Countdown To Vans Warped Tour 2017

Countdown To Vans Warped Tour 2017

Welcome to the Highwire Daze Annual Countdown To Vans Warped Tour!  Now in its 23nd year, Vans Warped Tour is the largest traveling music festival in the United States, and the longest-running touring music festival in North America. Originally conceived by founder Kevin Lyman in 1995 as an eclectic alternative rock festival, with a focus on punk rock, over the years the tour has grown to include a multitude of genres, including metal, hip hop, reggae, pop and more.

This year’s edition of the Vans Warped Tour kicks off in Seattle, Washington on June 16th and concludes in Pomona, California on August 6th.  Visit the Official Vans Warped Tour website for cities and tour dates HERE!

We had a chance to chat with founder Kevin Lyman about what to expect at this year’s edition of the Vans Warped Tour! Featured in this year’s Countdown To Vans Warped Tour are Bad Omens, Carousel Kings, Farewell Winters, Fit For A King, One Last Shot, Shattered Sun, and Silent Planet.  Read on for find out more about the bands ready to make your Warped Summer of 2017 a wondrously memorable celebration of music…

Kevin Lyman – Founder of the Vans Warped Tour

What goes through your mind just right before a Summer at Warped is about to commence?
I really hope that I will put on the best show possible and that my crew, the bands and fans all get home safe.

Who do you think the break out stars will be at Vans Warped Tour 2017 and why?
I like the direction that I Prevail, Knocked Loose. Bad Seed Rising and Creeper are all going.. Any of these could be the break out.

What advice would you give a band about to attempt Warped for the very first time?
Have a great live show.. And have a team around you that can make the most of the experience not only during but as a followup.

What could parents look forward to the most when attending Warped Tour?
Parents should go out and enjoy some music.. There are bands that they might like and check out all the great non-profits that your kids have been getting involved with.

When all is said and done at the end of the day, what music does Kevin Lyman listen to when it comes time to unwind?
I really Like artists like Paolo Nutini, old blues, or possibly a little Reggae when we are heading down the road.. It really doesn’t take long these days before I am sound asleep.

How has the canned food drive been going in the past in each city, and will there be one this year?
To me that is a highlight, last year we collected over 430,000 lbs of food. I like watching the fans bringing their bags each day..

What do think has made Warped the event of the summer for over 20 years now?
It has been a place where you can come let loose have some fun, get introduced to great bands and make good friends in a non-judgmental place.

Any messages for Vans Warped Tour attendees who are reading this now?
First I would like to thank them for their support, secondly support your local music scenes whenever you can and third I appreciate all your feedback negative and positive.

Vans Warped Tour on Facebook

Bad Omens

Introduce yourself, what you do in the band, and where you are based out of?
My name is Noah – I sing and write music for Bad Omens. Nick R, Vince, and myself are all from Virginia, our drummer Nick Folio is from Maryland, and Joakim is from Sweden.

What are you looking forward to the most about Warped Tour and is this your first time on the tour?
I’m honestly looking forward to several aspects of the tour. The opportunity to play our music for both new and big crowds of diverse music listeners, spending the summer time with my close friends and piers, and absorbing as much positive experience as we can. With all that in mind I know this is going to be a really great first Warped Tour for us.

What could one expect from your live show at Warped Tour?
Intensity, engagement, and a great live mix -thanks to our amazing front of house engineer, Matt. The energy of a set can sometimes rely heavily on the energy of the crowd, and with that being said I want to challenge any shy Bad Omens fans reading this to come out of their shells and show us how the music makes you feel inside, on the outside.

What is the name of your latest or upcoming CD or EP and what inspired the title?
Our debut full length is Self-Titled because it’s ultimately and overall a reflection of the self – at the time. Even the lyrical content of the songs written for/about someone else, or an external experience can be explained and interpreted as a manifestation of my own subconscious feelings about myself during the time of writing.

