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From amazing to unforgettable: ranking every set I saw at Warped Tour D.C.
I was lucky enough to attend the very first weekend of the new revamped Vans Warped Tour in Washington D.C. It was two days full of non-stop music from both Warped Tour veterans and rookies.
With six stages and a totally stacked line-up, trying to see every artist you want to see is impossible. So, even though you have a list of every band you want to see, you are going to have to make some cuts once you get there and see the schedule. That may include only watching half of some sets, or prioritizing acts you haven’t seen before or haven’t seen in a while.
I definitely had to make some hard cuts while deciding my plan for each day of Warped Tour, especially on Sunday. That day in particular had so many bands I wanted to see. Let’s just say, I didn’t have many breaks.
Check out my ranking of every set I saw at Warped Tour D.C. Now, keep in mind every set I saw was fantastic. Not one disappointed me. This was a hard ranking and it is based on my weekend as a whole. I would recommend you go see any of the artists on this list.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
The first honorable mention is Sueco. We had plans to watch the majority of his set but we only ended up watching the intro and about two songs. We left earlier than we planned to go get in line for Scene Queen’s signing that was scheduled to happen shortly after his set. And good thing we left when we did because the line ended up getting extremely long and may have not been able to get in if we waited until the end of his set. His intro of being brought on stage in a coffin was so sick and he sounded great from what we did hear.
The next honorable mention is Memphis Mayfire. They played while we were waiting for Yung Gravy. I listened in and sort of paid attention. However, the rain and trying to find a position that caused my feet to not be in pain caused me to fully take in their set. What I did take in was great. They have been around forever and are definitely Warped veterans.
16. RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS
Photo Credit: Alicia Kobasic The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus were not a band set in any means. I just got to the set late and the only song I knew was “Face Down” which I screamed at the top of my lungs. I just did not know enough of the set to rank it higher.
15. YUNG GRAVY
Photo Credit: Alicia Kobasic When I saw Yung Gravy on the line-up I was a little shocked. I definitely did not feel like he fit the vibe of the rest of the acts playing the weekend. But I decided to check out his set. We caught about half of his set in the rain Sunday night before heading out to get a good spot for the last act of the weekend. He had good energy and I knew most of the songs. I was overall just not totally into his set and the biggest fan of his music.
14. MILLIONAIRES
Photo Credit: Alicia Kobasic Another Warped Tour veteran group, Millionaires kicked off my Sunday. Their set was fun and had me starting off my day dancing and singing along. I did not know the majority of their songs, which knocked them down some spots on my ranking. However, I did have fun and got my blood flowing for the jam packed day. I however was not fully awake and was still getting my game plan for the day during the performance. So, I couldn’t rank them higher. However, I would check out a future set of theirs and be fully invested.
13. CARTEL
Photo Credit: Alicia Kobasic Now, Cartel has been around forever but I was not familiar with them until they were on the line-up. I had heard of the name and had heard a song here and there, but did not do a deep dive until I was preparing for Warped Tour. Don’t hate me, I was late to the emo scene okay. I listened to their set while I was camping out for The Maine, and really enjoyed their set. I was jamming along and will definitely be listening to more of Cartel’s music.
12. RAIN CITY DRIVE
Photo Credit: Alicia Kobasic This was the first set we actually watched of the weekend. We sat down and were waiting for Fever 333 and Rain City Drive was playing on the stage before them. They sounded fantastic, and commanded the crowd. It seemed like many people knew their music and were excited to see them play. I enjoyed their set and am for sure looking forward to seeing them again on The Summer School Tour and getting more into their music.
11. NOTHING, NOWHERE
Photo Credit: Alicia Kobasic This was a bit of a last minute set for me. I was not quite sure if I was going to make it to his set, but I managed to make it fit into my schedule and was so excited. I wanted to see him when he was in Cleveland earlier this year, but did not manage to make it to the show. He sounded amazing, the crowd was huge, moshing, and crowd surfing. He commanded the stage and got my body moving and ready for the second half of the day. Even though the rain started to come down, that did not stop him. I definitely need to see him the next time he comes into town, because I went from a casual fan, to a full blown fan.
10. POINT NORTH
Photo Credit: Alicia Kobasic These guys were up right after Nothing, Nowhere and the rain was fully coming down. But that did not prevent this duo from killing it. Their energy was high from the moment they stepped foot on stage. People had the mosh pit moving and crowd surfers going. I knew a handful of songs and when they played “Into The Dark” I got transported back to college and blasting that song walking to class. I pulled the lyrics from the back of my mind. I had my poncho on and was headbanging and rocking out the whole time. And I met them earlier in the day and they were super sweet. So, that was also a bonus. More of their music is being added to my playlist as we speak.
9. SOPHIE POWERS
Photo Credit: Alicia Kobasic If you haven’t checked out Sophie Powers, you might want to get on that. She mixes hyperpop and rock music to create her own unique sound. Her songs constantly get stuck in my head and are my go to for singing in the car, the shower, and anywhere I can. This was my third time seeing her, and she just keeps getting better. She is getting more comfortable on stage, and knows how to get the crowd going. Her set was so fun and I did not want it to end. Her crowd was smaller, but she had every single person with her and ready to have fun. When she played “U Love It”, “Obsessed”, and “Better On Mute” I was screaming the lyrics. And she debuted her new song “head empty, no thoughts” which got me so excited for its release. I cannot wait to see what else she has she does and am ready to see her at a headline show.
8. HEART ATTACK MAN
Photo Credit: Alicia Kobasic You know I had to support my fellow Clevelanders. Heart Attack Man has been a band I have been following for years and to see their growth has been crazy. Whenever I have the chance to see them, I have to catch their set. They always kill it. Their classic pop punk energy is exactly what the crowd needs to get moving and ready for the day. And seeing how big of a crowd they got was crazy. It warmed my little Cleveland heart. I was dancing, doing the classic pop punk finger point as I sang, and just took it all in. Their energy screamed Warped Tour. Heart Attack Mans brings the classic pop punk sound, but makes it feel more modern. Which is exactly what this new version of Warped Tour is. It brings the classic Warped Tour energy, but makes it fit into 2025. If these guys aren’t on your radar, definitely give them a listen.
