Waterparks are not the average pop-punk band. In fact, I think I’d argue they are on the verge of stardom. Lead singer Awsten Knight landed the cover of Alternative Press Magazine’s Warped Tour issue, and as the band explains in this interview, they have already been stalked by Sleeping With Sirens’ Kellin Quinn — who gave his stamp of approval. You’ll find my full video interview with the band at this year’s Warped Tour below.
Reel Big Fish are real big jokers — they don’t take themselves, nor much else too seriously. I spoke with the band at Warped Tour this year and you can find the video interview below.
Every once in a while a band comes along that refuses to fit into the constraints of one genre, and American Authors are a refreshing reminder of how liberating that can sound. Since tip-toeing onto the scene a few years ago, the band has landed on radio, television, and Warped Tour. Their song “Best Day” is as ubiquitous as the sunshine in the summer, but their new album What We Live For features the new single “Go Big or Go Home,” and is making its way everywhere. I spoke with Zac from the band at this year’s Warped Tour and you’ll find that video interview below.
Bassist Seth Bolt discusses why H A R D L O V E is not a typical Needtobreathe record, how the success of “Brothers” bolstered their confidence, the beauty that comes from new life, and the second year of Tour De Compadres.
Every Time I Die have been around for over 15 years now, and they are showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. The band just announced that their eighth studio album, Low Teens, will be out September 23rd on Epitaph Records. I spoke with guitarist Andy Williams at the first stop of the Warped Tour this year and you can find that interview below.
Emarosa will be releasing their new album, 131, on July 8th via Hopeless Records. I feel as though 131 shatters the mold the band previously sat in and stands out as a modern rock masterpiece that delivers hit after hearft-felt hit. I recently had the opportunity to talk with frontman Bradley Walden as the band heads out on Warped Tour. You can find that interview by hitting read more.
Bassist Tim Foreman explains the specialness behind Switchfoot’s 10th album, Where the Light Shines Through, how he was surprised by its hopefulness, and why failure is underrated.
Polyenso are an indie rock band featuring Alex Schults, Brennan Taulbee, and Denny Agosto. At this year’s Bonnaroo I talked with the band about their latest release, Pure in Plastic. You can find the full interview below.
As we pass the midway mark of 2016, it’s nice to sit back and reflect on the great albums that have come out so far this year. Below you’ll find a compiled list that looks at the selected albums from contributors and moderators to this website, as well as all of the broken down individual lists. Maybe there will be some albums you’ve heard of, hopefully there will be quite a few you haven’t checked out yet, and maybe there will be a few you’ll want to give a second look. I think it’s been a pretty damn good year for music so far and there’s quite a bit to still look forward to as well.
There’s a thread in our music forum where we’d love to see your lists.
To say that Taking Back Sunday is a polarizing band is an understatement. For nearly 15 years now the Long Island-based band have gone through it all – inter-band drama, outer-band drama, more member changes than they’d like to admit, and the transition from emo darlings to bonafide rock stars. And while not every fan has always enjoyed every change the band has gone through musically and professionally, Taking Back Sunday has always stuck to their vision. And the same can be said about the band’s latest song, “Tidal Wave,” the first single from the band’s upcoming seventh LP of the same name.
Frontman Tim Skipper unpacks the story behind House of Heroes’ concept record Colors, including the difficulties and freedoms that come with tackling such a project, and the band’s early ties to Twenty One Pilots.
Last week Yellowcard made the announcement that their forthcoming self-titled album would also be their last. After nearly 20 years, the pop punk outfit has decided to call it quits. So it only seemed fitting that we use this week’s playlist to honor the band and take a look back at their long and noteworthy career.
As always, the rules are 22 songs and a two song encore. Check out the full track listing below and stream the playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.
This week’s episode of Encore looks at our favorite albums so far from 2016. Next week we’ll be posting our contributor and moderator list feature, but, before that you can hear your favorite podcast hosts explain what albums they like the best and how they came up with their very scientific lists. We also talk about beer, the NBA finals, Yellowcard saying goodbye, Paramore, Every Time I Die, Eisley, and a little about Blink-182 (but expect much more on that album in the next episode).
We’d love to hear what albums you’ve been enjoying this year as well, so please hit the the little quote bubble to join us in the forums and let us know. Also, feel free to leave any questions you’d like us to tackle in future episodes. Thanks to everyone who listens.
Jean-Philip Groebler, lead singer of St. Lucia, has been immersed in music since he was part of a well-known choir in his native Cape Town, South Africa. Since then Groebler has written jingles for numerous commercials and two albums under the St. Lucia moniker. At Bonnaroo, he talks with me about his latest release. Later in the day he joined Halsey on stage for a rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Thunder,” which turned into a rain dance as storms interrupted the performance.
Civil Twilight are an indie rock band from Cape Town, South Africa and have been together for fifteen years. At Bonnaroo, the band talked with me about their latest release, Story of an Immigrant, their TV commercials, and the festival experience.