Warped Tour: The Final Run – Part 11
Most people would stop at Part 10. If you stop at Part 10, then you’d be ending a project at an even position. Well, there’s a reason we’re called The OTHER SIDE Reviews. Taking it through to the other side, here is part 11 of our Warped interviews chatting with Warped Tour performers about their experiences on this final run of the tour. To catch up on past interviews, check these related posts:
Final Run – Part 2
Final Run – Part 3
A War Within
Based in Detroit, MI, A War Within consists of members Spencer Maybe, Nikhil Rao, Zac Bardsley, and Roy Guldenpfennig. Since their inception in 2014, along with some albums and tours, the band has earned a consistent following in the Detroit scene, resulting in shows with Attila, The Color Morale, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Currently, the band is finishing self-producing and recording their third full-length record. They also just announced the Hard Feelings US tour in September 2018 with Blessthefall, The Word Alive, Ded, and Thousand Below.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
AWW: We’re so proud to be a part of the last Warped. It’s always been a dream to do the entire Warped Tour, so it’s a bittersweet moment for us as well. Growing up and having this staple of tours, then seeing it end at the same time; it’s a sad affair, as well.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
AWW: Huge. So many acts have played a Warped stage for once in their careers. Linkin Park, Katy Perry, My Chemical Romance, Coheed and Cambria, Motionless in White, and even bands like Silverstein, Less Than Jake, and Simple Plan have been somewhat staples of Warped Tour itself.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
AWW: The only touring festival ever to be in existence.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
AWW: After a bunch of festivals this summer, we have the pleasure of going on a US and Canada tour this fall with Blessthefall, The Word Alive, Ded, and Thousand Below. Make sure you snag tickets for this powerhouse of a tour.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
AWW: I hope to never have any last words for my fans; that’s definitely a morbid sense of perspective. We won’t be sad that an era has ended because of Warped Tour. There are always people out there desperate for music, and the one thing this band has and will always be known for is to never quit. We do it for the fans who become our friends, and eventually our family. We love you guys so much and we’ve been through a lot together. Here’s to many, many more memories together!
Motion Trap
Motion Trap makes sonic exploration dance music. An escalating interplay between electronic-tinged riffs, infectious melodies, and rhythmic leads to a state of wonder. Dreamy, but not hazy, more like the feeling of being in the moment and letting it all wash over you. All while the beat forever propels you forward.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
MT: Being asked to perform at such a historic festival such as Warped Tour is always exciting. It being the last year makes it even more so. We are honoured to be selected to perform!
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
MT: I think Warped tour, and the bands that have played it, were a big part of growing up and getting us obsessed with music. I have countless friends that still talk about going to Warped tour in high school and college, and how it affected them.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
MT: Festive
What else does 2018 hold for you?
MT: Motion Trap is currently in the studio working on our next single and EP. We have multiple regional tours in the works as well.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
MT: Love and take care of each other. Have fun and be happy!
Dr Beardface and the Spaceman
Dr Beardfacé and the Spaceman is a high-energy rock band from Philadelphia, PA. Influenced by a variety of music ranging from punk and alternative to 50s rockabilly, Beardfacé has shared the staged with great bands like Blag Dahlia of the Dwarves, The Queers, The Dickies, Barb Wire Dolls, and many great local bands. They were signed by Altercation Records in 2017, and released their first full-length album Here for the Scraps with Altercation in June 2017. They have a follow-up album coming in January 2019.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
BATS: We’re extremely grateful to be on the final run of the tour. We’ve always dreamed of playing bigger festivals, and Vans Warped Tour is about as big as it gets. Playing it is probably on every band’s bucket list.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
BATS: It’s had a huge impact on the music community, and every punk rock kid’s life. It’s always been the place where up-and-coming bands get the chance to be recognised by a larger audience. We remember being in high school and associating it with summer. It’s a shame to see it end.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
BATS: The craziest, travelling punk rock festival of the summer.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
BATS: We’ve had a pretty big year so far. In March, we went on tour to SXSW. In May, we played Pouzza Fest in Montreal, Canada. This past June, we were honoured to share the stage with The Dickies and The Queers at a show in Upstate New York. Topping off the summer with Vans Warped Tour is about as good as it gets! For the rest of 2018, we’ll be recording our second full-length album with Altercation Records and filling out our schedule with some more cool shows.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
BATS: Thanks so much for digging the tunes and coming out to see us perform. It’s one of the greatest feelings in the world for us to see people enjoying our music.
After The Calm
After The Calm is a five-piece band from Glendale, Arizona. Their music combines elements of punk rock and post-hardcore, for a unique sound that is guaranteed to get your adrenaline rushing. Having played with acts such as I Prevail, I See Stars, and Too Close To Touch, After The Calm is experienced in bringing energy and excitement to the stage every time they play.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
ATC: We have all grown up going to Vans Warped Tour and are sad that it is ending, but we are very happy to have been a part of the final run!
