On a gloomy Sunday and just a week away from the Riot Fest music festival, the rock band LARGEMOUTH came together to rehearse at their studio and rehearsal space at Santopoalo Ranch in Rockton, Illinois.
Inside the small green and black garage, the sound of guitars and drums seeped through the walls as the ranch’s dogs ran around outside. With masking tape covering the window to keep out light, the young artists gave it their all, rehearsing on a giant red carpet. Retro signage lined the walls while fans, equipment, and instruments were spread out across the room. Above them, LED stage lights flooded the room as the band rehearsed for their Riot Fest debut.
Last month, LARGEMOUTH won the community band competition hosted in Douglass Park at the End of Summer Celebration, earning them a spot on the Riot Fest stage, an attainment they did not see themselves reaching this early in their band’s career.
LARGEMOUTH will be the youngest rock band to perform at Riot Fest. The band, made up of musicians across Chicago and Northern Illinois, consists of brothers Jeremy Abarca, 16, bassist and backup vocalist; Jorgie Santopoalo, 16, lead vocalist and guitarist; and Oliver Santopoalo “Ollie”, 11, drummer and backup vocalist. The band also includes the brothers’ close friends Oliver Mendoza, 16, percussionist, and Diangelo Esquivel, 18, second rhythm guitar.
The band started with Jorgie and Ollie deciding to begin a band after jamming together at a party, with Jeremy joining the group not long after. This year, the brothers recruited their close friends, Oliver and Diangelo. Jorgie explained that LARGEMOUTH’s aim is to create music their audience can feel passion for.
“We want you guys to experience the same thing we’re [experiencing] and feel the same passion for what we are feeling passionate for…Because I think that is so important in life in general, you know, just share experiences.”
Influenced by Nirvana and fishing, the band brings together young, talented, hardworking and witty artists that foster community through their music. They released their first three track project in 2023, “Our Little Pet Bass,” where Jorgie’s early vocal performances bring a strong angsty tone, reminiscent of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain. Since then, LARGEMOUTH evolved their sound with the band’s July EP release, “Whatever Floats Your Boat.”
LARGEMOUTH’S instrumentals hold the spotlight, notably in “Cool It Down.” 50 seconds into the song, Jorgie’s vocals serenade Mendoza’s conga drums and Abarca’s bass, leading the listener forward before hitting a climax of instrumentals just over a minute into the song that is worth moshing to.
The band currently has over 900 monthly listeners on Spotify with their most streamed song, “She Passes By,” amongst their discography of punk grunge music, at around 2,870 streams.
Isaiah Santopoalao, manager of LARGEMOUTH and father of the brothers in the band, said the family’s connection to music grew stronger as they faced the challenges of having separated parents while navigating the trials of growing up. Santopoalao remembers listening to Radiohead’s “Creep” with one of his sons when he was young. As the song played, his son began to cry. When Santopoalao asked why he was crying, he was surprised to learn that the lyrics had moved him. Even at that age, the track impacted his son. Santopoalao realized the depth and appreciation to the art his son had, something that continues within each of the members.
LARGEMOUTH’s playful dynamic with each other carries over during their rehearsals, and serves at the backdrop for the environment they set for their fans.
“We wouldn’t have made it without all these people who supported us,” Ollie said. “I’m thankful for all the people who listen to us, give us the opportunity to play any show, book us, and just listen to our music, buy our merch, and support us. Nothing but love for our community.”
LARGEMOUTH will be opening the Rebel Stage with a thirty minute set at noon. They will be performing a new song yet to be released.
“Just expect us, you know? And you will know by the time we perform, who we are,” said Jorgie.
James Hoeck is a freelance photographer. You can follow his work on Instagram @semaj.jpeg and at jameshoeckphotography.com