Monday 30 March 2015

Hit The Lights Interview


A few months ago, Pure Noise Records announced that they would be bringing their own tour to the UK. With Four Year Strong, Hit the Lights and Forever Came Calling, plus support from Light You Up, we knew this was one tour we couldn't miss out on.

We spoke to Nick Thompson, vocalist and former guitarist of Hit the Lights about their new album Summer Bones, his favourite albums and what he does to pass time on the road. Unfortunately, Nick was ill with a viral infection and was drinking some sort lemony drink as we spoke. Despite his illness, Nick very kindly answered our questions...   

HOW HAS THE TOUR BEEN GOING SO FAR?
It's been going good, besides the illness spreading around the van.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK IN THE UK?
It's good. It's nice to be with the bands we're with. Light You Up, Forever Came Calling, Four Year Strong, they're all awesome bands to watch. We haven't had a chance to like super hang out yet but there's still time to tour and we can have some party time. I've had to go back to the hotel every night anyway so I've had no fun (laughs). I've got none of the good parts yet.

HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT THE RELEASE OF SUMMER BONES? 
Well technically it's already been out because we streamed it and stuff but I'm excited because everyone seems to like it a lot though. It's very positive, it's awesome.

IN YOUR RECENT DOCUSERIES, 'THE SKELETON SERIES', YOU TOUCHED UPON THE RECORDING PROCESS OF SUMMER BONES, WAS IT AS STRESSFUL AS IT LOOKED? 
 It was very stressful but usually that's what making a record is. It can be really stressful. I think we all knew the outcome but it doesn't mean that we didn't get frustrated, you don't lose your mind sometimes, especially in little confined quarters for 16 hours a day. It definitely wasn't the experience we wanted (laughs) but we still got the same result that we wanted to get. So, in the end it was all worth it. 

YOU ALSO TOUCHED UPON HOW YOU WROTE THE WHOLE RECORD IN THE STUDIO, HOW WAS THAT?
It wasn't stressful, it was more new. It's always stressful with us because we have so many people in the band that write and always trying to keep people happy and that gets frustrating after a while. That can like wear down and after a while you're like 'I don't fucking care'. So that part's stressful but I think we've always been a band that does better under pressure, kept on our toes and stuff and we knew that going into it so we thought we'd try this out and it worked out really well.  

WITHIN THE WRITING PROCESS DO YOU WRITE RIFFS BEFORE LYRICS OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND?
I would say that riffs usually come first and then lyrics are written over it, especially for this album. I think a lot of the riffs were already there and then I did a lot of writing over the top. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SONG FROM SUMMER BONES AND WHY?
That's a good question...I don't have one. It was one of the first records where our label (Pure Noise Records) asked us what singles we thought needed to be pushed and we were just like 'We don't know'. We spent all this time on it and we didn't really think about singles at all. We weren't thinking about radio or anything like that we just wanted to make a record. We kind of let them put it up for grabs and they kind of chose the singles. I think I love every song. It's like choosing your kids, I don't really have a favourite one at this point. I can't say that about all of our other albums but for Summer Bones, I like the record as a whole. I've been excited for kids to hear the whole thing rather than one song at a time. 

HOW INVOLVED WERE YOU IN PICKING THE ARTWORK FOR SUMMER BONES? 
Our label sent us some stuff and I saw it and I just was like 'it just doesn't feel right, it's not good'. We ended up having our good friend Mark mock up some stuff and he sent me the Summer Bones logo and I was like 'that looks like a bunch of other logos put together, but it makes a lot of sense'. We showed the label and it was just like one of those things where it clicked. He went with it and he'd never done an album layout before or anything and he killed it. He did awesome, it's one of my favourite album layouts and it's cool because it was done by one of our really really good friends who actually played bass with us last time we were over for Slam Dunk last year. So, it's cool, it's like keeping it in the family and was something that he didn't think he was going to be able to do and it came out awesome. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO TOUR IN THE WORLD AND WHY? 
Probably Japan. It's a really cool culture. Everyone's really respectful, it's very clean there, you walk the street at 3 in the morning and feel like the most dangerous person on the street. Everything's very at peace there. That's actually where we just came back from. We came from Japan over to here. It's a whole different culture, it's awesome, they're so efficient with everything. We've been over there six times now and it gets better and better every time. 

