Starring in hit Disney movies and shows such as, “Teen Beach Movie” or ”Austin and Ally,” Ross Lynch needs no introduction as a talented and well-known actor. Even outside of the Disney world, he has also played more serious and darker roles, such as Jefferey Dahmer in the critically acclaimed movie “My Friend Dahmer” which has accrued an 86% rotten tomatoes score through its haunting story and talented actors.
Although Ross Lynch has proven himself as a talented actor, he also has always been musically talented; this being shown even through the productions he has been a part of. In “Austin and Ally,” He plays Austin Moon, an aspiring teenage singer who quickly became a pop sensation by releasing a song written by him and his friend. Even in his role in the iconic Teen Beach Movie, his character stars in many of the lively and catchy songs in this musical movie where his talented voice is highlighted.
Throughout his acting career, he was also in a band called R5 consisting of him and 4 other members, 3 of which being his siblings. As his acting career began to succeed with his roles in Disney, so did his band. They began gaining popularity as a pop-rock band in the early 2010’s with more and more fans finding his band through his starring roles. This was even magnified by Disney Channel as they often even aired commercial segments with Ross Lynch and his family where they talked about their band R5.
“I would be watching Disney Channel and I remember I would hear about R5 through their segments on TV,” explains Gabby Comer. “Then one day I landed upon Rydel [Lynch]’s youtube channel and sometimes I would check up on her Instagram and through that I would check up on the whole family.”
Through Ross Lynch’s career with Disney Channel, R5 was able to expand its audience and gain more and more fans. Even though there are those who don’t enjoy the type of music R5 created, many people learned about their band, and their ties with their family has only magnified their popularity. Already, it is easy to see the similarities between Ross Lynch and other disney stars through the various disney roles, and how it has lead to a successful music career.
However, everything changed on March 1, 2018 when all of R5’s Instagram and Twitter posts were deleted, and their usernames were changed to “The Driver Era.” Ross Lynch then stated on his Instagram that The Driver Era is a new band that will feature just him and his brother Rocky. Their socials then began to feature teases and glimpses of their first single, “Preacher Man,” which was eventually released two weeks later and was met with high praise from fans all over. After the release of a few more singles over the course of a year, the band released their debut studio album, X on June 28, 2019.
This album was applauded by many indie and alternative scenes as it featured catchy and unique songs such as, “Welcome to the End of Your Life,” “Natural,” and “Afterglow.” Many of these songs include a very “boy band” feel and sound featuring bold electric guitar melodies and an immersive electropop rhythm. This album cemented The Driver Era as more than just a Disney channel band, and instead, as a band worthy of genuine artistic recognition.
Met with adoration, The Driver Era then went on to release their next two albums named Girlfriend and Summer Mixtape. Their sophomore album Girlfriend features exciting and unique anthems that any fan of alternative music could enjoy. One of the singles for this album named “A Kiss” became a fan favorite with its extremely catchy rhythm, sensual tones, fun ad libs, and eclectic yet enveloping music video. The music video, directed by Lynch’s brother and cousin, has colorful and flashy visuals that enhance the song’s beat and fanatical tone.
Within their third studio album Summer Mixtape, The Driver Era experiments with fun and exploratory beats that sound just like the free and lively times of summer. Songs like “Malibu” and “Like a King” take the listener on a journey through dynamic beats and spirited rhythms that are perfect for when you’re lying by the pool or have the wind through your hair by a warm beach.
Kel Alfonso describes, ”I love the album just because it really gives me that summer feel. Every single one of the songs and their beats reminds me of certain moments that I’ve had in summer or certain moments I could have in summer.”
Not only has The Driver Era been popular for their music, but also for their performances during their concerts. Due to the sensual nature of many of their songs, they match this by reflecting this even within their performances. The Driver Era, specifically Ross Lynch was trending on social media due to his shirtless performances of many of their songs. Trending on social media platforms like TikTok began to bring in even more fans and success to The Driver Era as a band. People who had even forgotten about Ross Lynch as a celebrity became re-exposed to him and his music which only further propelled his band to success with more fans and supporters.
“I remembered watching Ross Lynch on Austin and Ally growing up and then I came to find out that he has a band through TikTok,” explains Emily Lusk.
Not only did his internet fame cause his band to gain more fans, but it even coined Ross Lynch as the “internet’s boyfriend.” Troye Sivan mentioned this term while describing why he invited Lynch to be in his music video, “One Of Your Girls,” which only further contributed to the outreach and popularity of Ross Lynch and The Driver Era.
Through The Driver Era trending all over social media, they have gained so many fans, turning them from a small indie band supported by only hard core followers, to a sensational internet band worthy of genuine artistic praise.
However, this is not the first time we’ve heard this story. Although much more popular, Olivia Rodrigo has had a similar journey to this. Starring in popular shows on disney channel such as “Bizaardvark” and “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” Olivia Rodrigo had no problem establishing herself as a well-known Disney actor. After releasing her first original song “Drivers License,” it blew up all over social media including TikTok and Instagram. This song, in addition to her Disney career, allowed Rodrigo to be the successful global popstar that she is today.
However, this story has not just extended to Ross Lynch and Olivia Rodrigo. Music stars like Miley Cyrus, Sabrina Carpenter, Bridgit Mendler, Demi Lovato, Dove Cameron, and Selena Gomez all are very successful musical artists that that have starred in Disney shows and movies which have allowed them to become so popular and the internet rave that many of these artists were or have become.
Throughout Ross Lynch’s career, Disney has served as a platform for Lynch and his band and just like many other big names, has helped him with his success in the music industry.