Select two songs you may be playing in your set and what inspired the lyrics.
“Glass Houses” is a single I know we’ll play – The lyrics were written out of spite, useful to deliverer the underdog theme of overcoming adversity once you finally get to say someone “I told you so.” But it was still written out of spite and with that being said – touching base on the last question, my own bitterness and arrogance toward a certain experience with some other musicians inspired the lyrics.

“Malice” is another one we’re likely to play.
The lyrics for Malice were inspired by addition, personal defeat, and death. Written from the perspective of somebody else. Prescription medication in particular, but the words can obviously be interpreted to mean anything or any vice the person may identify or struggle with. There is one line in particular that mentions a bottle and people tend to assume it’s about an alcohol bottle, but it means pill bottle. It sounds like a really negative song haha, but if you scream it loud enough with enough people by your side screaming it with you, it feels good.

How are you going to feel about playing those infamous 11:30 AM Warped Tour slots?
Well I’m a morning person and the earlier in the day it is the better I perform at anything so I’m excited to play some of our first AM shows ever.

Any strange or unusual happening in the past while out on the road?
Any Bad Omens you mean?
Just kidding. Fortunately (knock on wood) we have had very positive and smooth touring experiences with little to no massive setbacks beyond tire changes and bad weather here and there. We tend to stay alert and level headed while we’re on tour. Touring is tons of fun for us it’s also a lot of work – especially if you take it as serious as we do.

If you could open up for any band, either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
Cane Hill – so we can make them look bad and smoke all their weed

Do you have any messages for Warped Tour attendees this year?
As I said earlier – come out of your shell, eliminate the fear and insecurity, and feel alive with us. It’s gonna be hot, sweaty, and loud so make that rewarding shower when you get home worth it.

Bad Omens on Facebook

Carousel Kings

Introduce yourself, what you do in the band, and where you are based out of?
I’m David Alexander, vocalist for the band Carousel Kings based out of Lancaster, PA.

What are you looking forward to the most about Warped Tour and is this your first time on the tour?
This will be our second time out on the tour. We can’t wait to get back out there! We love the entire atmosphere surrounding Warped, the crowds, the multitude of bands to watch, and of course, the food.

If this is not your first time on Warped Tour, what advice would you give a band about to attempt Warped for the first time?
Stay hydrated! Be punctual!

What could one expect from your live show at Warped Tour?
Shredding guitar solos, catchy songs with solid harmonies and tons of energy

What is the name of your latest or upcoming CD or EP and what inspired the title?
Charm City was inspired by envisioning a place where one can go to escape the struggles of everyday life in the real world, a place where all dreams, hopes, and goals are attainable and where we are most true to ourselves.

Select two songs you may be playing in your set and what inspired the lyrics.
‘Grey Goose’ and ‘Bad Habit’ are two new songs we’ll be playing in our set and both were inspired lyrically by struggle with addictions, whether it be thought patterns or habitual recreational activities, or abusive relationships we can’t seem to break free from.

How are you going to feel about playing those infamous 11:30 AM Warped Tour slots?
It’s rough sometimes but its honestly really nice to get the job done early and be able to chill out the rest of the day!

Any strange or unusual happening in the past while out on the road?
We popped 3 tires in one trip along the same stretch of highway

If you could open up for any band, either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
Blink 182, Four Year Strong, Jimmy Eat World, August Burns Red, maybe Mac Miller, and so the list goes on! It’d be hard to pick one band to tour with. We’d love to tour with as many of our influences as possible. It’d also be cool to tour with them all.

Do you have any messages for Warped Tour attendees this year?
Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated! We’ll have super soakers at our merch tent for anyone needing to cool down😊

Carousel Kings on Facebook

Farewell Winters

Introduce yourself, what you do in the band, and where you are based out of?
Tyler- I play drums/tambourine
Mike- I play bass and vocals
Franki- I play guitar and vocals
We are based out of Pomona, CA.

What are you looking forward to the most about Warped Tour and is this your first time on the tour?
We are looking forward to playing with a bunch of bands we have looked up to and have been inspired by.
Not to mention cooking up a mean BBQ after the set!

