Interviews
Half Past Two

Tara Hahn of Half Past Two speaks about the band's new album 'Talk Is Killing Me'

In two days Orange County-based ska band Half Past Two will be releasing their excellent new album Talk Is Killing Me. The album finds the band infusing more punk elements into their sound, leaning into their anger and redefining themselves in the process. Lyrically the band isn’t shying away from heavy topics as they discuss trauma, shine a light on ableism in our society, and talk about tumultuous times within the band with honest, imagery-filled lyrics. Talk Is Killing Me will be out everywhere on April 19 via Bad Time Records. Half Past Two will begin their tour of the US tomorrow (April 18) in Brooklyn.

Punknews editor Em Moore caught up with lead vocalist Tara Hahn to talk about the new album, finding catharsis through songwriting, the importance of advocating for the disability community, making sure shows are accessible for everybody, and so much more. Read the interview below!

This interview between Em Moore and Tara Hahn took place on April 11, 2024 over Zoom. This transcription documents their conversation and has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

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Tours
Hawthorne Heights

Hawthorne Heights announce 20th anniversary tour

Hawthorne Heights have announced US tour dates (ane one Ontario date) to celebrate 20 years as a band. They will be playing their debut album The Silence in Black and White in full on every date. Thursday, Saosin, Anberlin, I See Stars, Cartel, Armor For Sleep, Stick To Your Guns, Emery, and This Wild Life will be joining them on select dates. The dates also include stops at their recently announced touring festival Is For Lovers. Check out the dates below.

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The Dopamines

Dopamines announce PA and DC shows, new record underway

The Dopamines have announced two PA shows and one down in Dc. Those are all in early August. They also added that one show is a door deal (as opposed to a guarantee) so they need you to buy tickets so they can get paid. The band also reminded everyone that they have a new album on the horizon, but they did not offer more details than that. You can see the dates below.

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The Chats

The Chats announce UK/EU tour

The Chats are hitting Europe this Winter. The tour covers a good chunk of November and December and finds the band hopping all over the UK and thee olde continent. The Prize and Rifle open. You can see the dates below.

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Check out the new track by As For the Future!

Check out the new track by As For the Future!

Get your dancin' shoes on because we are debuting the new track by As for the Future!

As for the Future is the new Brazilian/Nossa Nova influenced group headed by David Nagler. The group features an impressive array of musicians including vocalist Alexia Bomtempo, Mauro Refosco (David Byrne’s American Utopia, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Atoms for Peace), and Ryan Keberle (David Bowie, Maria Schneider Orchestra). The band takes classic Brazilian rhythms and styles and pushes them into space-age sonic drift. It's groovy and makes you feel like you're a real cool, sophisticated person. Plus, there is a trombone solo that makes you feel like you are walking around Greenwich Village and maybe you'll run into someone like Andy Warhol or Dizzy Gillespie… or maybe you'll get mugged, but at least the soundtrack is super nice.

Speaking to Punknews, Nagler says "'Encyclopedia of Songs' is all about songwriting, taking what goes on in the world, from the profound and awe-inspiring to the personal and mundane, and turning it into something that you can sing and play. It’s about collective and creative expression, which can be accomplished with equal doses of enthusiasm and patience."

You can pre-order the band's new album right here and hear the new tune below, right now!

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Robert Smith, Stevie Wonder, Nicki Minaj, Cake 200 more sign open letter 'against predatory A.I."

Robert Smith, Stevie Wonder, Nicki Minaj, Cake 200 more sign open letter 'against predatory A.I."

More than 200 artists have signed an open letter requesting that A.I. development companies be mindful of artists when developing future A.I. The letter was signed by 200+ artists including Robert smith of the Cure, Elvis Costello, Cake, Stevie Wonder, Chuck D, Nicki Minaj, the estate of T-Rex, the estate of Bob Marley, Czarface, Katy Perry, Bon Jovi, Peter Frampton,Billie Eilish, Don Was, and many more.

In short, the letter requests/demands that developers, technology companies, and platforms and digital music services “pledge that they will not develop or deploy AI music-generation technology, content, or tools that undermine or replace the human artistry of songwriters and artists or deny us fair compensation for our work.” It continues, “Make no mistake: we believe that, when used responsibly, AI has enormous potential to advance human creativity and in a manner that enables the development and growth of new and exciting experiences for music fans everywhere.”

You can read the letter here.

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Videos
Full Of Hell

Full of Hell: “Coagulated Bliss”

Full of Hell have released a video for their new song “Coagulated Bliss”. The video was directed, shot, and edited by Will Mecca. The song is off their upcoming album of the same name which will be out on April 26 via Closed Casket Activities. Full of Hell released their album with Nothing, No Birds Sang, as well as their record with Gasp in 2023. The band will be touring North America with Dying Fetus starting later this month. Check out the video below.

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Tours
Underoath

Underoath announce 'They're Only Chasing Safety' 20th anniversary tour (North America)

Underoath have announced North American tour dates to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their album They’re Only Chasing Safety which was released in 2024. The band will be performing the album in full on all dates along with a fan-voted set. Static Dress will be joining them on all dates. Tickets go on sale on April 17. Underoath will be touring Europe and the UK in June and released their album Voyeurist in 2022. Check out the dates below.

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Pg.99, Thou, NØ MAN, Respire, more to play Dark Days Bright Nights Festival

Pg.99, Thou, NØ MAN, Respire, more to play Dark Days Bright Nights Festival

Virginia-based festival Dark Days Bright Nights has announced its first wave lineup for this year. Pageninetynine, Thou, Young Widows, Portrayal of Guilt, Kilara, Red Scare, NØ MAN, Pygmy Lush, Kowloon Walled City, Habak, Forn, Infant Island, Massa Nera, .GIf From God, Prisoner, Lagrimas, Respire, Porcelain, Goetia, Quiet Fear, Listless, Private Hell, and Northeast Regional will be playing the fest. Dark Days Bright Nights will take place September 13-15 at The Broadberry in Richmond, Virginia.

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Worriers

Worriers cancel all upcoming May shows

Worriers have announced the cancellation of all shows they had scheduled for May, including their performance at Pouzza Fest. A statement posted on Instagram written by Lauren Denitzio reads,

"Worriers will no longer be playing the shows we had scheduled for May in order to prioritize my mental health. It became obvious to me that it would be a terrible idea to attempt the tour and in fairness to all involved, I’ve decided to take a beat to take care of myself.

I’m so grateful for the invitation to share a stage with Laura Jane Grace again and to return to Pouzza Fest. I hope that both can happen again one day when the time is right.

Thank you to everyone who has come out to see us over the past year. It means the world and I hope we get to see you all again soon.”

Worriers released Trust Your Gut and Warm Blanket in 2023.

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