Formed in Rochester, NY, Taking Meds began as a tight-knit group around 2012–2013, with core members Skylar Sarkis, Ben Kotin, Jon Markson, and Noah Linn anchoring the project. The band quickly established a reputation for high-energy live performances and a knack for crafting memorable, sing-along hooks within a post-hardcore framework. Their evolution is marked by a series of well-received recordings and collaborations with renowned producer Kurt Ballou, known for his work with heavy indie and hardcore acts.
Their breakthrough came with The 2019 shift showcased on I Hate Me (Near Mint), signaling a move toward more polished, yet still aggressive, song structures. In 2021, Terrible News From Wonderful Men arrived, produced by Kurt Ballou and released on Smartpunk Records, featuring the single Lifesaver. The band continued to explore heavier yet accessible terrain with Dial M For Meds (Smartpunk, 2023), which includes standout tracks Memory Lane and Outside. A 2024 EP, EXT MEDS, collects b-sides from the Dial M For Meds era and includes a cover of My Bloody Valentine’s Drive It All Over Me.
Taking Meds has toured extensively across the US and Canada, including a 2022 Northeast tour with The Flatliners and continued 2023–24 runs that expanded their footprint across the continent. Their social presence centers on Bandcamp, with linked updates across Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, providing fans with direct access to new music, tour news, and behind-the-scenes content.