7. MAGNOLIA PARK
Photo Credit: Magnolia Park Magnolia Park closed out the Arrow Stage Saturday night and they always kill it. The minute they walk on stage they are calling for a circle pit and don’t let anyone stand still. They played “Omen”, “Animal”, and “Misfit” which are some of my favorites. The drums, guitar riffs, and screams all sounded amazing. I just saw these guys play a sold out show in Cleveland so not getting the perfect view and missing the end of their set was alright. But if you get the chance to see them at Long Beach or Orlando Warped stops, definitely check them out.
6. ICE NINE KILLS
Photo Credit: Alicia Kobasic This band has been on my bucket list to see for a while. So, when they were announced to be playing I knew I had to make it to their set. Now, I do not know all their songs, but seeing clips of their shows online, I knew it would be a crazy set. And they definitely did not disappoint. Seeing all the theatrics with the vocals, actors, and effects was so cool to see; and I am not even a horror movie fan. I just got to chill in the back and observe the whole set and take it all in. It was cool to see all the longtime fans get into the set and sing along to all their lyrics. As someone who is usually a dedicated fan, I don’t often get to observe, so that was definitely fun to be on the other side. Plus, their set was different from the others I saw, so it deserves this high spot on my ranking.
5. STATE CHAMPS
Photo Credit: Alicia Kobasic I couldn’t go to Warped Tour and not see State Champs. I have been a fan of this band for almost 10 years and they never disappoint. Everytime I see them, they always kill it. I jam out to all of the 2010’s pop punk classics like “Elevated” and “All You Are Is History” and their newer songs like “Silver Cloud” and “Everybody But You”. State Champs was also the very first band I saw play at the only Warped Tour I went to in 2018; so it was a no-brainer to bring it full circle and see them play the Warped Tour revival. Plus, they brought out Greg James from Boys Like Girls, so that was pretty cool. So, if you are looking for a solid, fun set at the next two weekends, add them to your list.
4. BOYS LIKE GIRLS
Photo Credit: Alicia Kobasic This set was all about nostalgia for me. I have never seen Boys Like Girls, and I was not going to miss them. Screaming along to “The Great Escape”, “Love Drunk” , and “Two is Better Than One” was a dream come true. Those songs were staples of my early teen years and are ingrained into my brain. Skylar and I stood towards the back of the VIP viewing area, danced like maniacs and sang our hearts out. Plus, they brought out Brendan Abernathy to play “Married In A Year” that had been going viral on Tiktok, then they played “The Great Escape” together. What a shocking guest to wrap up another bucket list set.
3. FEVER 333
Photo Credit: Alicia Kobasic If there was any set that was perfect to see this weekend, this was it. Not only because it was in Washington D.C., it was also the same weekend as Trump’s birthday and military parade. And if you are not familiar with Fever 333, their music is heavily focused around social and political issues the world is facing. Their set was the first full set of the weekend I watched and it got me raging in and psyched for the rest of the acts. Screaming along to every song let me release all my bent up anger surrounded by others who had the same anger. Plus, seeing Jason Butler climb up the speaker, rip off his shirt and run along the barricade was pretty cool. Their set exceeded my expectations and was the perfect start to my weekend.
2. THE MAINE
Photo Credit: Alicia Kobasic The Maine will always hold a special place in my heart. When I listen to their music, I am taken back to a time when I first heard the songs for the first time. In particular their albums American Candy, Lovely Little Lonely, and You Are OK. So, seeing their set was an emotional one for me. I snagged a spot on the barricade and probably lost my voice singing along to every song. They sang all my favorites like “Am I Pretty”, “Loved You A Little”, “Touch” and “Black Butterflies and Deja Vu”. I was locked in to their entire set and did not want it to end. They are a veteran act that are made for the Warped Tour stage.. Everyone in the audience was singing, dancing and was totally in the moment. I cannot wait to see them again. And I may have cried a little bit. Maybe I didn’t. You will never know.
1. SCENE QUEEN
Photo Credit: Alicia Kobasic To be honest, I kind of knew she would be my number one from the start. Scene Queen was number one on my must-see sets of the weekend. And she definitely lived up to my expectations. It was the very last set of the weekend, and it was the perfect way to end it. There was something beautiful about the very last song played at Warped Tour being “18+” and having a crowd of people scream about the scene taking advantage of young girls. Her set was cut short due to technical difficulties, but she packed in all the hits like “Pink Barbie Band-Aid”, “Pink Rover”, “Pink Panther” and “Finger”. It was downpouring, people were crowd surfing, the twerkle pit was open, and the crowd was loud. Being barricade for one of my favorite artists was just what I needed to close the weekend. Plus, I met her earlier in the day and she is so sweet and a fellow North East Ohio native, so that is the cherry on top.
Every set was amazing and I got to see so many amazing bands, while also making some cuts. Trust me, there were so many other sets I wanted to see but could not fit into my schedule. It was tough to narrow it down to just these 16.
If you were also at Warped Tour D.C., let us know your favorite sets of the weekend. And if you are going to Long Beach or Orlando, let us know what sets you are most excited for.
Curious about my overall thoughts on the whole weekend? Check out my full review here.
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Warped Tour Recap and Review 2025 (Washington, D.C.)
Elder and new emos rejoice, Warped Tour is back! Well…kinda.
In case you missed it, Warped Tour is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and has made its much-anticipated return. However, it is not back in the same capacity. Instead of a cross-country tour setting up one-day festivals in cities all summer long, it has taken a new approach. They are putting on a two-day festival in three separate locations: Washington D.C., Long Beach, California, and Orlando, Florida.
As your resident rock music expert who never left their emo phase, I had to check out the new and revamped Warped Tour. So, social media manager Skylar Bridgeforth and I made the journey from Cleveland, Ohio to Washington D.C. to attend the very first weekend.
