The heavy metal trio reportedly inked a $1.8 million deal with Sony.
This isn't your typical boy band.
Brooklyn-based trio Unlocking the Truth is on the rise after harnessing the power of YouTube to go from busking for change in Times Square to performing at Coachella. Now, they've reportedly inked a $1.8 million record deal with Sony. Not bad for a group of 12- and 13-year-olds.
Meet Alec Atkins, Jarad Dawkins and Malcolm Brickhouse, the heavy metal middle school band making waves for their raw talent and frankly, for being adorable. They've been best buds since pre-school and cite Metallica, Slipknot, Disturbed, Living Colour, Chelsea Grin, Motionless in White and Escape the Fate as their biggest influences. "Metal is in their blood," declares a line in their website bio.
They may have signed a mega-money deal with Sony, but according to the New York Post, Unlocking the Truth still needs to prove that they can translate YouTube hits into music sold. The boys' deal reportedly includes 16 to 17 percent in royalties, a fee slightly above industry average, and an initial $60,000 advance, but they'll only see real money if their first album sells more than 250,000 copies. By comparison, the Post notes: Beyonce's latest record-shattering album sold just over 600,000 units.
The boys are off to a solid start with a series of high profile gigs already under their belt. Take a look at some of Unlocking the Truth's career highlights so far.
Performing "Monster" at Coachella 2014.
Appearing on FXX's Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell.
Performing "Free As You Wanna Be" at the AFROPUNK FEST 2013.
