Santa Cruz (band)

Arttu Kuosmanen and Joonas Parkkonen formed Santa Cruz in 2007, with bassist Mitja Toivonen joining in 2008. The band released two demos in 2008–2009.[4] After changing a number of temporary drummers,[5] they settled for a full-time drummer, Taz Fagerström in 2009 becoming a 4-member band.[6] The band released a self-released EP of 6 songs titled Anthems for the Young 'n' Restless, which helped them get signed with Finnish record label, Spinefarm Records in 2012[7]

The band released their first studio album Screaming for Adrenaline in April 2013.[8] The album reached no. 27 on Finnish album chart [9] The band had live shows in England, Belgium and Germany in 2013.[10]

Their eponymous second album Santa Cruz was released in March 2015. The album featured a heavier sound than the previous and the band has described its sound as "glamcore". The album debuted as no. 3 on Finnish album chart.[9] In 2015, the band made a European tour of 27 gigs.[2] In 2016, the band toured with Sebastian Bach in the U.S.[11][12] In June 2016, Santa Cruz released the single "Sky Diving Without A Parachute".

In late 2016, the band released a cover of One Direction’s "Drag Me Down". The band released their third album, Bad Blood Rising in November 2017, featuring the singles “River Phoenix” and “Young Blood Rising.”

On March 18, 2018, the band, through their social media accounts, announced the cancellation of their upcoming U.S. tour as well as the departure of Johnny, Middy (Who would later join Alexi Laiho’s new and final band Bodom After Midnight) and Taz, leaving Archie as the sole original member of the band.[13]

On April 16, 2018, Brody DeRozie was announced as the band's new guitarist, however on May 22, 2018 Brody announced his departure from Santa Cruz.[14]

On July 7, 2018, Archie posted a video on his YouTube Channel, featuring new Santa Cruz guitarist, Pav Cruz.[15] While no official announcement was made, it is believed that both Crispy Cruz, and Bones Cruz were the bassists in the band during late 2018, and early 2019, respectively. On August 3, 2018 Jordan Marshall was announced as the band's new drummer, however on January 31, 2019 Jordan left the band, three days into tour rehearsal.

In early 2019, drummer Toxy Cruz, and bassist Ero Cruz were announced as the band's new rhythm section, rounding out the new lineup. This lineup would go on to play a few European shows and a small Latin American tour.

On September 22, 2019, the band issued a statement that guitarist Pav Cruz would not be joining them on their upcoming US tour due to "immigration issues", and that guitarist Joe Perez would be filling in. Pav released his own statement shortly after, clarifying that he was leaving the band permanently, and that it was due to his own personal choice, and had nothing to do with any immigration issues.

The band released their fourth album, Katharsis in October 2019, which features lead vocalist Archie Cruz, and producer Kane Churko on all instruments.

On May 2, 2020, following a tumultuous break-up with Archie's fiancé, he left California and headed back to his native Finland throwing plans for Santa Cruz up in the air while Archie dealt with his personal issues... Ero Cruz and others left the band, leaving the future Line-up and planning for Santa Cruz uncertain.

On May 29, 2020 Archie Cruz announced on Instagram that he had successfully completed a rehab program.

During the summer of 2020 Archie was accepted as a cast member / participant of the popular Reality TV show "Survivor Finland" (Selviytyjät Suomi) due to air in Finland February 2021.

After the filming of Survivor Finland Archie has been writing and recording new music during October / November at Crehate Studios in Gothenburg Sweden.

With new management in place plus a team of American and Swedish Producers / Co-writers Archie continues to compile material for and negotiating a new album expected out 2021.

In January of 2021, Archie Cruz announced the upcoming release of his new single “Moonchild”, and stated that he and Toxy were the only current official members of Santa Cruz

• Screaming for Adrenaline (2013)
• Santa Cruz (2015)
• Bad Blood Rising (2017)
• Katharsis (2019)
• Cruz 5 (2021)

• Relentless Renegades (2013)
• Nothing Compares to You (2013)
• We Are the Ones to Fall (2014)
• Wasted And Wounded (2014)
• My Remedy (2015)
• Skydiving Without a Parachute (2016)
• Drag Me Down (2016)
• River Phoenix (2017)
• Young Blood Rising (2017)
• Changing of Seasons (2019)
• Tell Me Why (2019)
• Into the War (2019)
• Testify (2019)
• Moonchild (2021)

• Another Rush of Adrenaline (2009)
• Anthems for the Young 'n' Restless (2011)

• Anthem for the Young 'n' Restless (2011)
• Aiming High (2013)
• Relentless Renegades (2013)
• Nothing Compares to You (2013)
• We Are the Ones to Fall (2014)
• Wasted N' Wounded (2014)
• My Remedy (2015)
• Let Them Burn (2015)
• Young Blood Rising (2017)
• Testify (2019)