Now, before we get into my overall experience, I want to give out some disclaimers. First, prior to this year, I have only ever been to one Warped Tour. I was a little late to the scene and was only able to go to the last full country run in 2018. So, my previous experience is limited. Also, I had the VIP package. So, I will be addressing my thoughts on if I feel VIP is worth it. Also, having that upgrade definitely affected my overall experience.
With those disclaimers in mind, let’s get started.
Overall, I had a positive experience at Warped Tour D.C. While this is not the same Warped Tour of the past and is structured like a multi-day festival, it did not feel like a festival. Walking around the festival, it seemed like the Warped Tour of the past. There were tents for all of the bands and labels, bands were doing their own meet & greets at their tents, everyone was dressed in all black, band tees, chains, eyeliner, converse and vans. Looking into the crowd, you see plenty of moshing, circle pits, and crowd surfing.
I would describe the overall energy of the crowd as a community. Whether it was their first Warped Tour or their twentieth, everyone was there for the same experience. The energy was high, and the feeling of being surrounded by thousands of people who are part of the scene that Warped Tour emerged from and understand one another is unmatched. I do not know how to describe it, the feeling and aura of the weekend was not like that of other music festivals I have been to.
Let’s talk about the venue: the festival grounds at RFK Campus. It is not a huge space, which makes it very walkable. Getting from one area of the grounds to another did not take very long and made running to catch every set easier. The hardest part would just be navigating through crowds.
However, there is no green space. It is all concrete, which is very hard on the body. My feet, in particular my heels, were in a lot of pain by the end of the two days. I was limping and trying to stand in any position to get any sort of relief by the end of each day. That also meant there was no comfy place to sit. In two of the VIP areas, there was some turf that provided some relief from the hard ground. However, it was limited. So, most of the weekend, if you wanted to sit, it was on hard ground.
As far as shade goes, there were not a whole lot of options. In two of the VIP areas, there was a bar area set up under a pavilion with tables, which provided some shade. There were some trees but, as far the main areas go, it did not seem like there were many options for shade. So, trying to escape the sun was not easy.
The biggest complaint for many would be the tiles they had set up on parts of the ground near the entrance. These giant tiles held water and any other liquid. When you walked on them, whatever was on them splashed back up on your legs. No one is quite sure what was flooding all over the tiles during the downpour on Sunday night, but it was gross and avoidable. No matter where you stepped, it ended with mystery liquid all over you.
A big positive was the stage organization and scheduling. The two biggest stages were the classic Vans Left and Right Foot stages. They were set up side by side with barricades separating the two crowds. The medium size stages were the Ghost and Beatbox stages. They were slightly smaller but still set up side by side with the gates separating the two crowds. The two small stages, The Arrow and Eagle Stages, were tucked back in the corner set up diagonal from each other.
The sets moved quickly. When a set was going on one stage, the stage next to it was getting set for the next act. So, there was maybe five minutes between one set ending and the next one beginning, and there were hardly any delays. Whatever time was listed on the posted schedule is what time the band started. That also meant, you had to be diligent on making it to you top must-see sets. You couldn’t take your time walking from one stage to the next.
Everything on the grounds was packed tight. All the stages, vendors, tents, skate ramp, and more were all set up across the grounds. But, as I mentioned, the grounds were not big, so everything was close together. There weren’t any clear walking paths. You had to navigate around lines for merch, people stopping to check out the different vendors, charity tents, food stands, or anything else. In certain areas, particularly near the back of the Right Foot Stage, traffic jams could occur. Some areas were a little less crowd dense but, overall, everything was packed.
What did not help the traffic by the Right Foot was the fact that there was where the blow up with the schedule was located. It was across the grounds from where you walked in at. So, that helped keep traffic moving at the entrance to not cause a clog of people as you were walking in. However, that meant many people gathering near one stage, especially early in the day. The key was to be patient, look for gaps in the crowd to make your way through, and to try and be strategic.
Okay, let’s talk about VIP. With VIP there were several perks you received, including separate security lanes, a wristband instead of a ticket to scan in, and access to air conditioned bathrooms instead of the normal porta potties. You were also able to pick up the official Warped Tour compilation CD and stickers. Many of the stages had their own lounge and viewing areas with a bar, food vendors and water refill stations.
The bathrooms alone were worth the price of VIP. Getting to walk into the air conditioning for a few minutes of relief was wonderful. I also enjoyed the separate water refill station, food vendors and bar. Now, the food was limited but between the two areas, you had a decent selection.
The dedicated viewing area in my opinion was also worth it. As someone who is short, these dedicated areas were a godsend. They never go overly crowded, you were able to be along the barricade a bit further back and still get a good view of the stage. Now, it was a side view so you weren’t front and center, but it was still a great view. It allowed for a break from the large main crowd. However, if you wanted to join the mosh pits, crowdsurf or just experience the main pit, you still could. Also, having the large open space, you could relax while you wait for the next band on your list to take the stage.
These lounge areas were not at every stage. They were at the two main stages, Vans Left and Right Foot and at the Ghost Stage. However, you could still see the Beatbox Stage from the Ghost lounge since they were next to each other. However, there was no separate area at the Arrow and Eagle Stages. Those were the smaller stages where there were no gates separating one side from the other. So, those crowds all merged together to one pit a lot of the time.
While I did miss being packed into a crowd and feeling the energy radiate off people as we sang along to the lyrics, I could still get some of that along the barricade of VIP. I was just less packed in like a sardine. Maybe next year I will hop into a GA crowd and experience that energy again. However, this year having the VIP sections was beneficial. But, looking into the main crowds and seeing everyone moshing, crowdsurfing, singing, dancing, etc., it looked like a great time. You could feel the energy and excitement radiating off the crowd. Plus, they could be front and center, not off to the side. Especially if they were watching a band at the Beatbox Stage.
What really made or broke the weekend was the weather. Going into the weekend, everyone was nervous it would be nonstop rain and thunderstorms. The weather forecast up until the day of was saying there was a high chance of rain and storms all day for both Saturday and Sunday. So, everyone had their rain gear ready to brave the rain and mud. However, our luck turned around and Saturday there was little to no rain. It was very hot and sunny the majority of the day. We were sweating, chugging water and looking for any sort of shade instead of shelter from the rain. There was some light drizzle later in the evening, but nothing worth finding shelter for.
