Neon State’s tale began in 2007. Frigid Pullman, Washington, was home to band members Dave Montgomery (vocals/guitar), Ryan Graves (bass) and Dan Wood (drums). Held within the cold confines of a friend’s garage, a relocation from their former practice space after the cops were called for being too loud, the band began to hone their sound and amassed a large catalog of songs which contained a rich blend of light hearted lyrics and infectiously catchy hooks. After only a few months of practice they were ready to carve their name into the annals of rock history playing the annual Wazzu Block Party on the campus of Washington State University.

Though the crowds were receptive in the college town of Pullman, the new band realized for it to reach its full potential a relocation was required to the greener pastures on the west side of the Washington near Olympia and Seattle. Once settled, Dave called his best friend from high school (Grant Caldwell) to play guitar and a talented 17-year-old axe slinger (Kyle Kollmann) for lead guitar duties. With this new line up, Neon State was formed.

Neon State spent the summer of 2008 playing shows in and around Olympia, Washington. What was first intended to be a summer for Neon State to have fun and play music, in turn, solidified them as one of the finest rock bands in Southwest Washington, winning a Battle of the Bands competition in Lewis County. After every show, Neon State was welcomed back by every venue host and complimented on the dynamic sound they had created. One venue owner said, “It’s so nice to have a band come in here and play that doesn’t have every single song sound exactly the same.” The summer work culminated in the final show, The Southwest Washington Fair, being asked to open the main stage. Since then they have played successful shows in Seattle, Olympia, the Tenino Wine and Music Festival, and a return to the Southwest Washington Fair Mainstage.

Neon State has self released one EP ("Do You Want Me Now", April 2009) and is set to release their self-titled first album in April 2010.

Fun Facts: - Dave and Grant have been best friends since high school and Ryan and Dan have been best friends since 5th Grade.
- Dave was Kyle's History teacher while he completed his student teaching.
- Dan hates vegetables and seems to live off only frozen pizzas, corn dogs, and chicken nuggets.
- Ryan, Grant, and Dave all have college degrees.