Autopilot Off

Autopilot Off is a punk rock band from Orange County, New York, active since 1996. Comprising Chris Hughes (guitar), Chris Johnson (guitar/vocals), Rob Kucharek (bass), and Phil Robinson (drums), Autopilot Off is known for their energetic blend of punk rock, pop-punk, melodic hardcore, and skate punk, with influences from ska punk and art punk. They have released seven studio albums, two DVDs, and nine singles, earning a dedicated fanbase across North America, Europe, and Japan.

Formation and Early Years (1996–1999)

Autopilot Off was formed in 1996 in Orange County, New York, originally under the name Cooter. The initial lineup included Chris Hughes (guitar), Chris Johnson (guitar/vocals), Phil Robinson (drums), and Rob Kucharek (bass). They gained early popularity through live performances in the 90s, sharing the stage with notable bands like MxPx, Goldfinger, Sum 41, Yellowcard, and H2O. In May 2000, Cooter released a split with Slick Shoes, followed by their first full-length album, Looking Up.

Name Change and Major Label Signing (1999–2004)

In 2000, Cooter faced a legal dispute with the Mississippi punk band The Cooters over the use of the name. As a result, they changed their name to Autopilot Off in April 2001. In December 2001, the band signed with major label Island Records and released an eponymous EP on April 23, 2002. Autopilot Off supported major acts such as Sum 41 and The Ataris on their tours, significantly expanding their fanbase.

Breakthrough and Continued Releases (2004–2012)

Autopilot Off released their major debut album, Make a Sound, in 2004 through Island Records. The album featured the single “What I Want,” co-written by Tim Armstrong of Rancid, and tracks that were featured in video games like NASCAR Thunder 2004, Burnout 3: Takedown, and Test Drive: Eve of Destruction. In 2007, they released 12:34 and continued touring extensively.

Hiatus and Reunion (2005–2011)

In August 2005, Autopilot Off went on an indefinite hiatus, with members pursuing other interests: Chris Hughes became a business manager in the music industry, while Rob Kucharek opened American Icon Screen Printing. In May 2011, the band announced a reunion, reactivating their presence in the music scene and working on new material.

Recent Activities (2011–present)

Following their reunion, Autopilot Off continued to release new music, including singles like “Alcologic” and “When I Was Young” in 2014, and “Lining Them Up” in 2015. In September 2024, they collaborated with Enjoy the Ride Records to release The Encore EP on vinyl, marking the first physical release of these songs. Additionally, their album Make a Sound received a vinyl re-release to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Musical Style and Themes

Autopilot Off’s music combines elements of punk rock, pop-punk, melodic hardcore, and skate punk, enriched with influences from ska punk and art punk. Their sound is characterized by fast-paced rhythms, catchy melodies, and a fusion of aggressive and melodic elements. The band’s lyrics often explore themes of personal growth, social issues, and political commentary, delivered with passion and intensity.

Discography

Studio Albums

Looking Up (2000)
Make a Sound (2004) No. 119 US
12:34 (2007)
Stories of Survival (2010)
The Tipping Point (2013)
Broadcasting to the Nations (2017)
Ollie Ollie Oxen Free (2021)

EPs

All Bets Off (1997)
Slick Shoes / Cooter Split (2000)
Autopilot Off (EP, 2002)
Regenerator (2003)
Alcologic (2014)
When I Was Young (2020)

Band Members

Current Members

Chris Johnson – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Chris Hughes – Lead Guitar
Rob Kucharek – Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Phil Robinson – Drums

Former Members

Sean Sellers – Drums (2012–2015)
Bill Marcks – Guitars (1994–2008)
Jerry Douglas – Guitars (1994–1999)
Zach Vogel – Guitars (2008–2011)
Jeremy Wood – Bass (1994–2006, 2009–2013)
Dean ‘DJ’ Farmer – Bass (2006–2009)
J. W. Gordon – Drums (1994–1996)
Daniel Garcia – Drums (1996–1999)
Jim Wilcox – Drums (1999–2012)
Dan Aid – Guitars (2016–2020)
Bryan Sandell – Guitars (2006–2008)
Chris Bartholomew – Drums (2012)
Josh ‘Ralphie’ Schneider – Bass (2007)
Chad Martin – Drums (2015)
Eric Walsh – Guitars (2021–2022)

Trivia

Originally named Cooter, the band changed their name to Autopilot Off in 2001 following a lawsuit.
The band’s 2004 album Make a Sound features the single “What I Want,” co-written by Tim Armstrong of Rancid.
The track “Chromatic Fades” was featured in the video game NASCAR Thunder 2004.
Autopilot Off’s song “Make a Sound” appeared in Burnout 3: Takedown, and “What I Want” in Test Drive: Eve of Destruction and Cars: The Video Game.
In 2015, their tour van was stolen, resulting in the loss of over $50,000 in equipment and merchandise, but they continued the tour with help from CounterPunch.
Brandon Landelius, who joined the band in 2011, left in 2015 but returned in 2022 to continue supporting the band.
The band continues to release new music and perform live, maintaining their presence in the punk scene.
In September 2024, Autopilot Off released The Encore EP on vinyl, marking the first physical release of their new songs and celebrating their 20th anniversary.
Members have pursued various ventures during hiatus, such as Chris Hughes becoming a business manager and Rob Kucharek opening a screen printing company.
Autopilot Off remains active, continuing to release new music and perform live shows, maintaining their relevance in the punk scene.