Thirty Seconds to Mars

Over 4.0M+ followers on spotify, Popular for music genre.

Thirty Seconds to Mars was formed in 1998 by lead vocalist Jared Leto and his brother, drummer Shannon Leto. Jared Leto, born on December 26, 1971, in Bossier City, Louisiana, first gained fame as an actor in the 1990s, starring in movies like 'Requiem for a Dream' and the TV series 'My So-Called Life'. Despite his acting career, music was a lifelong passion. Raised in a creative and artistic family, the Letos moved around frequently due to their mother’s job. Growing up, they were exposed to a wide array of musical influences, including the likes of The Beatles and Pink Floyd, ingraining a love for rock and experimental sounds early on. Jared and Shannon grew up in various parts of the United States, mostly in Colorado and Louisiana, where they began experimenting with musical instruments from an early age. Jared initially learned to play the piano, while Shannon was drawn to percussion. Their unique name, Thirty Seconds to Mars, is inspired by a rare manuscript that the duo read, emphasizing their vision of a prospective futuristic world. Their mother, who was an integral part of their artistic upbringing, always encouraged creativity and exploration of the arts. This support was pivotal in the musical journey of the Leto brothers, allowing them to pursue a career in music full-heartedly.

The genesis of Thirty Seconds to Mars began when Jared Leto decided to channel his creative energies from acting into music. The band officially came together in 1998, initially as a small family project. Over time, they evolved from an alt-rock band with a propensity for experimental sounds to a global phenomenon. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2002, was an ambitious mix of progressive rock and sci-fi concepts. Julian Leto’s powerful, emotive vocals and complex lyrical compositions gained them a niche fanbase. However, it was their second album, 'A Beautiful Lie' (2005), that marked a turning point. This album achieved commercial success and introduced the band to a wider audience, featuring singles like 'The Kill' and 'From Yesterday'. Over the years, the band’s music evolved to incorporate elements of synth-rock, electronic, and neo-psychedelia. Their third studio album, 'This Is War' (2009), showcased a significant evolution in their sound, driven by collaborations and the expansive narrative of its lyrics. 'Love Lust Faith + Dreams' (2013) further solidified their reputation as innovators, featuring more orchestrated sounds and electronic influences. The band’s ability to adapt and push boundaries has earned them a dedicated fan following. 'America' (2018) marked their continued evolution, featuring contemporary pop influences while retaining their lyrical depth. Known for their grandiose live performances and visual storytelling, Thirty Seconds to Mars has continuously redefined and expanded their musical boundaries.

Thirty Seconds to Mars boasts a discography that includes five studio albums, each portraying a distinct phase in their musical journey. Their debut self-titled album was released in 2002, marking their entry into the music scene with a unique blend of alternative and progressive rock. The album, though not an immediate commercial hit, was critically acclaimed for its rich lyrics and experimental sound. They followed this with 'A Beautiful Lie' in 2005, an album that catapulted them into mainstream success. The singles 'The Kill' and 'From Yesterday' ranked high on the charts and became staples of the band’s live performances. In 2009, 'This Is War' marked another evolutionary leap with its expansive thematic elements and incorporation of a more anthemic rock sound. This album included hits like 'Kings and Queens' and 'Closer to the Edge'. 'Love Lust Faith + Dreams', released in 2013, leaned into more electronic influences and was praised for its ambitious and cohesive concept. The band’s fifth studio album, 'America', arrived in 2018, featuring a contemporary sound with chart-topping singles like 'Walk on Water' and 'Rescue Me'. This album's thematic and sonic ambitions continued to showcase their capability for growth and adaptation. Each album not only encapsulates the band’s evolving sound but also reflects their commitment to exploring new musical landscapes.

Over the years, Thirty Seconds to Mars has produced several hit singles that have garnered significant chart success and streaming popularity. Songs like 'The Kill' from their second album became a defining rock anthem, peaking at #3 on the US Alternative Songs chart. 'From Yesterday' also enjoyed chart success, further establishing the band’s reputation in the rock domain. 'This Is War' produced 'Kings and Queens', a song that not only charted highly but also won multiple awards for its music video. The band’s ability to craft monumental rock anthems is evident in tracks like 'Closer to the Edge', which became a fan favorite and staple of their live sets. The success of singles such as 'Walk on Water', which served as a powerful anthem with social and political overtones, was demonstrated by its performance on rock charts worldwide. The band has continued to produce chart-topping hits like 'Rescue Me', showcasing their penchant for blending introspective lyrics with catchy melodies. Their innovative approach to music and ability to resonate with global audiences can be seen in their consistent chart presence and robust streaming numbers across platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

Throughout their career, Thirty Seconds to Mars has collaborated with several artists and producers that have shaped their sound and broadened their musical horizons. On their album 'Love Lust Faith + Dreams', the band worked with renowned producers like Steve Lillywhite, known for his work with U2 and The Rolling Stones, bringing a polished and expansive sound to the record. For the album 'America', they collaborated with notable musicians and producers including Zedd, reflecting the band’s openness to explore electronic pop influences. Thirty Seconds to Mars has also ventured into creative collaborations outside the music industry, working with actors and directors on visually stunning music videos and film projects. Jared Leto’s connections in Hollywood have allowed the band to cultivate relationships with prominent artists, enriching their creative output. One of the notable collaborations outside traditional music channels was their theatrical project, 'Mars 300', including performances inspired by their music. The band’s openness to collaboration has helped them remain relevant and innovative over the decades.

Thirty Seconds to Mars has received widespread recognition from both the music industry and fans alike. The band has been nominated for and has won numerous industry accolades, including several MTV Europe Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. One of their most significant achievements was the win for Best Rock Video for 'Kings and Queens' at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. The band has also garnered nominations for the prestigious Grammy Awards, further solidifying their place in the rock music pantheon. 'The Kill' and 'A Beautiful Lie' were both certified Platinum by the RIAA, highlighting significant commercial success. Their innovative music videos, often directed by Jared Leto under the pseudonym Bartholomew Cubbins, have been recognized for their narrative depth and creativity, with 'Hurricane' being particularly noted for its cinematic approach. This recognition underscores the band’s impact and influence within the music industry and their ability to transcend traditional rock boundaries.

Thirty Seconds to Mars has left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape, influencing a generation of musicians and fans with their innovative sound and ambitious projects. Their visual artistry, marked by cinematic music videos and theatrical live performances, has set a new standard in the industry. The band’s commitment to blending different genres has helped pave the way for alt-rock bands to explore more eclectic sounds, bridging the gap between rock, electronic, and pop music. Culturally, they have been champions of promoting issues of social and political significance, using their platform to address contemporary themes and inspire change among their audiences. More than just a band, Thirty Seconds to Mars has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, cultivating a massive global fanbase known as the 'Echelon'. Their legacy is not only evident in their music but also in their ability to engage communities worldwide and foster a deep, personal connection with their fans, leaving a lasting impact both musically and culturally.