December 27, 2024

These Eighth Graders Just Scored A $1.7 Million Record Deal

Most eighth graders are trying to navigate their way through hormones and junior high drama. But for Malcolm Brickhouse, 13, Alec Atkins, 13, and Jarad Dawkins, 12 of the metal trio Unlocking The Truth, bigger concerns are on the horizon. Namely, the six album record deal that they just signed with Sony, oh, and traveling America on the Warped Tour.

Though they’re not even in high school yet, the three Brooklyn kids won over some major fans just by busking around the city. Eric Clapton’s drummer Steve Jordan discovered them playing in Washington Square Park back in 2012.

Since then, the boys have opened for Guns N’ Roses, played Coachella and landed this record deal.

Sony has confirmed a two album contract with the trio, including an option for four more records. The advance for their first record is $60,000—which is a whopping amount of money for a 12-year-old even when it’s split three ways.

“It’s so exciting. We’re jumping over the moon,” Jarad’s mother Tabatha Dawkins told the New York Daily News. “What started out as play dates went to Times Square and now this. It’s been one great thing after another.”

There are already plans for the boys to write a book about their rise to fame; it will be released through Penguin around Christmas. A documentary about the group is also in the works. Clearly, this is an act we’re going to be hearing a lot more from in the future.

Guitarist Malcom, bassist Alec and drummer Jarad all share vocal duties, and the band are currently on the road with the Vans Warped Tour. But keeping their age in mind, Dawkins insists that school will be a priority.

“School work comes first. If their school work is not done, they don’t play,” she said. Watch the boys perform in Times Sqare, and then at Coachella in the videos below.

MTV Weekend Editor. Acts like Madonna but listens to Merle.

@harmonicait

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