The Ready Set
Introduction '''Jordan Mark Witzigreuter''' (born November 14, 1989), known professionally as '''The Ready Set''', is an American singer-songwriter from Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States. He is the lead vocalist and sole member of the act, using a backup band while on tour. He has released six studio albums, ''Syntax and Bright Lights'', ''Tantrum Castle'', ''I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming'', ''The Bad & the Better'', ''I Will Be Nothing Without Your Love'' and ''Cherryland'', nine extended plays and fourteen singles. He is best known for the commercially successful single "Love Like Woe" from his major label debut, ''I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming''.From 2019 to 2022, Witzigreuter briefly released music under the name '''Onlychild'''. He has released twelve singles and a four-track EP, ''Solstice'' under this name.Witzigreuter is also a part of the synthpop band Nekokat, alongside Cameron Walker, and Jess Bowen of the Summer Set.In 2021, in collaboration with Walker, Witzigreuter created the music label ''Swim Team Records''. The company has featured a multitude of artists such as Future Coyote, TALKBAK, and Casey Abrams. The label's music has been featured in promotion for things such as the PGA Tour.
Early life Witzigreuter was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a location he frequently mentions in his music. At the age of 11, his mother signed him up for drum lessons. This led to him playing the drums in bands throughout middle school and high school. After becoming acquainted with other instruments, he began touring with bands and writing songs at the age of 16.As a seventeen-year-old, Witzigreuter participated in various bands playing drums for the ska band Take Sides and the hardcore band Saints Never Surrender. Witzigreuter was credited on Saints Never Surrender's sophomore album, ''Brutus'', which was released in 2008.He was also in the acoustic band brideandgroom.
Career ===2007–09: ''Syntax and Bright Lights'' and ''Tantrum Castle''===In 2007, Witzigreuter began making music independently in the basement of his childhood home under the name the Ready Set. His first two albums ''Syntax and Bright Lights'' and ''Tantrum Castle'' were released in 2008.Initially uploading his music to the once popular Myspace, Witzigreuter then began performing his music live. His first performances took place at The Mocha Lounge in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a coffee shop where he worked. His performances evolved to that of a live band, and he began performing for music festivals. These included The Bamboozle and Bamboozle Left, the Bamboozle Roadshow, and the mtvU VMA Tour. He also opened for bands like Boys Like Girls and Never Shout Never.The Ready Set has also made performances on MTV on multiple occasions, including an appearance on MTV's ''TJ Search Live Finale'' and being the "One to Watch" on MTV's 10 on Top. Witzigreuter has also been featured twice on MTV's ''Buzzworthy''.===2010–11: ''I’m Alive, I’m Dreaming'' and ''Feel Good Now''===The Ready Set performing at Emo's in 2010.Pete Wentz signed Witzigreuter to his label Decaydance Records in 2009.His debut single, "Love Like Woe" was released on March 29, 2010.The song was met with commercial success peaking at number 27 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number 30 on the Canada CHR/Top 40 chart. This led to the song being certified platinum by the RIAA and winning the BDS Certified Spin Award based on the 50,000 spins it received. "More Than Alive" was released as the second single from the album on May 25, 2010.The Ready Set's major label debut album, ''I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming'', was released on June 9, 2010.It peaked at number three on the Heatseekers Albums chart and peaked at number 172 on the ''Billboard'' Top Current Album Sales chart. In support of the albums release, Witzigreuter went on tour in the fall of 2010 with Cartel, Hey Monday, This Century, and We Are the In Crowd.In 2010, Witzigreuter was part of the ''Punk Goes Pop Volume 03.'' compilation album performing the track, "Airplanes". On November 26, 2010, he released a Christmas EP, ''Regifted'' and the song "Wishlist" peaked at number 32 on the Holiday Digital Song Sales chart. In 2011, he embarked on his first headlining tour called, "The Glamour Kills Tour" with supporting acts from Allstar Weekend, We Are the In Crowd and The Downtown Fiction. On October 7, 2011, The Ready Set released an EP titled, ''Feel Good Now'' which was produced by Ian Kirkpatrick. The EP peaked at number 179 on the ''Billboard'' 200.The lead single, "Young Forever" was released on March 1, 2011 and peaked at number 39 on the US Mainstream Top 40 and at number five on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. The EP was followed up by two more single releases: "Hollywood Dream" and "Killer". In 2012, Witzigreuter was featured in an episode of Disney Channel's ''So Random!''. In the spring of 2012, The Ready Set and Breathe Carolina co-headlined the Blackout Forever Tour with support from Ashland High.