SLEEP NATION - "WAR THE DESTRUCTION"
EMBARGOED UNTIL NOVEMBER 13, 2026
The final installment of the Four Horsemen series is best described as Royal Blood-style riff-rock mixed with elements of Metal, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, and System of a Down. Against the backdrop of global conflict, political division, and ongoing turmoil, the music served as a crucial outlet to process our feelings about the state of the world. The project also features producer Jonn Nicholson on lead vocals for "15 Minutes from Chaos"—he thrives in this style, so when he brought up the idea, taking him up on it was a no-brainer.
BIOGRAPHY:
Though they keep the icons of decades past steady in the rearview, Sleep Nation has their eyes locked firmly on the future of rock ‘n’ roll. The Nashville-based alternative rock duo was founded in 2010 by lead vocalist Bran Merritt. After placing a Facebook ad searching for a like-minded collaborator, Merritt connected with drummer Joey Lauretta, and the chemistry was instantaneous. Bound by late-night writing sessions and a shared vision for high-energy music, Sleep Nation was born.
Despite operating as a two-piece, the duo delivers a sonic impact and stage presence that rivals a full line-up. That relentless live energy has taken them from sweat-soaked Music City venues to opening for national touring acts such as Adema and Sponge.
Sleep Nation’s early breakout came with "I Want You Back," which landed on 102.9 The Buzz’s "Local Buzz Top 25" and secured them the #2 spot on Sunset Island Music’s global Top 25 Unsigned Bands list. Momentum built quickly through cinematic soundtrack features—including "Mr. Unlucky" and "I'm a Werewolf, But That's Ok" for the film Hair of the Dog, and end-credits music for Potter’s Ground—alongside acclaimed singles like "Slip," "Scream & Shout," "American Way," and "Headlights."
In recent years, the duo expanded their sonic identity into theatrical sci-fi territory with And Then There Were 2… and The Spaceman – Conquest, generating playlist momentum with tracks like "Set Up The Controls" and "The Spaceman – Ground Control". Sleep Nation further solidified their modern era in late 2024 with the release of Deadbeat Disco (Heart Songs Music Group)—a 9-track collection featuring standouts like "Into the Night" and "Sold-Out Crowd" that fuses heavy guitar work with infectious, dark-groove rock energy.
Unapologetic, high-octane, and constantly evolving, Sleep Nation fuses rock guitars, modern production, and narrative depth to prove that authentic rock 'n' roll is alive, kicking, and built for the future.
PRODUCTION
EP : WAR THE DESTRUCTOR
Release Date : NOV 13 2026
Vocals / Bass : BRAN MERRITT
Drums : JOEY LAURETTA
Writer : BRAN MERRITT
Performers : JOEY LAURETTA, BRAN MERRITT ,
Producer: E.Y.E. PRODUCTIONS
Engineer : TONY GRISSOM
FOCUS TRACK: 15 MINUTES FROM CHAOS INFORMATION:
Vocals : JONN NICHOLSON , BRAN MERRITT , FLIP COOPER
Drums : JOEY LAURETTA
Writer : JONN NICHOLSON , FLIP COOPER
Performers : JOEY LAURETTA, BRAN MERRITT , JONN NICHOLSON , FLIP COOPER
PUBLICITY: Publicity Nation PR
DISTRIBUTION: HEART SONGS MUSIC GROUP/SOULSPAZM
Label, Sync & Awards Background
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Heart Songs Music Group / MusicRow Feature – Background on their partner development and distribution network (Heart Songs Music Group & Victory Music Buzz) responsible for placing their releases onto editorial playlists (such as Apple Music's New In Alternative).
MusicRow.com -
Josie Music Awards – Official platform and press home for the annual independent music awards where Sleep Nation has received nominations.
Here is a summary of Sleep Nation’s awards, radio history, and chart placements based on their press releases and industry media coverage:
Awards & Industry Recognition
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The Josie Music Awards: Nominated for awards at the Josie Music Awards (one of the largest independent music award shows held in Tennessee).
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Regional/Independent Accolades: Highlighted as a featured artist on various indie rock press outlets and digital music platforms (e.g., Earmilk, Drop The Spotlight, antiMusic).
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Today in Nashville: Sleep Nation performed their singles “Crybaby” and “Sophistication” live on WSMV. https://www.wsmv.com/video/2023/01/11/sleep-nation-performs-crybaby/ https://www.wsmv.com/video/2023/01/12/sleep-nation-performs-sophistication/
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Radio & Playlist Placements
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Apple Music Editorial Playlists: Secured official editorial inclusions, notably with their single "The Spaceman – Setup the Controls" debuting on Apple Music's "New In Alternative" playlist.
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College & Regional Rock Radio: Gained traction across regional Southeast/Midwest radio stations and indie rock syndications, leading up to charting mentions in publications like MusicRow during their distribution under Heart Songs Music Group.
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Local Radio & Media Features: Received local airplay and promotional spotlighting in Nashville and wider Tennessee markets, including live media syncs and showcase sponsorships.
Film & Sync Placements
While not standard billboard charts, the band has leveraged film sound tracking for major press milestones:
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"Mr. Unlucky" / "I'm a Werewolf, But That's Ok": Selected for the soundtrack of the film Hair of the Dog directed by Michael Butts.
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"Potter's Ground": Featured as the end-credits song for the thriller film Potter's Ground.
PREVIOUS APPLE MUSIC EDITORIALS:
Today’s Rock
New in Rock
New in Alternative
New in Alternative
Hard Rock
Rock
Breaking Hard Rock
