat Wold, and Third Eye Blind.

Nº 03

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