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
ATC: It’s a great chance for up-and-coming bands to get exposure to the right audience, and has paved the way for new and different genres.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
ATC: Vans Warped Tour is like a summer camp for music lovers.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
ATC: We have three new singles coming out, and plan to venture out of Arizona to play some new states.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
ATC: We want to thank all of our loyal fans that have stuck with us this far, as well as all of the new fans just joining us. We are excited for this to be our best year yet!
In The Red
In The Red is a hard rock/metal band from Hartford, CT. They are known for their high-energy shows that take newcomers by surprise. Their new EP, The New World, is available, and they will be releasing a second single shortly.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
ITR: So pumped. We have been coming to these shows for years. Honoured to be part of it.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
ITR: It broke a lot of bands that are now world-touring big bands. Any festival picking up the small bands and giving them a ton of exposure is great.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
ITR: Diverse music experience that supports all levels of bands.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
ITR: We have some national shows lined up, along with the standard local shows. We have a couple of tour runs we are negotiating right now, hopefully, they come through.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
ITR: We love the constant support and always appreciate it!!! Support local music; it’s the only way to get to a national level.
Glassworld
Glassworld is a four-piece hardcore rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio. In just a few year’s time, they have shared the stage with top national acts such as Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, He is Legend, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and Hawthorne Heights. Their sound consists of raw, upbeat energy mixed with fluid, driving rhythm. They’re not afraid to take chances with their lyrics that speak of real-life experiences, no matter how heart-wrenching it may be.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
G: We are honoured, privileged and thankful to be part of such an industry-shaping event. It’s truly a dream come true for all of us.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
G: Vans Warped Tour had a profound influence on the musical community because it brought so many music lovers together. No matter if you were into punk, rock, metal, hardcore, everyone who ever attended felt that acceptance.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
G: A music fan’s soundtrack to the summer experience.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
G: We will be continuing to tour off of our latest release Wrecked, and writing our next release, which will be an EP.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
G: Thank you all for supporting us and continuing to be the best fans around. We look forward to sharing this amazing moment with you at the last cross-country Vans Warped Tour!
Decent Criminal
Formed in California’s Bay Area, Decent Criminal is a band that has been called ‘Green Day on crack’ or a ‘punk rock Beatles’ because of their ability to seamlessly blend elements of 90s punk and alternative with harmony-driven 60s pop. After releasing two full-length LPs, and going on numerous US tours these past few years, Decent Criminal has quite a bit of momentum going, and it only seems to push harder as time passes by.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
DC: Having attended numerous Warped Tours growing up, we were stoked to be a part of the last one when the opportunity came up. We had a ball!
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
DC: I think Warped Tour was most influential in the music community by promoting so many amazing underground bands over the years, that may not have had the same amount of exposure had Warped not had DIY-style ethics from its inception. With Warped welcoming lesser-known bands or local bands to play alongside huge acts, many bands were able to start getting their music out to far more people than most would have on their own.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
DC: One-word sentence. Phenomenal.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
DC: For the rest of 2018, we’ll be working on a new record and hitting the road. Very excited.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
DC: Keep in touch, and come hang when we roll through! Love you very much.
RIVALS
RIVALS is a dark pop-rock band from Los Angeles, CA, formed in 2014 by vocalist Kalie Wolfe (KW), bassist Sebastian Chamberlain (SC), guitarist Micket Woodle (MW) and drummer Josh Alves (JA). Driven by Wolfe’s powerhouse vocals and the band’s infectious yet raw sound, RIVALS is fueled by powerful and energetic songwriting, bringing forth a type of fearlessness in their music that stands out among the rest. Since the release of their debut EP in 2015, titled Haunted/ Hunted, the band has been making waves and for good reason. Revered by many on their live performance, RIVALS has previously toured the country with bands like Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Story Untold and Uh Huh Baby Yeah! Our questions are answered by each band member.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
KW: Honestly, blessed and thankful. We didn’t have to be added, we didn’t have to be a part of it and we got to be. So, a huge shout out to Shiragirl for letting us be a part of her stage this final year!
SC: It was for sure a bucket list for me. Seeing Oceana on stage made me want to do whatever it took to be on that stage, and being able to play it was truly amazing.
JA: It was a dream come true to be a part of Warped. Full of emotion and energy.
MW: It was definitely an accomplishment. Going from the back of the crowd to the pit, now onstage is pretty surreal.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
KW: SO much! It’s the one thing we all get to look forward to yearly. Whether we grew up in it or we found it later, Warped Tour became our home. The place where we can go, and not feel judged or worried we wouldn’t be accepted because everyone there is the same way. We just wanna hear music we love and have a good time, that’s what Warped has always been to me.
