Oklahoma emo-pop-punk quartet Fossil Youth began in 2011 as the solo acoustic pop project of singer/guitarist Scottie Noonan, influenced by the likes of Yellowcard, Fall Out Boy, and Panic at the Disco. It was a low-key concern for a couple of years until he met guitarist Hesston Swenn, bassist Derek Neef, and drummer Zack Jones, and the project expanded into a full band shaped by the others' punk and hardcore influences. Their hometown, the small city of Enid, had no scene to speak of, so their nearest location to play shows of any size was Oklahoma City, about 100 miles south. Having to drive two hours just to play "local" shows prepared them somewhat for the grim realities of touring, which they would do a lot of in the years to come. In 2014 the band signed with Massachusetts label Take This to Heart and released a split single with Wickerwolves. In 2015 they released their debut four-song EP, Intertwined with You, and, the following year delivered their debut album, A Glimpse of Self Joy. Noonan's high-concept, introspective lyrics and knack for a catchy tune struck a chord with listeners, and the band started to attract a committed fan base, which they consolidated through relentless touring, playing all over the U.S. Their hard work paid off when, at the end of 2016, they came in at number 16 on Billboard's influential Top New Artists of the Year list. ~ John D. Buchanan