State Champs’ Self-Titled Record: A Celebration of 15 Years in Pop-Punk

Get ready to mark your calendars, pop-punk fans! Albany’s very own State Champs is gearing up to drop their fourth studio album, a self-titled record, on November 8, 2024, via Pure Noise Records. This announcement has sent waves of excitement through the pop-punk community, and for good reason.

The band has already given us a taste of what’s to come with their first single, 'Silver Cloud.' The track is a punchy anthem, and its music video is a visual treat. In the video, frontman Derek DiScanio breaks free from the monotony of a mundane life, with the rest of the band playing various characters that add a fun twist to the narrative. But that’s not all—they also surprise-dropped a second single, 'Too Late To Say,' keeping fans on their toes.

Produced by Anton DeLost, known for his work with Mayday Parade and Hawthorne Heights, this album promises to be a showcase of some of the best edgy, high-energy tracks that have defined State Champs’ career. “We found our way, through the ups and downs within us, personally and as a band, and wanted to express that,” explains Derek DiScanio. “This is the right time to showcase it.” Bassist Ryan Scott Graham echoes this sentiment, saying, “When we stepped back and looked at the songs, sonically and thematically, it’s a great vision of who we are. Every era of State Champs exists within this record.”

It’s been nearly 15 years since State Champs first burst onto the scene, and a lot has changed for the band members. Derek, Ryan, guitarist Tyler Szalkowski, and drummer Evan Ambrosio have navigated significant life changes—marriages, kids, and relocations across the country. These experiences have undoubtedly influenced their music and brought a new dynamic to their relationship as a band.

The new album features 12 tracks that explode with passion and precision. The production is big, bold, and slick, yet it retains the raw energy of a band playing together in a room or tearing up the stage. This blend of polish and authenticity is a testament to how State Champs has become a major player in the pop-punk scene, championing the genre over the past decade.

In conjunction with the album release, State Champs has also announced a fall tour across North America. They’ll be hitting the road with Knuckle Puck, Meet Me at The Altar, and Daisy Grenade, starting on November 8 and wrapping up on December 7 in New York City. Tickets are already on sale, so grab yours while you can!

State Champs’ journey began in bedrooms and basements back in 2010. Drawing inspiration from early Fall Out Boy and Green Day, as well as latter-day Warped Tour bands, they quickly rose to prominence. Over the last decade, they’ve become one of the most recognizable names in pop-punk, helping to define the genre for a new generation of fans. Their ability to build authentic connections with audiences through smart, uplifting songcraft and passionate performances has set them apart.

Throughout their career, State Champs has garnered accolades from major publications like Rolling Stone, MTV, Kerrang!, Upset, Alternative Press, and Rock Sound. Their sophomore album, Around the World and Back, entered the Billboard Current Rock Albums chart at No. 3 and made Rock Sound’s Top 10 Albums of the Year. Living Proof, released in 2018, saw Billboard dubbing them “modern-day pop-punk torchbearers.” They’ve also collaborated with pop-punk heavyweights like Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low and Mark Hoppus from Blink-182 on their latest album, Kings of the New Age.

With their self-titled album, State Champs is set to cement their legacy as a band that can and will stand the test of time. The lineup remains strong with Derek DiScanio on vocals, Tyler Szalkowski on guitar, Ryan Scott Graham on bass, and Evan Ambrosio on drums. This album is not just a collection of songs; it’s a celebration of their journey and a testament to their enduring impact on the pop-punk scene.