A LOT OF BANDS SAY THAT THE CROWDS IN JAPAN ARE VERY QUIET AND RESPECTFUL, IS THAT SOMETHING YOU'VE FOUND?
Yes, they're very quiet. It's something that you kind of get used to after a while and then you just roll with it. You're just like 'oh, it's okay, they're happy with us' they're just very respectful. 

IF YOU COULD TOUR ANY PLACE IN THE WORLD, MAYBE THAT YOU'VE BEEN BEFORE OR YOU HAVEN'T, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
We want to go back to Australia. We've been there a couple of times and we haven't been back in a while. I'd love to check out Indonesia, maybe some parts of South America as well I don't know, just any places we haven't really been yet. I'd definitely say Indonesia and South America we'd like to do.  

HOW DO YOU PASS YOUR TIME ON THE ROAD, DO YOU FIND IT GETS BORING TRAVELLING FOR ALL THOSE HOURS?
When you're in the US, if I'm driving I listen to music, that's like all I do. Otherwise you're on your phone all the time and stuff. Here, no one has internet service so usually we have videos and stuff to keep us occupied. So Adam's got Better Call Saul today and stuff. 

HAVE YOU CAUGHT UP ON ALL OF BETTER CALL SAUL?
We just watched the first two episodes. I liked it, I was into it so that makes the time go a lot faster. That's pretty nice.   

HOW DOES IT FEEL WHEN BANDS SAY THAT THEY USED TO LISTEN TO 'THIS IS A STICK UP...DON'T MAKE IT A MURDER' A LOT WHEN THEY WERE YOUNGER? DOES IT FEEL GOOD THAT YOU HAVE THAT INFLUENCE? 
Yeah, it definitely makes you feel older but it's very cool that kids look at that album how I looked at albums growing up. If it influenced people in any way that's more than I could ever have asked. We just started the band to get out of Ohio and play shows and we ended up taking it way further than we thought we would. It's just the icing on the cake now, and if people say they're influenced by it, that's incredible. That's the best thing that could ever happen. 

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FIVE FAVOURITE ALBUMS?
This answer gets harder as I get older. I can do Deftones - Diamond Eyes, Saves The Day - Through Being Cool, New Found Glory self titled. Probably another Jimmy Eat World record. Jimmy Eat World is like my favourite band. As of recently even that 1975 record I can't stop listening to it for like the past 2 or 3 years. It's so fucking annoying but that one's really good too. I don't know, I have a bunch. Either that or maybe Hatebreed - Perseverance, that's a big one. Comeback Kid, probably their latest one. I don't know it's really hard now. Definitely New Found Glory self titled, Saves The Day - Through Being Cool, Jimmy Eat World - Clarity, those I can say are definite. Besides that, everything else is like really tight up. Those helped shape how I write songs and stuff.

Summer Bones is out now! Check it out below:

Saturday 28 March 2015

Real Friends │Live Review


After supporting All Time Low on their European tour with Neck Deep, Real Friends performed 3 UK headline shows last week in the UK. After playing to stadium sized crowds, Real Friends toned it down and played at smaller, more intimate venues. We caught them at the Asylum in Birmingham to see them do their thing…  

First on the stage is Startford-upon-Avon's, Jet Pack. They give a rapturous performance laced with pop filled alt-rock. They play a short set and trigger the energy in the room with an exalted and ecstatic performance. 

Next up are Trash Boat who've just announced that they’ve signed to Hopeless Records. Trash Boat really elevate the energy with many fans surging to the front to bawl the lyrics at singer Tobi. Trash Boat give a raw and energetic performance and it’s clear that signing to Hopeless was a great move for both parties. Although they have a short set, their songs ascend around the venue. They also play songs from their upcoming EP Brain Work and let everybody know that it is definitely something to be excited about.

Brawlers are on next. They perform with a profusion of energy with the band putting 110% into each song they play. Their songs are fast, upbeat and they act as the perfect commencement for Real Friends. 

