The seeds of 40 Below Summer were sown in 1998, when drummer and Peruvian native Carlos Aguilar started jamming with singer Illidge. Joe D'Amico came into the fold next, followed by Jordan Plingos and Puerto Rican-born Hector Graziani. A self-released EP called Sideshow Freaks and constant gigging in New Jersey and New York helped foster a buzz about the band, and after numerous showcases on both coasts, a deal was signed with London/Sire Records. Their major label debut, Invitation To The Dance, was released in October of 2001, produced by the legendary GGGarth Richardson (Rage Against The Machine, Kittie).
