Most bands of today seem boring and depressing, as if their puppies were run over. Johnny 9 and the Racers is different; playing live shows filled with enough energy to convert the saddest of concert goers into fans. By word of mouth and constant self-promotion, one of the hardest working bands in Connecticut has managed to get air play on college and corporate radio. In summer of 2006, the band also pushed their way into the national “Bodog Battle of the Bands.” Because of the overwhelmingly good response by voters on the Bodog website, the band was invited to play the semifinals in New York City. With all the shows and attention they have been receiving in the passed few months, many are blown away to find out the band is achieving all this themselves.

Johnny 9 and the Racers formed over five years ago by the same six members who share the stage today. They have developed a strong following of dedicated fans by mixing the upbeat ska rhythms of The Specials and the pop/punk edge of The Descendents with catchy pop hooks in the vein of Elvis Costello. The band released their Easier Said Than Done EP which sold over 100 copies in its first week from show and mail order sales alone, as well as scoring a substantial amount of radio play on dozens of East Coast college radio stations. The music/interactive web CD titled Underground Sounds soon followed in 2006. The CD's limited pressing quickly sold out after just two shows.

Johnny 9 and the Racers has played with numerous local and nationally touring acts all around the state. Fans of all musical tastes are won over by the band's charisma and energy on stage, so much so in fact that they were voted by TopsInAmerica.com as one of the “Top 10 bands to see Live in Connecticut.” There’s not a night that you won’t see the band giving their absolute all for an audience of any size.

In 2006, the band stepped into the studio to record their first full length album titled Open Up Your Ears. The eight hour days of nonstop work produced 8 songs of high energy ska/rock/pop. In regards to the new CD, CTSka.com stated, "Johnny 9 and the Racers' newest release, Open Up Your Ears, is sure to turn plenty of heads as it has already turned mine. With excellent musicality, professional recording quality, and an energy exclusively J9, I can't see them not making a huge splash with this 8-track creation.” The album is selling exceptionally well, after only a few months the album is already on its second pressing. Songs from the album have been played on corporate radio (a hard task for a young band that manages and promotes themselves) and the college stations can’t seem to get enough of it. With an East Coast tour planned for the summer, the band is sure to gain a large following along the Atlantic seaboard.