Pretending is an Oregon-based Band formed in 2019. Driven by a mission to create “broken music for broken people”, members Tom Wyka (guitar, vocals), Jesse Wallis (bass, vocals) and Liam Welsh (drums, vocals) infuse a melody of 90s screamo into their heavy sound while also pulling influences from a broad array of genres to create a chaotic yet beautiful listening experience which stands on its own as a unique signature sound. 

In 2021, the group released their debut album entitled It’s Fine which received high praises by both fans and critics alike for its full-blast, turbo intensifying listening experience. The band went on to further release an EP called Some things Never Change and a Split EP both in 2022 which were highly regarded within the music community. Following these releases, the band amassed an impressive touring history which spanned across 35 states in the U.S. and a stretch in Canada, resulting in both a significant growth in their career and a loyal following. They are currently working on their second studio album, Profit From Pain, which is set to release in 2025. 

Alongside their studio work, Pretending creates an extreme yet profound experience on-stage through three-way vocals, searing guitars, intricate bass lines and heavy hitting drums which all seamlessly tie together to exemplify their music mastery and showmanship. The band has had the opportunity to showcase their unique, high-energy stage presence with other significant artists like Loma Prieta, GEL and Esquela Grind as well as at large-scale festivals such as Volume Bomb and Bridge City Fest. 

Pretending continues to write and record groundbreaking music and are currently set to release their new record Profit From Pain, recorded by Jack Shirley at Atomic Garden Studios, which is to be released in October, 2025 and will be followed by a tour in November. Their unique genre-bending sound, intricate musicianship and electrifying stage presence has helped them to instill an unwavering position amongst the heavy metal music community and their dedicated listeners.