The Aces: From Provo Garage Band to Indie Pop Success Story
In the music-loving household of the Ramirez family in Provo, Utah, something special was brewing. Sisters Cristal and Alisa Ramirez, inspired by their father's salsa dancing and their mother's collection of 1980s pop classics featuring Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson, began their musical journey as children. What started as casual jamming sessions while studying YouTube videos of their favorite bands would eventually evolve into one of indie pop's most compelling success stories.
The foundation of The Aces was built on friendship and shared passion. When the Ramirez sisters convinced their best friend McKenna Petty to ask for a bass guitar one Christmas, they unknowingly set the wheels in motion for their future. The trio, all self-taught musicians, began experimenting in their neighbor's garage under the name The Blue Aces. Katie Henderson's addition to the group in 2008 completed the lineup that would eventually take the music world by storm.
Throughout their high school years, The Aces honed their craft in the local Utah music scene, earning recognition as one of the "Top 10 Best Bands in Provo" and later making Paste Magazine's "10 Best Utah Bands You Should Know" list. However, the pivotal moment came in 2014 when the four friends watched 18-year-old Lorde accept her first Grammy Award. This moment crystallized their decision to pursue music professionally, despite having no industry connections.
The band's determination paid off in 2016 when Red Bull Records signed them, shortly after they independently wrote Volcanic Love and Stuck. Their debut single as The Aces, Stuck, became a breakthrough hit, climbing to number 38 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and establishing them as a force in the indie pop landscape.
Their musical evolution continued with the 2017 release of their debut EP I Don't Like Being Honest, which showcased their ability to blend indie pop sensibilities with new wave influences. The following year brought their first full-length album When My Heart Felt Volcanic, a collection that demonstrated their growth as songwriters and performers. The album's success led to coveted touring opportunities, including opening for 5 Seconds of Summer's Meet You There World Tour and eventually headlining their own international tours.
The Aces have never shied away from addressing important topics through their music. Their 2020 album Under My Influence marked a significant moment in their artistic journey, particularly with the release of Kelly, their first song to use gendered pronouns. This track represented a milestone for the band, three-quarters of whom identify as queer, as they stepped more openly into that space as artists.
The band's musical palette draws from an eclectic mix of influences, ranging from Paramore and The Beatles to Earth, Wind & Fire and Depeche Mode. This diverse inspiration has helped them craft a sound that feels both nostalgic and contemporary, earning them a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
With their 2023 release I've Loved You for So Long and the announcement of their upcoming album Gold Star Baby set for 2025, The Aces continue to evolve while maintaining the chemistry and authenticity that first brought them together in that Provo garage. Their journey from self-taught teenagers to accomplished artists signed to a major label serves as an inspiration to young musicians everywhere, proving that passion, persistence, and friendship can indeed turn dreams into reality.
