News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

YELLOWCARD


BIO:
Getting an opportunity to make an impact by playing music is a dream for many bands. But getting a second chance, according to Yellowcard frontman Ryan Key, is a blessing. Yellowcard returned to the spotlight in 2011 after a three-year hiatus with the energized When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes. The album was a renaissance of sorts for the Jacksonville natives, as its 10 tracks played out like the band never spent any time apart. A logical progression from 2007’sPaper Walls, the group managed to capture elements of its entire discography with the album, which was welcomed by patient fans and praised by critics alike. Say Yes inspired a winding nine months of touring that took the band to over 30 different countries, a world tour that served as a reconnection with old, diehard fans and an instant way to reach new, younger listeners. “The tours we got to do last year, the bands we got to tour with, were incredible,” Key says. “We wanted to stay current and matter to younger fans, because making new fans is important to us, and at the same time, we didn’t want to turn our back on our old fans because they’re essential to our existence. We couldn’t make new fans without our old ones? When you’re at a Yellowcard show if you’re not a fan, you look at someone who is and think, ‘Why am I not a fan of that? Why am I not enjoying this like that person is? I want that.’ That’s amazing for us.” The extensive touring schedule in support of Say Yes was more inspiring than exhausting. The band that put out the acclaimed Ocean Avenue (2003) nearly a decade ago, and fan favorites Lights and Sounds (2006) and Paper Walls (2007) after that, was still feeling energized and ready to move. “We got back from tour and we were still so excited about doing this,” Key says. “We wanted to keep the ball rolling.” So Key, violinist Sean Mackin, guitarist Ryan Mendez, new bassist Josh Portman and drummer Longineu Parsons decided to head back into the studio with almost no time off to record a new album. “We’re better at balancing the band and our personal lives than we have ever been before, and part of that comes with being 30 years old and not 20,” Key says of the band’s desire to keep its momentum going. “We all want to work together more than we ever have, and that’s what drove us back together after being away from each other for three years.” The decision to get back into the studio so soon brought along some pressure at first, but Key says that was all self-induced. “After a while, we decided, ‘This is what we do. We know exactly what we’re doing, let’s sit down and write some music.’” The resulting album, titled Southern Air, will be Yellowcard’s sixth studio effort and second for Hopeless Records. And according to Key, it was the easiest writing and recording experience of the band’s decade-plus long career. He describes a “brotherhood” that he shared with Mendez, Mackin. LP, and long-time producer Neal Avron during the meat of the recording sessions. “There was this bond, this camaraderie, a positive energy in the room,” Key recalls in a hushed tone. “We all got so excited about every part of every song, working with each other on everything.” More passionate than ever before, Yellowcard churned out a holistic effort as the self-induced pressure evaporated from the songwriting. The album’s title provides a loose concept for the album, centering around the experience Key had while Yellowcard was on its hiatus. Moving back to Athens, Georgia, to spend more time with his family than he had since his high school years gave Key some perspective into what his priorities are. “I think this record, in a lot of ways, examines how much better that time made my life, how much of a positive influence that had on me,” Key says, “and how much I know now that I need that in my life, that southern air.” The rocking title track certainly hits home on that concept, with Key rounding out the album by singing, “This southern air is in my lungs, it’s in every word I’ve sung / It seems the only truth I know, this will always be home.” Musically, Yellowcard’s pounding pop-punk sound is abundant (“Awakening,” “Rivertown Blues”), while of course highlighting the trademark violin, especially in first released song “Always Summer.” Southern Air has every essential element of past Yellowcard albums, but at the same time still feels fresh and new. It could very well be the band’s best work, and it’s because of an intangible feeling you get when you listen to it. “It’s hard to answer that question, which I think is our best,” Key says. “But I really think there’s something special about this record. And I don’t necessarily mean how many copies it’s going to sell or anything like that, I just think there’s something special here and I hope people see that too.” Not bad for a band trying to make the best out of a second chance.

Latest Articles


YELLOWCARD Collaborates With Ambient Duo HAMMOCK For 'A Hopeful Sign' Photo YELLOWCARD Collaborates With Ambient Duo HAMMOCK For 'A Hopeful Sign'
by Michael Major - January 12, 2024

YELLOWCARD collaborates with ambient duo HAMMOCK for 'A Hopeful Sign.' Reimagines their most memorable tracks in a neo-classical, ambient realm. The first single from the album, “Ocean Avenue,” takes the band's signature hit and metamorphosizing the song from a pop-punk anthem to a contemplative and...