Sunday was a bit of a different story. The morning there was some light rain while we were walking to get into the venue. However, it cleared up and it was just cloudy and a little colder. It was still warm, but compared to Saturday, it was definitely cooler. As the day went on, the temperature definitely dropped, and we had to purchase some cool crewnecks from the Hawthorne Heights tent to wear later on. Then, at about 6:30 the rain began. It started as a light drizzle then picked up to a steady heavy rain. It rained the rest of the night and our whole walk back home. It wasn’t storming, but it was heavy and steady enough to be annoying. However, it did not stop us from rocking out the rest of the night. We rocked our ponchos and danced and sang our hearts out until the very last moment. Our fingers were prunes, our feet were in pain, but our hearts were full of joy from a weekend of celebrating the return of Warped Tour.
All and all, I had a fantastic time at Warped Tour Washington D.C. While it is not the same exact Warped Tour as the past, I think they did a great job of bringing the spirit of the old school tour and revamping it to be a two-day festival. I thought overall that it ran efficiently, I got in and out easily, managed to see pretty much every band on my list, the weather cooperated for 90% of the time, and the crowd’s energy was unmatched.
While it was not perfect, there is no perfect event. This was also the first one of three, so it was the guinea pig to see what needs to be changed. Also, these first three weekends are testers to see how Warped Tour does in this new style. So, they are bound to make changes and adapt for next year. What mattered to me was getting to see some great music and be around other people in the scene. I accomplished just that.
Next year’s Washington D.C. tickets are on sale and I already purchased mine. So, stay tuned for next year’s report to see what changes. I am already counting down the days.
If you are curious about my ranking of all the sets from the weekend, you can check it out here.
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Beauty School Drop Out shows “Sex Appeal” ahead of new album
Los Angeles rock band Beauty School Drop Out, comprised of Colie Hutzler, Beepus, Bardo, and Colton Flurry, released their newest single “SEX APPEAL” following their recent releases “FEVER” and “ON YOUR LIPS” on July 11.
On this single, which will be featured on their debut album WHERE DID ALL THE BUTTERFLIES GO?, releasing on September 5th, Beauty School Drop Out describes it in their press release as “SEX APPEAL.” The band states that they wanted to create something fun and romantic, but one that makes you look deeper as you continue to listen. The upcoming album was made with proven hit-makers like Neal Avron, Mark Hoppus, Alex Gaskarth from All Time Low, and more.
This new hot single features a tandem music video release with a cameo from Royal and The Serpent! Check that out below:
Throughout summer and fall, you’ll have the opportunity to see this band in concert. If you miss Beauty School Drop Out on the Idobi Radio Summer School Tour, you can catch them with Blink-182 and Alkaline Trio later this summer.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
JULY 2025
- Jul 11 – The Fillmore Detroit – Detroit, MI
- Jul 12 – The Vic Theatre – Chicago, IL
- Jul 13 – Agora Theater & Ballroom – Cleveland, OH
- Jul 15 – MegaCorp Pavilion – Newport, KY
- Jul 16 – The Factory – Chesterfield, MO
- Jul 18 – Uptown Theater – Kansas City, MO
- Jul 19 – Fillmore Auditorium – Denver, CO
- Jul 20 – The Union Event Center – Salt Lake City, UT
- Jul 22 – Showbox SoDo – Seattle, WA
- Jul 27 – Marquee Theatre – Tempe, AZ
- Jul 29 – House of Blues Dallas – Dallas, TX
- Jul 30 – House of Blues Houston – Houston, TX
AUGUST 2025
- Aug 1 – Marathon Music Works – Nashville, TN
- Aug 2 – The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
- Aug 5 – The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD
- Aug 6 – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA
- Aug 8 – Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ
- Aug 9 – Palladium – Worcester, MA
- Aug 10 – Franklin Music Hall – Philadelphia, PA
- Aug 28 – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood, FL
- Aug 29 – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre – Tampa, FL
SEPTEMBER 2025
- Sep 1 – Credit One Stadium – Charleston, SC
- Sep 3 – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek – Raleigh, NC
- Sep 4 – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater – Virginia Beach, VA
- Sep 6 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – Bethel, NY
- Sep 10 – The Camden Assembly – London, United Kingdom
- Sep 12 – Backstage By The Mill – Paris, France
- Sep 13 – Altstadt Eindhoven – Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Sep 15 – MTC Club – Köln, Germany
- Sep 17 – Mikropol – Berlin, Germany
OCTOBER 2025
Oct 24 – The Wiltern – Los Angeles, CA
Oct 22 – Strummer’s – Fresno, CA
Oct 23 – August Hall – San Francisco, CA
Where are you looking forward to Beauty School Dropout? Did you love the lead single “SEX APPEAL”? Let us know in the comments below!
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Alt-pop duo joan release new single “alibi” ahead of new album
Alt-pop duo joan are continuing their action-packed 2025.
Alan Benjamin Thomas and Steven Rutherford, also known as joan, just dropped their newest single “alibi” and announced their new album this won’t last forever. The album is slated for release on September 25.
“alibi” is the follow up to “body language” and their feature on K-Pop group EPEX’s song “so nice”. They also just finished up a spring headline tour and a run of shows supporting Bloc Party.
While writing this new single, they dug into their real life experiences.
“The song pulls from a personal scenario in the past where it just honestly felt like the other person had the whole thing somewhat planned out; almost criminal,” the duo said in a press release.
The track creates a dreamy and trance-like feeling from start to finish. You are greeted with a groovy, driving bassline and steady drumline. The vocal delivery for 90% of the song is very simple and straightforward. It is not overdone or forced, but you can still hear the emotion of reflection, acceptance with a hint of sadness underneath. Then on the bridge, the vocals get a bit raw, while the instrumental gets a bit larger, but still pulled back to keep you hooked into the story. This is followed by the delivery of the final chorus with a piano accompaniment to layer on the feelings of reflection and acceptance of the realities of what has unfolded in the narrator’s relationship.
