Warped Tour: The Final Run – Part 5
If you’ve been following our feed, you’re probably immersed in Warped Tour band interviews! Interested in some more? Of course, you are!! Here is part 5 of our…well, to be honest, I’ve no clue how many parts there will be. Does that really matter, though? Enjoy!
Glass Mansions
Glass Mansions, led by the charismatic, sultry voice of Jayna Doyle, is an alt pop duo from South Carolina, influenced by modern and 90’s pop, heavy synths and tight, dance-friendly rhythms. Their music is propulsive and elastic, with bubbly pop melodies, lush electronic beds of sound and intelligent, intimate lyrics. Live, it’s pure rock ‘n’ roll – raw, sweaty, passionate and covered in a cloud of fog and confetti. Chances are you’ve probably seen Glass Mansions at some point or another as they’ve crisscrossed the country, playing places like SXSW, Warped Tour, Daytrotter, South Sounds and Florida Music Festival. In the case that you haven’t, you are in for a treat.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
GM: It is such an honour and a dream come true to be a part of Warped, but getting to play the final run is surreal for us. We had the opportunity to play Warped in the past on the Shiragirl Stage, so it’s an incredible feeling to have been a part of two iconic moments in the tour’s history. We are so pumped to play!
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
GM: I’m not sure Warped Tour itself is even aware of how massive an influence it’s been to an entire era of music. I honestly feel like it put pop/punk on the map, and gave so many bands a shot to get their foot in the door that they may have never gotten otherwise. It’s been the pinnacle of stepping stones and on every band’s bucket list. So many songs have been written about Warped in all its pop/punk/ska magical glory. When I think of summer, I immediately think of Warped Tour too, and it will be bittersweet to see it come to an end this year.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
GM: Warped Tour is the pop/punk Ringling Brothers of its time.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
GM: We’ve done a national tour in the earlier part of the year, released our new EP, Ritual, and are back in our home studio heavily focused on writing new music. After Warped, we’ll be releasing more music videos with another tour this fall.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
GM: Do. Not. Miss. Warped. Tour. Not just for us, but don’t miss your chance to catch the last Warped run as it comes through. The saying, ‘you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone’, is going to hit hard once next summer comes around. Also, go thank Kevin Lyman on Twitter for everything he’s done for music and music fans.
Unearth
After an awe-inspiring twenty years of blazing trails and dominating stages, Unearth is now institutionalised as a relentless force in heavy metal, standing the test of time with a consistent creative output. Like Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, Testament and Anthrax before them, Unearth emerged as part of a burgeoning revolution in heavy music but continued to maintain their relevance and mastery of their craft. They’ve resisted and prevailed against changing trends, subcultural fashions and the way music is obtained and distributed with their credibility, integrity and unique persona intact. Our questions are answered by vocalist Trevor Phipps.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
TP: Every day of this tour is killer, and all of us are happy to be here. The death of this massive touring festival is going to leave a massive void in the rock ‘n’ roll world.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
TP: Warped Tour was the trendsetter for the travelling heavy music festivals. From punk rock to death metal to electronic music to pop rock, this fest brought a wide range of fans together to create an inclusive music culture that is missing from a lot of music scenes.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
TP: A celebration of life and music that brought people together.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
TP: We are releasing our new album, Extinction(s), later this fall. We will follow the release with worldwide touring to promote the record.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
TP: This is our twentieth year as a band, and we have our fans to thank for sticking with us and keeping us relevant that entire time. Thank you all, and see you on the road!
Montage, The Band
Montage, The Band creates and delivers the best in rock, pop, blues, and soul. The band consists of Jasmine (a.k.a. Samantha Green) on vocals and bass, Gabriel (a.k.a. Gabe) on guitar and vocals, and Kevin (a.k.a. Kevin) on drums and vocals.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
M: Honoured and excited to help make this amazing tour go out with meaning and finesse.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
M: Warped Tour has brought unity and inclusion to the musical community, and opened a new door for lots of different types of musicians.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
M: The craziest music tour of its kind EVER.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
M: Growing musically, while also finishing up school.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
M: If we can do it, so can you. So, do it better.
Calamity The Kid
Calamity the Kid is proud to announce the release of their debut EP, Late Bloomer. A four-song magnifying glass into the life of a modern, still-at-home ‘adult’, Late Bloomer acknowledges a societal shift in young adulthood from optimism and hope to discontent and sarcasm. Our nosy questions are answered by vocalist, Sam Doniger.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
SD: This year was our first time playing Warped Tour. We felt really lucky to experience the festival, and all the die-hard Warped fans who have kept it such a special community for so long.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
SD: Since we were all really young, Warped Tour has been a special place that harbours not only a pure obsession with music, but an appreciation of community. That is what history will remember Warped Tour for.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
SD: I can do it in one word: family.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
SD: We’re getting ready to release two new music videos from our debut EP called Late Bloomer. We also have a bunch of new tunes that will be coming out shortly!