Finally, Real Friends emerge onto the stage to ‘Maybe This Place Is The Same…’ which then leads in to an ecstatic rendition of ‘I Don’t Love You Anymore’. The band bounce across the stage while the audience shouts back every word. Real Friends skip around their discography, playing fan favourites such as Alexander Supertramp and Floorboards, all the way to songs from the new album like Summer and Old Book. Real Friends look genuinely happy to be on stage, with bassist Kyle Fasel smiling at the crowd as they sing his lyrics back to singer, Dan Lambton.  The band also slow things down with I’ve Given Up On You and Sixteen which leaves Dan’s voice redundant due to the amount of voices partaking in the sing along. Overall, Real Friends play an awesome show and we hope they return to the UK soon.

Thursday 26 March 2015

The TommyKnockers | It's Not Gonna Stop

Check out The TommyKnockers who have just released a lyric video for their song 'It's Not Gonna Stop'. Check it out below:

Wednesday 25 March 2015

Mest Are Reuniting


Chicago band, Mest have announced that they will be reuniting to play some future shows. The band posted this announcement on their facebook:

'Mest was formed in 1995 on the SouthSide of Chicago in a town called Blue Island by the singer Tony Lovato and his cousin Matt Lovato the bassist. After touring the world for many years and releasing 5 records the band decided to part ways in 2005. No talks of ever playing together again had taken place until a couple months ago when Matt sent a message to Tony telling him his daughter was learning Mest songs on the bass guitar and she demanded he tell him. Through that one message it lead to the conversation of what it would be like to get on stage together with the original lineup and play a couple shows. Tony and Matt then contacted Jeremiah and Nick. Moving forward with all 4 members on board Mest have decided to get back up there and do what they always did best. Put on an intense and most importantly fun punk rock show. What the future holds has not been discussed. "The only thing we know as of right now is that we want to get on stage and have some fun" Stated Singer Tony Lovato.
Select Dates to be announced....
And make sure to tag all your fellow Mest fans and friends in the post as we've always counted on our fans to spread the word about MEST. Thanx'

Mest's first show announcement will be March 30th!

Tuesday 24 March 2015

Lagwagon To Support NOFX & Alkaline Trio


Lagwagon will be supporting NOFX and Alkaline Trio on their upcoming UK co-headline tour. Check out their announcement below:



Milestones | Equal Measures | Artwork Feature


Averaging an age of just 18 (17 when they wrote and recorded Equal Measures in 2014, with former Bring Me The Horizon / now All Time Low sound guy Phil Gornell), Milestones have meticulously constructed five songs that positively belie their young age and relative inexperience; Equal Measures is the glorious, compelling sound of raw, natural talent put to the test, tracks such as anthemic single ‘Nothing Left’ offering up simple but soaring melodies that tingle the nape of your neck and leave you totally hooked. Here vocalist Matt discusses the creation of the artwork for their debut… 

“For our EP artwork we decided to go with Bootch Art & Design because he has completed some amazing work in the past. For example, he worked with our lads in Yeah Detroit (whom we toured with in February), so we went from there really. 

We mentioned what concepts we wanted to portray and then altered a few different sketch versions until we were happy. The creation of the cover really was based around the lyrics concerning uncertainty, which focus mainly a sense of security being taken away from you. When you cherish something so close, sometimes you forget that the feeling isn't invincible and isn't eternal. We tried to capture this by featuring a guy leaving his home, as a home represents what I mentioned; security. You never expect your home to not be there the next day, the same way the lyrics portray that sense of uncertainty and feeling lost. 

We also wanted the setting to be a wooded area, in order to give the idea of being lost afterwards. It's not like he's just losing his home and everything he's known, he also has absolutely no idea where he's going now, he's completely lost and alone. 

I suppose the whole record is a quiet reminder for me never to hold on and be too certain on things. Never to count on tomorrow really. We're very pleased with the outcome and would like to thank Bootch for doing a good job with it!”

Equal Measures is out the 6th of April! Check out Milestone's video for 'More to Me' below: 



Milestones' Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Bandcamp    

Sunday 22 March 2015

Pop Punk Merch Discount

We're working with Pop Punk Merch to give you guys discount on all of the great products they have on offer. Pop Punk Merch is an online store that makes t-shirts, hoodies, mugs and phone cases with the logos and artwork from all of your favourite bands. Just use the discount code POPPUNK to get 10% off (this can be used up to 15 times). 

