Watch CBS News

Detroit Proud Playlist: Week of 3/02 - Special 'I Prevail' Edition!

It's not often a local band hits mainstream success with a cover of a pop-starlet's song...but that's exactly what post-hardcore band I Prevail did. The four-piece hard-rockers, Brian Burkheiser (vocals), Eric Vanlerberghe (vocals), Steve Menoian (guitar), and Lee Runestad (drums), turned the deliciously-sweet "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift into a hard and heavy rock ballad that will still tear at your heartstrings.

I Prevail
(credit: http://www.iprevailband.bigcartel.com/)

I Prevail released the cover on YouTube on December 1, 2014, and in a matter of days, the video went viral – to the extreme. By January 16th, 2015, their cover of "Blank Space" had reached over 2.2 MILLION world-wide views. Today? That number is over 5.8 million – and counting! It even soared to the No. 1 spot on the real-time Billboard + Twitter Emerging Artists chart on January 9th, and even the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 90.

See the YouTube video of I Prevail's cover of Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" here!

The band formed in the Metro-Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills, and with their release of the cover also came the debut release of their EP Heart vs. Mind. The post-hardcore meets melodic metalcore album (much like another Detroit-native band: We Came As Romans) opened in on Top Rock Albums at No. 9 and on the Billboard 200 at No. 88. Not too shabby for the band's first release.

With all of their success, it's hard to believe this band is yet to be signed to a major label – though, then again, maybe they're OK with that. They just announced a complete North American tour, with dates all across the U.S. and parts of Canada – and, of course, two stops in Michigan.

We thought we'd dedicate this week's Detroit Proud Playlist to the pretty-boy, hardcore rockers that are known as I Prevail.

First stop: The ever-talked about cover…

Blank Space
(credit: http://www.iprevailband.bigcartel.com/)

1. "Blank Space" (Taylor Swift)

Now, from their debut-release album Heart vs. Mind

I Prevail
(credit: http://www.iprevailband.bigcartel.com/)

2. "Heart vs. Mind"
3. "Crossroads"
4. "Love, Lust and Liars"
5. "Face Your Demons"
6. "The Enemy"
7. "My Heart I Surrender"
8. "Deceivers"

For more information, or full tour details, visit I Prevail's website here!

Tell us, what do YOU think about I Prevail's cover of "Blank Space"?

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.