Is it Déjà vu? No, NAPNET fans, you’re not imagining things. Emo-tivational all stars Surrender The Ghost have been making the rounds these days; chatting with Swemo about their recent single, "With Love, Aubrey Plaza", and getting wacky with Robb on the Emo Kids Anonymous pod. I’d love to tell you we orchestrated the whole thing in a brilliantly organized promotional campaign; but no… we’re actually all just big STG fans around here.
@Surrender The Ghost in line with so many millennial-founded emo revival bands; misfitted musicians in their youth who walked away to “grow up”, only to reunite with their passion and community under the pressures of the contemporary socio-political landscape. What makes these guys special, though, is that while their music certainly is “emo”, it’s not sad or angry. Surrender the Ghost call themselves “happy emo”, I call them the best thing since the advent of self-help audiobooks. Their songs address themes of pushing through the barriers that keep us from being our best selves; they sing about facing unexpected obstacles, unresolved feelings, and what it feels like to get to the other side. Rather than wallowing in misery and despair, Surrender the Ghost deliver hope and optimism; even the saddest of sad bois and baddies can’t help but smile while STG is playing. If you’re in the market for a new favorite band that won’t trigger your traumatized younger self, go ahead and give these guys a listen; I think you’re going to love them.
Keep scrolling to check out my lightning round interview with Surrender the Ghost to learn more about the band that’s here to brighten your day. Fans can follow along on socials [@surrendertheghost on Insta and @surrender.the.gho Tiktok], and tune in to Spotify and Apple Music. Don’t forget to save the Under Exposed playlist on Spotify to listen to my favorites from Surrender the Ghost (including their BRAND NEW single, "Living Backwards") and the rest of the Under Exposed lineup!
Interview
Cameron Conrad sits down with Surrender the Ghost
If you had to credit one band or artist with being your biggest influence, who would it be?
Matthew Ellis: Taking Back Sunday
Brandon Eldridge: Ace Enders
Mark Johnston: KISS
Bill Patterson: The Beach Boys
Ricky Gonzalez: The Wonder Years
Tony Chaffin: The Who
What’s your dream venue, the place that will feel like you’ve “made it” once you play there?
Matthew Ellis: this is low fruit. But The Newport in our hometown Columbus,OH. I saw my first real rock show there Korn and it’s been bucket list for absolutely ever.
If you could pick any band or artist, past or present, to tour with, who would it be?
Matthew Ellis: The Wonder Years (damn rapid fire. Should have picked Story Of The Year. They could probably party as hard as us)
Brandon Eldridge: The Used
Ricky Gonzalez: Underoath
Mark Johnston: Deftones
Bill Patterson: The National
Tony Chaffin: The Foo Fighters
If each of you was a Disney character, who would you be?
Matthew Ellis: Joy from Inside Out
Brandon Eldridge: Wreck It Ralph
Mark Johnston: Pinocchio
Ricky Gonzalez: The Shaggy Dog
Bill Patterson: Peter Pan
Tony Chaffin: Grumpy or Eeyore
Any new music or upcoming tours we should know about? Anything brewing behind the scenes you can give a hint about?
We’re so excited to drop our newest EP Take Some Blame. We worked really hard to step our sound up from our first EP. 2025 has been a whirlwind, We’ve shared the stage with Saosin, Wheatus, Youth Fountain and Alien Ant Farm. We just got back from our first weekend tour and are heading back out in early December with our friends Wolf Rd from Chicago,IL. We also have plans to write and record our first full length in fall of 2026. Wow, I’m getting anxious just talking about it.