Fictionist

{{Short description|American alternative rock band}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2019}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Fictionist | image = Fictionist performing at the Velour in Provo, Nov 2016.jpg | caption = Fictionist performing at the Velour | image_size = | alias = | origin = Provo, Utah | genre = Alternative rock, progressive rock, new wave | years_active = 2007–present | label = Red Owl, Atlantic Records | associated_acts = Good Morning Maxfield, Robert Loud, Kambree, S2_Cool, The Killers | current_members = Stuart Maxfield Robbie Connolly Brandon Kitterman Aaron Anderson | past_members = Spencer Harrison Jeremy Bowen Jacob Jones }}

'''Fictionist''' is an American alternative rock band from Provo, Utah, United States, with origins in Salt Lake City and Sacramento. The band consists of Stuart Maxfield (lead vocals, bass guitar), Robbie Connolly (lead vocals, guitar), Brandon Kitterman (guitar, bass guitar), and Aaron Anderson (drums).<ref name="sonicbids">{{cite web|title=Fictionist Biography|url=http://api.sonicbids.com/band/fictionist/|website=Sonicbids|accessdate=November 20, 2017}}</ref> They have toured nationally and have opened for acts including Imagine Dragons, Vampire Weekend, Neon Trees, Young the Giant, and Shiny Toy Guns.<ref>{{cite web | title=About Us | url=https://pleasantpictures.club/about }}</ref>

==History== === Background and overview=== The band began in its earliest formation as Good Morning Maxfield in 2007 and released an eponymous album under that name. Fictionist formed in their current configuration to release their first album ''Invisible Hand'' in 2009.

===''Invisible Hand'' (2009)=== Fictionist released their first studio album, ''Invisible Hand'', in January 2009.<ref name="linescratchers">{{cite web|title=FICTIONIST|url=https://linescratchersblog.wordpress.com/2010/05/21/fictionist/|website=Linescratchers|date=May 21, 2010 |accessdate=November 20, 2017}}</ref> The band won an Independent Music Award for Best Pop/Rock Song for the eponymous single "Invisible Hand".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independentmusicawards.com/ima/press/9th-vox-pop-announcement/|title=Fan Favorites Revealed In The 9th Independent Music Awards Vox Pop Poll - Independent Music Awards|website=Independentawards.com|accessdate=November 16, 2017}}</ref> Another song, "Noisy Birds", was featured in Seasons 6 and 7 of PBS's program Roadtrip Nation.<ref name="roadtrip-nation">{{cite web|title=Artists|url=http://roadtripnation.com/music/artist/fictionist|website=Roadtrip Nation|accessdate=November 20, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043933/http://roadtripnation.com/music/artist/fictionist|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===''Lasting Echo'' (2010)=== ''Lasting Echo'' unveiled the band's first official music video which was directed and animated by artist Eric Power.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ericpowerup.net/2010/03/fictionist-blue-eyed-universe.html|title=Fictionist - Blue Eyed Universe|first=Eric|last=Power|website=Ericpowerup.net|accessdate=November 16, 2017}}</ref> The music video for the single "Blue-eyed Universe" was featured at the 2010 Tucson Film & Music Festival.

''Lasting Echo'' was selected by ''Paste magazine'' to be the April 2010 VIP bonus album.<ref name="sonicbids-press">{{cite web|title=Fictionist Band Press|url=http://api.sonicbids.com/band/fictionist/press/|website=Sonicbids|accessdate=November 20, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040235/http://api.sonicbids.com/band/fictionist/press/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2011, they received another Independent Music Award for Best Pop/Rock Song for "Blue-Eyed Universe" from their second album, ''Lasting Echo''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independentmusicawards.com/ima/2011/10th-annual-independent-music-awards-winners-announced|title=10th Annual Independent Music Awards Winners Announced! - Independent Music Awards|date=March 29, 2011|website=Independentawards.com|accessdate=November 16, 2017}}</ref> The album cover to ''Lasting Echo'' was also nominated for Pop/Rock Album and Best Album Art.<ref name="independentmusicawards.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.independentmusicawards.com/ima/artist/fictionist|title=Fictionist - Independent Music Awards|website=Independentmusicawards.com|accessdate=November 16, 2017}}</ref>

