Cartel is a pop-punk band that gained significant attention in the mid-2000s for their energetic sound and catchy melodies. Formed in 2003 in Conyers, Georgia, the band consists of vocalist/bassist Will Pugh, lead guitarist Joseph Pepper, guitarist Nic Hudson, and drummer Kevin Sanders. Their debut album "Chroma," released in 2005, featured hits like "Honestly" and "Say Anything (Else)," earning them a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. They were also named Yahoo! Music's winner in the March 2006 "Who's Next" competition.

In 2007, Cartel participated in an innovative project with MTV called "Band in a Bubble," where they were isolated in a glass bubble in New York City for 20 days to record their self-titled sophomore album. This album, "Cartel," expanded its popularity with the single "Lose It." Despite the difference in commercial success compared to their debut, the band remained a prominent name in the pop-punk scene. In 2009, they released their album "Cycles," which featured the singles "Let's Go" and "The Perfect Mistake."

After moving on from Epic Records, Cartel continued to release music, including albums like "Cycles" and "Collider." Their body of work continued to grow, showcasing their evolution as musicians while staying true to their pop-punk roots. They embarked on several tours, supporting acts like All Time Low, Boys Like Girls, Third Eye Blind, and LMFAO. In 2012, they co-headlined a space tour, and Pugh started producing artists in the Atlanta area.

In addition to their activities with Cartel, band members pursued other projects. In April 2020, Will Pugh released an EP for a new side project called TAURIDS. Despite these side projects, the band continues to be active and celebrated in the music community. They embarked on a 10-year anniversary tour for "Chroma" in 2014 and supported Dashboard Confessional and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness on select dates of the Hello Gone Days tour in 2022.

Cartel's legacy in the pop-punk genre is marked by its infectious hooks, memorable live shows, and the impact of its early work. In July 2022, the band released "17," its first new single in nine years. Even as it has shifted focus to other projects, the band remains an important figure in the music community, known for its contributions to the mid-2000s pop-punk resurgence.

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