You probably know them from that one song that took over your TikTok feed or maybe from a random Netflix binge. But honestly, the Wallows band members aren't just another group of actors trying to play at being rock stars. They’ve been at this since they were literally kids. Long before "Are You Bored Yet?" went platinum, Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters, and Cole Preston were just three friends jamming in a garage under names like The Feaver and The Narwhals.
It's kinda wild when you think about it. Most "actor bands" feel manufactured. This feels like a lifelong pact.
The chemistry between them isn't something you can fake in a studio. They’ve grown up together, navigating the weird transition from child stardom to indie-rock darlings. If you're looking to understand why their sound shifts so much—from the lo-fi bedroom pop of Nothing Happens to the more experimental, polished vibes of Model—you have to look at the individuals behind the instruments. Each member brings a totally different energy to the table.
The trio at the core: Dylan, Braeden, and Cole
Let's get the obvious out of the way first. Dylan Minnette is the face many people recognize immediately. Yeah, he was Clay Jensen in 13 Reasons Why, and he’s been in everything from Lost to Scream. But if you talk to him, he’ll tell you music was always the plan. He’s the co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. His voice has that distinct, slightly anxious, melodic quality that defines a lot of their biggest hits. He isn’t just a "celebrity frontman"; he’s deeply involved in the songwriting and the visual aesthetic of the band.
Then there’s Braeden Lemasters. He’s the other co-lead vocalist and lead guitarist. If Dylan is the "indie-pop" side of the coin, Braeden often feels like the "classic rock" side. He’s got this incredible range and a way of playing guitar that feels very much inspired by the 80s post-punk era. You can hear his influence heavily in tracks where the guitar work takes center stage. Like Dylan, he’s been acting since he was a kid (you might remember him from Men of a Certain Age), which probably explains why both of them are so comfortable on stage.
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Rounding out the group is Cole Preston. He’s the drummer, but honestly, calling him just the drummer is a bit of a disservice. Cole is a multi-instrumentalist who often handles keys, guitar, and backing vocals. He’s frequently cited as the "musical glue" of the group. Fun fact: he’s even taken the lead on vocals for a few tracks, like "Quarterback," which became a massive fan favorite. His production instincts are a huge part of why Wallows sounds so crisp.
Why their friendship actually matters for the music
Most bands break up because of ego. With the Wallows band members, there’s a decade-plus of history that prevents that. They met at a music program called "Join the Band" in Van Nuys when they were barely teenagers. That’s a long time to know someone. They’ve seen each other through awkward phases, career highs, and the grueling reality of touring.
When they’re in the studio, it’s not a "frontman plus backing band" dynamic. It’s a democracy. They’ve mentioned in interviews with NME and Rolling Stone that they often swap instruments and roles. This fluidity is why they don't get stuck in one genre. They aren't afraid to let Cole lead or let Braeden take a song in a completely different direction than what Dylan might have initially imagined.
Breaking down the Wallows sound and evolution
The band’s sound is basically a love letter to the last forty years of alternative music. You can hear bits of The Cure, The Strokes, and even some Vampire Weekend in there. But they’ve managed to make it feel fresh for a Gen Z audience.
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- The Early Days: In 2017, they released "Pleaser," which was a total DIY anthem. It reached number two on the Spotify Global Viral 50 chart without a label. That was the moment people realized these guys weren't just "actors with a hobby."
- The Breakthrough: Nothing Happens (2019) remains their definitive work for many fans. Produced by John Congleton (who has worked with St. Vincent and Sharon Van Etten), it captured that specific feeling of leaving your youth behind.
- The Pandemic Shift: Remote was an EP recorded entirely while they were apart during the COVID-19 lockdowns. It was experimental, a bit chaotic, and utilized more electronic elements.
- The Sophisticated Era: Tell Me That It’s Over (2022) and their latest work, Model (2024), show them leaning into a more "California cool" aesthetic. It's smoother, more intentional, and shows a band that is becoming very comfortable in their own skin.
What people get wrong about "The Actor Band" label
There’s this weird stigma in the music industry. If you’re an actor first, critics want to dismiss your music as a vanity project. We saw it with everyone from Jared Leto to even newer artists. But Wallows fought that off pretty early.
How? By touring. A lot.
They didn't just play tiny showcases in LA. They hit the road, played festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza, and proved they could actually play their instruments live. There are no backing tracks doing the heavy lifting here. When you see the Wallows band members on stage, Braeden is shredding, Dylan is high-energy, and Cole is holding down a complex rhythm section.
Honestly, the acting background probably helped them more than it hurt them in terms of performance. They know how to command a stage. They understand the "show" part of "show business." But the music is what keeps people coming back. You don’t get billions of streams just because people like your TV show. The songs have to be good. And the songs are good.
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The discography: A quick roadmap for new fans
If you're just getting into them, don't just stick to the hits. You’ve gotta dig a little deeper.
- "Are You Bored Yet?" (feat. Clairo): The gateway drug. It’s perfect bedroom pop.
- "Scrawny": This is where you see their sense of humor. It’s self-deprecating and catchy as hell.
- "Remember When": A high-energy track that shows off Cole’s drumming and the band’s ability to write a massive indie-rock hook.
- "Quarterback": Watch for Cole on vocals here. It’s a bit more lo-fi and dreamy.
- "Your Apartment": A standout from their newer material that proves they haven't lost their edge as they've gotten more famous.
The future of Wallows
As of 2026, the band is in a really interesting spot. They’ve moved past the "up-and-coming" phase and are now a staple of the alternative scene. They’re selling out arenas and headlining major slots at festivals globally.
There’s always talk about whether Dylan will go back to acting full-time, but he’s been pretty vocal about the fact that Wallows is his priority. He even turned down major roles to ensure the band could tour and record. That kind of commitment is rare.
What’s next? Probably more genre-bending. They’ve expressed interest in working with different producers and exploring more analog sounds. Whatever they do, the core remains those three guys who met in a Van Nuys garage.
Actionable steps for Wallows fans
If you want to stay updated on the band and truly appreciate their work, here is how to dive in:
- Watch the Live Sessions: Check out their "At Home" sessions or their performances at Third Man Records. It gives you a much better sense of their technical skill than the studio recordings alone.
- Follow the Credits: Look at who they collaborate with. Working with producers like Ariel Rechtshaid (Vampire Weekend, HAIM) on their recent tracks has changed their sound significantly. Understanding those connections helps you appreciate the musical layers.
- Check the Side Projects: While they are primarily a unit, seeing their individual influences—like Cole’s interest in production or Braeden’s love for classic power-pop—will give you a better "ear" for who wrote what.
- Catch a Live Show: If they are on tour, go. The energy of the Wallows band members live is significantly different from their recorded versions. It's louder, faster, and much more "rock" than "pop."
Wallows isn't just a flash in the pan. They are a legitimate, hard-working band that has earned their spot at the top of the indie charts. Whether you're here for the celebrity connection or the infectious melodies, there’s no denying that the trio has built something that's going to last for a long time.