Stay the Course

Stay the Course is an emo/alternative band that started as a solo studio project by vocalist Joseph Meador in the summer of 2015. After releasing an EP in 2016, the urge to bring the songs to life on stage became too strong to ignore. Joseph teamed up with guitarist Mike Twietmeyer in 2017, and together they wrote and recorded the debut full-length album Hello Wichicago in 2018.

When Mike moved back to Chicago later that year, the lineup shifted. Colby, Brandon Yost (drums), and Jeremy joined in early 2019, bringing fresh energy and focus to the band. They released the single Mirrors and began playing live consistently throughout the region. Around this time, Colby introduced Jeremy as “a guy from work,” and the connection stuck. The group played regularly until the pandemic hit in 2020, which became a year of writing, rehearsing, and regrouping.

In 2021, with Brandon relocating for work, the band brought in drummer Alonso, who learned the full set before his first rehearsal. That dedication pushed the group to new levels as they released the singles Knife Fight and Fountain of Youth and started traveling outside their home base to perform.

The momentum continued in 2022 with the release of Booing and Hissing and a steady run of weekend tours. In 2023, they hit the road harder than ever, playing shows across Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and more. Despite the busy schedule, they still found time to release the single I-35. In 2024, the band stepped back from touring to focus on writing and recording their next record.

In March of 2025, Stay the Course officially signed with Punkerton Records. Their upcoming album, RED FLAG, is set to release later this year.

Over the years, Stay the Course has shared the stage with national acts like Rookie of the Year, Youth Fountain, and I Set My Friends On Fire. Through lineup changes, long drives, and years of growth, the bond between the core four has only strengthened. To them, this is more than a band. It’s a family. It’s an outlet. It’s therapy.

Stay the Course isn’t slowing down anytime soon.