Warped Tour: The Final Run – Part 2
One of the worst parts of any concert or festival is the tinnitus. Alright, maybe we’re not talking full-on tinnitus as a fan, but if a few days surrounded by live music can result in some ear-ringing. Sadly, this is the last year that Warped Tour will be damaging anyone’s hearing. We decided to speak with some of the performers and hear (while we still can) what they have to say about this final run.
Almost Awake
Almost Awake is a young four-piece rock band from Las Vegas, formed in late 2015 when 15-year-old singer/songwriter, Vick Liano, and 17-year-old guitar, Grady Jones, started writing their first EP, The Explorer. After the release of their full-length album, Until Tomorrow, in 2016, and their EP, The Catacombs, in 2017, the band toured extensively. Eventually signing with Tommyboy Entertainment in 2017, Almost Awake dropped their single ‘Cloudwalker’ on the label announcing their arrival as a new talent on the rise. This surprising, high-energy group of teens range in musical influences from Paramore and Nirvana, to Joe Satriani and Blink 182. The result is a bombastic blend of melody and musicianship. The band includes Vick Liano (vocals, guitar and keyboards), Grady Jones (lead and rhythm guitars), Tommy Cochran (bass) and Bryson Drace (drums).
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
AA: So stoked, and so grateful! Always been a major bucket list goal, and when Kevin Lyman announced it was the last tour, we figured it would never happen. When we got the word, we were on a West Coast tour at the time, and just totally freaked out. So many other young bands were influenced and inspired by Warped artists. I don’t think it will really hit us ’til we’re there.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
AA: More than any other touring festival, Warped has had the most impact for our generation. From metal to pop, punk to rock, a million young bands came out of that scene. For us, bands like Paramore, Deftones, My Chemical Romance, Dance Gavin Dance and so many others really helped shape who we are as artists. We will all look back with serious nostalgia and genuine awe at what came out of it over the years.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
AA: The voice of a generation, or several generations.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
AA: So much! Finishing touches on two singles; also, we start recording a new EP in a month. We’re releasing some stuff that’s already done, such as an acoustic video of ‘Cloudwalker’, and a dooope cover video we’re dropping shortly. We’ve also got some cool festivals coming, and, hopefully, our first European tour in the fall!
Do you have any last words for your fans?
AA: THANK YOU!! Our fans are the only reason we do this. We have fans that have been with us since our very first show. It’s pretty humbling that other people care what we have to say, actually look forward to our music, and pay to come to our shows. LOVE them so much.
The Split Seconds
Reclaiming the raw style of seventies punk, with undertones of classic pop, rock and roll, and reggae, The Split Seconds have been lauded as a return to form for punk rock. Described by the Washington Post as ‘DC punk rock sound distilled’, The Split Seconds have maintained momentum following the release of their first LP, Center of Attention. Poised for their second full-length release, there is no doubt that Counterfeit Reality doubles down and delivers yet another dose of bold, catchy and pointed songwriting.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
TSS: We’re really excited to be playing Warped Tour. It’d be wrong to say that it’s a dream come true because we never dreamed we’d be playing. We’re also really looking forward to playing with The Interrupters and so many other great bands.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
TSS: Warped has been awesome because it puts together the best of punk rock music and culture, and takes it on the road across the States. It has been a central force in bringing the community together, and pushing it forward.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
TSS: Corrupting minds, and damaging eardrums since 1995.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
TSS: We’re going to be playing the Rat’s Nest Run-In car show in August, and Fest 2018 in October; as well as a lot of shows in DC.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
TSS: Warped Tour may be coming to a close, but The Split Seconds are just getting started.
Alteras
Alteras is a four-piece alternative rock band from Youngstown, OH, signed to Revival Recordings. Their focus is to write honest, transparent music that connects with the listener.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
A: We’re honoured and humbled to have been given the opportunity to be a part of something that has had such a significant impact on so many lives, including our own.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
A: Warped Tour’s influence has always been overwhelmingly positive. It’s truly shown that it doesn’t matter who you are, or where you’re from, music is universal and can change lives.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
A: Warped Tour is a musical and cultural experience that is truly unlike any other.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
A: We’re releasing our brand new album, Myself on Fire, on August 3rd, and then touring the music from it as much as we possibly can.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
A: Thank you so much to anyone that has already preordered our new record. If you haven’t already, please check out our latest single, ‘Light’, and preorder Myself on Fire today! Also, a huge thank you to The Other Side Reviews for the article!