On February 15, 2011 it was announced on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/rolling-stone-band-contest-2-14-11/1293301|title=The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon - NBC.com|website=Latenightwithjimmyfallon.com|accessdate=November 16, 2017}}</ref> that Fictionist would be one of 16 bands to participate in the Rolling Stone Magazine "Do You Wanna Be A Rock 'n Roll Star?"<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/choosethecover|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217024336/http://www.rollingstone.com/choosethecover|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 17, 2011|title=Rolling Stone|magazine=Rolling Stone|accessdate=November 16, 2017}}</ref> Contest. During Round 2 they recorded two new tracks with producer David Bendeth (Paramore, Bring Me The Horizon, Kaiser Chiefs).<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/choosethecover/blog/exclusive-two-new-tracks-from-our-great-eight-finalists-20110325|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110416055405/http://www.rollingstone.com/choosethecover/blog/exclusive-two-new-tracks-from-our-great-eight-finalists-20110325|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 16, 2011|title=Rolling Stone|magazine=Rolling Stone|accessdate=November 16, 2017}}</ref> They were eliminated in Round 4 of the competition as semifinalists.

===''Fictionist EP'' with Atlantic Records (2011–2014)=== Fictionist signed with Atlantic Records and released a 6-track EP titled ''Fictionist - EP'' in September 2011.<ref name="dixie-sun-news">{{cite news|last1=Stilson|first1=Carson|title=Utah Band Fictionist Signs With Atlantic Records|url=http://www.dixiesunnews.com/articles/2011/09/14/fictionist-signs-atlantic-records/|accessdate=November 20, 2017|publisher=Dixie Sun News|date=September 14, 2011}}</ref>

In 2012 the band announced that it had recorded an album produced by Grammy nominated producer Ron Aniello (Bruce Springsteen, Lifehouse) and engineered by Nick DiDia (Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, Stone Temple Pilots) for Atlantic Records. The new album was recorded at the historic Hollywood Sunset Sound Recorders. The band also announced that they used a guitar which Elvis Presley played on one of his albums during the album recording sessions.

Fictionist supported Imagine Dragons on two occasions in 2013 and 2014. Robbie Connolly also appears in the Imagine Dragons music video for "On Top of the World".<ref name="wsu-signpost">{{cite news|title=Sold-out Imagine Dragons concert brings WSU to its feet|url=http://signpost.mywebermedia.com/2013/10/26/sold-out-imagine-dragons-concert-brings-wsu-to-its-feet/|accessdate=November 20, 2017|agency=Weber State University|publisher=The Signpost}}</ref>

===FICTIONIST and ''Free Spirit EP'' (2014–2016)=== Following artistic disagreements with the label and a sense of stifled creativity, Fictionist ultimately chose not to release their final recordings with Atlantic Records. Instead they recorded a new independent self-titled album produced by Nate Pyfer (Kaskade, The Moth & the Flame, Mideau).<ref name="fictionist-album">{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldextra.com/entertainment/fictionist-preps-homemade-album-after-parting-with-atlantic/article_4c715ab2-b694-11e3-8356-0019bb2963f4.html|title=Fictionist preps homemade album after parting with Atlantic|website=Heraldextra.com|accessdate=November 16, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> ''FICTIONIST'' was released in Provo, UT, on October 3, 2014, and nationally on October 7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fictionist.com/|title=Fictionist|website=Fictionist.com|accessdate=November 16, 2017}}</ref>

After parting ways with Atlantic Records, Fictionist took advantage of their new freedom to include new and unconventional sounds in their tracks. Robbie Connolly began to actively compose and sing along with Stuart Maxfield, an arrangement the band had not had previously.<ref name="fictionist-album" />

In 2015, they toured with Mates of State and on a summer east-coast tour with Neon Trees. They scheduled a 2015 Tour to coincide with the "An Intimate Night With Neon Trees" Tour on various dates. Concerts with the Neon Trees ran between June 13 through July 26 finishing up in Boston, MA at the Paradise Rock Club, before heading to Salt Lake City, UT for a show with the Kills & Metz for the Twilight Concert Series.<ref name="fame-is-dead">{{cite web|title=AN INTIMATE NIGHT OUT WITH NEON TREES|url=http://www.fameisdead.com/an-intimate-night-out-with-neon-trees/|website=Neon Trees|accessdate=November 20, 2017}}</ref>