“alibi” was created out of an environment of darkness. “We wrote ‘alibi’ in the dingy basement of some co-write that we did a while back. It was dark, and I swear there was only one light in the whole room,” Joan says.
The metaphor of the relationship being like a crime was clear from the beginning. “The room felt like an interrogation room so we kind of used that theme to start something and it just stuck.”
The music video for the track was filmed in black and white and is set in an interrogation room. It features actors flipping tables, chairs and arguing. Bringing to life the concept of confronting the end of the relationship like confronting someone who has committed a crime.
This song and their upcoming album are about overcoming hard times and knowing things will get better.
“It’s about actually looking up in your life and realizing that nothing lasts forever. So breathe and take in the moment. Whether good or bad, you gotta know that it won’t last. This song was an important reminder of that. Hope it is to you too”.
“alibi” is also available on all streaming platforms and this won’t last forever is due out September 25. You can also stay up to date on all upcoming releases and announcements by following the duo on social media @songsbyjoan and on their website.
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Arrows in Action announce long-awaited part two of debut album
The wait for part two of Arrows in Action’s debut album is almost over!
On June 27, the Florida-based pop punk band dropped their brand new single “Empty Canvas”. This new single comes ahead of the highly anticipated second part of their debut album, I Think I’ve Been Here Before.
“The second half of I Think I’ve Been Here Before will lead you into a groovier, sexier, sleeker vibe with a splash of sentiment. With ‘Cheekbones’ leading the charge for this new feel for the band, Side B explores attraction, longing, desperation, and the fear of loss, all packaged in a shiny pop-rock sound,” Arrows in Action said in a press release.
The band describe “Empty Canvas” as “a high-energy dance-rock song about being so infatuated with someone that you’ll become anyone or anything just to be with them.”
“The song mixes pop elements, a chorus you can jump to, and groovy saxophone riffs that match its sultry and passionate lyrics.”
The single release was accompanied by a music video, which shows the band wearing white clothes in a blank room with, fittingly, an empty canvas. While not much mess is made of the environment, there are moments where the patterns painted on the canvas are mirrored on the band members’ faces. The members are splashed with a bright blue paint at the end, but it makes me wish they had done more with their own empty canvases. That being said, the song is catchy and will certainly make its mark on your summer playlist.
Check out the full music video for “Empty Canvas” below!
If that wasn’t enough excitement, Arrows in Action is embarking on the Summer School Tour with Taylor Acorn, Rain City Drive, Charlotte Sands, If Not For Me, Beauty School Dropput and special guest Huddy. The tour kicks off on July 11 at The Fillmore in Detroit, MI.
Check out the full list of tour dates below:
July 11 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
July 12 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre
July 13 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre
July 15 – Newport, KY – MegaCorp Pavilion
July 16 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory at the District
July 18 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
July 19 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
July 20 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union
July 22 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
July 23 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
July 25 – Sacramento, CA – Channel 24
July 26 – Long Beach, CA – 2025 Vans Warped Tour*
July 27 – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre
July 29 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
July 30 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
August 1 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
August 2 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade Heaven
August 3 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
August 5 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
August 6 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
August 8 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
August 9 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
August 10 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall
Nov 15-16 – Orlando, FL – 2025 Vans Warped Tour*
*festival shows
You can pre-save I Think I’ve Been Here Before here and buy tour tickets here. “Empty Canvas” is available on all streaming platforms.
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Arrows in Action are ready to “Feel It Again” on new single, announce part one of new album
Arrows in Action are gearing up for an action packed 2025.
On February 21, alternative rock band Arrows in Action dropped their new single “Feel It Again” alongside a new music video. Accompanying the single, the band announced the first part of their new album, I Think I’ve Been Here Before, which will be out May 16. Part two of the album is to follow later this year. Alongside the new song and album, they have also announced they have signed to Nettwerk Music Group.
I Think I’ve Been Here Before is set to explore themes of “nostalgia, breaking out of old habits, and trying to see your past and present in a new light” according to the band. Side A is to focus on the positive aspects of these themes with “a brighter sound, upbeat lyrics, a catchy blend of pop and rock that anyone can fall in love with.”
Album artwork for “I Think I’ve Been Here Before” “Feel It Again” is a high-energy, hopeful song with a groovy bass line and drum beat that you cannot help but bob your head to. The snappy delivery of the verses complements the big sing-along chorus to keep the upbeat and soaring feeling throughout the track. Nostalgia and appreciating the happy moments in your life are at the center of this track. After focusing on the negative parts of life, it is finally time to welcome feelings of happiness and change. The time has come to “feel it again.” Perhaps that means giving that relationship you let slip away another chance.
The video for “Feel It Again” brings in all the nostalgic vibes. The video itself is a parody of old-school infomercials. Except, instead of selling something like a ShamWow, the boys are trying to get people to purchase their new album. And of course, since it is in two parts, there’s a deal if you choose to get two. You pay an extra $10 to get the whole thing, but you only get to hear the first part now. You still have to wait to hear the other parts later this year.
The band stands in blue button-up shirts in front of the desk in an all-blue room, modeling the album, and graphics of the phone number you can call to order the album play along the bottom. A box with the current caller flashes in the corner. It very much feels like you are watching an infomercial from your childhood. Adding to the nostalgia, the band pays homage to bands like the Backstreet Boys by donning all-white outfits and doing choreography. Clips of the bands embodying the nostalgic bands of Limp Bizkit and Creed are also featured.
The band is also preparing for their first mainland Europe and UK headlining tour. You can also catch the trio playing Download Fest, Rock For People Fest, and Warped Tour Orlando later this year.
You can stream “Feel It Again” on all streaming platforms. Presave I Think I’ve Been Here Before here. You can also purchase tickets to upcoming shows and festival appearances on their official website.