Interested? Check out Pop Punk Merch here: http://www.poppunkmerch.com/

Pop Punk Merch's Facebook | Twitter | Instagram 

Friday 20 March 2015

Neck Deep Announce Hometown Slam Dunk Warm-Up


Neck Deep have announced a hometown, Slam Dunk warm up show in Wrexham. Pvris, Blood Youth and Waster will be supporting the show and Neck Deep will also be debuting some new material. Tickets go on sale at 9am, 23rd of March here.


Trash Boat Announce EP Release Show


Trash Boat have announced a release show for their upcoming EP 'Brainwork'. The band have just announced that they have signed to Hopeless Records and Brainwork will be their first release on the label. Support for the show is yet to be announced: 



Vans Warped Tour UK To Happen in 2015


In 2012, Warped Tour returned to the UK after a 13 year absence. The festival then happened again for 2 consecutive days in 2013. However, last year the festival did not return to the UK which left many fans disappointed.

Despite this, there is a possibility that it could return in 2015. After a fan tweeted Kevin Lyman asking if Warped Tour UK was happening this year, he replied with a simple 'yes':



The Warped Tour UK twitter page has also become active with them posting this crowd picture:

Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming announcements! 

Thursday 19 March 2015

Hit The Lights Stream New Album

You can now stream Hit the Light's new album 'Summer Bones' in full. The album officially comes out March 23rd while the band are in the UK with Four Year Strong, Forever Came Calling and Light You Up. Check out the new album below:

Wednesday 18 March 2015

Light You Up Release New Video

Light You Up have released a new video for 'All We've Ever Known', a song from their recent album of the same name. Check it out below:

Tuesday 17 March 2015

Trash Boat Sign To Hopeless Records

Saint Albans pop punk band, Trash Boat, have just announced that they have been signed to Hopeless Records. They've also announced that they will be releasing a new EP, titled 'Brainwork' on May 19th. Hopeless have also put up a new single/video from the EP which you can watch at the bottom of the post. Here's what the band had to say about the signing, Brainwork and the new song:


'TODAY’S THE FUCKING DAY!
We’re truly elated and humbled to announce that we have signed to Hopeless Records! This news is beyond our 5, 10 and 15 year plans and the opportunity is more than we could ever ask for as a band, we’re proud to be accepted into a new family and we know that they are going to help us be the absolute best Trash Boat we can be. With that in mind, here’s our new music video from our upcoming EP ‘Brainwork’... you guys have a few days to learn this and scream it back in our faces on the Real Friends Tour! LET’S GET FUCKING ROWDY!'

Pre-order Brainwork here.

Check out Perspective below: 

Sunday 15 March 2015

Up & Coming Pop Punk Bands | Splitsville


Splitsville are an emo/grunge-infused pop punk band who hail from Exeter, UK. Since their formation in October 2014 the trio have been writing relentlessly and playing live shows which highlight the raw intensity of their sound. We asked the promising young band a few questions to get to know more about them and what influences their sound: 

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? 
We are from Exeter in the UK. 

HOW DID YOU FORM? 
Jordan (vocals): I put an ad up asking if anyone wanted to start a band that sounded like The Story So Far, then Joe (drums) put an ad up asking if anyone wanted to start a band sounding like Counterparts. Then we met up and wrote a load of songs that sounded kinda like Modern Baseball, then Jim (bass) joined and we now we kinda sound like Hindsights. 

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH YOUR BAND NAME? 
It's taken from the La Dispute song 'For Mayor in Splitsville.' 

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR MUSIC AND HAVE YOU GOT ANY PLANS FOR NEW MUSIC IN THE FUTURE?
Last week we released our first single 'I'll Be Fine' on Bandcamp for free download. We're currently discussing options for recording our first EP, we're hoping to have it out before the end of the summer. 

DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND IN 5 WORDS FOR SOMEONE WHO'S NEVER LISTENED TO YOU BEFORE...
Sad boys with unreciprocated love. 

IF YOU COULD PLAY A SHOW WITH ANYONE, WHO WOULD IT BE? 
Joe: Counterparts
Jordan: Gnarwolves because we'd have a fucking awesome time
Jim: Basement because if they actually played a UK show and you managed to play with them you'd have to be special. 