If this is not your first time on Warped Tour, what advice would you give a band about to attempt Warped for the first time?
This is our first time playing the tour.
We have either followed the tour in other bands we have been in or have done random jobs in past years

What could one expect from your live show at Warped Tour?
Expect our live show to be energetic and uplifting with positive vibes and dance moves.
Lots of Dance moves

What is the name of your latest or upcoming CD or EP and what inspired the title?
Our debut concept Ep titled On A Lighter Note is inspired by the idea of accepting situations that have shaped who you are and having a positive outlook thereafter

Select two songs you may be playing in your set and what inspired the lyrics.
2 songs we are playing in our set are Beside Myself and On A Lighter Note from our EP
To sum up Beside Myself, the lyrics are about having fallen and deciding how you will take that fall “how you fall doesn’t mean a thing, what counts is how you take the landing.”

On A Lighter Note comes to terms with those dark moments which may consume you and rising above them to look on the bright side.

How are you going to feel about playing those infamous 11:30 AM Warped Tour slots?
We are ready to take on any set time, pouring rain or scorching sun.

Any strange or unusual happening in the past while out on the road?
No strange stories yet. But maybe we will have a story after this tour.

If you could open up for any band, either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
Franki-I would want to open for Metallica or August Burns Red
Mike-I would have to say Blink 182 or twenty one pilots
Tyler-Definitely would open for Foo Fighter or Avenged Sevenfold

Do you have any messages for Warped Tour attendees this year?
Stay hydrated , wear sunscreen and most importantly be prepared to dance!

Farewell Winters on Facebook

Fit For A King

Introduce yourself, what you do in the band, and where you are based out of?
My name is Ryan, I am the vocalist, and I am based out of Fort Worth, TX.

What are you looking forward to the most about Warped Tour and is this your first time on the tour?
It will be our third time on the tour, and I am so excited to see my friends and play amazing shows every single day for 2 months.

If this is not your first time on Warped Tour, what advice would you give a band about to attempt Warped for the first time?
Pace yourself. It’s a long, rigorous tour, unlike any club tour. Eat healthy, drink a lot of water. Oh, and SUNSCREEN.

What could one expect from your live show at Warped Tour?
Lots of energy. And expect to jump and push people around.

What is the name of your latest or upcoming CD or EP and what inspired the title?
Our latest album is called “Deathgrip.” It focuses on the subject of death, and how it effects us physically and mentally.

Select two songs you may be playing in your set and what inspired the lyrics.
Pissed Off was inspired by the Bataclan terrorist attack in Paris. Warpath is about not compromising what you stand for, even if it makes you the “enemy”.

How are you going to feel about playing those infamous 11:30 AM Warped Tour slots?
While it sucks playing when people are still coming in, on the other hand, you have the rest of the day to hang out and you can eat all your meals on time and fresh.

Any strange or unusual happening in the past while out on the road?
We have met a lot of odd individuals that have said questionable things to us or people with us. But nothing too insane. We are a pretty boring band.

If you could open up for any band, either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
I would love to open up for As I Lay Dying.

Do you have any messages for Warped Tour attendees this year?
Be understanding if a band isn’t out to hang out or sign stuff a lot. It’s a long, difficult tour and the people on the tour appreciate peace and quite when they can. And drink water!

Fit For A King on Facebook

One Last Shot

Introduce yourself, what you do in the band, and where you are based out of?
Angelo: Hi my name is Angelo and I play guitar in One Last Shot from Syracuse Ny.

Jeremy: My name is Jeremy and I sing for the band One Last Shot.

What are you looking forward to the most about Warped Tour and is this your first time on the tour?
Jeremy: This is not our first time playing Warped Tour, but it’s our first time playing a stretch of days and being on the official lineup.

Angelo: I am really excited to be part of such a cool mix of artists. Also there is a lot of bands on this tour that we have played with in the past, so that will be really cool to catch up with them.

Jeremy: Like Angelo said, I’m personally most excited to be playing alongside friends like William Control, & we’ve played with Creeper before so it’ll be nice to see them again.  Also the Warped Tour crew is really like a family & are so amazing. It will be great to see them again as well!

