Downplay is an American alternative metal band formed in Athens, Ohio in 2003, and is now based in Columbus, Ohio. The group consists of vocalist Dustin Bates, bassist Ron DeChant, and drummer Brian Patrick. The band has released four full studio albums and three EPs to date and have recorded with producer Dave Fortman. Their song, "Hated You From Hello" was featured for Game Changer of the Year in the 2011 WWE Slammys. During an AMA on Reddit in August 2014, Bates revealed that he's still working on new music for Downplay, but hasn't received the "blessing" of the label to release it. By this time, he had released an album with a new project, featuring Bates and bandmate Ron DeChant, Starset.