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FIVE FAVOURITE POP PUNK ALBUMS? 
Captain We're Sinking- The Future Is Cancelled
Modern Baseball- You're Gonna Miss It All
Aaron West & The Roaring Twenties- We Don't Have Each Other 
Title Fight- Shed 
Finch- What It Is To Burn 

Check out the music video for 'I'll Be Fine' by Splitsville below: 


Splitsville's Facebook | Bandcamp

The Story So Far Announce Album Release Date

The Story So Far have announced that they will be releasing their self-titled third album on May 19th via Pure Noise Records. Pre-orders are available now (Get yours here). 

Check out the new single 'Nerve' below:



Up & Coming Pop Punk Bands | Dirty Goals




Dirty Goals who hail from the US, only began their journey in July 2014 but have already released some killer songs. After only releasing a few tracks, it is evident that Dirty Goals have the potential to do great things. We asked them a few questions to get to know them a bit better...

WHERE ARE YOU GUYS FROM?
We all grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and we are still spread out across the Chicagoland area. Paul was from Northbrook, Pierce from Winnetka, Chase from Glencoe, Chris from Bannockburn and I (Jamie) was from Deerfield.

HOW DID YOU FORM?
 Chris, Paul, Pierce and I were in a previous band together and decided that our sound was changing to the point that a new name was necessary. We also wanted to avoid having to use backing tracks with our new sound and decided to add another member to fill the missing tones/dynamics. Chase’s band had just broken up and he was telling me how bummed he was that he wouldn’t be playing music for a while. Pierce and I both had played in a band with him in high school and Paul had been friendly with him throughout that time as well. We all knew he was a dedicated musician and friend so we told him to come in and try out so Chris could have a say. Sure enough, Chris thought he brought a new energy to the band that we were missing and from that point we were a band.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH YOU BAND NAME?
 We had been contemplating a name change for months at this point as we were already not too happy with our previous band name being so generic (Universe) and that there are probably a ton of other bands called Universe today. After months of brainstorming, trying to create and agree on a name, Chase said how about Dirty Goals. I asked why Dirty Goals? He said, well we are from Chicago and our Hawks (Referring to our state’s NHL hockey team, the Chicago Blackhawks) are unstoppable with all their dirty goals. We thought it was really cool that the name ties back to our hometown, but could also tie to other people’s favorite teams  and that these words weren’t just meaningless. Some people have pointed out that Dirty Goals may come off as inappropriate but we see it as something much deeper than the dirty minds out there. We think of dirty as slang for good/awesome/kick ass/etc. and encourage more people to keep up with times.

WHO INFLUENCES YOU THE MOST AS A BAND?
 Personally, I am influenced by Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Daniel Johns (Silverchair), The Beach Boys and pop punk music in general (New Found Glory, Blink 182, Fireworks, too many bands to name). I love trying to write unique, intense and melodic melodies topped with harmonies, heavy guitars and catchy choruses. I feel like my own personal ambition to be unique but still fall under a sortable genre has me less worried about who people will say/think I sound like or am influenced by and more worried about writing a hit song with unique and catchy sounds that captivates a listener and encourages them to play the song over and over. You could say writing any hit song or writing my own hit song is my biggest influence or my driving ambition as a musician.

DO YOU PREFER RECORDING OR PLAYING LIVE? 
 Good question. To me they are two different beasts. I find that being in the studio is rather relaxing and laid back. If you need to take a break, you can just take a break. There’s no pressure or anyone forcing you to continue through your mistakes. I feel like I could live there like a home being in the studio has become so comfortable to me and luckily most studios treat you like you are at home. Being on stage is polar opposite; It is exciting and high energy. I get butterflies and goose bumps walking onto some of the stages and most the time my nerves come with me. It’s not that it isn’t relaxing, its just real. There is no time to go back and fix a mistake in a song live or if someone throws something at your amp and it stops working… you just have to roll with the punches. I consider myself to be a half introvert, half extrovert and I find my emotions to be the determinant between whether I feel like going out (playing live) or staying home (recording). It all depends on your mood in my opinon.

IF YOU COULD PLAY A SHOW WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD IT BE?
Foo Fighters hands down. I am a huge fan of Dave’s voice and his persona (very down to earth and appreciative). I respect his story and his determination after all the hardships he dealt with throughout life so far. As a follow up question, living or dead? If I had to choose a person/band from the grave I would say Jimmy Hendrix just to watch him play and to share a stage with another legend who also has an incredible musical journey and interesting life story.

WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN GOALS AS A BAND?
 We strive to be unique, professional and create catchy hit songs. It is our dream to tour the world one day and hopefully our efforts will show us around one day. We are optimistic and driven as individuals so it is only a matter of putting in our 10,000 hours and being at the right place, at the right time. Timing is everything. Our goals this year are to secure more shows out of state and hit up more parts of the USA by the beginning of winter. We also hope to get back into the studio to record another EP at some point.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FIVE FAVOURITE POP PUNK ALBUMS?
 It is very difficult to narrow down to five albums, but I must say that these are probably my most listened to:
1.       Sticks and Stones by New Found Glory
2.       Enema of the State by Blink 182
3.       Dookie by Green Day
4.       Bleed American by Jimmy Eat World
5.       Good Mourning by Alkaline Trio

Check out the video for 'Dance With Me' here:


Dirty Goals' Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp | Youtube

Saturday 14 March 2015

Up & Coming Pop Punk Bands | Of Man and Ale


Of Man and Ale who hail from Canada have one mission, to get pop punk back where it belongs: on the radio, into skateboard videos and into teen flicks where it rightly belongs. The four piece band released their EP, 'Meanwhile in Canada...', towards the end of last year and is perfect listening for fans of Sum 41, Blink 182 and New Found Glory. We asked them a few questions about their mission, their recent music video and who they would love to play a show with...

WHERE ARE YOUR FROM?
We are from Montréal, Canada, eh!

HOW DID YOU FORM?
Well, since the four of us got turned down by every scout group we tried to join, we decided to team up and create our own unofficial group that we called Of Man and Ale; and since we live in Québec, and it’s butt-freezing cold 90% of the year, we quickly gave up all the camping and running-around-in-forests aspect of Scouting and decided to play Pop-Punk and drink beer instead.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH YOUR BAND NAME?
When we realized most of our songs were about beer and getting drunk, the name emerged as an obvious option. LOL Ok seriously, we wanted something that sounds epic and depicts the band’s spirit at the same time.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MISSION AS SCOUTS TO GET POP PUNK BACK ON THE RADIO, INTO SKATEBOARD VIDEOS AND TEEN FLICKS...
So, we grew up in the 90s, constantly listening to those crazy American and Canadian bands like Blink 182, Sum 41, New Found Glory… Pop Punk was everywhere back then, with all the teen-movies, MTV music videos and skateboard tapes; but those cool stuffs progressively disappeared from the mainstream media; and Pop punk as well consequently, which made us sad. We want to bring it back through the music we make! Plus, since we are from Canada, we’re also influenced by Canadian traditional music, which comes from the musical heritage shaped by our proud English, Irish and French ancestors who were sent to Canada in the 17th century, with nothing but a shovel, a banjo, and a barrel of beer. They had to play music with what they had. We do the same, without the shovel.

LAST YEAR YOU RELEASED A MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'DON'T MIND', HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR THAT?
We wanted something that on the one hand could show the concept behind the band, and on the other hand be like a Proust madeleine for the people who grew up in the 90s, hence the music video. We took inspiration from the famous Californian pop punk bands’ videos to recreate that feel, but in our own, Canadian scouts way! 

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR MUSIC AND HAVE YOU GOT ANY PLANS FOR NEW MUSIC IN THE FUTURE?
You can listen to our music on SoundCloud, download our EP for free here on BandCamp. At the moment, we are currently focusing on hitting the road and performing our show as often as we can: We’ll be playing live around Québec in the coming weeks, in Montréal, Granby and Val d’Or; we’re really looking forward to it. Check www.ofmanandale.com for the latest news and concert dates!

DO YOU PREFER RECORDING OR PLAYING LIVE?
Both, as long as we have beer.

IF YOU COULD PLAY WITH ANY BAND LIVE WHO WOULD IT BE?
The Pussycat Dolls definitely, if ever they reunite! Otherwise, Blink 182 would be an acceptable second choice.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FIVE FAVOURITE POP PUNK ALBUMS?
Take off your pants and jacket – Blink 182; Does this look infected? – Sum 41; Americana – The Offspring; Dookie – Green Day; The young and the hopeless – Good Charlotte.