===2012–15: ''The Bad & The Better''===The Ready Set performing live in 2011On May 18, 2012, The Ready Set released the song, "Give Me Your Hand (Best Song Ever)" which was released through Warner Records and later served as the lead single from his fourth studio album, ''The Bad & The Better''. The song peaked at number 30 on the US Mainstream Top 40 and number 33 on the New Zealand Top 40 chart. In 2013, The Ready Set toured in North America with Breathe Carolina and rapper T. Mills. After leaving Decaydance following his third album, he subsequently signed with the label Razor & Tie, releasing ''The Bad & The Better'' on May 27, 2014.The album peaked at number 75 on the ''Billboard'' 200. "Higher" served as the albums second single and was released on April 8, 2014. "Freakin' Me Out" was released on May 6, 2014 as the third single from the album. He served as an act on Warped Tour in 2014.The Ready Set co-headlined a tour with Metro Station called, The Outsiders Tour with supporting acts, the Downtown Fiction and Against the Current. In 2015, Witzigreuter started a side project band Nekokat with artist Cameron Walker-Wright and drummer Jess Bowen from The Summer Set.===2016–18: ''I Will Be Nothing Without Your Love'' and ''V1 & V2''===In 2016, Witzigreuter signed with Hopeless Records and released his fifth studio album, ''I Will Be Nothing Without Your Love'' on April 8.The album peaked at number 24 on the US Independent Albums chart. He released "Good Enough" on February 5, 2016, as the lead single from the album. He collaborated with Haitian DJ Michael Brun and made a remix to the track which peaked at number 40 on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart. The albums second single, "Disappearing Act" was released on March 11, 2016.The Ready Set went on the Fight For Something tour in the spring of 2016 with Tonight Alive, Set It Off and SayWeCanFly. Witzigreuter stated in a 2016 interview with ''Alternative Press'' that he almost ended the Ready Set following the release of his fourth album.He started to release music independently in 2018 again with two extended plays: ''V1'' and ''V2''. "Life In Pink" was released on February 15, 2018.He released another single, "Stitch" on July 27, 2018.Another EP, ''V3'', was set for release in October 2018, however was pushed back for a later date.===2019–2022: Onlychild===In mid-2019, Witzigreuter temporary took a step back from The Ready Set and adopted a new name, Onlychild. He released his first EP ''Solstice'' under that name on July 27, 2019.In 2020, he released a non-album single "Chardonnay and Tangerine" in May. On October 23, 2020, Witzigreuter released another single "Thank Me Later". On April 16, 2021, he released a new single, "Sad Fantasy", which featured Panic! at the Disco guitarist, Mike Naran.In 2021, Witzigreuter and Nekokat collaborator Cameron Walker contributed writing credits to the single "Rock with You" on South Korean band Seventeen's mini-album ''Attacca''.===2022–present: return of The Ready Set and ''Cherryland''===Witzigreuter revived '''the Ready Set''' name in 2022 at the So What Music Festival and performed under that name at the 2022 When We Were Young Festival. In May 2023, Witzigreuter released his first solo single under the Ready Set name since 2018 titled, "Who You Really Are". Another single followed in July 2023 titled "Teammate". In August 2023, Witzigretuer released a hyperpop track "ACT 2". He joined Boys Like Girls on the Speaking Our Language Tour in the fall of 2023.On August 25, 2023, Witzigreuter announced his sixth studio album, ''Cherryland'' which was released on October 27, 2023.
Musical styles and influences The Ready Set's music is described as electropop and synth-pop. Witzigreuter has stated that he typically likes to blend his sound ranging from pop to hip-hop to hardcore punk. Witzigreuter grew up listening to Copeland which he has stated as his main influence. The Ready Set also has been compared to Owl City, generally for his sound, work as a one-man band and how he uses a live band while on tour.
Touring members ===The Ready Set===;Final touring members* Cameron Walker – guitar, backing vocals* Travis Rountree – drums, percussion* Matthew Shaughn – bass guitar;Former touring members* Mike Naran – guitar, backing vocals* Nick Annis – bass guitar, keyboards* Deryck Stanek – guitar, backing vocals* Andy Snyder – bass guitar* Keegan Weckler – guitar===Onlychild===;Current touring members* Mike Naran – guitar, backing vocals* Jess Bowen – drums, percussion
Personal life Witzigreuter married his longtime girlfriend Katelyn Gentry in late 2017.Witzigreuter has a brother who is also a musician.
Discography ===The Ready Set===* ''Syntax & Bright Lights'' (2008)* ''Tantrum Castle'' (2009)* ''I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming'' (2010)* ''The Bad & the Better'' (2014)* ''I Will Be Nothing Without Your Love'' (2016)* ''Cherryland'' (2023)===Nekokat======Onlychild===* ''Solstice EP'' (2019)
Awards and nominations ===BDS Spin Awards=== Year  Performance  Award  Result2010 "Love Like Woe" 50,000 Spins ===PETA's Libby Awards=== Year  Nominated  Award  Result2012 The Ready Set Most Animal-Friendly Band 2014
Filmography  Year Title Role Notes2011''Silent Library''ThemselvesContestants2012''So Random! ''ThemselvesGuest performers2013''Oh Sit! ''ThemselvesGuest performers
Tours '''Headlining'''* Glamour Kills Tour (2011)* Blast From the Past Tour (2017)'''Co-headlining'''* Blackout Forever Tour  (2012)* The Ready Set/Outasight Tour  (2013)* The Outsiders Tour  (2014)'''Opening act'''*Fight For Something Tour  (2016)'''Festivals'''*Warped Tour (2011), (2014), (2015)*Rose Rock Tour (2017)*Fall Fest Tour (2017)*So What Music Festival (2022)*When We Were Young Festival (2022)
References
External links * The Ready Set – official website