On August 10, metalcore septet Woe, Is Me’s lead singer Tyler Carter suddenly quit the band. Woe, Is Me is currently one of the most popular up-and-coming bands in the scene, so this departure was a shock for everyone, including the rest of the band.
As soon as the news broke, Woe, Is Me’s PR team went to work. They released a statement saying the band would go on without Carter, and that the band were accepting audition videos for a new lead singer. After the band had gone through the audition process and picked Hance Alligood to be the new lead singer, the band’s PR team made a video of the band introducing the new vocalist to fans and included a clip of a new song with the new vocalist. Then the band’s PR team set up an interview for Woe, Is Me with Alternative Press, which was published last Monday.
In the interview, drummer Austin Thornton explained in detail what it was like loosing Carter, searching for his replacement, and how the band is moving forward. I think this was the best move Woe, Is Me’s PR team made throughout this whole situation. By setting up this interview, the PR team gave Woe, Is Me the chance to clear the air and tell their fans the truth about everything that’s been going on with the band.
Woe, Is Me’s PR team knows that in this scene, the fans are needy. They want to know every detail of every situation, and they want it as soon as it happens. By producing the statement, the video, and the interview in a very timely matter, the fans were left very pleased. The PR team was also able to create a feeling of anticipation for Woe, Is Me’s new music, which will keep the band’s popularity growing.
Sights and Sounds 
I think that this is a great example of how PR can help out in a time of crisis. Even though this wasn’t THAT big of a crisis, it sounds from your blog that not many people saw the exit of the lead singer coming. Luckily, the band did some great PR. I think it was a really good idea to “introduce” the new lead singer to the world!
Do you feel like social media and the quick pace of things now forced them to resolve this quicker than they would have otherwise? I can’t really imagine bands back in the day moving that quick to replace a vocalist. I also don’t know if that need and feedback even forced them into a situation without reconciliation.
I’m curious if media forces progress even when it might be better if things resolved on their own.