East 9th

**East 9th** is a Cleveland-based indie pop-rock quartet blending moody synths, anthemic guitars, and introspective lyrics. Formed in 2018 by frontman Max Carter (vocals/guitar) and bassist Lila Torres, the band—rounded out by drummer Jordan Kim and keyboardist Samira Patel—takes its name from the iconic East 9th Street in their hometown. They gained traction with their debut EP *Act One* (2020) and its follow-up *Act Two* (2022), which established their signature mix of shimmering alt-rock and vulnerable storytelling. Tracks like "Electricity" and "Save Me" showcase their knack for pairing cathartic choruses with themes of mental health and self-discovery, while recent singles like "Medusa" and "Scorpion" lean into darker, synth-driven textures. Known for their energetic live shows, East 9th has toured with acts like The Wrecks and COIN, building a grassroots following drawn to their emotionally charged yet danceable sound.