R5 has traveled a remarkable journey from their humble beginnings in Littleton, Colorado to the bright lights of North American stages. The group is made up of siblings Ross, Rydel, Rocky and Riker, joined by their longtime family friend Ellington Ratliff. In 2007 they packed their bags and moved to Los Angeles to chase a music dream, a decision that set the course for years of relentless touring and growth. Since then they have headlined intimate club shows across the United States, entertained crowds at Family Channel’s Big Ticket Summer Concert in Toronto, and released the EP Loud in February. The path wasn’t easy, but the band’s music and its growing fanbase helped expand its reach beyond their Colorado roots, earning new listeners on both sides of the border. According to band press materials from that era, the move to Los Angeles reflected a commitment to immersion in the music industry and a willingness to take risks for a bigger stage.
Today the group announced their debut album, Louder, a title chosen to reflect the evolution from Loud and the energy the band wants to share with fans. The release is set for September 24, and it promises to extend the cheerful energy the EP sparked while building on the band’s pop-rock roots. The project is described as a natural progression that blends catchy melodies with a punchy rhythm, crafted to elevate moods and spark joyful moments for listeners across North America. Press materials from the band’s camp emphasize the momentum riding behind Louder and the creative chemistry driving the new songs.
One of the album’s singles, Pass Me By, premiered on Radio Disney on August 16, signaling a mellower and more mature vibe while maintaining the infectious hook the group is known for. Fans can tune in to Family Channel to hear the new single through September 6, and a Canadian exclusive sneak preview of Louder streams from September 20 through 22, the weekend before the album’s official release. The Pass Me By video is slated to have its world premiere on VEVO on August 29, with a follow‑up premiere on Family Channel, giving fans a double shot of excitement for the record’s visual storytelling.
Louder will include all the songs from Loud along with seven additional tracks, giving fans a broader set of anthems to blast. The group’s fanbase is famously loyal, and among eight fall shows, half are already sold out, a clear indicator of the excitement around the new music and the live experience the band delivers.
Mark September 24 on the calendar when Louder hits stores and becomes available on iTunes. For those who already purchased Loud on iTunes, there’s the option to add R5’s new tracks to an existing collection, ensuring a seamless upgrade to a fuller listening experience for fans across the United States and Canada.