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Columbus duo Jady talk new album NAPALM at first-ever Cleveland show
Fresh off the release of their single “Matte Black”, Columbus, OH duo Jady stopped in Lakewood, OH on their Flares & Embers Tour. The band played their very first Cleveland show at the iconic Mahall’s on Aug. 9. Our Music Manager Alicia Kobasic sat down (with some help from our Social Media Manager Skylar Bridgeforth) with Jarrett Doherty and Ashton Bergdorf to talk about their sophomore album Napalm, life on the road, their love of Buc-ee’s and if by the end of tour Jarrett will be in a full snowman suit. Keep reading to find out what the duo had to say.
Alicia Kobasic: Hello, I’m Alicia with the In-Crowd and I’m here with Jady and I have –
Ashton Bergdorf: Ashton
Jarrett Doherty: Jarrett
AK: Cool. Thanks so much for sitting down with me today. So, are you guys excited for the show tonight?
AB: Yeah! Yeah, I think we’re going to have to donate an AC system to the venue. It’s been…
Skylar Bridgeforth: This isn’t even the hottest it’s been. There was no AC for a really long time.
AB: I heard it’s been pretty bad
AK: We were here, what a week, two weeks ago?
SB: Yeah, two weeks ago and it was bad.
AB: It’s getting steamy inside…
AK: Yeah. One of the guitarists wore a sweatshirt and jeans and immediately regretted all of his life decisions.
AB: Oh my goodness
AK: So you guys have been on tour. How’s tour been so far?
JD: It’s been so good. It’s been so much fun. This is our first headlining show in Cleveland, so we’re super, super excited. I can’t believe it’s been this long to get out to Cleveland. The last Cleveland show that we booked, I was actually sick and we had to cancel it. That was a while back, so we rescheduled it for today and it’s looking like a sell out show, so…
AK: Awesome. Anything you want to add?
AB: No, I think that’s about it. I think it’s sold out now?
AK: I saw low ticket postings on social, so…
JD: I don’t know. They’ll tell me if it is
AB: Who knows? Close!
AK: Any fun memories on tour so far? I know you guys have played what? Three or four shows so far. Any stand out memories or moments so far?
JD: Buc-ee’s? Going to Buc-ee’s. It’s the Promised Land.
AB: Always being able to go to the South, because we don’t have it here. We have Sheetz, which is awesome, but Buckee’s is like Sheetz on steroids.
JD: I love Buc-ee’s. There’s a statue of the beaver outside. You always have to kneel. Before you leave, you have to pay respects. And I only go at three in the morning.
AK: Only three in the morning?
JD: It’s always after a show, in the dead of the night.
AK: Is there anybody else there?
AB: Dude, yeah! That’s what’s weird
JD: It’s always the most packed at three in the morning. You literally forget that it’s three in the morning. You think “oh, this is noon,” like, in Costco.
AB: It’s like you’re in Giant Eagle at twelve in the afternoon, and that’s Buc-ee’s at 3am.
JD: It really is The Twilight Zone! It’s not real.
AK: I’ve heard of Buc-ee’s. It’s been on my bucket list to go, you just have to go way down south to go. – – So your latest single, “Matte Black”, is out. How has the reception been? Are fans liking it? How is it going? How does it feel?
JD: People hate it
AB: I think it’s okay
AK: People hate it?
JD: (joking) They’re like, everything was good up until now. You need to take it off… so I’m quitting music.
AK: You’re quitting music, this is your last show…
JD: After this interview, I’m done!
AK: The show is canceled tonight –
AB: I QUIT!
JD: That’s how we sold out the show. We said it’s the last one
JD: That’s crazy. No, people seem to really like the song. I really like the song. It’s a fun one.
AK: It’s groovy
JD: Oh, thank you. Thank you.
AK: I listened to it on the way to work today, it woke me up a little bit, so it’s a good one.
JD: There you go. It can wake you up. It is one of those songs to make as a ringtone or alarm, specifically the part where I am just screaming.
AK: So “Napalm” is your latest album. It’s a really great album. How does it feel to have that out and to have fans hear it?
AB: Well, thanks, I’m glad you like it.
SB: I’m a big fan of “Dead Flowers”
AB: Let’s go! Oh, thank you! Some sleeper favorites!
JD: Let’s go! Yeah, that was a project that me and Ashton were really excited about and to be able to kind of go on our – just to be able to play around, go around and play the songs on that record, really get to bring it to life with some extra live members of the band, it’s been a lot of fun. That’s a project that we’re really proud of, so it feels good to have that out.
AB: Yeah, I think we take the live shows so seriously, and with “The Haze,” our first record that we put out, it felt like we got to a point where we really dialed in what that show was for the record and for our fans. And to release new music and come up with a new show, we were like, “how do we top that?” or how do we make a new show with songs that we have to get familiar with? And kind of like what Jarett said, adding members on stage, live, and seeing how it’s brought the new songs to life, and even old ones to life even more has been super super cool. And seeing how we can continue to develop the live show with old stuff and, of course, new stuff.
AK: One question I always ask is, if you could collaborate with anyone in the world, living or dead, who would be your top collaborator?
JD: There’s this guy named Zack Beaver. He… we wish we could play a show with him. I dunno. We’ve been trying to get a hold of him.
AB: He’s a tough cookie to try and get.
JD: Somebody said he could be playing tonight. I don’t know. No one has told me.
AB: Zack Beaver!
JD: I dunno. I really like The Neighborhood. They’re really cool. I’ve been listening a lot to them recently.
SB: It’s not sweater weather, I’m sorry.
AB: It’s not sweater weather…
JD: Contrary to popular belief.
JD: I thought it would be a great idea to walk out on the first song, probably the most energetic moment of the set, in a raincoat, and I still do it. I’m like, during the song, thinking “this is a terrible idea.” Thirty seconds into the set, I’m like, I might pass out. I don’t know why I continue to do it. And I’ll do it again tonight!
AK: You’re committed to the bit
JD: I guess I am. I think so. I don’t know. I need a heavier coat every tour.
AK: You’ll start with a trench coat and then a puffer coat…
JD: Five years from now… (mimes an even bigger coat)
AK: A full snowman suit
AB: YES!
