As a young, Midwest, band trying to find it’s identity in the “it’s already been done” world of music, the members of Throw the Fight have experienced more in seven years than many veteran bands will ever endure. Nevertheless they are holding their heads high and are bringing a self-proclaimed modern rock sound to various venues around the country. The story of Throw the Fight dates back to 1997 when drummer Cory Huppert formed a band called Another Bad Habit (ABH) with some high school friends. Building a core following around the Minnesota and Wisconsin area, ABH gained a reputation as solid performers and great musicians with incredibly catching lyrics. In 2001 after four years, one album, and hundreds of live shows Another Bad Habit decided to go their separate ways. Inspired by ABH and his own personal interest in music, Cory’s older brother, Aaron Huppert picked up the bass guitar, recruited a couple friends, and formed a band called Wide Open. The group played only a handful of shows opening for other local bands. Wide Open eventually broke up in early 1999 as individuals wanted to play different musical styles. During the same year in Zumbrota Minnesota, rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist Brandon Kyllo began a band with three high school friends called Quixotic. With their edgy punk sound and ability to play various cover songs, Quixotic gained a local fan base, which included Another Bad Habit. The two bands played shows together and became fast friends. After playing an array of gigs the members of Quixotic graduated from high school and not long after called it quits. Lead guitarist Ryan Baustert came to the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1999 with his guitar in hand and shortly after arriving formed a band named Downward Play. After little more than a year together, Downward Play recorded two songs on a compilation album put out by an upstart local label called “The Double O Project.” Three years after their formation Downward Play broke ties. Not loosing stride after the break up of Wide Open in ’99, Aaron Huppert once again joined forces a few local musicians, forming a band called Stupid Smart. The guys from Stupid Smart quickly gained a devoted audience as constant openers for Another Bad Habit and soon began playing their own shows around the area. In early 2001 the band decided they needed a more complete musical sound. Hearing of the breakup of Another Bad Habit and Quixotic the band recruited Brandon Kyllo to add a second guitar to the mix and Cory Huppert to play drums. With their new lineup in place Stupid Smart practiced endlessly, perfecting their sound and traveled all over Wisconsin and Minnesota playing shows and recording demos. Stupid Smart was at their peak musically and finally enjoying some underground success when internal issues brought the band to a screeching halt. The members of Stupid Smart played a few shows and recorded two songs on the Double O Project compilation but things were never the same. The remaining members broke ties in mid 2002. Missing the charge of creating music and playing in a band Brandon, Cory, and Aaron slowly began practicing together once again, however they all agreed to leave Stupid Smart material behind them and begin a fresh start. Striving to create a more full and unique sound they recruited former Downward Play guitarist Ryan Baustert, who had become acquainted with the band through mutual friends. After practicing for only a month the band quickly nabbed a gig. With less than 48 hours until show time they sat down and came up with a list of band names. They narrowed it down to a couple of possibilities, and decided that Throw the Fight would best represent their music, and personalities. After seven years of devotedly playing in various bands, the members of Throw the Fight harbor physical and mental scars. However Brandon, Ryan, Aaron, and Cory are thrusting all of their past experiences into their music and have found a new passion and excitement for what they are creating together.