Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 07/24/2026
Major League is a New Jersey-based rock band that rose to prominence in the early 2010s with a heartfelt mix of pop punk and emo. The band is back with new music for the first time in over 12 years. They've released their new single "Heavenly Hell", an amalgamation of thrashy riffs and pounding drums topped with a dual vocal performance between two best friends leaving the past behind them and clearing a path for the future ahead.
Fans can look forward to hearing “Heavenly Hell” live for the first time this summer, as the band hits the road with Belmont. The tour kicked off earlier this month, with stops still to come in Atlanta, Richmond, Washington DC, New York City, Pittsburgh, and more.
Stream the new track now, here: https://orcd.co/heavenlyhell.
Formed in 2009 by guitarist Brian Joyce and fronted by original vocalist Nick Trask, the band quickly became known for their relentless DIY ethic—self-booking shows, hitting the road nonstop, and building a passionate fanbase from the ground up. Their early releases, including The Truth Is... and Variables, struck a chord with listeners for their sincerity and urgency, with tracks like “From States Away” and “Seasons” becoming staples of the scene.
Their 2012 debut full-length Hard Feelings, released on No Sleep Records, captured the emotion and energy that defined a generation of fans growing up in the era of Tumblr, VFW shows, and cross-country tours in beat-up vans. In early 2014, founding vocalist Nick Trask parted ways with the band, with Brian Joyce stepping in to take over lead vocals. That year, the band released There’s Nothing Wrong With Me—a more introspective, emotionally driven follow-up that marked a new chapter for Major League while preserving the core of their sound.
With extensive touring across the U.S., UK, Europe, and Japan alongside bands like Senses Fail, Funeral For A Friend, Mayday Parade, The Starting Line, and Turnover - Major League solidified their status as a defining voice in the modern emo and pop punk scenes.
After disbanding in 2016 following a heartfelt farewell tour, the band’s music continued to resonate with longtime fans and new listeners alike. In 2025, after a wave of cryptic teasers and online speculation, Major League officially made their return - reuniting with their original lineup, including vocalist Nick Trask. The band celebrated 15 years of The Truth Is… with an exclusive vinyl release through Paper & Wax, as well as a sold out hometown show at The Williams Center in Rutherford, NJ. Most recently they joined Hit The Lights for a co-headline tour, and the band is back on the road now with Belmont.
When singer Nick Trask and singer/songwriter Brian Anthony Joyce first began talking again after nearly a decade of no contact they had one intention - to show up as transparent as possible with one another. They laid it all out on the table. The prospect of new music wasn't even on the horizon but transparency breeds authenticity, and within the first month back together new music found itself in the Dropbox of the band’s long-time friend and previous booking agent turned producer, Gary Cioni.
With the addition of drummer Luke Smartnick behind the kit and a near 13-year clear head from the noise - the three delivered a sound that encapsulated the very essence of the bands original blueprint.
The band shares: "‘Heavenly Hell’ was born out of patience and transparency. The patience to allow yourself to grow and the transparency to share that growth in meeting people where they are. When we first began talking again after 13 years, the only clear goal we had was to be friends again. And as much as I'd like to think music was never on the table, I think truthfully it never really left the table to begin with. We always felt like we were meant to do this together. This song is proof."
Upcoming Tour Dates:
7/24 – Atlanta, GA @ Hell at The Masquerade
7/25 – Orlando, FL @ The Abbey
7/26 – West Palm Beach, FL @ The Banyan Live
7/28 – Durham, NC @ Motorco Music Hall
7/29 – Richmond, VA @ The Canal Club
7/30 – Washington, DC @ Union Stage
7/31 – Allentown, PA @ Archer Music Hall
8/1 – New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge
8/2 – Allston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
8/4 – Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace
8/5 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Thunderbird Café & Music Hall
8/6 – Lakewood, OH @ Mahall’s
8/7 – Hamtramck, MI @ The Sanctuary Detroit
8/8 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues Chicago
9/26 – Carlstadt, NJ @ Bolero Block Party **
** - Indicates Festival Date
EVENT PREVIEWS
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 to Take Place July 24th at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.
Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Swifties of all ages are invited to sing, dance and celebrate the music of one of pop's biggest superstars when Lover Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift comes to the Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World on July 24-25, 2026 at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts. This is a first-class musical journey to benefit the theatre company's 2026-27 season. A cocktail hour takes place at 6:30pm; showtime is 7:30pm.
"The Boardwalk Sessions" Aims to Change How Independent Artists are Supported at the Jersey Shore
(TINTON FALLS, NJ) -- Loudly Inclusive Media Collective will present The Boardwalk Sessions, a free, two-night live music showcase on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 5:00pm–10:00pm at Twin Lights Brewing in Tinton Falls. More than just a concert series, The Boardwalk Sessions was created to celebrate original music while demonstrating a different model for supporting independent artists: one built on fair compensation, authentic community, and meaningful opportunities to connect with audiences.
Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
