The 22nd annual Vans Warped Tour has come to an end but FestPop was their when their gates opened a few weeks ago outside of sunny San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium. Music fans all ages swarmed onto the festival grounds. You could feel the excitement for what is sure to be another kick-ass summer for this traveling music and lifestyle festival. The crowd was buzzing, saying this year was the best lineup Vans Warped Tour has done in years. Fans enjoyed music from a large lineup of bands including Less Than Jake, New Found Glory, Whitechapel, Every Time I Die, Cruel Hand, and Motionless in White.
Rocking the over five stages, are up-and-coming indie talent as well as established artists like Yellow Card, Sum 41, Falling in Reverse and so many more…With all of the nostalgic bands playing this year, I found myself singing songs I didn’t know I could remember. The way everything was set up made it very easy to get around to all of the stages. As you walk around and rock out you can grab some exclusive band merchandise, and check out some cool booths that are attached to different causes like STAPAW (Supporting Tattoos and Piercings At Work) and make a difference in between sets.
We also spoke with HeadCount, a national, non-partisan, non-profit that registers voters at concerts and music festivals. HeadCount actually traveled with Warped Tour as well as Dave Matthews Band, The Dixie Chicks, Dead and Co. and Phish. Get involved and register to vote here.
Some vendors even give out freebies! Get something to eat from a different food trucks (Pizza, hot dogs, etc.). Don’t forget to chug a cold one at the Reverse Day Care. Yes! Reverse Day Care. Teens and Tweens can bring their parents for FREE!.
A sense of unity comes over you when you’re in a place filled with people who share the same music taste. There is a new and captivating energy as you sing along to your favorite songs with hundreds of other fans. If you like getting close to the stage I recommend getting there early, go to the big inflatable Vans Wall to find the list of bands, what time they are playing, and at what stage. This information varies by location. You can also download The Official Warped IOS and Android app that will help you keep track of your favorite bands, get exclusive updates, content and prizes!
Stand out performances of the day were Wage War, I See Stars, Atreyu,Waka Flocka Flame, Mayday Parade, and Sleeping with Sirens. However, our best new music discovery pick is Tonight Alive. The bands showed so much energy and had such a positive message that was not contrite but came from the heart. Their performance was pure passion for their art and a passionate desire to seek a connection with the audience. Plus, Jenna McDougall, Tonight Alive’s lead singer stage presence was between Joan of Arc and Joan Jett rock n roll bad ass. Jenna has come into her own. We believe Tonight Alive is destine for mega stardom.
FestPop New Music Discovery Spot Light
Tonight Alive are an Australian rock band from Sydney, formed in 2008. The band consists of lead vocalist Jenna McDougall, lead guitarist Whakaio Taahi, rhythm guitarist Jake Hardy, bassist Cam Adler and drummer Matt Best. After self-releasing the EPs All Shapes & Disguises and Consider This in 2010, Tonight Alive left Takedown Records and signed to both Fearless Records and Sony Music Entertainment Australia in 2011 and released their debut album What Are You So Scared Of? on 14 October 2011.
The record was officially released in the UK and US on October 2012, a year after its initial release in Australia. Their second and most recent studio album, The Other Side, was recorded in Australia and released 6 September 2013. It debuted on the ARIA Albums Chart at No. 5. The band contributed the song “The Edge” to the The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Soundtrack. The band’s third album, Limitless, is set for a March 4, 2016 release date. The first single, “Human Interaction” was released on October 30, 2015. It coincided with the album’s announcement, and their upcoming world tour with Set It Off. Tonight Alive have been listed as one of the top 10 Australian bands in 2010 on American rock radio station KROQ.
Thank You Van’s Warped Tour
Every artist gave their all and we are very appreciative of everyone rocking so hard in the blazing heat of Southern California. Thank you Kevin Lyman (Founder/Producer of the Vans Warper Tour) and the entire Warped Tour family for producing timeless memories in my youth and to the present.
FestPop’s Metal/Rock Staff Writer Sheila Shawndell