Warped Tour: The Final Run – Part 1
Warped Tour is a few weeks underway, and everyone’s having a blast; however, this year’s tour is unlike any other – this year is the last run. With everyone feeling excited, but also melancholy, The Other Side Reviews decided to catch up with some of the bands and hear what they have to say. Tearing themselves from busy schedules, here we have some artists telling us how they feel about Warped Tour ending, and what Warped means to them.
Frank Turner
Frank Turner is one of the U.K.’s most successful solo artists of the past decade. He has carved out a career as a hard-working, punk-folk troubadour with a diehard fanbase drawn to a singer-songwriter who refuses to play the game and does things on his terms. His last two records, 2013’s Tape Deck Heart and 2015’s Positive Songs For Negative People, dealt with the fallout from a break-up as the singer struggling to cover the cracks from broken relationships. Now happily living with his girlfriend and their cat, he sets his sights on the bigger picture. His latest album, Be More Kind, bridges the personal and the political, the intimate and the universal. These are songs that could be whispered in your ear, or hollered along with from the middle of a sweaty festival crowd.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
FT: I feel honoured and relieved. I grew up knowing all about Warped Tour; it was an essential part of the scene I called home, but, being from the U.K., I’ve never been or played before. It’s good to be part of it, before the end.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
FT: I think it’s been a staple of the American indie and punk rock scenes for a long time. It’s grown and changed a lot over the years, but it’s brought a lot of great music and community into people’s lives in that time.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
FT: Hard to do because I haven’t actually been yet. An exciting prospect?
What else does 2018 hold for you?
FT: I’m on tour most of the year, the new album, Be More Kind, was out in May, so I’m off around the world letting people know about it.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
FT: Not yet, I hope, plenty more to say!
Crash Overcast
Conceived in Los Angeles, CA, Crash Overcast has set out to create energetic, aggressive and catchy pop punk music. Members Jeff Schroeder (drums), JD Harris (bass and vocals) and Alex Kurnow (guitar and lead vocals) have all shared a passion for punk rock in all of its forms, and have pooled various influences from inside and outside the punk rock world to shape the band’s sound. Crash Overcast released its debut EP, Too Close To Call, in January of 2017, and has enjoyed being a part of the thriving pop punk/punk rock scene. Known for their highly energetic live experience, the band has worked to put on shows consistently since its formation in 2015.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
CO: Incredibly honoured. The festival has had a profound impact on all three of us in this band, and the people we have surrounded ourselves with throughout the years. We are so happy to have been a part of such a cool tradition.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
CO: Warped Tour has given a platform to so many up-and-coming artists. Much like the opportunity we had this summer, to play one of our biggest stages to date, young artists have been able to come to Warped and offer their music to open arms. Warped has also had a huge influence on the world in the way of raising awareness for mental health, partnering with really impactful non-profit organisations which we, as a band, fully support.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
CO: Along with being the largest travelling music festival in the U.S., it is one of the biggest outlets for pure freedom and fun.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
CO: Definitely, new music. We are working towards releasing some new material by fall or winter, so be on the lookout! Also, we are in the works of putting together some tour dates with a few other bands we are really looking forward to playing with.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
CO: Thank you for all of your support! From sharing videos to streaming songs, to coming out to shows and having a good time. Your support truly means the world to us!
Bears Among Men
Bears Among Men are native to the Central Coast of California. Deriving roots of Southern California hardcore, metalcore and nu-metal, the band focuses on bringing a genuine experience to their music through aggression, melody, and excitement.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
BAM: Honoured and lucky. We’ve worked hard for a long time, but we know there are a thousand more bands who do the same that, unfortunately, aren’t playing, so very lucky.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
BAM: A massive influence. If you are a part of a local music scene in any way, it’s what’s on your mind in the summer.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
BAM: Warped Tour has always been a place where you feel yourself.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
BAM: A couple of weeks after Warped Tour we’re hitting the road with A Friend, A Foe, who also is playing the last Warped Tour. After that, we’ll finish up booking for our September run, and then we’ll start planning a winter run!
Do you have any last words for your fans?
BAM: Thank you for all your support, and please keep supporting us. We aren’t going anywhere, and we feel like we’ve just begun.