JA: I feel like Warped opened up a lot of opportunities for not just fans of music, but as performers. Where else can you get a chance to play in front of 500 kids that have never heard your music? Nowhere. It’s amazing!
MW: There are many festivals that we all know and love, but Warped was the one that you know most of your friends were going to. It had a huge impact for most musicians.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
KW: The hottest, sweatiest, most fun you’ll ever have in your life!
SC: A lot of heat and a lot of sweat.
JA: Prime catering!
MW: It’s going to be missed.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
KW: Lots of tours! We are currently out with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. We have some headlining dates, and then we are back out on the West Coast this fall with Assuming We Survive and Riot Child!
Do you have any last words for your fans?
KW: Keep going, ALWAYS!
SC: Everything in life is a lesson, but it’s up to you to perceive it as one.
JA: NEVER GIVE UP! Never surrender!
MW: Life is like a national treasure. Don’t quit because it seems impossible.
Darkwing
Darkwing is a four-piece blues band hailing from Brooklyn, NY. The group is comprised of Louis, Sharif, Rich and Zack. Their latest release is titled Dem Collec, and is described as a ‘small collection of demos in chronological order.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
DW: My girlfriend in college was a huge fan of Four Year Strong, who I had seen in 2008 on Warped Tour before I met her. After all these years, to be able to grace the Full Sail Stage on the same epic tour that SO many popular bands have played in the past, I feel like I accomplished something. Like that moment after you eat a whole pint of ice cream.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
DW: I think the essence of Warped Tour originated in the rebellious, chaotic minds of skaters and punks. It was like a travelling WOODSTOCK; a gathering place for freaks of all shapes and sizes. I think it helped develop a model for all these festivals that have popped into existence in the past couple of decades. Instead of travelling though, it’s like each creative hub city has made its own festival.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
DW: An inspiring spectacle for all those punk youths seeking a place where they can feel accepted and surrounded by like-minded cats.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
DW: We’re all moving to Brazil.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
DW: I love you. Follow us on Instagram for updates and shenanigans. Trolls welcome.
One Last Shot
The perception of others is no longer a concern for One Last Shot who, after their singer Jeremy Romance’s brush with death in 2016, understand there is no time to waste trying to satisfy anyone’s vision for them but their own. What exactly that vision entails comes from a lineage of hope inspired by artists like The Used and MCR, who are not only influential to OLS for their musical fearlessness and theatrics, but the hope and positivity they gave Romance as a young music fan. One Last Shot has transcended the world where they never fit in, spitting in the faces of those who impede them and carving a path where they’re well on their way to carrying those heroes’ torches. Our questions are answered by vocalist, Jeremy Romance.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
JR: It really hasn’t hit me yet that it’s the last Warped Tour. From going to the 10th year anniversary when I was 13, to then playing the 20th anniversary and each year after until the end is unbelievable. I’m just very thankful and honoured that Kevin emailed me about being a part of it.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
JR: Warped Tour is sometimes the only concert some of these kids go to. As soon as they go to it, they are already preparing for next year. It was the place where outcasts could feel excepted. Also, you see so many bands and are exposed to so many different not-for-profits in one place, which is a unique experience that I’m thankful to have had, and I know many others are too.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
JR: One of the last things holding this scene together.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
JR: OLS is releasing a new single/music video on the 20th; then going out on tour in August with The Funeral Portrait.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
JR: See you on tour! If I’m not coming to your city this run, trust me it’ll be the next!
Turbulent Hearts
Formed in 2014, Turbulent Hearts quickly distinguished themselves via their uncanny knack for delivering reliably cataclysmic performances, always throwing down a raging cyclone of songs rendered with downright mesmerizing ferocity. Suzi Moon, who made her bones as a teenage terror with big sis Liza Grave’s globally infamous all-female Civet in the early 2000s, conjures high-voltage guitar thrills and intense soul-baring vocals that combine for a richly satisfying flurry of musical knock out punches. The band’s raw, momentous zeal alone is astonishing, but Moon’s involvement, unblinking lyrical realism, and aggressively creative attack push everything into a ninth dimension of perfected, highly expressive punk rock. Our questions are answered by Suzi Moon.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
SM: I am so grateful! Warped Tour made me want to be a musician. When I was thirteen, I went to my first one in Long Beach, CA, and I remember feeling this wild buzz of energy. Everyone was so cool, there was so much to see and if you blinked you might miss your new favourite band! As soon as I figured out that people did this for a living, I was like, ‘bye, high school’! I wanted to be a part of Warped so badly, and with a lot of hard work, it happened! Now that the tour is coming to an end, I just feel so lucky to have experienced it in any capacity. Definitely changed the course of my life.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
SM: A beautiful, positive, crusty, sweaty, profound influence. It may sound cliché, but Warped is a place where people really come together. By the end of the day, you’ll have ten new friends, all of them vastly different from one another. You’ll have a goody bag full of merch, and maybe it was the best day of your summer.