Fall Out Boy Joins Lineup For The 2024 'iHeartRadio ALTer EGO' Photo Fall Out Boy Joins Lineup For The 2024 'iHeartRadio ALTer EGO'
by Michael Major - January 04, 2024

iHeartMedia announced that Fall Out Boy has been added to the lineup for this year's iHeartRadio ALTer EGO show, taking place on Saturday, January 13 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. ALTer EGO will also feature performances from The 1975, The Black Keys, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Sum 41, Yellowcard...

iHeartRadio's 2024 ALTer EGO to Stream on Veeps Photo iHeartRadio's 2024 ALTer EGO to Stream on Veeps
by Michael Major - November 29, 2023

The livestream will feature an extraordinary selection of talent from the lineup including sets from Paramore, The 1975, The Black Keys, Thirty Seconds to Mars, BUSH, Sum 41, Yellowcard, lovelytheband, and The Last Dinner Party....

iHeartRadio's 2024 ALTer EGO Lineup Will Feature Paramore, The 1975 & More Photo iHeartRadio's 2024 ALTer EGO Lineup Will Feature Paramore, The 1975 & More
by Michael Major - October 13, 2023

The biggest names in Alternative Rock will come together at the Honda Center in Anaheim to celebrate the excitement and thrill of live Alternative Rock in front of music fans. The incredible lineup includes Paramore, The 1975, The Black Keys, Thirty Seconds to Mars, BUSH, Sum 41, Yellowcard, lovelyt...

Story of the Year Announce 'Page Avenue' 20th Anniversary Tour Photo Story of the Year Announce 'Page Avenue' 20th Anniversary Tour
by Michael Major - August 15, 2023

Story Of The Year are hitting the road this fall in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Page Avenue. Joined by special guests Four Year Strong (11/1 – 11/19), We The Kings (1/5 – 1/26), and Youth Fountain, Story Of The Year will be performing Page Avenue in full alongside other fan favorites ever...

LØLØ Shares New Single 'omg'  ​  ​  Photo LØLØ Shares New Single 'omg'  ​  ​ 
by Michael Major - May 12, 2023

Vulnerable, rebellious, and packed with authentic energy, “omg” is emotionally exhibitionist in the best way. In the mind bending clip LØLØ experiences a burst of different realities (evocative of a pop-punk Everything Everywhere All at Once) that perfectly align with the track's frenetic beat....

Story of the Year Share New Album 'Tear Me to Pieces' Photo Story of the Year Share New Album 'Tear Me to Pieces'
by Michael Major - March 10, 2023

Story Of The Year have announced their long-awaited sixth studio album Tear Me To Pieces, out now via SharpTone Records. Featuring eleven new tracks – including previous singles “Real Life,” “Tear Me To Pieces,” “Take The Ride,” “War,” and “2005” – the new album is distinctly, invitingly, loudly Sto...

When We Were Young Festival Adds Second Date Photo When We Were Young Festival Adds Second Date
by Michael Major - February 22, 2023

With an epic pop-punk twist, next year’s bill delivers a colossal collection of the all-star bands that perfected the genre, including headliners Blink-182, featuring reunited original members Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker and one of the most influential bands of the genre, Green Day....

Story Of The Year Release New Single '2005' Photo Story Of The Year Release New Single '2005'
by Michael Major - February 15, 2023

Story Of The Year have shared their newest single and music video “2005”, out now via SharpTone Records. Transporting listeners back to the titular year with a nostalgic pop-punk baseline and energetic vocals, “2005' is a call to reminisce on the good times and a reminder to make the most of the exp...

Finch Announce First Live Shows in 10 Years Photo Finch Announce First Live Shows in 10 Years
by Michael Major - January 30, 2023

Finch’s What It Is to Burn has been viewed as a landmark release for the emo and post-hardcore scenes and has sold over 1 million copies worldwide. The band embarked on a celebratory 10th anniversary tour of the album in 2013 across the US, Europe, Japan and Australia and are back for a second go ar...

Magnolia Park Drop New Single 'Addison Rae' Photo Magnolia Park Drop New Single 'Addison Rae'
by Michael Major - September 15, 2022

Inspired by everyone’s favorite Tik-Tok star, the track's infectiously catchy melody is in the same vein as classic Fall Out Boy or Yellowcard, equipped with clever lyricism, anthemic sing-along hooks and effective rhymes that are bound to play on a loop in your brain all day. Watch the new music vi...

Baby Got Back Talk Deliver Debut EP 'Existential Shred' Photo Baby Got Back Talk Deliver Debut EP 'Existential Shred'
by Michael Major - September 12, 2022

Baby Got Back Talk is a D-I-why?-because-we-gotta punk party from New York City. The band teamed with producer John Naclerio (Just Surrender, The Audition) at Nada Recording Studios for their latest EP, 'Existential Shred' due out later this Summer 2022 on Wiretap Records....

The Dangerous Summer Release New Album 'Coming Home' Photo The Dangerous Summer Release New Album 'Coming Home'
by Michael Major - August 26, 2022

They’ve shaken the snow globe a bit, adding longtime touring guitarist Withenshaw (ex-Every Avenue) as an official member alongside Zawacki, as well. They recorded with Will Beasley (Turnstile, Asking Alexandria, Emarosa), a protégé of producer Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, Yellowcard, The Used), who ...