If this is not your first time on Warped Tour, what advice would you give a band about to attempt Warped for the first time?
Angelo: If I had to give some advice to a new band , I would say have fun but be respectful.

Jeremy: If you’re not having fun, it’s your own fault. Warped is hard to do as an artist with the heat & long day, but if you are a hard worker and prepare for everything you’ll have a great experience.

What could one expect from your live show at Warped Tour?
Angelo: One could expect to hear a lot of new material for our live set.

Jeremy: We also have a lot of tricks up our sleeves. So also expect insanity. It’s going to be a lot of fun!

What is the name of your latest or upcoming CD or EP and what inspired the title?
Jeremy: Our latest full length album is called, “The Death of a Poet & All of His Friends“. The title is based off a story Zak & I created about a poet & his friends essentially living out their last few hours of life. The story is loosely based off our real life experiences with love, sickness, & death.

Select two songs you may be playing in your set and what inspired the lyrics.
Jeremy: ‘Leather & Fangs‘ will totally be played live. The lyrics are about not giving up on your dreams, but most importantly not giving up on life. It’s about how we all inevitability die, & how we lived our lives.
The other song is, ‘Grim Reminder‘. The lyrics are about trying to keep something going, though it’s over & has become toxic. Whether it’s life, love, or friendships.

How are you going to feel about playing those infamous 11:30 AM Warped Tour slots?
Jeremy: I love coffee & we’ve already played an 11:10am set before, so we’re ready for anything!

Any strange or unusual happening in the past while out on the road?
Jeremy: It takes a lot to make things strange for us haha

If you could open up for any band, either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
Angelo: I would want to open up for Eighteen Visions. I hear they have a new album coming out!

Jeremy: I was just going to say Eighteen Visions! I’d love to tour with Creeper, Ice Nine Kills, New Years Day, or Motionless In White. Hit us up team haha

Do you have any messages for Warped Tour attendees this year?
Jeremy: This may sound cliché, but it’s so true: Sunscreen, water, have fun, be respectful, & check out new bands.
Angelo: Warped Tour attendees: drink a lot of water! Its a long day!

One Last Shot on Facebook

Shattered Sun

Introduce yourself, what you do in the band, and where you are based out of?
Marcos Leal, I’m the vocalist of Shattered Sun. We are based out of Southern Texas – Alice and Corpus Christi to be exact. If you don’t know where that is, watch the movie “Selena“!

What are you looking forward to the most about Warped Tour and is this your first time on the tour?
We are veterans of the summer festival, playing Rockstar Mayhem Festival in 2015 and other events like River City Rockfest and Welcome to Rockville, but this is our first time on the one and only Vans Warped Tour. I’m looking forward to getting our new album and new music out to everyone, to the fans that have been with us from the start to all the new fans we get to make every day. I’m also looking forward to Metal Summer Camp! Beers, bros and BBQs! We are definitely bringing our style of metal and party to this year’s lineup and we are excited as hell to get out there and get our rage on!

If this is not your first time on Warped Tour, what advice would you give a band about to attempt Warped for the first time?
I’m going to just answer from my experiences on other summer fests, this is more of “what to bring”:
HAND SANITIZER
ICE CHEST FULL OF BEER AND WATER
BLACK PANTS AND SHIRTS
SUNGLASSES
WEIGHTS AND WORK OUT GEAR
BBQ PIT w/DALLAS COWBOYS APRON
But that’s just me.

What could one expect from your live show at Warped Tour?
Head banging
Non stop energy
Circle pits
Fast riffs
Beers
Heat
And a good time
All the things we love here in Texas!
Get ready to party!

What is the name of your latest or upcoming CD or EP and what inspired the title?
Can’t announce it just yet – stay tuned! However, our currently released album Hope Within Hatred is out now and I can discuss the title track on that album. It’s about finding hope and the light in those moments in life when you feel dead and lifeless, there’s always a way out no matter what.

How are you going to feel about playing those infamous 11:30 AM Warped Tour slots?
BRING IT ON! We are early birds and used to waking up at 6-7am on the regular. It’s a part of who we are and where we come from. Hard workers get up and bust ass from dark to dark, any time of day, any place on earth, we are always ready! We hope you guys are too!