SB: Like Mackelmore, with the full fur jacket.
JD: Now that – that’s what we need.
AK: They probably have some out there.
JD: The more clothes I wear, the less clothes Ashton wears.
AB: Yeah, that’s the rule.
JD: That’s the rule. It’s one of the non-negotiables for the band.
SB: In the contract?
AB: Yeah, that was my pitch. If we were in a band together, this is what I think would be really cool…
AK: He’s just fully dressed, full coverage, and you have just tiny shorts and socks on.
AB: Yeah, it will get to that point.
JD: And it will get to the point where he’s fully naked.
(giggles from everyone)
AK: So where can everyone find you online? Where can people find your socials, stream your music? Where can they find you?
JD: “JADY” on all platforms. On Instagram, it’s @jadymusic. So, you should follow us…Or not! Or not!
AB: We would prefer you to follow, but if you don’t want to, it’s cool.
AK: Well, thank you so much for sitting down with me today.
AB: No, thank you so much. LET’S GO!
JD: LET’S GOOOOO!
Jady is currently on tour in Europe supporting CALL ME KARIZMA. You can also catch the band supporting IDKHOW BUT THEY FOUND ME on Nov. 19 at KEMBA LIVE! in Columbus, OH and supporting Welshly Arms on Nov. 29 at the House of Blues in Cleveland, OH. Tickets can be purchased on their website. You can listen to NAPALM and all of Jady’s releases on Spotify and all major music streaming platforms.
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Girl You Know It’s True is a well-deserved triumph for Milli Vanilli
Of all the films to leave me in an emotionally vulnerable stupor, I never could have predicted one to be the Milli Vanilli biopic.
Girl You Know It’s True, originally released in Germany on December 21, 2023, was released on streaming services in the United States on August 9. Written and directed by Simon Verhoeven, the film follows the meteoric rise and catastrophic fall of 80’s pop supernova Milli Vanilli.
The duo have been experiencing a bit of a renaissance in the past several years. Not only was Girl You Know It’s True one of two simultaneous Milli Vanilli biopics in production, but a Paramount+ exclusive documentary about their story and scandal, simply titled Milli Vanilli, was released October 24, 2023.
As someone who knew virtually nothing about Milli Vanilli outside of the scandal, I was more than intrigued by the trailer. Not only did it feature the glittering synth and addictive percussion of the film’s namesake and the band’s signature track, but it promised a deeper exploration of two men raked over the coals by the very people who propped them up as gods in the first place. Admittedly, I was even more intrigued after reading Gil Kaufman’s 2020 Billboard article Blame It On the Tape: A Behind-the-Scenes Oral History of the Rise and Fall of Milli Vanilli. A common issue I have with biopics, particularly those involving celebrities who are no longer with us, is the tendency to gloss over or erase the less savory parts of their lives or personalities. After reading Kaufman’s article and rewatching the trailer (again), I was curious how this Girl You Know It’s True would handle its subject matter.
One of the biggest and brightest green flags to rise while looking into this film’s production was the names attached to it. The film was co-produced by none other than Fabrice Morvan, Fab himself, and Kevin Liles, the composer behind the original version of “Girl You Know It’s True” by Numarx. Associate producers on the film also include Todd Headlee (Milli Vanilli’s former assistant), Carmen Pilatus (Rob’s sister), Brad Howell, Jasmine Davis (John Davis’s daughter) and Ingrid “Milli” Segieth (Frank’s assistant). Having so many people who were involved, or their relatives, in the real-life story behind the film adds authenticity and intrigue to the project. Not only are the events potentially closer to reality, but they result in conflicting accounts that add an interesting texture to Girl You Know It’s True. It speaks to the subjectivity of reconstructed memory and how it can interact with objective reality, and the film expertly finds balance between the two.
Ali (left) and Njie (right) as Rob and Fab (Image Credit: IMDb) The film’s pitch-perfect casting is the first thing those familiar with the group and its history will notice. Tijan Njie and Elan Ben Ali are eerie as Rob and Fab, respectively. Milli Vanilli mastermind Frank Farian, who was previously best known for producing hitmakers Boney M, is portrayed by Matthias Schweighöfer. His assistant and girlfriend, Milli, is played by Bella Dayne, and Tijan Marie plays Rob’s sister, Carmen. On top of the casting is the flawless costuming and set design. At no point does the film feel like a modern movie in 80’s drag – everything from the clothes and hair to the locations feels like a peek back in time. Archival footage and photos are often used in tandem with film recreations, and it’s honestly difficult to tell them apart at times.
At the start of the film, much like in real life, Rob and Fab were nobody. While little is said of Morvan’s childhood and backstory, outside of his history as a choreographer and sporadic phone calls with his mother, we get an intimate snapshot of Rob’s childhood and struggles after his fall from grace. He is, without a doubt, the major focus of the film. This is made abundantly clear within the first few seconds of the film, which opens with a shot of his back as a frenzied crowd chants “We want Rob.”
(Image Credit: IMDb) The adopted child of white German parents working his ass off as a breakdancer, Rob meets Fab on the set of a music video. While the first few years were spent scraping together a meager living as catalog models and street dancers, their big break came in March 1988 when they debuted their soon-to-be signature braids and met Farian. In seemingly no time at all, they became gods in the pop world. Their debut single “Girl You Know It’s True” became a smash hit in the United States, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1989. Their follow-up singles “Baby Don’t Forget My Number”, “Girl I’m Gonna Miss You” and “Blame It on the Rain” would all go on to reach number 1 in the United States.
It’s no secret that the lack of transparency concerning the actual singers behind those infectious hits is what permanently tarnished the band’s name and cost Rob and Fab everything. In fact, it may be the only thing most people know about Milli Vanilli nowadays. However, the film poses an interesting question regarding the deception. In the scene where Farian introduces the audience to “the real Milli Vanilli”, revealing the artists and personnel behind the music, he asks the audience to consider if they would have bought t-shirts with the actual singers on them. Would you, dear viewer, have drooled over the “hot moves” of Brad Howell or screamed John Davis’s name?
