The Active Set

The Active Set was the singular vision of L.A. native Matthew Stolarz, who had grown dissatisfied with being in other people’s bands. Skirting the edge of the Los Angeles music scene, they gained attention with a sound that is intelligent but energetic, with driven melodies and smart hooks. They have shared stages with an impressive roster of contemporaries, touring with bands such as Bloc Party, Neon Trees and AWOLNATION, solidifying their reputation as a consistent live act, and helping garner DJ support and regular play on local Los Angeles radio stations. The world ground to a halt with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this became an unimaginable time of loss and transformation for The Active Set. Birth of children, death of parents and friends, and a world more tuned into fear and current events than “new music”… these things tested the resolution of the band. The forced hiatus also caused some members to re-evaluate their situations, resulting in the departure of almost half the personnel. Despite all this, focus was put into the writing of the band’s third album, with Stolarz even releasing a “solo record” under the moniker Tasks. Now, after navigating the profound challenges of the past few years, The Active Set is emphatically back in action. With a renewed sense of purpose, they have channeled their resilience into not just a comeback, but a testament to enduring enthusiasm and the ongoing need to communicate from a band that has been through it all.