Redundant
Redundant was born in the cold of the North in 2010 when three friends, two who happen to be brothers, got together in a Sault Ste Marie basement to make their own brand of punk rock. Among the three of them, they’ve shared the stage with bands like Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake, The Salads, SNFU, The Misfits, Die Mannequin, The Brains, Propagandhi, Ripcordz and Random Killing just to name a few. They’ve even had a coveted two-year spot on the Skate4Cancer tour. With more than thirty years of experience among its three members, Redundant knows how to give a crowd what they want: an electric live show of punk with a twist.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
R: Completely honoured. We all grew up going to Warped every summer, watching our favourite bands, and now we actually get to be a part of it AND on the last ever run. So ya, honoured is the only way to describe it!
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
R: I think it influenced people to just be themselves and have a good time. You see so many different people that enjoy different types of music, and they all come together and have a blast!
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
R: The best travelling summer camp ever!
What else does 2018 hold for you?
R: We’ve actually just finished up our record at Mission Control studios with producer and owner Dustin Jones. We’re super stoked about that. It sounds amazing. It should be released by mid-summer. We’re also looking into booking a small fall tour.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
R: Thank you so much for all of your support. Our dreams have come true because of all of you!
Cali Conscious
Cali Conscious is just that, an uplifting California surf-reggae-rock band of consciousness, and more. Formed in 2010, and naturally influenced by the sun, sand and sea, Cali Conscious blends three-part harmonies, upbeat rhythms and environmentally conscious lyrics. The eight-piece band (guitars, bass, drums, keys, horns and percussion) prides itself on an energetic live experience that uplifts and soothes the soul.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
CC: We feel honoured to be a part of the last Warped run! It’s such an iconic festival, especially in Southern California. To have performed the same stage as Sublime, No Doubt and so many socal reggae bands was an amazing experience, and we are grateful for the opportunity to join the legacy of local bands to perform on Vans Warped Tour.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
CC: We feel the Warped Tour had a great influence on the musical community because a lot of younger kids always came out and supported the bands. It also helped pioneer the Southern California reggae/ska scene into the mainstream.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
CC: Warped Tour is a party on wheels; an amazing amount of talent and a hardworking crew coming together, and working early mornings and long hours to create a massive travelling festival to showcase awesome bands.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
CC: Cali Conscious is releasing a new single every month in 2018. We are working on some more music video releases, and shows with national acts.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
CC: We are just so grateful, and appreciate all of the support from our friends and family. We really focus on creating a positive message within our music. We just want to remind everyone that we are each living individuals that can make a difference in the world. Always uplift others, be kind, try not to stress, smile more, surf, enjoy the sunshine and eat more avocados.
A Brilliant Lie
A Brilliant Lie is an explosively energetic alternative rock band from Orlando, FL. Having received airtime on many of the Southeast’s largest Clear Channel and college radio stations, they’re no strangers to the acclamation of the mainstream. Performing alongside the likes of Minus the Bear, Passion Pit and other renowned acts has propelled them to headline performances at the world-famous House Of Blues, Freebird Live and various music festivals.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
ABL: Collectively, we are all humbled, excited and ready to party. The history of Warped Tour is rich, and has helped shape us, as well as our love for the music community, for many years. We all, and not just us in A Brilliant Lie, have memories of dancing in mud puddles with complete strangers, singing along to the bands, and feeling complete bliss and camaraderie. We are simply beside ourselves with excitement to be a part of it.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
ABL: AAAH!!! See above, haha. Warped Tour was always considered a ‘safe place.’ A safe place for all of us folks who might feel weird, or think differently about music/art/life; those who feel too vibrant for the mainstream, and everything in between. When you walk the fields of Warped Tour, if you look at someone in the eye, they’re probably going to smile at you. It’s a GOOD day with like-minded people.
We also discovered so many new bands there. Everyone attended to go see the greats (Rancid, Bad Religion, Less Than Jake), but discovering bands on some of the smaller stages was half of the experience. It’s something you don’t get through the radio, or even some other festivals. It was organic, enlightening, and fun to expand your musical catalogue that way.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
ABL: Hanging out with thousands of family members that you never knew existed, seeing the bands you love, and finding new bands to love; all in one big, fantastic day.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
ABL: A nap? Honestly, we’ve already had such a great, busy year. We finished our upcoming EP, went on TWO tours, and ate a lot of great food all over the country. After Warped Tour, we’re heading out on the road with Rookie of the Year for their super-exciting 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY TOUR. We’re also doing some short runs up until the holidays in preparation for another long tour at the beginning of 2019. Lots of fun stuff will be popping up in between, too!!!
Do you have any last words for your fans?
