Vans Warped Tour officially kicked off today! The UMusicians Team has come together to create a playlist and be sure to check out some of these artists as you attend Warped Tour this Summer!
“Godspeed”- Anberlin
Anberlin kicked off 2014 but letting us know that they’ll be releasing their final record and embarking one last tour before they disband. They stated “We don’t want to fade out. We want to end with hugs and celebrate the life that was Anberlin and not be bummed about us ending.” And that last US tour features a couple dates on this years Warped Tour. Check out their song Godspeed, which is one of my favourite songs ever! So much energy throughout the whole song and there’s a killer guitar solo. If you have a chance, check out Anberlin on their final run before they say goodbye.
By: Ruby Boland
“Knights of the Round”- A Skylit Drive
One of my all-time favorite bands, A Skylit Drive, will probably rip open the pit at Warped Tour. I saw them live back in 2011, and I was surely NOT disappointed. They have the most amazing attitude and have a great amount of energy. They have been in the smaller stages at Warped so hopefully this time around they can get into the main stage and create chaos. You should totally check them out if you like bands that can keep a similar sound throughout the years while also evolving. The have also released a new album this year called Rise. Check out the song “Knights of the Round” form their first full length album Wires…And The Concept of Breathing.
By: Janie Contreras
“I Have A Problem”- Beartooth
A band that has a really powerful presence on stage is Beartooth. Lead vocalist Caleb Shomo can be considered the youngest veteran of his music genre. Starting his roots in the band Attack Attack! , he did instruments, vocals and produced while at the same time having a side EDM project called CLASS. In 2012 the formation of Beartooth began as a fun thing but turned into something pretty great. The band has done supporting tours but it will be their first time together as a band at Warped. Check out the song “I Have a Problem” from their first EP Sick.
By: Janie Contreras
“Smoke and Mirrors” -The Color Morale
“Someday someone somewhere will need you” - It’s about time The Color Morale played Warped Tour. If you’re looking for a band with passion for music as well as their fans – look no further. While their albums are full of hits, “Smoke and Mirrors” off of their most recent album Know Hope is my personal favourite. This song captures the essence of the band and their dedication to their fans. I’ve always been a fan of positive music, and The Color Morale is one of the most positive bands around right now. Make sure to check out their albums and catch their set at your Warped Tour stop!
By: Colleen Brent
“Cool Kids”- Echosmith
A featured single from their album, Talking Dreams, this song is definitely going to make you a fan of this band. The song would be best categorized as chilled out synth-pop. It’s the type of song that someone would catch you listening to as you danced and singed to while in your car. The best part about this song makes a connection with its listeners with the idea of wanting to be like the “Cool group” because they seem to have everything together. The theme of laid back synth-pop and relatable lyrics is found throughout their album, and definitely a reason to check them out while they are on the Van’s Warped Tour.
By: Elissa Liong
“Speak To Me”- I The Mighty
This band is one of my favorites and is a hometown band for me. Hailing from the East Bay were bands like The Story So Far and Set Your Goals also come from, I The Mighty is a really great Alternative Rock band with high energy and catchy songs. Everyone should check them out on their leg of the tour.
By: Jaime Schultz
“Princeton Avenue” -Issues
Issues is once again on Warped Tour this summer, and I expect their performance to be just as memorable as the last time I saw them. As the opening act for Bring Me the Horizon and Of Mice & Men on the American Dream Tour, Issues really knew how to get the crowd excited. At first, people were a little bored, but by the end everyone was jumping and chanting along with the band. I think that “Princeton Ave”, on their EP Black Diamonds, will be the song that the crowd is the most excited in. Not only is it a popular song, but the meaning behind it is powerful and you can recognize emotion in Tyler Carter’s voice. “
By: Katie Rich
“Love and Drugs” -The Maine
The Maine are no strangers to Warped Tour. Ever since they first gained popularity with their pop-punk EP ‘Cant Stop, Wont Stop’ I’ve had the pleasure of watching them grow and mature into the band they are today. This song is from their latest album Forever Halloween and is an absolutely great one live. I wish I lived in America to see them play Warped Tour USA, check out their set for me!
By: Tanya Agarwal
“Jamie All Over”- Mayday Parade
Warped veterans Mayday Parade are no stranger to the stage and definitely know how to pump up the crowd regardless of weather. With their most recent album Monsters In The Closet never have been played at Warped Tour before, new crowd favorites from the album as well as their old songs will definitely bring them a huge following. If you’ve never heard of the band before or haven’t seen a reason to listen to their music songs you would probably want to listen to before your Warped date are “Jamie All Over”, “Stay”, “Ghosts”, “Sorry Not Sorry”, “Oh Well, Oh Well”, “Angels” and “Hold Onto Me”
By: Nicole Graffeo
“Jukebox” -The Summer Set
Arizona’s, The Summer Set will be returning to Warped Tour again this Summer, but this time on MAINSTAGE. Can you tell I’m excited,?? The band released their fourth album Legendary via Fearless Records last April. The pop centred album features ballads, anthem songs and songs you can belt out at the top of your lungs. “Life goes on, we got all night. If you got rock and roll, you’re gonna be alright…” from Jukebox, track #2 on the band’s recent release will have you singing along. Half Moon Kids, “Be brave, be curious, be legendary” and get ready to see The Summer Set give engaging, high energy performances all Summer long!
By: Amandah Opoku
“Late Nights In My Car” -Real Friends
Arizona’s, The Summer Set will be returning to Warped Tour again this Summer, but this time on MAINSTAGE. Can you tell I’m excited,?? The band released their fourth album Legendary via Fearless Records last April. The pop centred album features ballads, anthem songs and songs you can belt out at the top of your lungs. “Life goes on, we got all night. If you got rock and roll, you’re gonna be alright…” from Jukebox, track #2 on the band’s recent release will have you singing along. Half Moon Kids, “Be brave, be curious, be legendary” and get ready to see The Summer Set give engaging, high energy performances all Summer long!
By: Karyn Hynes
“Same Blood Rush with A New Touch” -Cute Is What We Aim For
Cute Is What We Aim For is an emo-punk band hailing from Buffalo, NY. Born in 2005, the band signed to Fueled By Ramen early on, releasing two records and having a successful run until breaking up in 2009. And by breaking up I mean all of the band members left besides Shaant, who continued making music under the name and performing solo shows.
In August of 2012 a handful of vague but hintful tweets, Instagram photos and tumblr posts helped deliver the news of the band’s reconciliation. The band has been back in the mix with their original roster for almost two years now and recently announced they will be playing the full Warped Tour this summer.
This band was one of my top three favorites in middle school and for so many reasons. Their lyrics are so purposeful and moving…you don’t just listen to their music, you feel it, it feels you. This band means so much to me- the amount of their lyrics I would tattoo on myself is ridiculous. I am beyond thrilled that they are back and playing Warped this year. If you need help building a list of bands to check out, put them at the top. They’re even greater live. If you need some guidance on which sings to listen to first, check out their 2008 release, Same Blood Rush with A New Touch.
By: Nicole Ginyard
