Ongoing History Daily: AWOLNATION facts

Here are some things you might not know about AWOLNATION.

First, they owe their entire existence to Red Bull.  Yes, the energy drink company. Back in 2009, singer Aaron Bruno was asked by Red Bull if he’d be interested in using the company’s brand new recording studios in LA. “Red Bull has a recording studio?” he said. “Yeah,” said the company, “and we’ve got a record label, too.” 

When things went well, Aaron signed a “partnership” sort of agreement with Red Bull, which basically allowed him to record all the songs he wanted. That became the basis of AWOLNATION—which you’re supposed to always spell in all-caps, by the way—taking the band’s name from his high school nickname. Yes, he was called “Awol” because he’d often disappear without saying goodbye to anyone.

This “partnership” with Red Bull has been very profitable for everyone. AWOLNATION has sold more than six million records worldwide.