John Vaughn (lead vocals/guitar) and Ben Lapps (drums) started writing songs in a basement as a duo before being joined by Matt Alvarado (bass) to form their current lineup, PUBLIC. Using their roots in classic rock and indie-pop, the band released their first EP, Red, in 2012, solidifying a strong fanbase in their hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. Quickly after, the band found themselves on the road supporting acts such as Walk the Moon, Twenty One Pilots, Young the Giant, as well as participating in major festivals like Forecastle, Bunbury, CMJ, and SXSW, giving them exposure to a variety of crowds and fanbases. Following the release of their second EP, Let's Make It, and embarking on their first national tour supporting Walk the Moon, the band was invited to work with producer Eric Palmquist (Mars Volta, Bad Suns) in Los Angeles, CA. With their new touring experience, as well as the creative atmosphere of a new environment, the band embraced the influences of alternative and pop sounds to craft their 2015 single, Heartbeating. Released while on a national tour with Oh Honey, the single received nods from reputable blogs like Kings of A&R ("The trio makes their mark with an effortless sense of harmony and entertaining musicality") and Good Music All Day ("Heartbeating presents PUBLIC as a rising rock band with a contagious indie style"). As momentum continues to grow, PUBLIC looks to make a big impact with their upcoming releases in 2016, carrying a message that someone's identity can be found outside the lines of what's expected or acceptable. The music and lyrics are there to communicate honest experiences and express the vulnerable truth that PUBLIC is made up of three humans that desire to use music as a means to connect.