THE RUST BELT was formed October 2020 by Michael Bilinski (PAGAN) and Vex X (STARSKREAM). The duo quickly recruited vocalist Ryan Whyte Maloney, a finalist on the sixth season of the hit NBC series THE VOICE. Their first song, TIME, debuted on THE WILL KEENAN TRANSMISSION (WCFA 101.5 FM) the following month accompanied by an award winning video. Guitarist Bill Lloyd (EDIT/ERASE) made his official debut with the band August 2021.
Ryan passed away January 2025. Michael, Vex and Bill decided to continue creating new music while paying tribute to Ryan's legacy.
Since its formation THE RUST BELT has received extensive press, won dozens of film festival awards and accumulated more than 100,000,000 streams. According to MUSO.AI the band is currently in the top 2% of artists worldwide.
THE RUST BELT is partnered with UK based label THE GENEPOOL to distribute their music via VIRGIN MUSIC GROUP / UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP.