Everyone is on a road to somewhere…and sometimes our roads will cross. The Road to Warped Tour began today–June 22, 2016- in the parking lot of the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage, Alaska.
SUM 41 reminded us not to “become another casualty of society”…while Reel Big Fish assured fans it is, indeed–“not so bad being trendy.” These were only two of the many bands who visited Anchorage, Alaska to kickoff The Warped Tour for 2016. This was a big deal for Alaska. Many artists don’t often get to make it up to us. But that was not the case at this event–fans were treated with acts to rock out to including We Are the Movies, State Champs, Reel Big Fish and Sum 41 just to name a few.
The Vans Warped Tour is an iconic event where local and big-time musicians share the spotlight and showcase their musical talent. Whether it’s tales of heartbreak or calls for social activism–fans boost up on Energy Drinks, meet and interact with other fans and musicians, and rock out to a smorgasbord of raw and refined talent from around the nation.
Whether you show up to rock out on your air guitar along with your favorite band or play the stage–one thing is for sure: You will not be disappointed. There was no disappointment today because I finally got to see a favorite band from my youth –The Sums …err SUM 41
–and Reel Big Fish was here, so–’nuff said.
Amidst the backdrop of kicking off Warped Tour in 2016 — it was refreshing to be with my first love: Live Music–and plenty of it.
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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT – STATE CHAMPS, NY
I had the pleasure of meeting Derek Discanio, lead singer of State Champs who shared a few of his insights as to what it takes–and doesn’t take– to have a spot on the national tour.
My impression: Derek is one cool and down to earth dude who puts on a high energy show that is fun to watch. He exudes contagious positivity and draws you in to make you feel as if you were part of the show. Look for State Champs album, Around the World and Back and support their journey–buy their album–it’s rad.bbAlso, be sure to read my interview with front runner Discanio as he shares words of advice and inspiration directed at anyone out there who hopes to have a spot on the Vans Warped Tour circuit one day. Here is an excerpt from the full interview (Look for to the full interview to be posted and linked here soon).
Sneak Peak of the interview:
Question–Rad Reid: Can I have some advice–inspiring or not– to give other musicians trying to find a spot on stage at warped tour?
Answer–Derek Descanio: It starts with being very specific with the band choices from the beginning… It’s all about marketing…don’t really think about just trying to make it to the Warped Tour with your band but take the time to market your band and work hard…the hard work pays off. He shared his memory of spending many hours creating demos he would hand out. “It really makes me proud when I see old recordings we worked so hard to get people to listen to”. Descanio continued that the most important thing for musicians is “to stay true– it has to do with how humble you are …there’s no room for being here to be a celebrity.
–Derek Discanio, Lead Singer of New York based pop punk band:
State Champs
So, cheers! To the memories of days past and to celebrating new beginnings! Wherever it is your road takes you–today our roads converge on The Road to Warped Tour. Warped Tour is officially Kicked Off and it will be…wait for it: Legendary. Be who you were meant to be and support others to do the same. And when someone falls in the pit… be a pal and help them out of it!
Until next time, Stay Rad! I need to go watch SUM 41 bring down the house as you get ready for them to come to your town.
Keep it real and please feel free to leave your comments or questions below,
-Rad Reid
Author: Jonathan “Reid” Hursh – www.RadMusicAlaska.com
Author Alias: Rad Reid
Freelance Writer and Musician: RadAlaskaMusic.com
Shout out to Tim Wenger for inspiring me to begin writing to cover the Alaska music scene. Wenger is a model friend, journalist, and musician . He has it together; I suggest you like and follow his work as he follows the Denver, Colorado music scene.
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