July For Kings are a post-grunge and alternative rock band formed in Middletown, Ohio in 1998. Fronted by singer-songwriter Joe Hedges, the band built a devoted following across the Cincinnati region before signing with MCA Records and earning radio placement in markets from Las Vegas to Cleveland. They toured extensively with Collective Soul, Counting Crows, Muse, and Nine Days.

After MCA's dissolution in 2003, the band continued independently, releasing several albums including Nostalgia (2005) — CD Baby's #1 selling album at its release — and Middletown (2015). A sold-out 20th anniversary show at Cincinnati's Woodward Theater in 2022 reignited the band's fire. They've been writing and recording since.

The band went through several lineup changes over the years, including a stint with Amos Heller on bass, who has since spent many years playing bass for Taylor Swift.

The current lineup — Hedges (vocals/guitar), T Miller (cello/guitar/vocals), Dan McQuinn (drums), John McGuire (guitar), and Brian Ives (bass) — has released new singles and is heading back to the stage in 2026 with new music in hand.

July For Kings are featured in the Cincinnati Library's Social Stairs installation, celebrating the city's music history from 1945 to 2023. The Cincinnati Enquirer has named them among the city's most successful artists.