Coinciding with the launch of their tenure on the Vans Warped Tour, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-based metalcore group, Motionless In White, released a new single called “570” and announced their signing to major heavy rock record label Roadrunner Records.

The single, a clear nod to their home region, was released on their website, motionlessinwhite.net, June 23.

Keyboard player and Shavertown resident Josh Balz said the song is a show of appreciation to the support they’ve always had from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and the greater Northeastern Pennsylvania area, where they spent their early days grinding out small club shows at venues like VFWs, Italian clubs, Cafe Metropolis, Backstage and Tinks before growing into mid-sized clubs and theaters like the Croc Rock in Allentown and the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg.

“We love our area more than anything,” Balz said. “We are 570 proud. We started from there, and that’s where we grew everything. That means a lot to us, and the people that used to stand behind us and help us grow to who we are (today) are the people from that area, so we owe everything to 570 and Luzerne County, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Pittston … I guess it’s an ode to our area.”

That growth as individuals and as a musical unit also found the band signing with a reputable New York City label that works with the likes of Slipknot, Gojira and Trivium.

Balz said he and his bandmates have aspired to sign with Roadrunner for quite some time and the fact that they’ve accomplished such a dream has not set in yet.

“We randomly met someone from Roadrunner years and years ago,” Balz said. “This was before we were signed to Fearless, and I remember the advice they gave us. They were like, ‘Hey, just keep doing what you’re doing. Someday maybe we’ll do something (together).’”

Seven to eight years later, Motionless In White is the newest contract on one of the biggest heavy labels in the industry.

“It’s definitely humbling; it’s crazy,” Balz said. “Honestly, I have no idea what’s to come from Motionless in White, but I know it’s big things, greater things, definitely the things we’ve always wanted to do since we’ve been a band. I know (Roadrunner) is going to take care of us, and it’s going to be a long relationship and a great relationship.”

Band announces major record contract

By Matt Mattei and Gene Axton

mmattei@timesleader.com

eaxton@timesleader.com

Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Motionless In White signed with major New York City record label Roadrunner Records.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_MIW2.CMYK_-2.jpgNortheastern Pennsylvania’s Motionless In White signed with major New York City record label Roadrunner Records. Submitted photo

Keyboard players and Shavertown resident Josh Balz said new single ‘570’ is an ode to the band’s home region.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_Josh-Balz-two-1.jpgKeyboard players and Shavertown resident Josh Balz said new single ‘570’ is an ode to the band’s home region. Submitted photo