Stacked Like Pancakes
Formation and Early Years
Stacked Like Pancakes (SLP) is an energetic ska/punk band that formed in 2007 just outside of Baltimore, Maryland. The band was founded by lead vocalist and guitarist Kellen McKay, who envisioned a musical project that fused together elements of ska, punk rock, and alternative genres. The name "Stacked Like Pancakes" itself reflects their playful and eclectic approach to music, drawing inspiration from the band's desire to create a sound that was as dynamic and diverse as their influences.
Musical Style and Evolution
From their inception, Stacked Like Pancakes set out to defy conventional genre boundaries. Their music incorporates brass instruments like trombone and trumpet, alongside traditional rock instrumentation, resulting in a vibrant and distinctive sound. The band's early releases, including their debut album "We're Not Insane" (2011) and subsequent albums like "THIS IS US" (2015) and "Strange Creatures" (2019), showcased their evolution and growth. They champion their fan base as their “record label” in that every album was crowd-funded for a combined
$130,000 from fans and supporters around the world.
Key Achievements
Stacked Like Pancakes gained recognition for their high-energy live performances and infectious melodies. In 2012, Stacked Like Pancakes opened for Kid Cudi at Towson University Tigerfest. Two years later, SLP won the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands and performed for the first time at the Vans Warped Tour. One of their most notable national tours was with their idols Reel Big Fish in 2016, which laid the foundation for creating fans around the country. They were repeatedly welcomed back to Warped Tour in 2016, 2017, and the final year in 2019. The invitation to return to the Warped Tour for several years sparked a love for the road.
Community Engagement and Fanbase
Beyond their music, Stacked Like Pancakes has been active in engaging with their fans and supporting charitable causes. They have used their platform to raise awareness for social issues and have participated in various community-oriented initiatives, including their annual #PancakeNation charity event which has generated donations for Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Ukrainian refugees, and families in Palestine.
Current Endeavors
As of 2024, the band is now based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Stacked Like Pancakes continues to push creative boundaries and evolve their sound. They remain dedicated to producing music that resonates with listeners while staying true to their roots. With each release and tour, the band reaffirms their commitment to making a lasting impact on the music industry and their growing global fanbase.