Put Away the Paper and Scissors—(Mainstream) Rock Isn't Dead Yet

Ari Shiller and Ethan Opdahl knew soon after they started playing that their musical talent could turn into a career.

Daniel Martinez knew it when he heard the audience applaud at his first gig.

But Aaron Day wasn’t so sure.

“I did not take it very seriously until I was a little older,” said Day, who at 15 is one year older than the others. “It took some time to become something I wanted to do and loved rather than a chore. Now I love it and am continuing to learn more instruments.”

The boys are members of the band Relentless Nation, and hail from different North County schools. They’re learning to juggle homework and rehearsals, while still finding time for what Opdahl calls the “social aspects of being a teen.”

With an affinity for odd time signatures and the desire to revive mainstream rock, the band hopes to continue composing songs and produce an album. Martinez says it’s his dad who inspires him—before also mentioning rocker Neil Peart.  

On Sunday, they’re performing at the Poway Music Festival, an event that means a lot to Opdahl as his grandmother is a breast cancer survivor. But each band member is honored to take part.

“It’s important to support this cause and contribute to this program in any way possible to help combat diseases affecting women,” Shiller said.