Schweighöfer as Frank Farian (Image Credit: IMDb) “Would we have been MTV material, huh? Ask yourself that.”
Much of the film’s tone is tongue-in-cheek like this, including the needle-drop moment of Arista Records executives hearing the duo’s thick French and German accents or Rob’s quiet “oh yeah” when Fab reminds him they weren’t beloved by the entire USA after their first single (alluding to Numarx in Baltimore). However, the true heart of the film is Rob Pilatus. His particular tragedy of trying, and ultimately failing, to use his fame and status to find his birth parents is gut-wrenching. The scene where his supposed father is exposed is honestly chilling, largely due to Njie’s performance and the lighting shifts as the scene progresses. Watching his relationship with Fab fall apart in the back half of the film after their fall from grace is heartbreaking, and the way they portray his death left me genuinely speechless. That scene in particular should be considered a benchmark of how to portray something so tragic in a way that’s both effective and tasteful.
(Image Credit: IMDb) Unlike some biopics, Girl You Know It’s True isn’t afraid to portray its protagonists in an unflattering light. In fact, one of my favorite scenes shows Pilatus throwing what can only be described as a violent hissy fit. He flips a table and screams at staff members because craft services provide sandwiches over his beloved sushi. Despite one of the managers making an excellent point about the duo’s constant drug use and some decidedly R-rated remarks being made in front of an audience that includes “ten-year-old girls,” an Arista rep basically tells the manager to get over himself and go fetch Pilatus some damn sushi.
That being said, as with any biopic, there are certainly less flattering events omitted from Girl You Know It’s True. While Pilatus’s 1996 suicide attempt was visually alluded to in the first ten minutes of the film, his allegations of sexual battery were brushed over. Curiously, their work as Rob & Fab and the production of their only album under that name is completely absent. The unreleased 1997 Milli Vanilli comeback album, Back and in Attack, also goes unmentioned. After their fall from grace, the two men are seen living lower than square one with Rob’s sister encouraging him to give up on music altogether. As the film’s runtime exceeds two hours, it makes sense that certain events and details were altered or excluded. However, it does miss out on an added layer of tragedy by excluding their ultimately doomed attempts to reenter the spotlight.
(Image Credit: IMDb) Regardless, the film does an incredible job balancing Pilatus and Morvan’s complacency in the lie with their victimhood within it. While it’s clear the duo didn’t deserve the praise, accolades and godlike status they gained from music they had no input in, despite their best efforts, they didn’t deserve the violent retaliation from the public. The same people who enabled the duo’s shittiest behaviors were among the quickest to disavow Milli Vanilli. Arista Records promptly erased their masters from their catalog. Phoenix-based radio station Y-95 really did host an event where DJ Bruce Kelly donned a dreadlock wig and steamrolled a pile of Milli Vanilli records and tapes. For years beyond the scandal, the name “Milli Vanilli” was synonymous with “lip-synching frauds.” The perspective shift alone makes Girl You Know It’s True worth a watch, but its overall artistry and care deserve the Academy’s consideration.
To be blunt, this film is a triumph in more ways than one. Not only did it survive development hell, but the end result was an effective and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most infamous scandals in music industry history. The rise and fall of a worldwide sensation is a tale as old as time, retold time and again to the point of cliche, but the way Girl You Know It’s True tackles Rob and Fab’s story should be used as a blueprint for future biopics.
(Image Credit: IMDb) Girl You Know It’s True is currently available on VOD and streaming services.
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Burnout Syndromes fly high at Reggie’s Rock Club
On August 27, Japanese rock band Burnout Syndromes took their Good Morning [New] World Tour to Reggie’s Rock Club in Chicago. The three-piece rock outfit has been active since May 4, 2005, and consists of lead singer Kazuumi Kumagai, bass player/keyboardist Taiyu Ishikawa and drummer Takuya Hirose.
The band is probably best known to American audiences for their work doing OSTs for animes. Their track “FLY HIGH!!” was used as the theme song for season two of the volleyball anime Haikyuu! Looking out into the crowd, there were at least two in attendance dressed as characters from the show. Their songs “Hikariare” and “Phoenix”
were the theme songs for the anime’s third and fourth seasons, respectively. All of these songs were performed live to the audience’s delight, some of which arrived in cosplay.Outside of their work for anime, Burnout Syndromes showcased an impressive range with their setlist. The setlist included the high-energy number “High Score Girl” and the darker, moodier “Maou,” as well as “The WORLD is Mine” and “Ocean.” Regardless of whether you came to the show as a longtime fan or completely green, the band made it clear how excited they were to perform in Chicago. Ishikawa was a particular highlight not just for his infectious smile and multi-instrumental talent but his persistence in making sure everyone in his eyesight was having a good time.
Burnout Syndromes wrapped up the USA leg of their Good Morning [New] World Tour 2024 in Hollywood on September 3. Future dates for the tour can be found here.
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Pop punk icons bring A Whole New Sound to Disney classics
The common ground between “it’s not a phase” emos and Disney adults has been found, and it just might rock.
On August 15, the official Mickey Mouse Instagram posted the track list for the upcoming album A Whole New Sound. The compilation album features covers of beloved Disney songs retooled by pop punk artists including LOLO, Mayday Parade, Meet Me @ the Altar, BOYS LIKE GIRLS, Tokio Hotel and more.
A Whole New Sound was announced July 11, one day before the release of its lead single “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” by Simple Plan. They performed the song on August 9 at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
“It’s such an honor to offer our own version of this song and to cover such an iconic artist like Sir Elton John,” the band told Billboard. “We’re not sure if he heard the song or not, but we hope he will enjoy this new version and feel like we did it justice.”
In addition to the Simple Plan single, official music videos for Magnolia Park‘s version of “I2I” and New Found Glory‘s version of “Part of Your World” are available on the official DisneyMusicVEVO YouTube channel.
A Whole New Sound will be released on September 6 via Walt Disney Records.
Which cover are you looking forward to? Do you already have a favorite? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
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