Battle Creek, MI — GHS Strings is excited to officially welcome Apes of the State, the Lancaster, PA–based folk punk band, to its family of endorsed artists. Known for their raw, honest lyricism and infectious live energy, Apes of the State represent the heart of the DIY music community — and now they're representing GHS on stages worldwide.

Apes of the State was born in 2015 from singer/songwriter April Hartman's post-rehab bedroom folk punk project. What started as a deeply personal creative outlet has become a fully realized band with a devoted grassroots following. Today, the lineup features April Hartman on vocals and guitar, Dan Ebersole on mandolin and electric guitar, Mollie Swartz on bass and violin, and Ian Cornele on drums.

"I've been exclusively using the GHS Bright Bronze and Phosphor Bronze mandolin strings for 10 years. I like that they are very balanced and have a lot of bite. We tour the whole world playing a variety of venues and climates, and these strings hold up against the elements of humidity, heat, cold, and anything else the road throws at us. Punk shows are not always very forgiving to acoustic instruments, but I rarely ever have to deal with a broken string on stage. Overall, they are tough, reliable, and simply sound great."

- Dan Ebersole, Apes of the State

Through relentless DIY touring and community-building, Apes of the State has carved out a space in the punk and folk scenes. Their discography — including This City Isn't Big Enough (2016), Pipe Dream (2019), and their 2023 split EP They Can't Kill Us All — showcases their signature blend of folk punk, pop-punk energy, and emotionally resonant storytelling. They've also pioneered unique outreach efforts, including their "Rehab Tour," performing at recovery centers and connecting with audiences beyond the traditional venue circuit.

"Apes of the State embodies everything we love about independent music — authenticity, grit, and heart," said GHS Strings CEO Russ McFee. "We're honored to support them with strings that will hold up to the passion they bring to every show."

Fans can catch Apes of the State on tour throughout 2025, with dates across North America, Canada, Europe, and the UK.

For more information, visit apesofthestate.com and follow them on Instagram and YouTube.