Riot Fest 2022 Adds Taking Back Sunday, Coolio, and More Photo Riot Fest 2022 Adds Taking Back Sunday, Coolio, and More
by Michael Major - July 19, 2022

Notable first-timers for Riot Fest 2022 include beloved indie rockers Yeah Yeah Yeahs; the pivotal goth rock group Bauhaus; a reunited Sunny Day Real Estate; as well as first-time sets from Portugal. The Man, Yungblud, Placebo, Jeff Rosenstock, Lunachicks, The Linda Lindas, and Lucky Boys Confusion...

The Dangerous Summer Announce New Album 'Come Home' Photo The Dangerous Summer Announce New Album 'Come Home'
by Michael Major - July 15, 2022

The Dangerous Summer have announced details surrounding their new, upcoming album ‘Coming Home.’ The band also shares the new song and music video for “Someday.' The band previously released the song and music video for “All I Ever Wanted Was A Chance To Know Myself”, which can also be found on the ...

Four Stars Release New Single 'So Long' Photo Four Stars Release New Single 'So Long'
by Michael Major - June 27, 2022

The “So Long” music video was filmed by directed and shot by Mike Rumchaks; produced, engineered, and mixed by Seth Henderson (Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, State Champs) of ABG Studios; co-produced by Ryan Mendez (Yellowcard), and mastered by Ted Jensen (Sterling Sound). The “So Long” single artwork ...

My Chemical Romance, The Original Misfits & More to Headline Riot Fest Photo My Chemical Romance, The Original Misfits & More to Headline Riot Fest
by Michael Major - May 11, 2022

Notable first-timers for Riot Fest 2022 include beloved indie rockers Yeah Yeah Yeahs; the pivotal goth rock group Bauhaus; a reunited Sunny Day Real Estate; as well as first-time sets from Portugal. The Man, Yungblud, Placebo, Jeff Rosenstock, Lunachicks, The Linda Lindas, and Lucky Boys Confusion....

Memphis May Fire Releases Final Single and Visualizer, 'Your Turn' Before 'Remade in Photo Memphis May Fire Releases Final Single and Visualizer, 'Your Turn' Before 'Remade in Misery' Album Premieres as a Whole
by Marissa Tomeo - May 08, 2022

MEMPHIS MAY FIRE — Matty Mullins (vocals), Kellen McGregor (guitar), Cory Elder (bass), and Jake Garland (drums) — have shared 'Your Turn' from their upcoming seventh album Remade in Misery. Watch the visualizer here. ...

Baby Got Back Talk Announce New EP 'Existential Shred' Photo Baby Got Back Talk Announce New EP 'Existential Shred'
by Michael Major - April 28, 2022

To coincide with the signing news, the paperback edition of G’Ra's first book, Boyz n the Void: a mixtape to my brother, will be released on May 10 through Beacon Press. With each chapter anchored by a song on a mixtape, the nonfiction book explores race, gender, class and sexuality as they pertain ...

Parader Releases Debut EP 'Something the Dreamers' Photo Parader Releases Debut EP 'Something the Dreamers'
by Michael Major - April 22, 2022

Today NYC-based pop-rock band Parader celebrates the release of their new EP  Something the Dreamers Dream out now via Taillights Music Group, a new imprint of Takeover Records run by Ben Harper of Yellowcard. Get tickets to their upcoming show now!...

Memphis May Fire Premieres Single 'Only Human' Featuring AJ Channer Photo Memphis May Fire Premieres Single 'Only Human' Featuring AJ Channer
by Marissa Tomeo - April 01, 2022

Memphis May Fire has released their new single, 'Only Human,' which features AJ Channer. LISTEN now! They have also announced their new album, Remade in Misery, which will be released on June 3rd via their longtime label, Rise Records. MEMPHIS MAY FIRE — Matty Mullins (vocals), Kellen McGregor (guit...

William Ryan Key Releases New Single 'Brighton' Photo William Ryan Key Releases New Single 'Brighton'
by Michael Major - January 05, 2022

Taken from his third EP Everything Except Desire, the airy and textural track pushes Key a little further left from his past duties as Yellowcard vocalist and rhythm guitarist. Clocking in at more than six minutes (almost twice the standard length of the songs he wrote with Yellowcard), 'Brighton' f...

The Happy Fits Releases New Single 'Another Try' Photo The Happy Fits Releases New Single 'Another Try'
by TV News Desk - August 12, 2021

Despite signaling the start of a new era for The Happy Fits, “Another Try” continues the band’s steadfast mission statement of connecting with a world that’s sometimes distant....

The Happy Fits Complete Full Album Video Project Photo The Happy Fits Complete Full Album Video Project
by TV News Desk - June 30, 2021

Shortly after the release of their album What Could Be Better in 2020, The Happy Fits found themselves at a crossroads with their national tour canceled....

The Happy Fits Announce Additional Shows and Venue Upgrades Photo The Happy Fits Announce Additional Shows and Venue Upgrades
by TV News Desk - June 16, 2021

Built on the desire to connect with a world that’s sometimes distant, What Could Be Better is a mission statement that’s meant to be shared, channeling youthful malaise into songs like “Get A Job” as well as “The Garden,” “Sailing,” “Two of Many,” and “Hold Me Down.”...











Videos


Recommended For You