A new Athens band hopes to quickly become a favorite among college students who are looking for something a little different in the Classic City.

The Setting hopes hard work, networking and talent will help them become a popular pop-rock band in Athens.

The band added lead singer Austin Collins a month ago and has since established a name for itself with its unique sound.

“Playing with them for the first time was exciting because I got to add my own flair to the music that was already pretty awesome,” Collins said.

Guitar players Nick Bennett and Jamie King, as well as bass player Nathan Carlson, are all University students. And drummer Ryan Stevenson attends Gainesville College.

The group found each other through the popular online classified Web site Craigslist.

After starting out playing at friends’ parties, the group of five students played at Rye Bar during AthFest, and recently performed at the Caledonia Lounge on Clayton Street.

They attribute their success to networking; they were able to play at Rye Bar because they knew the person in charge of booking. Stevenson also credits their hard work for such quick booking.

Right now they are building a fan base locally and just completed recording an EP. The group works with Tyler Webb, event producer of Direct Athens Music, as well as Seth Stringham of Ironsight Productions, who produced their entire EP.

The EP has five tracks and should be available for $5 in the next few weeks. The band hopes the release will get their name out and be a gateway for future success.

“I hope it puts us on the map and that people get a taste of us,” Collins said.

The Setting describe their music style as pop-rock and they compare themselves to the alternative band Say Anything.

“Our style is straightforward rock with hinges of pop and punk,” King said.

With so many musicians and popular bands in Athens it can be difficult to be unique, but the members of the Setting think their distinctive style will help them stand out.

The band said there is a deficit for pop rock bands in Athens. They believe the deficit, combined with their high-energy performances will make them stand out in a city of budding musicians.

The group members seemed honored to play in a town with such a rich music history. When speaking of groups such as R.E.M., their excitement was unmistakable.

“Athens is one of the birthplaces of alternative music,” King said.

Athens is also a place where people are generally interested in music, the band members said. They are grateful of the support they have received from the University community.

The band said making music for them is second nature.

“When I’m playing with them it brings me a sense of happiness and comfort that is incomparable,” Bennett said.

“I get such an adrenaline rush watching the fans’ reactions,” King said. “Its addicting.”

The band is looking to add a keyboardist – preferably one who could also add vocals to Collins’ lineup.

In the future, The Setting hopes to go on tour, possibly by next year. They would love to be able to play at the 40 Watt Club or the Georgia Theatre once it re-opens.