Meet Forgotten Principle | Rock Band

We had the good fortune of connecting with Forgotten Principle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Forgotten, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
We hail from a small town called Woodruff, tucked away in the upcountry of South Carolina, with a population shy of 4,000. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, and where music became our escape and our connection. Growing up, we were surrounded by the sounds of our parents’ music, but we each carved our own paths, discovering the tunes that resonated with us. In a town where most people gravitated toward country or the occasional rap track, we found each other through a shared love for rock—music that spoke to our souls in a way nothing else did. This passion pushed us to create something of our own, blending the influences of our high school years with the timeless tracks our parents introduced us to. That journey led to the birth of Forgotten Principle, a band driven by our roots and the music that shaped us.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We’re a rock band with a sound rooted in punk rock, but what really sets us apart is our ability to blend grit with melody—a beauty in aggression, if you will. Our music has the kind of kick that gets the crowd moshing, but also enough melody to keep them singing along. That balance is key for us; it’s what made the songs we loved growing up so powerful, and it’s what we aim to capture in our own music.
The journey to where we are today hasn’t been easy. It takes countless hours of writing, refining, and finding the perfect balance between everyone’s creative input. Each song is a collective effort, and sometimes it’s a challenge to harmonize individual visions into a single track that we all stand behind. But with patience, vulnerability, and a willingness to let each other’s ideas shape the music, we make it work.
We’re especially excited right now because we’re heading into Studio 101 Recording this week to start our first full-length album. This is a big step for us, building on the momentum we started with our self-released EP RV’s and Broken Windows back in December of 2022. That EP was a milestone, but this album is where we’re really going to push our sound and tell our story on a larger scale.
The relationships within the band are crucial. Any rift can create ripples that lead to turmoil, so knowing your strengths and weaknesses—and those of your bandmates—is vital. It’s not just about playing music; it’s about building something together, understanding each other, and not letting challenges get ahead of you.
We want the world to know that Forgotten Principle is more than just a band; we’re a group of artists dedicated to creating something raw, authentic, and balanced. Our story is one of perseverance, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of a sound that truly represents who we are—and we can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’re creating in the studio.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, we’d kick things off in Downtown Greer. It might not have the grandeur of Columbia or the buzz of Greenville, but that’s part of its charm. Greer offers a unique blend of seclusion and beauty that you won’t find anywhere else in South Carolina. The town also has a vibrant music scene that’s worth exploring.
One of the places that used to be the heart of this scene was a DIY venue called the Melon Barn. On the outside, it might’ve looked like a simple chicken barn or tool shed, but inside, it was a sanctuary for rock music in South Carolina. Fans of metal and punk would gather here to escape the grind of daily life, lose themselves in the music, and mosh until the night ended. It was more than just a venue—it was a place where you could find confidence, camaraderie, and a sense of liberation.
Sadly, the Melon Barn is no longer with us, having fallen to internal challenges and rising costs for liquor liability insurance. But its legacy lives on, and those who played there are held in high regard. If you’re into music, the spirit of places like the Melon Barn is still alive in Greer’s local scene, and it’s a must-experience.
For the rest of the trip, we’d explore some of Greer’s hidden gems, from local eateries to low-key hangouts, where you can really soak in the town’s unique vibe. Whether it’s grabbing a bite at a cozy café or finding a spot to relax and listen to live music, Greer offers a perfect blend of laid-back charm and vibrant culture.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We owe our deepest gratitude to Jeff Straub, our band’s manager and, honestly, our fifth member. Jeff’s problem-solving skills have pulled us through situations that felt impossible to navigate. Whether it was sprinting across town just minutes before a show to grab last-minute equipment or ingeniously rigging something to ensure the show could go on, Jeff has always found a way to make it happen. His efforts have saved us from what could have been some seriously detrimental experiences. From booking shows and studio sessions to securing the gear we need; Jeff’s dedication and hard work have kept us on track and pushed us forward. We wouldn’t be where we are today without his unwavering support.

Website: https://www.forgottenprinciple.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgottenprinciple/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forgottenprinciple/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForgottenPrinciple

Image Credits
Chaos 7 Productions
sdcannon