Skyward Story
Baltimore pop rock trio, Skyward Story, has an undeniable and captivating spirit. That spirit is easy to see in their genuine and dynamic performances, and even easier to hear in their new, unmistakably catchy pop rock sound, borrowed from their pop punk roots. Their writing attracted the attention of multi-platinum producer, Matt Squire, who has produced breakout records for artists such as, One Direction, Panic! at the Disco, Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato. Skyward Story and Squire worked together for an entire year, and the group has emerged with an album destined for greatness.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
SS: We’re honoured to be a part of this final Warped Tour. It’s very bittersweet, considering this was the ultimate goal for us, and I’m sure many of the artists here, when we were getting started as a band. Warped Tour became all that it became for a reason, and to be part of the final hurrah is something we’re very grateful for.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
SS: There’s no doubt that Warped Tour changed the game for up-and-coming bands. It was, and has been, a monumental step between the old ‘Gatekeeper’ formula for success and the DIY era. It gave (and gave and gave) new artists a chance to really get out there, and show the world what they’ve got. I can’t even imagine what the industry would be like if Kevin had never given us this amazing tour!
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
SS: Easy: punk rock summer camp!
What else does 2018 hold for you?
SS: 2018 is going to be defining for Skyward Story. We’ve been holding onto a lot for a long time, and it’s finally all going to come out! This includes our first full-length record, and we could not be more excited.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
SS: Thank you for all your support, and most importantly your patience! Thank you for sticking with us while we were figuring all of this out, believing in us, and trusting that it was all going to be worth it
Fat Heaven
Fat Heaven is a DIY punk band from Brooklyn, NY. Comprised of Travis Yablon (guitar and vocals), Jack Counce (bass and vocals) and Gayla Brooks (drums), the trio has carved out a name for themselves through their raucous house shows, live party atmosphere and killer hooks. With love for the fun, fast, drunk and sweaty, Fat Heaven keeps it real.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
FH: It’s pretty tight to be a part of it. It would’ve sucked if it went away entirely and we never got a chance to play in some capacity. It’s a bucket list kind of thing, and we’re stoked to be a part of the legacy.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
FH: The bands of the earlier Warped Tours definitely influenced our music, and provided a more mainstream outlet for punk; but, it’s a double-edged sword since the mainstream aspect of it started to stray away from punk and became more of…well, you know. Regardless, there are still always a few cool bands that play every year.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
FH: No kids allowed on the tour buses, you metalcore fucks.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
FH: We have an EP done and finished. It sounds really good, and we may or may not put it out. Who knows?
Do you have any last words for your fans?
FH: Nothing for our fans, but we want to ask Full Sail University to forgive Jack’s student loans. We’re playing your stage on his birthday, throw the kid a damn bone.
Mojave Nomads
Mojave Nomads is an American indie alternative band from Ogden, Utah. They released their debut EP, Phases, this year through Standby Records, and have shared the stage with the likes of OK GO, the Growlers and STRFKR. Catch them in your city in 2018.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
MN: We’re stoked to be able to say we played the last run of something as iconic as Warped Tour. Kinda one of those milestones we’ll remember for the rest of our careers.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
MN: It’s been huge for a lot of bands. For where we fall in the Utah music scene, it’s kind of a different realm, but we all used to listen to Warped Tour bands growing up.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
MN: Hot as fuck.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
MN: Touring and new music!
Do you have any last words for your fans?
MN: Keep your eyes peeled for new tunes.
Idle Lives
Idle Lives is a post-hardcore band from New England. After signing to Third String Records, their debut EP, Thoughts In Your Head was released August 19, 2016. While the album focuses on facing mental health, the fearful concepts don’t take away from the high energy and emotion the band provides.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
IL: We couldn’t be more excited and grateful to be a part of the final year of the Vans Warped Tour. While sad it’s coming to an end, we’re very honoured to play a role in it.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
IL: Warped Tour opened the door for so many fans and artists to step out of their comfort zone, and it will continue to be an influence on the musical community forever. The mixed genres, opinions, people, attitudes, and more make an extremely diverse community that keeps on growing because Warped Tour didn’t have boundaries when it came to trying new things. It’s something we’ll see continue to grow, and Warped Tour played a huge role in it.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
IL: Loud, just the way you want it.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
IL: Idle Lives will be releasing a follow-up EP to Thoughts In Your Head later this year, and touring in support of it.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
IL: Our new single, ‘Distress Signal’, is out July 10th, and we can’t wait to see you soon!
