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Interview: Hamilton Punk Trio Takes an Army Unleash Melodic New Single “You and Me”

February 25, 2025
William Brookson
Latest posts by William Brookson (see all)

Hamilton-based punk trio Takes an Army returns with their electrifying new single, “You and Me.” A high-energy track packed with emotional depth, “You and Me” blends melodic punk and ska influences to create a song that’s as introspective as it is infectious.

Inspired by personal hardship and the power of connection, “You and Me” reflects on unexpected moments in life that bring people together. Originally written in a slower ska style, the band reworked it into a driving, anthemic punk song with a chorus made to be shouted back at live shows.

1. What did you enjoy most about the recording process of this new release?

Definitely working with a team on Studio Day at Revolution Recording in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Getting to hear back what we had just played was a feeling you can’t explain. It was to this day one of the best experiences we’ve had. Setting up and being across from each other while we embarked history upon ourselves was like that shiver feeling when a song hits you in the right spot. We’re doing this, and we’re a family, so we’re leaving a piece of us for the world to hear.

2. Share a nugget of advice that has resonated with you most over the years.

Keep going. Don’t quit. Even if the stars are fading and it doesn’t seem like there’s an end to the tunnel. Push through, your creative genius has no bounds, that goes along with practice. We are for the better part self taught, you don’t need to be incredible to write music! It’s a form of expression and nobody’s perfect.
3. Who would be your dream artist/band to co-headline a tour with?
This is an extremely hard answer.  As a band collectively it’d be The Interrupters. While we were in the writing to recording process, The Interrupters played a heavy influence on us, going to many of their shows, and our next single inspired by the likes of their music. It’d be also awesome to tour with Rancid as Tim Armstrong produced The Interrupters. But of course, it would be amazing to co-headline for Blink 182, as we’ve been fans since we were children. 
4. What sets your music apart from others in your genre?
Growing up being influenced by all music genres played a significant role when it came to creating. Our sound is a bit late 90s early 2000, with a bit of new. It’s a bit pop punk, with a ska vibe. 
5. Tell us what your favourite song is at the moment and why.
This changes by the day/week, I am constantly looking for new music to listen to and play too. I’ve only just discovered Blink 182’s new song If You Never Left. The energy and vocals paired is classic Blink but with a new sound. You can tell they have been writing for years with this new track of theirs. Mark and Toms vocals really deliver, and the unique sounds blend really well together. And not to mention Travis Barker’s killer drumming.

The beginning line of the chorus, “We’re not perfect, even though it seems,” really resonates with us. People assume everything looks perfect from the outside, but life is about overcoming struggles. That’s what Takes an Army is all about. – Tyler Gelderman (bass/vocals)

Formed by three self-taught brothers, Takes an Army has spent years honing their sound, drawing inspiration from punk and ska legends while infusing their music with deeply personal themes. The band has been writing together since 2008, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that they fully embarked on recording. Now, they’re ready to share their music with the world, driven by passion, love, and raw emotion.

With “You and Me” marking their latest release, Takes an Army continues to prove that punk isn’t just about rebellion—it’s about resilience.

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