The other day as I was listening to iTunes Radio, searching for new songs and bands. As my searches were played I cam across this song that started with a really well constructed intro with a guitar riff leading into the drum beats which created this rhythm that was so catchy. As the vocalist finally made his intro lyrics I first examined his voice: a punk voice with great vocal capabilities. I also noticed that with the higher vocals he had a scratchy patches in his voice which made it sound so awesome and punk. After the first chorus I had to find out what song it was and more importantly who the band was. As I glanced over at the screen I read "Secrets" as the name of the song and the band was the  "State Champs"
The State Champs are a punk/pop band from Albany, New York. The band was formed in 2010 by the two founders, Tyler Szalkowski and Derek DiScanio. Along with William Goodermote (bass)  and Matt Croteau (drummer) they signed onto the record label "Pure Noise". They have released two full albums since then along with four Eps. The band has toured a lot during the year 2014 and have toured along bands such as
Motion City Soundtrack,
Bayside
We Are The In Crowd,
William Becket,
Set It Off
Candy Hearts
The Wonder Years and
A Loss for WordsThey opened for All Time Low's Future Heart tour spring 2015 and opened for 5 Seconds of Summer June 2015 in Australia. On July 15, the band announced their second album, Around the World and Back, would be released on October 16

Even though the band has not released much through the years the stuff they have released is beyond great addition's to the history of punk music. Songs such as " Secrets", " All You Are Is History" and the slower song " If I'm Lucky" all on the same album these songs would be a great representation of todays punk/pop music. I am very happy to hear about this band and their songs are more then professional

 

 

ISSUES, Still going hard

                                                                    ISSUES                                     

 

The first song that I ever had listened to by the band "Issues" was "Boyfriend ",

Album Art Idea for Issues cover of " Boyfriend"

a Justin Bieber cover that they had recorded for their record label's famous "Punk Goes Pop" album and performed very well I personally thought. Between the clean vocals and the hard guitar riffs and drum beats they still kept it how the song intended to be a popish feeling. This new ( to me) band seemed familiar with days of listing to their songs i had to know who the vocalists were I knew them from somewhere.

I soon found out that Tyler Carter and Michael Bohn ( previous member's of Woe, Is Me ) had started a new project known as "Issues " in 2012.They were the vocalists that sounded so familiar, but Tyler and Michael were not the only Woe, Is Me vets. The other's were Corey and Ben Ferris were original members of Issues, until Issues began to record their debut EP
"Black Diamonds" and they were not able to attend recording sessions ( And that's crucial ) and decided to leave the band. Ben left in September, and Corey made his departure in November. Still needing to cover Instrument's parts for the new EP Skyler and Tyler Accord filled in for the EP only to be asked to be a permanent part soon after bassist Jake Vinston left.

While performing as a opener on their first tour the band released The debut EP " Black Diamonds on November 13, 2012,With "King Of Amarillo" as the lead single. The King Of Amarillo was one of the songs used in the " battle of the bands" between Woe, Is Me and Issues ( See Woe, Is Me ( Rise and Fall) blog )

The first single the band released was titled " Hooligans" ( Amazing single I loved it ) After the release another member departed the drummer, Case Snedecor. Only to be quickly replaced by his understudy Josh Maneul and from what I've heard from live concert reviews and studio recordings he has replaced Case seamlessly. The band Soon Performed in the legendary " Van's Warped Tour" in May 2013 with the new drummer

In 2014 ( Busy year for them) The band released the acoustic version of thier previous album " Black Diamonds" Touring frequently after with bands such as Beartooth, Of Mice & Men, Bring Me the Horizon on their " American Dream Tour" Then on February 18th 2014 the self titled album was released and performed it at the 2014 Wembley Area In London as a opening act.

After announcing on a interview from " Alternative Press" that work on the secondary album would begin on January 23rd 2015 they finally announced their second album is waiting for a release date. They have been nominated for 3 awards; winning one in 2015 Artist of the year. And Tyler has been nominated for best vocalist in 2015

To me " Issues" has brought a new sound as well to the world. They seem to be updated in the world's music today.

Tyler Carter has introduced rap in his music without converting to hip hop completely  by showing off his amazing singing capabilities in every song. He is sticking to his Roots.








Tyler Accord has mixed in his beats and synth sounds seamlessly into each song bringing the band to new heights and its almost like a new genre completely he has indeed brought very crucial pieces to the band to make issues one of my favorite bands.











Josh Manuel has played the drums with full passion and heart with each songs. His drum styles and riffs are original and very tasteful.














AJ's guitar skills have worked into each song and has kept the band as heavy as I have always loved and Skyler has done the same as a team AJ and Skyler keeps the band even between Core and Pop.

AJ

Skyler

Michael for sure plants the band in a heavy genre and its a perfect mix as it always is with them.



Michael has been with Tyler for the longest time and I Think of them as Brothers

Tyler Carter and Michael Bohn

Remember When