By ASIA EWART
Staff Writer
Summer is finally upon us! Though school has been out for a while, students of every age are now free to join in on the freedom. Trips to the beach, days at the park, and fun in the sun are only a few what we can enjoy these next few months out of the classroom. However, if anyone reading is a music lover like me, concerts are your go-to source for entertainment. Where I hope to be in the coming weeks, on July 13, is at the greatly loved, wildly popular Vans Warped Tour.
Since its first tour in 1995, Warped Tour has been a major summer staple in the genre of modern alternative, rock, punk rock, and “emo” music. In recent years, the concert series has branched out to include hip hop, rap, ska, and EDM; that move has been both received and rejected by devoted attendees. Throughout the summer, bands from D12 to From First to Last, from All Time Low to Paramore, from Snoop Dog (Lion?) to Hellogoodbye, travel across the United States and Canada to bring mosh pits, skateboarding showcases, and expensive, but eagerly coveted band merchandise to fans near and far. The tour extends to international cities, like London and Vienna, in the late fall months. Participating acts play on different stages, which are sponsored by brands like Kia and Monster Energy drinks. Bands that are more widely known play on the stages sponsored by more brands that are also widely known.
Rookie, generally unknown, and bands that deserve a lot more exposure also get their chance to grace the various stages set up for Warped Tour. Scrolling through the bands list online, I picked out a few hopefuls looking for a new sound. Tidewater, which played at Bogie’s earlier this year, jumped out at me. His sound, very mellow and acoustic, is sure to be sooth the crowd after an afternoon of sweaty jumping and borderline dehydration. Crown the Empire, who describe their sound as “arena rock hardcore,” is an amped up mix of screamo and pop punk; definitely a perfect prelude to a day of rocking out. Young London, a musical duo, is very much a “dance in glitter, throw your hands up, and break out the strobe lights” act; echoed vocals, dance music, and the occasional use of auto tune dominate their sound. It’s never a bad day when a new favorite musical act is discovered, and Warped Tour is perfect for that and more.
I’m excited to see some familiar faces this year, like Blessthefall, 3OH!3, and Forever the Sickest Kids. I was surprised when I saw Bowling for Soup in the band lineup; it brought me back to my Radio Disney and Shrek days. Notable names also set to appear at nearly all tour stops include Black Veil Brides, Allstar Weekend, William Beckett (formerly of The Academy Is…), Chiodos, and We Came as Romans. I will say the line up this year is definitely lacking in some genres, compared to years past. The lineup is almost entirely alternative rock with a hint of punk. Maybe Warped Tour feels the need to go back to its roots. Nevertheless, those not too familiar with the rock genre can find a favorite or two with Never Shout Never, Motion City Soundtrack, and Silverstein. I’ve been a fan of these three for a number of years, and the bounciness of Never Shout Never’s ukulele, Silverstein’s passion and intensity, and the crazy danceable tunes of Motion City Soundtrack promise a good time and a memorable show.
All in all, a concert is a concert, and as much music as possible should be sought after this summer. Hopefully new fans of Warped Tour will be made this year!
