Concert Experience: Warped Tour 2016

Now that school is starting back up, it’s the official end to summer. The weather is still warm, (it’s going to be 90 degrees at my school this week), but it doesn’t have that summer feel when we’re sitting at desks copying notes, writing essays and much more. I want to reflect on one of my favorite parts of summer, Warped Tour. There’s nothing like an all day music festival, despite the oppressive heat, sweat rolling down from everywhere and the fact that everything is expensive, there’s nothing much better than being able to see a plethora of bands all in one day. It really is the ultimate concert experience.

This was the second year that I’ve been to Warped and although last year was incredible, this year surpassed it. I got to see all the bands I came in wanting to see, which was an accomplishment in itself. Plus, I met four different bands, which was probably the best part. Here’s a breakdown of who I saw:

With Confidence:

If you’re a fan of pop punk then you probably know who these boys are. They are one of my favorite bands that I saw this year and are so good live. I was a bit nervous about how they were going to sound but I have to say I was blown away. Everything about their performance was great, they had so much energy even with playing on the smallest stage. Afterwards, I met them and they are the sweetest and really genuine guys. They are going to hit it big time, I have a feeling. If you haven’t heard of them, listen to their newest record, Better Weather, I adore it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State Champs:

If you read my first ever entry on my blog then you know how much I love State Champs. They are one of my favorite bands and I love everything they’ve ever released. So when I found out they were going to be on Warped Tour, that was it. I would have went just for them if I had to. Their live show lived up to every expectation I had and then surpassed them. I can’t even begin to explain how amazing they were, so I’ll put a link of their live set underneath. After their set, I wanted to go find their signing but since there were other bands I wanted to see, I didn’t go. Later in the day, one of my friends wanted to get one of their shirts so I just went with her even though I already bought one. To my surprise, the vocalists, Derek DiScanio, was standing at their tent with hardly any people around so I got a picture with him.

Live Set: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B88s68yQzJY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROAM:

I featured this band in my Up and Coming bands for August and seeing them live reaffirmed that decision. They had some of the most energy out of all the bands I saw at Warped. They sound similar live as they do on their record, and like the record they are a bit difficult to understand at times because of their thick English accents. But these boys know how to jam and work the stage. After their set I also met them and they were so appreciative of everyone who came. They are definitely worth checking out, so I would take a listen to their newest record, Backbone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mayday Parade:

This band is one of the first that got me into the rock/alternative scene and being able to see them live was one of the best part of my day. I’ve been listening to their music for at least three years now and they caused me to keep looking up new bands and discovering the music I wouldn’t have if it weren’t for them. I don’t think I even have to say how great they were live, just listen to them if you’re not.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those were the main bands I went to see, I also saw:

• Issues
• Sum 41
• Emarosa
• Set It Off
• Tonight Alive
• Real Friends
• The Color Morale