Home Seeker
Home Seeker is a post-hardcore band based out of Poughkeepsie, New York, and founded in 2016. After taking their first steps out of the State, the band began to write their debut EP Cemetery Mindset. In the summer of 2016, they went to Glass Arrow studio in Sandusky, Ohio to have the record produced by Craig Owens (Chiodos, D.R.U.G.S). Since then, Home Seeker has been touring extensively, opening for bands such as Every Time I Die, Like Moths to Flames, and Knocked Loose. Our questions are answered by band members Andrew (An), Alex (Al), Arthur (Ar) and Jed (J).
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
Al: I’m absolutely blown away and honoured to be a part of something I look forward to every year.
Ar: Warped Tour’s always been a huge part of my summer. I’ve gone every year since 2012, which was my first. In high school, before I had serious bands, I literally dreamed of this; so, to put into words what this means to me would be pretty complicated. To say it’s an honour is an understatement.
An: It’s like a dream come true. I’ve been going to Warped since 2010, and ever since it’s been a big goal to one day be up on stage with all of the other great bands out there.
J: Back in 2011, as a sophomore in high school, a friend of mine took me to my first Warped Tour date in Scranton, PA. At the time, I was young and naive with going to shows, and that date of Warped was only my second concert experience ever. After watching bands like A Day To Remember play to huge crowds at Warped, I told myself that I wanna do that someday. I didn’t think it would actually happen! So, in that case, it’s insanely surreal to be a part of Warped Tour this year, and I’m thankful to the Home Seeker boys for letting me experience it with them.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
Al: It’s, without a doubt, united so many people and different cliques in the community, and given everyone such an amazing environment to be in and a part of.
Ar: Warped tour gave us smaller, up-and-coming bands a voice. It’s contribution to the music scene as a whole is indescribable, but it definitely has made a lot of bands I know and love today.
An: Pretty much every band I’ve ever listened to/looked up to/been inspired and influenced by has played Warped. It’s a festival that not only lets fans see their favourite bands, but also brings upcoming bands to light and inspires younger generations to get into the scene.
J: Warped Tour gave a lot of younger bands the drive and motivation to push their own material in hopes to be a part of the Warped Tour community. With them giving younger up-and-coming bands a chance, it’s what kept them chasing their goals in music. I can say, at one point, every 16-year-old who played in bands in high school, including myself, made it a goal one day to be on Warped Tour.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
Al: Sweaty fun with your best pals and favourite tunes.
Ar: One of the best and most diverse musical experiences you could experience.
An: A good time for everyone.
J: Music’s absolute best experience in the summer heat.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
Al: New music, a lot more touring, and even more fun.
Ar: Recording and touring; just hustling to keep making my dreams come true and my momma proud.
An: Lots of touring. Lots of new music. Lots of hustle.
J: A lot of recording, shows, touring, keeping up the pace and having fun with it.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
Al: Thank you all so much for caring and listening to us, expect a lot more from us soon.
Ar: 2018 is the beginning of a very long Seeker season.
An: Thanks for all the support, and we hope you stick around for what’s to come.
J: This year’s been pretty rad so far, and I’m stoked for what’s to come.
Not Ur Girlfrenz
Girl power takes pee-wee form in the brand, spanking new Not Ur Girlfrenz! Barely in their teens, Liv Haynes (13), Gigi Haynes (12), and Maren Alford (13) burst onto the music scene late last year with their covers of U2’s ‘I Will Follow’ and The Cure’s ‘Friday (I’m in Love)’. Managed by Jaret Reddick – yes, Bowling for Soup Jaret Reddick – this exceptional group has performed sold out concerts, and actually won awards!! All before they start…y’know, being women and stuff. Not Ur Girlfrenz is currently recording their debut EP of original material. Our questions are answered by guitarist and lead vocalist, Liv Haynes.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
LH: Well, like all people that have been a part of Warped Tour, we are very sad that it has to come to an end. Kevin Lyman has done so much for all of these bands, and we are so lucky to be a part of the final cross country Warped Tour! It’s been SO much fun! Dreams are literally coming true right before our eyes, and we are learning so much!
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
LH: We feel like it literally created and helped shape modern punk music. Without it, we wouldn’t have a LOT of huge bands, such as Paramore, Bowling For Soup, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, and there are too many to name! (laughs)
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
LH: Warped Tour is an amazing place where anything can happen.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
LH: Finishing and releasing our first EP. We are beyond excited to show everyone what we have been working on for a long time now. We think it really shows our journey and what it’s like to be teen girls in the music industry. We want to do this for the rest of our lives, and we hope to inspire others to pick up an instrument and make loud noises. (laughs)
Do you have any last words for your fans?
LH: YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, AND WE LOVE YOU.
