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Autopilot Off

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Autopilot Off
Also known asCooter
OriginOrange County, New York, USA
GenresPunk Rock, pop punk, skate punk
Years active1996 (1996)–2005 (2005), 2011-Present
LabelsIsland, Fastmusic, Fueled By Ramen
MembersChris Hughes
Chris Johnson
Rob Kucharek
Phil Robinson

Autopilot Off is a punk rock band from Orange County, New York composed of Chris Hughes (guitar), Chris Johnson (guitar/vocals), Phil Robinson (drums) and Rob Kucharek (bass).

In May 2011, a Facebook page titled "Autopilot Off (Official)" was created, with an image of the band's name and the words "TwoThousandEleven" being uploaded soon after. This has led to speculation of a possible reunion, nearly six years after they announced their hiatus. Autopilot Off confirmed that they were working on new material on June 20th, on their official facebook page.

History

Autopilot Off formed in 1996 under the name Cooter. They slowly gained popularity by doing live shows throughout the 90s while sharing the stage with more popular bands such as MxPx, Goldfinger, Sum 41, Yellowcard and H2O. They eventually recorded their first full length album, Looking Up. In 2000 the band was involved in a bitter lawsuit with the Mississippi punk rock band The Cooters, who own the trademark to the name Cooter. The New York band settled out of court in 2002, and changed their name to Autopilot Off. However, Autopilot Off's record label Fastmusic, took the lawsuit all the way to Federal Court and lost to the Mississippi band. Autopilot Off then signed with their major label, Island Records shortly afterwards. After this they released their eponymous debut EP in the spring of 2002.

In 2004, under their new name Autopilot Off, they released their major debut album, Make a Sound. This included the single "What I Want", which was co-written by Rancid's Tim Armstrong.

Indefinite hiatus (2005–2010)

On August 26, 2005, the band decided to go on an indefinite hiatus and released the following statement on their official website:

We've decided to take an indefinite break from Autopilot Off. It has been nearly 10 years since the band started, and it has been full speed ahead for the majority of that time. We have all decided to take some time for our lives outside of the band. We are all still the best of friends. In addition to this we decided a few months back to leave our home of 4 years at Island Records. We apologize for leaving you all hanging for so long. Thank you so much for all the support and friendships that you all have given to us over the years. We could never have done it without you.

Since then, Chris Hughes has gone on to become a business manager (accountant) in the music industry.

Bassist Rob Kucharek has gone on to open American Icon Screen Printing which is an apparel screen printing company that serves many bands and the majority of the BMX industry on the East Coast.

Reunion (2011)

In May 2011, a Facebook page titled "Autopilot Off (Official)" was created, with an image of the band's name and the words "TwoThousandEleven" being uploaded soon after. This has led to speculation of a possible reunion, nearly six years after they announced their hiatus.

On June 20th, 2011 an update was posted on the bands Facebook page confirming that they were working on new material. "Our plan is to record our songs in batches and release them for free download as they are completed. This way, we can share new music with you in the most expedient fashion. When we have recorded enough material, we will compile some or all of it into a new album."

Discography

Albums

EPs

Game appearances

Video appearances

  • "The 12th Day" was featured in NoA: The Two Continents

Compilation appearances

  • "Something for Everyone" was track #8 on the Orange County's New Punk compilation.
  • "Mrs Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter" (Herman's Hermits cover) was track #1 on the Oldies But Goodies cover compilation.
  • "Raise Your Rifles" was included on the Daredevil soundtrack, Daredevil: The Album.
  • "I'm Thinking" was released with many other punk bands on the Rock Against Bush compilation.
  • "Clockwork" was included in the Projekt Revolution Sample CD that was received for joining LPU 4.0.
  • "Long Way To Fall" was featured on the first Atticus: ...dragging the lake compilation.
  • "Nothing Frequency" was included on the 2002 Warped Tour Compilation and also appeared on the Stealing Harvard soundtrack.
  • "Indebted" was included in the track #25 on the 2001 Warped Tour Compilation
  • "Long Way To Fall" was included on the Osiris Shoes Aftermath Tour 2002 Sampler.
  • "Full House" was included on the Serial Killer Compilation (Fearless Records) listed under the band's prior name of "Cooter"

References

  1. ^ Billboard, Allmusic
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