We here at The In-Crowd are always trying to make sure that you guys get the scoop on what bands to keep an eye on.

We invite you to check out When The Sun Sets of Chicago, Illinois. While we could write a whole article about why they’re so amazing and why we love them, we thought we would just do an interview and allow them to introduce themselves.

This might be a spoiler alert but, once you learn about their mission based on mental health, you will fall in love with them more than you ever thought you could.

We had a chance to ask a few questions to Zach Baumgartner, lead vocalist for the band and here’s what he had to say.

Tell us a bit about how WTSS came together.

When The Sun Sets formed in 2018 when I was in high school as an outlet for myself to understand my mental health, and create a space where others could do the same. It started with a few high school friends in the suburbs of Chicago, IL turning acoustic songs into pop-punk ones.

What inspired your name?

“When The Sun Sets” alludes to nighttime which is the time when a lot of us have negative thoughts that tend to creep in, because it is one of the only times we get to sit with our thoughts and feelings from the day in peace. When The Sun Sets, it’s easy to get caught up with the lows in your life, and we aim to help people work through them using our music and have resources for all of our fans to ensure they can get help if they need it.

What are 2-3 artists you feel inspired by?

I’ll go with two legendary bands that inspired our style along with a newer band that is absolutely setting the tone for this genre in a beautiful way. Two of the bands that inspired us to start playing pop-punk music would be A Day To Remember and New Found Glory. They both helped shape pop-punk music from the beginning and showed us that we can bend outside of the norms of this genre and be our own. A newer band that inspires us every day is a band from Los Angeles called OUT IN FRONT. We’ve had the blessing of being internet friends, and ended up on a tour together- thanks to that friendship. They are some of the most hard working musicians we’ve ever met and they’re setting the pace for bands in 2026.

What’s on your playlist right now?

I personally love to listen to smaller artists and try to find bands that I never would’ve found without searching. A mix of this along with some of the greats has been on repeat the past month. Currently , I’ve been spinning a lot of Sly Withers, Pie for Billy, Callback, WALWIN, Lake Drive, along with a healthy mix of Simple Plan, Good Terms and OUT IN FRONT.

You guys have been touring a lot in so far in 2026!! What’s the best part of far?

We have always enjoyed touring because of two major things: human connection through these shows and seeing new places/faces every day. All of us in the band are people lovers and we truly look forward to connecting with people in the audience through the set and conversations we had throughout the night. We get to see firsthand what our music is doing for people and how that lines up with our goals. Every single night has been one we are thankful for. The other part would be that we love getting to change our environments so much, going to different cities and parts of the country that we’ve never been before. It is a reminder to us daily that we are so beyond lucky to be doing this outside of our hometown.

What do you hope your listeners take away from your music?

We hope our listeners take away a sense of community and love from our music. We make songs because we want people to feel less alone and realize that they ARE worth it. Mental health comes in waves and sometimes it all crashes down, but our music is here as a support column in the system of support that all of our listeners have. Whether you know it or not, you are loved and these songs serve as a reminder that you are never alone in the journey of mental health.

If you had to design a snack or treat that represents the band, what would it be called and what would it taste like?

We definitely have to go with something sweet and salty because we want the best of both. We’re thinking of a custom donut called “Dunker Delights” since it feels truly on brand! It would be an old fashioned donut glazed with chocolate covered pretzels mixed into the glaze for crunch and sweetness that overtake your tastebuds.

You’ve already alluded to this, but your official site says the band has a mission related to mental health awareness. Can you talk about how that mission came about, and how it influences your music and your message?

I found pop-punk and emo music at an age where I was most vulnerable, in middle school/high school. I realized quickly that this genre has a very unique way of connecting with the listeners about serious topics that bring communities together. When starting this band in high school, I knew that I wanted it to be for a purpose and our first song “The Wave” was exactly that: a message to a dear friend of mine to let him know that he wasn’t alone and that he has both myself and this band on the journey with him forever.

After the first few songs were released, I went to Vans Warped Tour in Chicago and met Hope For The Day. They’re a non-profit from Chicago focusing on shattering the stigma behind mental health and it spoke to us immediately. Seven years later, we are working together to continue spreading awareness, and shattering the stigma in a scene where we know we can help make a difference. Most of the songs we write have to do with mental health battles in our own lives that we want to show people they aren’t alone in. We started this band to make a difference and every time we get together, that is the ultimate goal we won’t stop chasing.

With a packed touring schedule, a love for connecting with fans, and a mission based in mental health advocacy, When The Sun Sets continues to create music is about much more than catchy pop-punk tunes. As they continue to grow, their commitment to make fans remember they never have to face life truly alone is something we hope everyone remembers, even after the sun sets.

Catch When The Sun Sets on Tour near you soon!