Boxford
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
B: We feel honoured to be a part of Warped Tour. I remember going to my first one in 2007 and watching bands like Bad Religion, Haste The Day, Underoath, and so many others. Seeing the raw emotion as they performed onstage was a huge inspiration to me, and it is what gave me the drive to start playing music. It’s been a dream to be on Warped Tour, and it’s still so surreal we get to play on the final one.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
B: We think Warped has had a huge influence on the musical community. It introduces fans to new genres of music and brings people together. The positivity that spreads from Warped Tour is great, and it allows fans to connect with their local music scene.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
B: Warped Tour is an event for music fans across the country to come together and build new friendships, while sharing their passion for music.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
B: 2018 is a huge year for us. Along with Warped Tour, we are releasing our second EP. It’s a concept album dedicated entirely to mental health awareness and looking at the topic from a realistic viewpoint. Our single ‘Incandescent’ is actually available for streaming now on Spotify, Bandcamp, and Apple Music!
Do you have any last words for your fans?
B: To our fans: THANK YOU so much for your support. There’s no better feeling in the world than hearing your music, something you produced, had a positive impact on someone’s life. Even if we help just one person, it makes it all worthwhile. We can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on with you.
Great American Ghost
People tend to think that spite is a negative emotion. Something that drags one down. A feeling that takes the focus away from the joy in life. That may be true for most, but it’s the exact opposite for Boston-based metal juggernauts, Great American Ghost. From their blistering live performances that leave you reeling with a visceral feeling, you can feel the spite flowing through them as a whole. This band is out to show every single person, friend or foe, exactly how they mean to prove everyone that’s ever doubted them that they are dead wrong.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
GAG: It’s pretty incredible. I’ve been going to Warped for as long as I was allowed to. I’ve done the tour working for bands, and now it means to world to me to be able to play it for the very last time. Definitely a lot of emotions wrapped up in it.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
GAG: Huge. Indescribably huge. Aside from the fact that an entire generation found their favourite bands thanks to Warped, the tour has launched so many of the most important bands of our time. Kevin Lyman changed the face of music with Warped Tour.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
GAG: Hot, but worth it.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
GAG: We have a lot of touring planned that we cannot wait for. A full US tour in the fall that will have us hitting a lot of spots that we have never been to. We are hoping to close our 2018 with a bang.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
GAG: Come to Warped, let’s get weird, and thank you for everything.
Emma White
Garnering upwards of two million streams independently, Nashville based artist, Emma White has been featured by Billboard, named one of Rolling Stone’s ’10 New Country Artist’s You Need to Know’, and Buzzfeed’s 2018 Country Music Obsession. Named after Country music legend, Emmylou Harris, Emma blends country storytelling with R&B influences and pop production.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
EW: Thrilled. I’m a huge Katy Perry fan, and I used to watch her videos from Warped Tour and read what it was like on her first official tour; because she did it, I always wanted to. So the fact that I’m able to be apart of it on their very last run is pretty special! I sort of feel like I snuck in somehow.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
EW: Warped Tour’s origin is pop punk, but they’ve expanded so much and really celebrate diversity having so many different kinds of artists on the tour. I think they’ve definitely set a tone, showing that all kinds of music and people can exist together in the same place.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
EW: Hmm… a travelling musical melting pot.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
EW: I’m about to release a new song (maybe two) by the end of the summer. I’m heading to LA for a couple of writing trips and keep adding more live shows!
Do you have any last words for your fans?
EW: I hope to see you at Warped Tour!! If you see me, please say hi!
The Hails
The Hails are a young alternative rock band from Gainesville, FL. The group has been making waves in the indie scene with their latest single, Younger. With an exciting live show, The Hails are a must-see act in today’s music world.
This is Warped Tour’s final run, how do you feel being part of it?
TH: Excited. It’s been a staple in the American music scene for a long time. The tradition behind it is unparalleled, and being able to say that we played its final year is an honour.
What sort of influence do you think Warped Tour had on the musical community?
TH: It brought people together, first and foremost. Gathering this number of people who are interested in good music is a feat in itself. Warped Tour also set the stage for other big festivals around the world and inspired generations of music lovers; that means a lot to us.
If you could describe Warped Tour in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
TH: Warped Tour is an experience, a feeling and a lifestyle.
What else does 2018 hold for you?
TH: We are hitting the recording studio in July, and will be releasing songs throughout the end of the year into early 2019. Also, we’ll be playing shows pretty consistently around Florida and hopefully outside of the state.
Do you have any last words for your fans?
TH: If you can make it to Warped Tour, we’ll be ecstatic to see you there. If not, we’ll see you at the next show — and thanks for being awesome!
How awesome! Loved this so much
Glad you liked it, Emily! 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to read it!
What a fun wrap up of the Warped Tour! This took some serious dedication! Kudos!
Thanks so much! We had a lot of fun putting it all together. 🙂 Be sure to check out the other posts and interviews!