On July 29, 2016, Fictionist released a four track EP titled ''Free Spirit.''<ref name="free-spirit-ep">{{cite web|title=FICTIONIST - FREE SPIRIT EP OUT JULY 29!|url=http://harbourrecordings.com/news_item&NewsID=3765647634250|website=Harbour Records|accessdate=December 1, 2016}}</ref> Toward the end of the year they toured in central and south-western United States with Minnesota indie rock band Step Rockets.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fictionist Tour Dates, Concerts, and Tickets|url=http://www.songkick.com/artists/2489681-fictionist|website=Songkick.com|accessdate=December 1, 2016}}</ref>

thumb|Fictionist performing at their Sleep Machine release concert in May 2017

===''Sleep Machine'' (2017–2024)=== On May 12, 2017 Fictionist released a ten track album titled ''Sleep Machine'' and started a west coast tour with Eric Robertson accompanying the band on the keyboard.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fictionist Sleep Machine Album Release|url=https://twitter.com/FictionistNoise/status/861736106462543872|website=Twitter|accessdate=May 16, 2017}}</ref> ''Sleep Machine'' is a shorter album with more interconnected songs compared to previous releases by Fictionist.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mann|first1=Court|title=On 'Sleep Machine,' Fictionist leans into its own idiosyncrasies|url=http://www.heraldextra.com/entertainment/music/on-sleep-machine-fictionist-leans-into-its-own-idiosyncrasies/article_9ef6b65d-759d-5083-b7e0-f691828f4fd0.html|accessdate=May 16, 2017|publisher=Herald Extra|date=May 11, 2017|archive-date=May 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514055858/http://www.heraldextra.com/entertainment/music/on-sleep-machine-fictionist-leans-into-its-own-idiosyncrasies/article_9ef6b65d-759d-5083-b7e0-f691828f4fd0.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===''REPEATER'' (2025–present)=== On February 5, 2025 Stuart Maxfield announced via the band's Instagram account that they had completed a new record, including links to stream the album for free before it would be officially released to streaming platforms.<ref>{{cite web | title=Instagram | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DFsuqNQJfRa/ }}</ref> On February 17, 2025, the Velour Live Music Gallery announced via their Instagram that Fictionist and Robert Loud would be co-headlining an album release show on March 28, with Fictionist releasing ''REPEATER'' and Robert Loud releasing ''Bitter Optimist''.<ref>{{cite web | title=Instagram | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DGL2rV2R7ZF/ }}</ref> ''REPEATER'' became available on streaming platforms and available for purchase on iTunes on March 23, 2025.{{cn|date=March 2025}} On March 28, the band performed the majority of ''REPEATER'' (exceptions being ''Everywhere'' and ''High Hopes'' and was joined on stage for an encore by Jacob Jones, where they performed ''Figure In the Fog'' and ''Great Escape'' from the 2011 Victory self-titled EP, as well as ''City At War'' from their 2014 self-titled LP.<ref>{{cite web | title=Fictionist @ Velour Live Music Gallery REPEATER album release show 3/29/25 AUDIO ONLY | website=YouTube | date=March 29, 2025 | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2C4ChbgnbI&t=5s }}</ref> In a February 25 podcast appearance, Maxfield confirmed the band was working on another record.<ref>{{cite web | title=Stuart Maxfield(is back) - TalCast | date=February 25, 2025 | url=https://www.buzzsprout.com/1413277/episodes/16693724-stuart-maxfield-is-back }}</ref>

==Media== *Fictionist was the subject of a ''The Song That Changed My Life'' episode on BYUtv.<ref name="daily-herald-song-changed-life">{{cite news|last1=Clark|first1=Cody|title=The Song that Changed My Life on BYUtv|url=http://www.heraldextra.com/lifestyles/the-song-that-changed-my-life-on-byutv/article_9d60f394-0da8-58ed-ae83-ca4487d064ff.html|accessdate=November 20, 2017|publisher=Daily Herald|date=May 27, 2012|archive-date=March 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327120451/https://www.heraldextra.com/lifestyles/the-song-that-changed-my-life-on-byutv/article_9d60f394-0da8-58ed-ae83-ca4487d064ff.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="the-song-that-changed-my-life">{{cite web|title=Fictionist: "I can't make you love me" by Bonnie Raitt|url=http://thesong.kaleidoscopepictures.com/fictionist/|website=The Song that Changed My Life|accessdate=November 20, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043640/http://thesong.kaleidoscopepictures.com/fictionist/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Band members==