Any strange or unusual happening in the past while out on the road?
Not too strange but lots of good times. We wound up in Slayer’s dressing room one night talking football… I don’t remember too much but Cowboy fans and Raiders/49ers fans don’t mix well… especially when we’ve all had a few drinks! Great times and so much love for those guys, one of my favorite tour stories.

If you could open up for any band, either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
Metallica! Period! No if ands or buts about it. Any time in their career but during Master or Justice period would be amazing. Opening up on that tour when it was Metallica and Ozzy… get out of town. That would be amazing, even if I could just go back and hang out and watch the show! They are the reason the majority of us begged our moms and dads to buy us a guitar in the first place .

Do you have any messages for Warped Tour attendees this year?
Get ready cause it’s gonna be so much metal! This year’s lineup is phenomenal and we are stoked to be a part of it!

Shattered Sun on Facebook

Silent Planet

Introduce yourself, what you do in the band, and where you are based out of?
My name is Garrett Russell and I’m in a band called Silent Planet, based out of California.

What are you looking forward to the most about Warped Tour and is this your first time on the tour?
This is our second time on Warped Tour, and we are looking forward to being part of this eclectic festival for the many eclectic musical influences, as well as partnering with a number of the non-profits who will be at every show promoting various positive social and environmental agendas.

If this is not your first time on Warped Tour, what advice would you give a band about to attempt Warped for the first time?
I would tell any band who wants to be on Warped Tour to first do small, DIY touring across America and become acquainted with one another on an intimate level, as well as hone your craft. This way, when you get placed in a large environment like Warped, you have your identity more figured out.

What could one expect from your live show at Warped Tour?
I think folks can expect to hear a band who is more interested in connection than stardom, and hear something that is trying to experiment with the genre in an authentic narrative-based sense. And we write our own music, which can actually be rare in some circles (strangely).

What is the name of your latest or upcoming CD or EP and what inspired the title?
Our latest album is called Everything Was Sound. It’s a thirteen-track walk through an asylum built as a panopticon. You can learn about it here: https://www.youtube.com/ playlist?list=PL33TxpPk4pPRK2K _Eb1Y7aG-UxkxU8p5f

Select two songs you may be playing in your set and what inspired the lyrics.
Panic Room: A song about our friend Jeriel, and his battle after returning home from Afghanistan with combat-related PTSD. It evaluates the human cost of American military industrial complex.

Native Blood: A song about native American injustice and the hope for restoration and re-connection of tribes to their rightful land.

How are you going to feel about playing those infamous 11:30 AM Warped Tour slots?
We have done them several times, and they sorta vary from venue to venue and how quickly people are allowed access into the fest. One time it was actually rad because they opened doors early and everyone had tons of energy.

Any strange or unusual happening in the past while out on the road?
For sure. One time, in Porto Sant’elpidio, a promoter refused to pay us because our set was slightly shorter than he imagined (we played a whole album) and then planned to jump us with his coke-head friends. That was pretty sketchy. Luckily our rad Italian friend, Francesco, was there and saved the day. We recently hung out in America and I reiterated how extremely grateful we are for him and his wife.

If you could open up for any band, either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
I’m going to answer for each guy (because I know what they would say haha)
Mitch: Deftones
Thomas: Circa Survive or Underoath
Alex: Radiohead
Garrett: mewithoutYou

Do you have any messages for Warped Tour attendees this year?
Folks attending Warped Tour: I’m looking forward to seeing you. It’s going to be really fun and because we are too poor to have a bus/bandwagon/etc. we’ll probably be hanging out at our merch tent with our elderly merch guy, Mark. Also, I’m teaching a creative writing course this summer with Think TEI, and I’m really looking forward to those discussions.

Silent Planet on Facebook

And now let the summer of 2017 commence!  Hope to see you all in the pit at the Vans Warped Tour!

(Interviews by Ken Morton – Kevin Lyman photo by Jack Lue)

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