Messer
The band’s cutting-edge modern rock sound was born through serendipitous connections in the thriving Deep Ellum music scene of Dallas. Dereak (vocals), Javier (guitar), Maddox (bass), Kenny (drums) and Donnie (guitar) have a desire for creative expression, and to touch as many lives as possible. 2018 is shaping up to be the year that Messer cuts through the noise and clutter of the rock world, and makes its mark. Messer is a band that is building a brand of new rock blurring the line between nostalgia and modern art, leaving the listener with a sound that is not only familiar but also new and addictive.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
M: It’s a real honour and privilege to be a part of this epic legacy. It has been a long time dream of ours, and a memory we are looking forward to making.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
M: I think the biggest impact is the emergence of action, sports and music. Warped Tour has been known to give both bands and athletes a platform to launch careers.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
M: Warped Tour is a festival where you know you will see the very best of what America has to offer in the punk/rock/metal music landscape, and it brings people together to celebrate a lifestyle reflected in the lives of those who attend.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
M: We are excited about our recent debut album, and our first of six radio singles peaked at 28 on the charts. Our next single is dropping this month, and we have some amazing tours lined up through the rest of the year.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
M: Thanks so much for supporting Messer, and we want to welcome all of our new fans into our family. It’s your voice that fuels the Messer Machine, so keep spreading positive energy and love. Most of all keep spreading the MESSage!
Love Past Blue
Love Past Blue’s sound is bold and sassy, straddling the line between pop and rock, and infused with a subtle blend of jazz and funk. Band members include vocalist Clio Cadence, guitarist Jack Hickman, bassist Joe Galate and drummer Logan Ellis Sheppard. Since Winning Battle of the Bands at Wildflower Music Festival in May 2016, the band has been entertaining audiences from coast to coast with their dynamic, retro-inspired live show. In October 2017 the group performed a much-anticipated showcase at The Cutting Room in New York City. Love Past Blue also completed a mini-tour of the L.A. area, performing at several venues, and have been in the studio this summer with Mark Younger-Smith (Billy Idol) and Jimmy Quill.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
LPB: We feel so honoured to be on the final run of Vans Warped Tour. It’s unreal and a dream for us!!
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
LPB: It brought up a lot of bands! It’s like the Wild West for bands; it’s like only the best cowboys thrive in that environment!
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
LPB: It’s the OG Punk Coachella!
What else does 2018 hold for you?
LPB: We’re doing an EP release in New York at the Cutting Room, playing the Boys of Summer Dallas date, and we’ll be back in L.A. in September!
Do you have any last words for your fans?
LPB: We love you!!
Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold
Acclaimed one of the top ten indie talents across Canada within a mere six months of forming, Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold conquered audiences of over 25,000 performing at notable festivals. As they continue, the band is winning over crowds of twenty-somethings and baby boomers alike. You can’t help but fall in love with Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold’s full-bodied vocals, relatable lyrics, chugging guitars and hard-hitting rhythms. These answers are completed by lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, Rose Cora Perry
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
RCP: I think it goes without saying that we are tremendously honoured and grateful to be a part of Warped’s legacy, especially given that there’s only one Canadian date in its final run and we get the opportunity to help represent the Canadian music scene. I was lucky enough in my prior project, Anti-Hero, to join Warped on the Shiragirl Stage two years in a row in the early 2000’s, and it was nothing short of an epic experience. Playing Warped will undoubtedly be the highlight of our summer. We cannot wait.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
RCP: Warped has not only acted as the launchpad for the careers of numerous artists, but has long provided the opportunity for up-and-comers to showcase their talents alongside seasoned professionals. This, of course, has dual benefits in that it allows lesser-known bands to learn from and network with more established acts, but also be seen and heard by new audiences that they may not have been exposed to otherwise.
In my experience, I can tell you first-hand that Warped promotes a very inclusive community among its bands, as well as its audience members. It exhibits the kind of culture you hope for at every show – no bs, no egos, just people coming together to celebrate a love of music.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
RCP: You don’t just ‘play’ or ‘attend’ Warped Tour, you become a ‘part’ of it.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
RCP: We’ve had an incredible year thus far, from performing at the Whisky a Go Go to kicking off our ‘Canadian Invasion’ tour in the States. We’ve got some dates remaining on the Canadian leg of our summer tour, and we’re also super-stoked to be recording our first ever band EP.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
RCP: We look forward to seeing our fellow Canucks at Warped when it hits Toronto! To find out when The Truth Untold may be rocking a city near you, be sure to connect with us on social media.