ABL: We are lonely and want friends. Just kidding, sort of. Lol. We have so many awesome announcements coming up, please find us on social media. You can also find our music on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube and ww
Two Birds
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
TB: Humbled, grateful, surreal. It really feels like things have come full-circle, with the tour being such a pillar of our musical upbringing.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
TB: A very familial one. Over the years, especially in its infancy, there was such an eclectic mix of bands and artists on the tour. No one seemed to mind. It was so refreshing to see so many genres piled into one festival, with no one even thinking twice about it.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
TB: Brutally hot, sweaty, and being taken to task in deciding which band’s thirty-minute set you MOST wanted to catch that day.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
TB: A WHOLE LOT. We are very close to the end of the writing phase for our next release. We really want to get new music out before the end of the year.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
TB: Please come and talk to us if you’re able to make it our to one of the dates! As much as we enjoy one another’s company, going out and playing shows is loads better for forming new bonds, and talking about what this is all about: music.
Elana J
Elana J, formally of Elana J and the Grinders, is a recent LA transplant originally from New York, NY. Her music can best be described as dark electronic pop, with a strong rock influence. Her stage performance is raw and full of emotion, paired with powerful haunting vocals.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
EJ: I am beyond excited, and honoured to be a part of the final Warped Tour. Performing at Warped Tour has been a goal of mine for years. I’m so grateful that Shiragirl Stage offered me the opportunity to be a part of such an iconic institution.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
EJ: Warped Tour exposes new music to people across the country. It gives up-and-coming bands a chance to play with more established musicians. It connects everyone in a way you don’t see anymore.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
EJ: Warped Tour is sweaty, fast-paced, and rad as hell.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
EJ: I’m planning to get back in the studio as soon as possible. I had the pleasure of working with new producers this year, Heavy and Nick Rowe, which has really opened me up to new sounds and influences. I’m excited to write some additional tracks, and to solidify my new EP.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
EJ: Keep searching and exposing yourselves to new live music. Stay weird, and be kind! Check out my website www.elanajmusic.com for upcoming dates and projects.
Riverside Odds
Formed in 2013 by RW Hellborn (vocals), Skinny Timo (bass and backing vocals) and Matty Cobra (guitars and backing vocals), with Darren Walbridge (drums) and Dan Beswick (lead guitars), Riverside Odds are a band on a simple mission. Play what they want as loud as they want, and have an f’n blast doing it! With songs about whiskey, women, PBR and wrestling, this is a speed-punk rock ‘n’ roll party that everyone is invited to – just so long as you can keep up.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
RO: One word: honoured.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
RO: Undeniably, Vans Warped Tour has been one of the greatest launching pads for musicians. Being given the opportunity to perform at even a single day’s event has brought dozens of bands into the spotlight, and made legitimate superstars of others.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
RO: With its roots heavily influenced in the skateboarding community, Vans Warped Tour has been a punk-centred festival to see bands you already love, and to fall in love with those you hadn’t heard yet.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
RO: We’re gonna continue playing loud, playing fast and having a blast. After summer, we are releasing a three-way split 7” with The Sawed Offs (Dalton, GA) and Pig Pen (Tampa, FL) who we became friends with on our last East Coast tour, and we will be hitting a bunch of cities later this year in support of that record. We are also finishing writing our second album, which will be recorded in January, and is being produced by Eddie Spaghetti of Supersuckers.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
RO: We want to thank everyone who has been with us since the beginning, everyone that’s found us along the way, and everyone who’s ready to rock the hell out with us.
Amuse
Amuse is a three-piece pop punk/punk rock band from Indianapolis, IN. Kaine Gibson (vocals), Mike Muse (bass and vocals) and Keith Tajc (drums), released their EP, Life Sucks, via Dodgeball Records, and won ‘Best Original Rock Group’ in 2013. Vocalist Kaine Gibson answered Other Side’s questions about Warped Tour.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
KG: We are all super-stoked to finally be able to play, even if it is just for one date. My goal for playing in a band was always to play Warped, so it’s pretty rad that it’s finally happening. Although this is the final cross country run, I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of Warped!
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
KG: Warped has definitely had a huge impact on music in general. A lot of the pop punk and punk rock bands that shaped the genre as we know it got their start on the tour, and without it, we wouldn’t have ever had the opportunity to see those bands. Without Warped, all the punk rockers would probably just be Backstreet Boy fans instead of punk rock fans; I know, I absolutely would be.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
KG: That time when I got super-sunburnt, and got a fat, crowd-surfing man’s butt sweat all over my face, and totally made out with this super-hot babe, and got punched in the face in the pit, and got a SHITLOAD of free stickers.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
KG: We are releasing a new full-length album, Shortcuts, on July 20th via Dodgeball Records, and are announcing a HUGE tour as well. We will be on the road for pretty much the rest of the year, and we couldn’t be more excited!
Do you have any last words for your fans?
KG: I’m am so sorry, please don’t call the cops. I swear it wasn’t me. Please! It was Keith! He is the pervert!
