Check out our interview with the Virginia-based pop punk band Underdog Champs!
upfrontNY: How was Underdog Champs formed?
Underdog Champs: UC was originally just Mark recording song ideas that he had in the studio with the help of Nick on guitar. When Mark wanted to play live Nick knew Justin and I would be the right fit and we lived happily ever after ever since. Kinda like a fairytale but with a lot more alcohol.
upfrontNY: How would you describe your music and sound?
Underdog Champs: We started off as your basic pop punk band when we released Picked Last, but this new EP has an array of emotions and influences on it. You could compare the old us to a PB&J and the new us to the same PB&J but with a little bit of Sriracha on it. As musicians our influences are constantly evolving and we wanted the new recordings to portray that without straying too far from our roots of pop punk.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your song and new music video “Hear Me Out”?
Underdog Champs: I’d describe “Hear Me Out” as a really dancey pop punk tune. The opening bass riff was something Justin came up with that we would all jam on for fun during practice. When we went to write this EP we jammed on it like always and realized it should have been a full song a long time ago. The bass riff is really sick and i think it has a lot of energy when we play it live.
upfrontNY: What can your fans expect from your upcoming EP “Skeletons in Daylight”?
Underdog Champs: Some groovy bass licks and some rockin guitar lines. We also get a little pretty on a few songs. You can probably expect to Dance and or Cry if you listen to it alone.
upfrontNY: Do you have a favorite song from the album or one that has a special story behind it?
Underdog Champs: “Coming Clean” is a track on the album that’s not only my favorite as a song, but as a musician. A good portion of the track is heavily bass driven which gave me the ability to pull out some licks i’ve been holding on to. It’s really one of those songs I can’t help but bob my head to.
upfrontNY: What is the best part of performing live and do you have a favorite concert experience?
Underdog Champs: Playing live is what keeps us going. I enjoy every part of playing live from the way it makes you feel on and off stage to being able to hang out with awesome people at shows. A really awesome show that comes to mind was the Conditions Fluorescent Youth anniversary at Canal Club. Not only was it one of the biggest shows we’ve played but we all have a huge respect for Conditions and their music. Being able to play with them and some other great locals was a really cool moment for us.
upfrontNY: Does the band have a dream tour location or venue?
Underdog Champs: I would say all of us just truly enjoy playing shows no matter where we are. Sometimes it’s nice to play large venues that have all the amenities but at the same time a great basement show can be an even greater experience.
upfrontNY: What do you want others to know about the band and your music?
Underdog Champs: We’re just a couple of dudes who love-making and playing music but not as much as I love Sriracha.
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