Check out Of Man and Ale's video for Don't Mind below:



Of Man and Ale's Facebook | Bandcamp | Website 

This Party Sucks Relaunch


This Party Sucks, Sheffield's own DIY pop punk event is relaunching on March 28th, 2015. The event will combine all of the awesome aspects of a gig, clubnight, house party and free pizza is also included! The event will take place at Rocking Chair one of Sheffield's newest and talked about venues.

The event has been on a brief hiatus since Christmas but is now back bigger than ever. The age restrictions have also changed and the event is now open to 16 years + for live music until 10pm. 


Within 2014, This Party Sucks had some of the biggest up and coming acts performing and the relaunch is no different. Live music will be running from 7.30pm until 10pm. Berkshire Alt-Emo Rockers Hindsights will be headlining the event while touring their debut album ‘Cold Walls/Cloudy Eyes’, which was streamed on Kerrang ahead of its release. Make sure you catch Hindsights in a small, intimate and loveably sweaty venue while you can. Support comes from Rotherham skate punks Cast Ashore, Hereford’s Richa and Sheffield-based acoustic artist Brendan Dooney. 

From 10pm the party gets started.This is where the night gets interesting, everyone has now realised that this party definitely doesn’t suck, in fact quite the opposite. The drinks start flowing and the sing-a-longs get louder. The organisers and their friends jump on the decks and press play on some of your favourite songs from the teenage years, as well as some of the biggest tracks on the scene right now. Expect pop punk, alternative, emo, punk, rock, hip-hop and a couple of guilty pleasures. 

“The only place on earth you can watch incredible bands, eat pizza, take part in a raffle and drink a bar dry of tequila whilst dancing like the floor's on fire to some top Jams 10/10” – Matt H (Pop Punk Days)

“This Party Sucks really doesn't suck. The best of the underground UK pop-punk/emo scene, pizza, booze and a little bit of T-Swizz. What's not to like?" - Thomas B (O Captain)

"Thanks to TPS, I've made loads of friends who are into my favourite music. I recommend it to anyone who loves pop-punk!" – Liam C

“The only sucky part about This Party Sucks is that it has to end at some point! I've seen better pop punk and emo bands there than I have at all the bigger gigs I've been to in the past year and a half. It the place to see the "hype" bands first and you can say “I saw them here first!’” – Hope T (Fierce Morgan/Sleepy Eyes)

The relaunch is expected to sell out so make sure you get your tickets! (Get them here) When you've got your tickets make sure you head over to the Facebook event.

This Party Sucks' Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

New The Story So Far Song

A new song by The Story So Far has been put up online. The song would appear to have come from their upcoming album. Check out 'Nerve' below:

Friday 13 March 2015

Landmarks and Melrose Announce European Tour

Landmarks and Melrose have announced a European tour which will commence this May. If you're in any if these countries go check them out. If you're not however, Landmarks will be playing at Pink Swear Fest and Empire fest in the UK with more dates to be announced shortly (full details here).

Wednesday 11 March 2015

New Found Glory Release New Video

New Found Glory have released a new video for 'One More Round' which comes from their most recent album 'Resurrection'. Watch it below:

Pinky Swear Full Line-Up Announced

Another great festival happening in May is Pinky Swear Fest. Allusondrugs, Giants, Best Years, Milestones and Waster have just been added to an already awesome line-up. The tickets are also £12 which is an absolute bargain. Get your tickets here


Slam Dunk Announce Final Bands

Slam Dunk have announced the final wave of bands that will be playing the festival this May. Moose Blood, ROAM, Seaway, As It Is, Stick To Your Guns and Aaron West & The Roaring Twenties will all be appearing at the festival. Get your tickets here.

Sunday 8 March 2015

Up & Coming Pop Punk Bands | Karate In The Garage


Karate in the Garage, who hail from the US, have just released their debut EP 'Here Goes Nothing', which is packed with catchy, fast-paced punk anthems. The four track EP is an impressive first effort and something that fans of The Dollyrots, The Muffs and Tsunami Bomb should definitely check out. We asked them a few questions about their favourite albums, how they formed and the new EP 'Here Goes Nothing'....