I think the people needed Warped as much as Warped needed the people. It has been this melting pot of artists and fans coming together to build a fucking rock ‘n’ roll fortress every day, just to tear it all down again! Warped is kinda like group therapy.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
SM: Run on sentence: Kevin Lyman is Warped, and he changed music forever in his own very unique way, we are so lucky he had that idea that one time and followed through with it; he is someone I’ve looked up to for over fifteen years, and he absolutely deserves a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame…maybe I’ll look into that.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
SM: So much fun stuff! We are touring England, Scotland, the Netherlands, and Germany from late July into August, which includes a stop at the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool – my other favourite festival! Also, we just released a two-song 7” vinyl on Headcheck Records outta the UK, and a new music video for our single ‘If It’s True’. After the tour, I am going to take some time off from playing live to record the first real full-length Turbulent Hearts album, and then, back on the road!
Do you have any last words for your fans?
SM: Don’t drop out of school. I home-schooled for a year, and then took a test to graduate early so I could start touring at sixteen. If you have a dream, just follow your heart and do it. Never stop believing in yourself and you can make it happen. Also, don’t forget to follow us and stream our fifteen-song album on Spotify!
Skyhaven
Skyhaven is an instrumental band based in Twin Cities, Minnesota, and formed in 2014. The band consists of Jake Johnston (guitar), Dominic Jadrich (guitar), Garrett Olson (bass), and Braeden Keenan (drums). Their latest release is a five-song EP called Liftoff.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
S: It’s very exciting and humbling to be a part of something that has brought so many different genres and crowds together. We’re beyond grateful to be a part of it, yet very sad to see something that has been a staple of the music scene end.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
S: It’s brought communities of different genres together for one big festival. Although the stages tend to be divided by genre, you can go to once stage and hear metal, then go a couple hundred feet away and hear pop. I think that is unique to Warped Tour, and something that we will miss.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
S: Mosh at your own risk.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
S: Lots of growth and grinding. New music, content, and collaborations that we’re all very excited to share with our fans.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
S: Thank you for supporting us, your loyalty, and patience.
I The Victor
I The Victor is building a movement around staying positive. The solo project is the brainchild of Rebecca Ramos, who spent years crafting the project’s vision and songs in basements across Atlanta before bringing it to life in 2016. I The Victor hit the ground running in 2018 with three co-headlining tours with The Orphan The Poet, direct support shows with Vinyl Theatre, a west coast tour, and a handful of slots on Vans Warped Tour this July. With new music to be sprinkled into the flurry of even more touring to come, the self-proclaimed ‘positivity project’ is on pace to put themselves on everyone’s map and keep bringing songs about hope everywhere they can this year.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
ITV: It’s exciting! It doesn’t quite feel real, but I’m excited to be in such a unique setting sharing our songs, especially having seen so many other artists I admire and respect on this tour in the past. We’re basically just going to work really hard to make the most of it and take it in.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
ITV: Well, for bands, I think Warped was the holy grail opportunity and a stepping stone to other awesome things. For fans, Warped is such a melting pot for finding new music and seeing a real community in action around music they already love, y’ know? So on all sides, Warped has created just an amazing legacy and impact, which is exciting to get to be a part of.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
ITV: A stream of consciousness inner monologue for you – ‘So hot, oh my gosh, please help; wow, three of my favourite bands are playing at the same time; I’m inspired; please, do we have any more water?’
What else does 2018 hold for you?
ITV: More touring, more music, better visuals and songs than ever, more positive energy, more Soylent (a meal replacement drink from the gods themselves).
Do you have any last words for your fans?
ITV: Thanks for sticking with me! I know there are hundreds of other bands out there fighting for your attention. Thanks for giving songs about hope a listening ear; I won’t let you down with the new stuff we’re creating.
Saving Apollo
Saving Apollo is a pop-punk band from a small town near Baltimore, MD. The band is composed of three members, Caleb Stackhouse, AJ Barnes, and Bobi Brindley.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
SA: It’s such an honour to be a part of the final Warped Tour. As a musician growing up, you always dream of being on Warped Tour, so it feels amazing to actually be here.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
SA: Such a positive influence for musicians and fans of music alike. It’s provided unity and so much love for the music community.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
SA: Warped Tour is a ton of hard work, but in the end, it is without a doubt worth every bit of it.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
SA: We are going home to record a new project to show people what Saving Apollo really is.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
SA: Always keep your head up, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.