'''Current members''' * Stuart Maxfield – lead vocals, bass (2007–present)<ref name="sonicbids" /> * Robbie Connolly – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards (2007–present)<ref name="sonicbids" /> * Brandon Kitterman – lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (2007–present)<ref name="sonicbids" /> * Aaron Anderson – drums (2007–present)<ref name="sonicbids" /> * Jacob Jones – keyboard (2007–2015)(2024-present)<ref name="sonicbids" />

'''Past members''' * Spencer Harrison – bass (2008–2010)<ref name="linescratchers" /> * Jeremy Bowen (2007–2009) (Good Morning Maxfield)

'''Timeline''' {{#tag:timeline| ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20 PlotArea = left:100 bottom:80 top:10 right:20 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy Period = from:01/01/2007 till:12/12/2019 TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy

Colors = id:vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar id:bass value:blue legend:Bass id:drums value:orange legend:Drums id:keys value:purple legend:Keyboards id:album value:black legend:Studio_album id:ep value:gray(0.7) legend:EP id:bars value:gray(0.95)

Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4 BackgroundColors = bars:bars ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:2 start:2008 ScaleMinor = unit:year increment:1 start:2007

BarData = bar: Stuart text: Stuart Maxfield bar: Robbie text: Robbie Connolly bar: Brandon text: Brandon Kitterman bar: Jeremy text: Jeremy Bowen bar: Spencer text: Spencer Harrison bar: Aaron text: Aaron Anderson bar: Jacob text: Jacob Jones

PlotData= width:11 bar: Stuart from: 01/01/2007 till: end color: vocals bar: Stuart from: 01/01/2007 till: end color: bass width:3

bar: Robbie from: 01/01/2007 till: end color: guitar bar: Robbie from: 01/01/2014 till: end color: vocals width:3 bar: Robbie from: 01/01/2015 till: end color: keys width:7

bar: Brandon from: 01/01/2007 till: end color: guitar bar: Brandon from: 01/01/2009 till: end color: keys width:3

bar: Aaron from: 01/01/2008 till: end color: drums

bar: Jacob from: 01/01/2008 till: 01/02/2015 color: keys

bar: Spencer from: 01/01/2008 till: 01/07/2010 color: bass

bar: Jeremy from: 01/01/2007 till: 01/07/2009 color: guitar

LineData = layer:back at:01/07/2009 color:album at:01/01/2010 color:album at:01/09/2011 color:ep at:03/10/2014 color:album at:29/07/2016 color:ep at:12/05/2017 color:album }}

==Discography== ===Studio albums=== * ''Invisible Hand'' (2009) * ''Lasting Echo'' (2010) * ''Fictionist'' (2014) * ''Sleep Machine'' (2017) * ''REPEATER'' (2025)

===Extended plays=== * ''Fictionist - EP'' (Atlantic, 2011)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/fictionist-ep/477338889|title=Fictionist - EP by Fictionist on Apple Music|website=iTunes|date=October 18, 2011 |access-date=November 16, 2017}}</ref> * "Free Spirit" (2016)<ref name="free-spirit-ep" />

==Awards== {| class="wikitable" |- !Year !Nominated work !Organization !Award !Result |- | align="center" |2010 |"Invisible Hand" | rowspan="4" align="center" |Independent Music Awards<ref name="independentmusicawards.com"/> | rowspan="2" |Best Pop/Rock Song |{{won}} |- | rowspan="3" align="center" |2011 |"Blue-eyed Universe" |{{won}} |- | rowspan="2" |''Lasting Echo'' |Best Pop/Rock Album |{{nom}} |- |Best Album Artwork |{{nom}} |}

*2015 Salt Lake City Weekly Best Band Winner<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityweekly.net/utah/best-of-utah-music-2015-winners/Content?oid=2733748|title=Best of Utah Music 2015 Winners|first=Kolbie|last=Stonehocker|website=Cityweekly.net|accessdate=November 16, 2017}}</ref>

== References ==  {{Reflist}}

Category:Musical groups established in 2007 Category:Provo, Utah Category:Indie pop groups from Utah Category:2007 establishments in Utah