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New York’s State Champs are set to release their debut full-length album The Finer Things on October 8th. The album is already being described as one of the year’s best pop-punk releases and the band is about to embark on a two month tour with Bayside and Motion City Soundtrack. GroundSounds recently caught up with the band to discuss the album, tour, and more!
GS: How did you meet and form the band?
SC: We were all in different bands that played together in our local hardcore scene. Those bands broke up eventually and Bill approached Tyler and asked to start a band! We grabbed Derek then we were off. Tony and Evan came way later as we had member changes.
Your debut full-length The Finer Things comes out on October 8th and the songs you’ve released so far have been getting a ton of positive feedback. What can listeners expect from the album as a whole?
They can expect things in the same vein of what they have heard just each song sounds different. We paid a lot of attention to time signatures, tempos, strumming patterns and the like in an attempt to show some depth. We wanted the record to be a pop rock/pop punk record, but we didn’t want every song to sound the same. So that’s what you can expect!
Where did you draw inspiration from lyrically on The Finer Things?
Derek writes the lyrics. He draws from everything that happens to him in his life. Girl problems, friend problems, insecurities, failed relationships, successful relationships, etc. He takes more stabs at himself on the record then he does at anyone in particular.
I personally love the song “Elevated.” It’s new and fresh, yet also reminds me of a mix of many of my favorite pop-punk bands. What’s the story behind that song?
Derek wrote Elevated about me (Tyler) after I had come to him with lots of situational anxiety and depression. He couldn’t believe the things I was saying and it definitely struck a nerve in him. So basically the song is about Derek’s reaction to my feelings. He wrote it to be easily relatable though so it can be applied in lots of different settings.
What bands did you look up to growing up and who had the most influence on your sound?
Fall Out Boy, New Found Glory, Allister, Brand New, Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls, Nirvana and the list goes on.
What are you most looking forward to about your fall tour with Bayside and Motion City Soundtrack?
Playing shows with two bands we’ve looked up to for years is going to be amazing. Also, I’m excited to play new songs from The Finer Things!
Those two bands have enjoyed longevity that not many bands and musicians experience. What do you think is the biggest key to a long career in music?
Being different. You need to change the game a little bit. While it might take longer to “blow up,” being different and having a slow growth approach to developing your band is very beneficial. You have to be different and build fans for life, not just overnight bullshit fans who only want to support you for a day. You need fans who will show up to your shows and pick up merch and spread the word about your band to their friends.
Which do you enjoy more, writing/creating a song or playing it live?
Live! Writing is great but nothing beats playing an amazing show.
Who is the best live band you’ve ever seen?
Brand New, Jimmy Eat World, Fall Out Boy, Green Day, Something Corporate, and Saves The Day.
How has your experience with Pure Noise been so far?
Amazing. Jake is the best!
What do you look for when choosing a label?
Honesty, someone who wants to work with your band, someone who believes in the product we are putting out, level-headedness, someone who is willing to go the extra mile for you.
State Champs – “Elevated”
