State Champs: Around the World and Back to New York Again
The floor of Webster Hall shook with an earthquake of pop-punk magnitude - an intensity only a band like State Champs could instil in the historic Manhattan venue. Webster Hall was ignited with vitality as fans sold out the iconic concert hall to witness State Champs’ triumphant return to New York City. Hailing from Albany, New York, the band’s performance felt like a homecoming celebration and Manhattan welcomed the band back with raised arms coupled by unwavering, loud screams. The audience came prepared, memorizing every word to all the songs performed, including tracks from their fifth studio album released hardly a month prior, State Champs.
State Champs was formed in 2010 out of Albany, New York, by vocalist Derek DiScanio and guitarist Tyler Szalkowski, who shared a vision of creating music that balanced raw empathy with high-octane performances. The band has remained consistent throughout the years, with very few lineup changes the group has consisted of Derek DiScanio (vocalist), Tyler Szalkowski (lead guitar), Ryan Scott Graham (bass), and Evan Ambrosio (drums) since 2014, when the band began making waves in the local music scene with their DIY approach and relentless drive. As one of the few bands within the genre maintaining a persistent lineup for a decade, the band has evolved together and become a force to be reckoned with. Their early EPs, including Apparently, I’m Nothing (2010) and Overslept (2012), quickly caught the attention of fans and industry insiders alike. These releases showcased the band’s knack for crafting anthemic songs with relatable themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth. The music stuck a chord with listeners and, two years after their debut in 2010, they were signed to Pure Noise Records.
In 2013, State Champs released their debut full-length album, The Finer Things, through Pure Noise Records. The album was a critical and commercial success, propelling State Champs into the limelight as a breakout band in the pop-punk revival movement. Tracks like “Elevated” and “Hard To Please” have become staples in the band’s setlist, and even eleven years later, are fan-favorites for their upbeat nature yet honest lyricism. In 2023, the band embarked on an anniversary tour for The Finer Things, where they performed solely in intimate venues for die-hard fans who have professed their support since the beginning of their careers. Practically every show on this tour sold-out, including two homecoming performances at Manhattan’s Le Poisson Rouge, which I was lucky enough to snag a ticket to the first day of. This show was one of the rowdiest I’ve ever been to; fans made sure their support was not only heard but also seen. As their debut record, The Finer Things did more than put State Champs on the map, it was a testament to the greatness the band was destined to achieve and has reached heights beyond standing the test of time, being a monumental album for many listeners of not only the band but also the genre.
In 2024, State Champs returned with their fifth, self-titled studio album, a triumphant celebration of everything fans have come to love about the band while marking an exhilarating new chapter in their journey. Packed with punchy riffs, contagious hooks, and heartfelt lyrics, the album seamlessly blends the high-energy anthems of their earlier work with a more polished and mature sound. Over the years, DiScanio has been honest about his struggle as a vocalist and maintaining the range fans associate him with, so while this album might be a bit more mellow compared to previous in-your-face records they’ve released, it is a clear assertion of the band’s evolution throughout the years showcasing matured production, seamless flows from song to song, and an overall more collaborative feel amongst the musicians. Their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots has earned them a loyal fanbase that only continues to expand with every move they make.
This is all to say, State Champs is a cornerstone band in the pop-punk music scene, having withstood over a decade in the evolving industry, they’ve become a hallmark band for fans of the genre. The time they’ve dedicated to their music is enough to gain them respect, however, their DIY ethos goes far beyond their own work. In recent years, lead singer Derek DiScanio has assisted in co-producing tracks for numerous artists including Young Culture, Sleep On It, and Last Night Saved My Life, amongst many more. Not only has the band been igniting a fire in the pop-punk industry since 2010, they’ve also contributed to keeping it alive amongst 20th century mainstream music, inspiring a new generation of bands with their signature sound.
Setting the stage ablaze, Daisy Grenade came out kicking as the first opening act on the stacked tour bill, perfectly priming the crowd for the night ahead. The rising punk-pop duo infused their set with an undeniable charisma that had the audience hooked from the very first note and obsessed by the final one. Their seamless blend of catchy hooks and gritty edge showcased their knack for crafting songs that are both playful and relatable, with highlights including their cover of “King For Day,” originally by Pierce The Veil and Kellin Quinn, both of which they will be joining this summer on the I Can’t Hear You tour. Their original material was just as impactful, inspiring sing-alongs and transforming the standing room into a dancefloor. The pair knows how to embody a stage despite their minimal time spent performing live; Daisy Grenade will keep your eyes glued to the stage throughout their entire setlist. The duo’s intoxicating chemistry and lighthearted banter made the set feel jovial despite the practically oversold venue, leaving no doubt that Daisy Grenade is a force to be reckoned with in the modern punk space.
