Active Transport band gearing up to play Byron Good Neighbor Days

When local band Active Transport hits the stage at Byron’s Good Neighbor Days on Friday, July 18, the performance will mark more than just a show. It will celebrate a journey that began in a Byron High School biology class and has grown into one of the area’s most promising young music acts.
The six-member group, known for energetic live shows and genre-blending original songs, will perform from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Bryon Community Recreational Complex as part of the festival’s Summer Fun Series. The set will include a mix of covers and original tracks, including the professionally released single, “Opposites Attract.”
Active Transport was formed in June 2023 after guitarist and songwriter Conner attended a show by Rochester band Amateur. Inspired to start a band, Conner recruited Evan on drums and later Jay on lead guitar. As the group expanded, Maddie joined on vocals and DrewAnne on bass.
Originally called The Octave Keys, a nod to the saxophone played by the founding members, the band changed names as new members with different musical backgrounds joined. The final name came from a biology class lesson on cellular processes.
“We were learning about active transport in class, and we all thought it sounded cool,” Conner said. “It stuck.”
Each member brings a unique musical background. Evan, who started on saxophone before picking up drums, says playing is shaped by decades of rock and roll and a deep sense of rhythm. Conner draws inspiration from classic rock radio and began writing songs almost as soon as guitar began playing.
Maddie, who has been singing since childhood, says music has always been a source of joy and connection. “That show with Zammek was the first time I felt confident on stage,” Maddie said. “I wasn’t super nervous, and I had so much fun.”
DrewAnne’s background includes piano, choir and dance, while Jay picked up guitar during the pandemic and now writes songs that reflect personal struggles and emotional growth.
“Our music tastes and experiences blend when we play,” Jay said. “That’s one of my favorite parts about being in this band.”
The band’s favorite performance so far was opening for Rochester rock band Zammek at The Stage at Pure Rock Studios.
“It was such a professional atmosphere,” Maddie said. “The stage was amazing.”
“It felt like we had gotten somewhere in our journey as a band,” Evan added.
The songwriting process is collaborative, with Conner and Jay often bringing in initial ideas that the group builds on together. Conner’s songs are often inspired by dreams or stories, while Jay’s lyrics come from moments of hardship.
“I usually hear the lyrics in my head once the instrumental is done,” Jay said. “Then Maddie adapts them to fit the singing style.”
Active Transport is currently working on a first full-length album, “Osmosis,” which is being recorded out of Conner’s bedroom. The album will include all original songs to date, including “Opposites Attract,” which is available on all major streaming platforms.
With three members entering their senior year of high school, the band is focused on making the most of the time together.
“We want to book as many gigs as we can and share those moments with our supporters,” Conner said.
The group is also committed to keeping live shows fresh. “We are always working on new songs and brainstorming ways to add stage presence,” Jay said. “No two concerts are the same.”
When asked what listeners should take away from the music, the band’s answers reflect passion and humility.
“I hope people just have fun,” Evan said. “Even I don’t always know the lyrics, but you can still feel the love for music we put into the world.”
“I want people to enjoy it as much as we do,” Jay added. “Music is something dear to all of us.”
For more on Active Transport’s upcoming shows and releases, follow @activetransportband on Instagram.
For a full schedule of Good Neighbor Days events, visit byrongnd.com.