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
We are from Huntington Beach, California

HOW DID YOU FORM?
We formed in 2012...literally in a garage. There were a few lineup changes before we solidified a year or so ago.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH YOUR BAND NAME?
Its origins can be found deep in the lore of Will Ferrell. Hint: John Stamos.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW EP 'HERE GOES NOTHING'...
'Here Goes Nothing' is our debut EP that we released in conjunction with Long Live Crime Records. It has kind of a mix of tunes that span the whole first year of our band. I mean, the third track, "Arsenal" is the first song we ever wrote. We think its a really good snapshot of where we were at the time.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SONG FROM 'HERE GOES NOTHING' AND WHY?
-We have to say our single, "Crash and Burn". Its punky and funky!

WHO INFLUENCES YOU AS A BAND THE MOST?
-We definitely take a lot of influence from the 90's southern California punk scene (i.e. Rancid, Bad Religion, Sublime). We all grew up listening to those bands and have appreciated the compassion and DIY attitude of the  SoCal punk scene back then and even now.

IF YOU COULD PLAY A SHOW WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD IT BE?
-Earth, Wind, and Fire with Jimmy Hendrix on guitar and Stevie Wonder on the keys!

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FIVE FAVOURITE ALBUMS OF ALL TIME?

-In no particular order: "Cowboys From Hell"- Pantera, "Quadrophenia"- The Who, "Cheer Up!" - Reel Big Fish , "Deloused in the Comatorium" - The Mars Volta , and "Dookie" - Green Day


Here Goes Nothing is out now! Check it out below:



Karate In The Garage's Facebook | Bandcamp 

Women In Pop Punk

Since it's International Women's Day, we thought we'd bring you guys a post to celebrate women in pop punk. We made a list of our favourite bands that include female vocalists, guitarists, bassists and drummers. Check it out below and let us know what you think...

1. The Maddigans (Vocalist, Trisha Watson)
From: Edmonton Canada
FFO: All Time Low, Mayday Parade, Set It Off





2. Chumped ( Vocalist, guitarist Anika Pyle)
From: Brooklyn, New York
FFO: Green Day, The Descendents, Candy Hearts 





3. Damn Mondays 
From: Salzburg, Berchtesgaden
FFO: Crucial Dudes, Handguns, I Call Fives





4. Veara (Drummer, Brittany Harrell)
From: Augusta, Georgia
FFO: Four Year Strong, Cowabunga, Carousel Kings





5. Heartsounds ( Guitarist Vocalits, Laura Nichol)
From: San Francisco, Califronia
FFO: No Trigger, The Swellers, Broadway Calls





6. Mixtapes (Guitarist/Vocalist, Maura Weaver)
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
FFO: Fireworks, Transit, A Loss For Words





7. Candy Hearts (Guitarist/Vocalist, Mariel Loveland)
From: New Jersey, New York
FFO: New Found Glory, Joyce Manor, The Front Bottoms






8.Tigers Jaw ( Brianna Collins)
From: Scranton, PA
FFO: Seahaven, Balance and Composure, Joyce Manor






9. Not On Tour (Vocalist Sima)
From: Israel 
FFO: Kid Dynamite, The Descendants, The Distillers







10. Smalls
From: Los Angeles
FFO: New Found Glory, The Staring Line, The Movielife






11. Neverlyn 
From: Livermore, CA
FFO: We The Kings, All Time Low, Every Avenue







12. We Deny (vocalist Loren Mancini)
From: Basingstoke/ Winchester
FFO: Next Stop Atlanta, Tonight Alive, New Found Glory







13. Tacocat
From: Seattle 
FFO: The Coathangers, Screaming Females






14. Call It Reckless (vocalist, Rachel Holland)
From: Norwich
FFO: We Are The In Crowd, New Found Glory, The Hype Theory




15. Fun Home
From: Pittsburgh, PA
FFO: Modern Baseball, Moose Blood, Tigers Jaw





16. The Dollyrots
From: Los Angeles
FFO: Mxpx, Go Betty Go, The Muffs






17. The Lippies (Vocalist Tonia Broucek)
From: Grand Rapids, MI
FFO: The Descendents, The Dollyrots





18.Aim Your Arrows 
From: Detroit, Michigan
FFO: Handguns, Forever Came Calling




19. Raise Your Fall (Vocalist, Scilla Bordini)
From: Modena, Italy
FFO: Damn Mondays, Neck Deep, A Day To Remember



20. Potty Mouth
From: Northampton, MA
FFO: Chumped, Caves