People R Ugly

People R Ugly are a SoCal-based alt-pop band carving out their own lane at the intersection of punk energy, indie experimentation, and hip-hop/pop-forward songwriting. Comprised of Zak Dossi, Bill Biers, Julian Del Grosso, and Tristan Kevitch, the four-piece has built a reputation for music that feels immediate and lived-in — hooky, emotional, and designed to hit just as hard on stage as it does online.

The band recently announced their debut album, GARAGE, a project created entirely in Zak’s garage in Orange County. Every song was written and recorded there, giving the album its name and its raw, hands-on energy. The band describes the record as unlike anything they’ve made before, born out of experimentation, spontaneity, and a willingness to push themselves creatively. Their hope is that the album makes listeners laugh, cry, dance, mosh, and maybe even smile at an unexpected feature.

At the heart of the album is the focus track “SLEEP TALKING,” an anthemic alt/indie rock song inspired by The Strokes. The band describes the song as a reflection on life — the anxiety of time passing faster each year, lying awake wondering if you’ll ever become the person you want to be, and ultimately the realization that everything will be okay. With lyrics like “close your eyes and let it be, you’re sleep talking to me,” the track evokes the feeling of a nostalgic road trip with friends that can only be relived through memory.

The record also includes the cinematic indie-pop single “WAKE UP,” accompanied by a music video featuring a cameo from Mark Hoppus of blink-182, as well as “EL CAMINO,” a collaboration with Sublime frontman Jakob Nowell that nods to the band’s West Coast roots.
The band’s origin story is just as unconventional as their music. Drummer Tristan Kevitch spent two years cold-calling Los Angeles venues without a band, songs, or even a name, until the Whisky A Go Go finally offered him a slot. Within five days, he recruited Zak, who then brought in Bill and Julian, and the band sold out their very first show. That journey was documented by Yes Theory’s sister page, Seek Discomfort, on YouTube and has since amassed over 500,000 views.

Since then, People R Ugly have been featured by Rolling Stone, Ones To Watch, Complex Music, The Recording Academy, and Music Breakr, alongside organic DSP support including radio spins, VEVO live sessions, and a YouTube billboard on Sunset Boulevard. Just last year, the band capped off a breakout run with performances at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Summerfest, and Warped Tour, consistently drawing standout crowds and generating viral moments. Their reach continues to grow rapidly, with over 22 million total streams, 100 million-plus combined views across platforms, and more than 500,000 combined followers to date.