Taproot
Taproot is an American rock band hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan, which was formed in 1997. The original members of the band are Stephen Richards (lead vocals), Mike DeWolf (guitar), Phil Lipscomb (bass), and Jarrod Montague (drums). They are often associated with the nu metal genre, but their sound also incorporates elements of grunge, alternative rock, and heavy metal.
Taproot burst onto the scene in the late 90s after their demo caught the attention of Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit. However, they later signed with Atlantic Records, after a fallout with Durst, and released their debut album, "Gift," in 2000. Their sophomore album, "Welcome," solidified their place in the rock scene in 2002, featuring their hit single "Poem," which reached number 5 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.
The band's success continued with the release of several more albums including "Blue-Sky Research" (2005), "Our Long Road Home" (2008), and "Plead the Fifth" (2010). Despite changes in the lineup over the years, with Montague departing in 2008 and being replaced by Dave Coughlin, Taproot has maintained a consistent presence in the rock music scene. Their most recent album, "The Episodes," was released in 2012.
Over the years, Taproot has toured extensively, sharing stages with bands like Linkin Park, Deftones, and Korn, further cementing their status as a mainstay in the hard rock and alternative metal scene. Their music, characterized by powerful guitar riffs, introspective lyrics, and Stephen Richards' distinctive vocals, continues to resonate with fans around the world.