There’s nothing like a good concert to begin your summer, or to make it better or to even end it. Every summer, the wonderful Kevin Lyman brings the Vans Warped Tour all over the US, where people of all ages go to one of the biggest arenas of their state to enjoy the music of rock, pop-punk, rap and everything in-between. When the tour first started in 1995, no one was thinking it would become as big as it did. Over the past few years, more organizations have joined to sponsor, and the company Journeys have also taken the part of co-sponsor with Vans. Bands like blink 182, New Found Glory, Paramore, All Time Low, and many, many others have taken the stage on this tour, leaving every concert goer satisfied at the end of the day.
This year’s Vans Warped Tour is important, though. With less than three months until the tour kicks off, people are buying their tickets like the world is going to end. If you grew up listening to punk in the 2000s, then you’re going to want to go to this year. Bands like Good Charlotte, New Found Glory, Sum 41, and Yellowcard are going to be on it, as well as some current favorites like State Champs, Tonight Alive, and Knuckle Puck. Are you buying your ticket yet? Let’s be honest, the nostalgia is real.
Bands new and old are coming together, and if you need some new music in your Warped Tour playlist as you drive to the venue, here are some recommendations.
Against The Current – check out “Paralyzed”:
First getting their start on YouTube and just touring like crazy, the trio have been signed to Fueled By Ramen records (Paramore, Panic! At The Disco, Twenty One Pilots), and will be putting out an album later this year. Lead singer Chrissy Costanza has been compared to Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams, which isn’t really a bad thing.
ROAM – check out “Warning Sign”:
Who doesn’t love pop punk?! These British guys have been signed to Hopeless Records (All Time Low, Neck Deep, The Wonder Years), and have gone on tour with Simple Plan and The Wonder Years. If you like cheesy pop punk, these guys are for you.
Broadside – check out “Coffee Talk”:
Yet another pop punk band, but let’s be real, who’s complaining? Broadside are currently signed to Victory Records (The Bunny The Bear, Seeker, Comeback Kid), and their album “Old Bones” has been getting so much hype. There’s a chance that these guys from Richmond, VA are going to bring the house down, with their catchy choruses, and lead singer Ollie’s smooth vocals will make you want to jump around in the pit.
Tonight Alive – check out “How Does It Feel?”:
The band isn’t new to Warped Tour; the last time they play was back in 2013, but with a new album under their belt, and also a new sound, the band seems ready to conquer, and Warped Tour is the place to do so. Lead singer Jenna McDougall seems to have expanded her vocal ability, both musically and lyrically, with their new album “Limitless” giving an earthy feel. Maybe that’s not the right word for it, but there is a different sort of vibe when compared to the band's earlier albums.
Oceans Ate Alaska – check out “Vultures and Sharks”:
I’m not much for hardcore, but I like it once in a while, and Oceans Ate Alaska defiantly give me what I need. The band was signed to Fearless Records (Tonight Alive, Pierce The Veil, The Summer Set), and defiantly have a similar sound to bands like Asking Alexandria and Suicide Silence. With only two albums out, there’s definitely a chance their third will be bigger, better and heavier.
So, have you completed your playlist yet? Or do you still need to buy your ticket? Well, get on it! The tour will be in your state before you know it. And don’t forget your sunscreen.
