Last semester’s Battle of the Bands runner-up, The Stand Out State, returned Feb. 4 with an upbeat concert for UNIQUE’s “Wednesday Nooner” in the University Union.

Sacramento State students Stacey SaeTern and Lucy Thao were enjoying their break when they heard the upbeat music echoing from the Redwood Room.

“The music grabbed my attention and I ended up staying and enjoying the performance and free popcorn,” said Thao.

Isabela Casillas first saw the band perform at Battle of the Bands and has been a strong supporter ever since.

“I loved [the concert],” said Casillas. “They’re really good at engaging the crowd, and I would definitely come see them again.”

She expressed her confidence that they will go far.

Adam Dillon, lead vocalist for the band, is a senior at Sac State studying photography. He said the band writes their own songs and draws inspiration from taking pride in being the “underdogs.”

They strive to inspire others who feel like underdogs themselves through their music and lyrics. Their passion for music stems from their personal lives and personal experiences of not having much while growing up.

The original songs played during the performance included “By the Waterside” and “Wherever We Call Home.” Both had the audience clapping their hands and cheering loudly after the performance.

Along with the original songs they had written, their own rendition of AWOLNATION’s “Sail” was covered. The unique rendition displayed the band’s talents and ability to add their own spin and personal taste to an already attractive song.

A favorite among the crowd was also the slower piece, “Scripted,” which is a love story written about one of the members and his wife, and a favorite for the band themselves.

Despite having been officially established only a year ago, Dillon said that the band had come a long way.

“We had no direct goal in mind and weren’t quite sure what to do,” said Dillon. “Now, we have a clear goal and are certain of the direction we’re heading in.”

Dillon also said that forming the band was not because of a hobby but because each of the members are truly passionate about everything they do together.

He said their proudest moment was performing at Ace of Spades this past Halloween.

The concert on Oct. 31 drew in over 1,000 people, and when they played their last song “Wherever We Call Home,” the crowd went crazy.

Dillon said the feeling was indescribable and boosted the band’s morale and goal of wanting to succeed.

The Stand Out State hopes to release their first song, either “Wherever We Call Home” or “By the Waterside,” by the end of the month and draw in as many college radios, possibly go on college tours along the west coast.