Exclusive: The Wonder Years Interview

The Wonder Years are one of the most accessible bands I know, of their size. The band's new album Suburbia I’ve Given You All And Now I’m Nothing, is only a week away from being released, and with high-rating reviews from various sites, it's no surprise that everyone's excitement has hit the roof. A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to hang with Soupy on the last date of their tour in Australia with Parkway Drive, and here are some questions that Soupy was nice enough to answer for me.

Firstly, how was your second tour down under? How did everyone treat you? I think the last time you guys came down here last September it was a little warmer.

Soupy: It definitely got a little cold some nights. We kind of mis-interpreted who listened to Parkway Drive and made the mistake of assimilating Metal fans with Hardcore kids. These were audiences that we couldn't relate to in any way and it made it difficult to play the way we usually do. On the other hand, a lot of our fans came out every night so we tried to put on the best show we could for them. Parkway, Miss May I and Confession were all great guys and treated us really well.

What do you miss the most when touring overseas?

Soupy: My cell phone and Taco Bell.

So your new album's all finished up and just a few weeks away from being released - you've obviously come a long way, both figuratively and literally. Can you describe how you feel about the band right now?

I feel a little removed. Everyone's posting about how we're going to be the next this or that or that this record is going to blow up. It's not that I don't feel that way or that I do, honestly. It's more that I never expected to be in a position where people were saying these things about us. It's surreal and it's hard to wrap your head around. I know I'm excited. I think I'm nervous. I guess we'll just see where it goes.

You've mentioned a number of times in the past that over time you more or less out-grew your first record, finding it harder to play the songs at shows. I think this has been the case with several bands who have started off playing similar music. Looking back, what state of mind were you in when you put out that record? If you could do it over, would you change anything?

Soupy: We were in a state of mind where nothing really mattered. No one was going to really hear that record and we just wanted to be goofy and dick around and maybe go on a tour or two. If we could go back, we might change everything. Then again, maybe we wouldn't. I mean, it got us here. Why fuck with it?

It seems like The Upsides brought out the real you, and the new songs we've heard so far have definitely shown further growth. Can we expect more of your Realist Pop Punk on the new record?

Soupy: Absolutely. We took what we started with Upsides and Won't Be Pathetic Forever and we expanded it. We're still us but we're like a bigger, better us. It's like when Pokémon evolve. Maybe. Actually they might change personality when that happens. That might not have been the best metaphor choice, but you kind of get it, right?

Suburbia I've Given You All And Now I'm Nothing - this is the first line from Allan Ginsberg's poem, America, and the title of your new record. I don't think enough Pop Punk bands aim for this kind of depth; what sort of overall message are you hoping to convey with Suburbia?

Soupy: This was a really personal record for us about deciding where home is. I think it's important to take the time to consider where you're going and why before you jump to it. A lot of people hate the place they are but aren't sure why. Moving doesn't fix that. You need to find out what you love and what you hate and place yourself accordingly or you'll end up just as miserable somewhere else.

So Soupy, where's home for you?

Soupy: Right now, I live with our bassist Josh and friend Richie in a house in Lansdale, PA. It's nice to have a room and a bed again.

Last year you announced that you'd be releasing a compilation of remastered songs - including Get Stoked On It! - by the name of Six Dudes From The Keystone State. Is this still going ahead?

I think so, but it's no one's priority. We have a new record out and another smaller release already in the pipeline and No Sleep is busy releasing a ton of records from a ton of amazing bands. Six Dudes is not topping anyone's to-do list, but I'm sure it'll see the light of day.

In the past you've also mentioned how the band has identified itself with the characteristics of a pigeon, hence the themed appearances across your artwork. Can you elaborate on this a little and tell us about Travelin' Hank?

Soupy: The pigeon is an unwanted animal (unless you're Mike Tyson). Everyone wants to get rid of pigeons but not only do the pigeon's stick around in an environment that wants them gone, they flourish. When we started taking this band seriously, nobody wanted us except for a small label with two bands on it called No Sleep, but we didn't let that stop us. We worked hard as hell with Chris at NSR and built ourselves up together. If no one wanted to take us on tour, we'd go alone. If no one wanted to book it, we would. If no one wanted to help promote the record, we'd do it ourselves. If there was no money, we'd figure out how to do it for free. We're a part of a scene of bands with that mentality. Doesn't matter if nobody wants us here. We're here and there's nothing you can do about it.

Aside from the album release, what other plans do you have for when you return to the States?

We're doing all of Warped Tour and touring a bunch more to finish the year. We also have another split coming out in the fall.

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