Mirroring Daisy Grenade’s unrelenting intensity, Meet Me @ The Altar kept the crowd alive as the second opening act of the evening. The trio’s signature incandescent music paired with their shimmering stage presence has made them a fan-favorite in the realm of live performances. The standout component of a Meet Me @ The Altar concert is the inclusivity they instill in every show they perform, ensuring their concerts create an enjoyable environment for all to feel comfortable letting loose in without any inhibitions. Just before “Hit Like A Girl,” lead singer Edith Johnson told everyone to step aside and let the girls take over the mosh pit before launching into the anthemic track. The ladies in the crowd did not hold back as they swarmed to the center to jump and dance freely without having to watch their backs for elbows or fists. Their unapologetically positive ambiance and empowering message resonated with the audience well after the music faded into the night, leaving a lasting impression and solidifying their reputation as a must-see act.
As the direct openers of the evening, Knuckle Puck delivered a powerhouse set for the sold-out crowd. I speak on behalf of the majority of the pop-punk scene when I say Knuckle Puck performing alongside State Champs was a wishlist lineup for many since the Warped Tour era. At this point, I have seen Knuckle Puck too many times to count over the years yet their vivacious live performances have not softened in the slightest. The epinephrine frontman Joe Taylor projects at every live show is practically impossible to not absorb from the crowd, he truly embodies every centimeter of the stage. The juxtaposition between the band member’s reserved personas against Joe Taylor’s implacable spirit is almost comical, yet hard to not feel inspired by. Knuckle Puck crowds are not for the weak, their fans give their all in the mosh pits, devouring every ounce of Taylor’s ardor until practically the whole venue is moshing or headbanging along. If you’re a sideline sailor, the crowd is just as amusing to watch as it is to be a part of and the band fills their setlists with some of their greatest hits you’ll forget you know every word of! Knuckle Puck delivers a set everyone can appreciate, whether a fan or not, they’re an act you must see live if you’re an aficionado of the genre.
As clock struck 9:15 p.m., Webster Hall was pulsing with uncontainable hysteria as State Champs meandered onto the stage for their first sold-out show of their two night Manhattan run, reaffirming their place as pop-punk monuments. The historic Manhattan venue, known for hosting some of music’s most memorable moments, became the epicenter of pop-punk euphoria as the Albany-based band marked their triumphant return to New York City and the end of their fall tour. Crowd-surfers soared, outbreaks of mosh-pits surged as the band launched into “Silver Cloud” from their most recent full-length, State Champs. Released November 8, hardly a month prior to the concert, I expected the crowd to remain reserved for the performance of tracks off the new album, however, I was immediately proven wrong as unified screams of every single lyric filled the venue, nearly drowning out DiScanio’s voice. It was clear that the crowd had not only embraced the new material but had already made it their own. If there’s one notion about the band that comes without dispute, it is that New York City will always show up and show out for their close to home heroes, State Champs.
Frontman Derek DiScanio commanded the stage with his trademark charm and vocal prowess, his confidence matched by Tyler Szalkowski, Ryan Scott Graham, and Evan Ambrosio, whose musicianship melded together masterfully, professing to the years of refining their craft as a unified quintet. Together, the band delivered a diverse setlist that balanced old favorites like a medley of “Perfect Score,” “Frozen,” and “Fake It” with fresh tracks like “Clueless.” Each song was met with incomparable fervor, as if the audience was determined to prove to the band that no other state will ever outdo Manhattan’s loyalty and support.
As much as the tour was in promotion of their latest offering, the night also felt like a reflection on the band’s journey. Formed in 2010, State Champs have evolved from DIY upstarts to pop-punk titans, yet even with the level of fame they’ve accumulated over the years, they don’t shy away from honoring their roots by providing others a platform to shine, as proven in the divergent support lineup ranging from breakout artists to decade veterans. Maintaining such a die hard fanbase in Manhattan, one that sells out every show and shakes the venue with their enthusiasm, exemplified why the bands remained at the forefront of the genre. DiScanio took moments to thank the crowd, reminiscing their early days of driving from Albany to perform in Manhattan before expressing gratitude for their steadfast support.
Highlights of the night included a special trio rendition of “Around the World and Back,” accompanied by only an acoustic guitar and the support of Daisy Grenade. The weight of the lyrics lingered heavily in the air as the crowd’s voices joined in a chilling chorus that nearly overpowered the artists on stage. A blistering performance of “Save Face Story” closed out the setlist with Joe Taylor of Knuckle Puck tackling the vocals of Slope from the studio recording which turned the venue into a sea of jumping bodies. The band’s coordination on stage was impeccable, a testament to their years of performing and growing together.
After the crowd roared for an encore, the band obliged, closing with two nostalgia tracks, “Everybody But You” and “Secrets,” an invigorating capstone to a night of pop-punk catastrophe that left the crowd both exhausted and ebullient. As the house lights clicked back on, fans were left scavenging through the confetti on the floor, eager to find a guitar pick to keep as memorabilia of the extraordinary night.
State Champs’ performance at Webster Hall was more than just a concert; it was a homecoming filled with raw vulnerability, fan-favorite anthems, and a shared sense of belonging. The band’s ability to connect with their audience, whether through new songs or old classics, speaks volumes about their staying power in an ever-changing music landscape.
As the last notes rang out and the crowd dispersed onto the busy streets of Manhattan, it was clear that State Champs had delivered an unforgettable evening, one that cemented their place as pop-punk legends. For those lucky enough to be there, it was a night to remember—a perfect storm of music, passion, and community.
