There’s a certain feeling that really good pop punk music can trigger; a sort of shameless playfulness that takes you out of your head and puts you in the moment. It’s not heavy; even if the lyrics are touching on intense feelings they do it in a way that feels comfortable. Many bands go after this feeling, some do it well, few as well as Avondale. The foursome, split between Chicago and Nashville, seamlessly pull together fun, carefree vibes and meaningful themes to deliver an experience that fans of Simple Plan and New Found Glory will know right away. I am admittedly a pretty big fan, and every time their song, Vodka, Redbull, Lemonade, shows up on my playlist, I find myself grinning and belting along the same way I would have to all of my favorites from my youth. Avondale’s freshman EP ‘Do What You Love’ is just nearing its first birthday, and already they’re teasing the next album. If recent single, California Calling, is any indication, we’ve got lots to look forward to when the record hits the streams.
Keep scrolling to check out my lightning round interview with Avondale; be sure to follow along on socials [ @weareavondale on Tiktok and IG], 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 Avondale and the rest of the Under Exposed lineup!
Interview
Cameron Conrad sits down with Ben, Tim, David, and Tyler
If you had to credit one band or artist with being your biggest influence, who would it be?
Third Eye Blind
Blink 182
Blink 182
The Devil Wear Prada
What’s your dream venue, the place that will feel like you’ve “made it” once you play there?
The Metro, Chicago
Vic Theatre, Chicago.
Red Rocks
Alexandra Palace
If you could pick any band or artist, past or present, to tour with, who would it be?
Blink 182
Blink 182
Blink 182
Architects
If each of you was a Disney character, who would you be?
Max Goof
Sulley
Mighty Joe Young
Bobby Zimmeruski
What’s the craziest, cringiest thing you’ve done for the sake of your music?
When I was 19/20 I played acoustic at Potbelly, the sandwich shop, every Sunday. One week, someone complained to the manager that my singing was too loud and very grating… I still came back the next week to play again.
In our earlier years - We met a random guy online who said he could make our songs sound better! Then, we repeatedly met him at an empty office space… Nothing bad happened..but I also wouldn't say the songs ended up any better.
Honestly probably the same as Tim’s answer. I was also a horrible drummer at the time so I couldn’t play to a click.
Beginning my undergrad in music before I could actually read music. Had to buckle down and practice for 6 hours a day to succeed.
If we gave out high-school superlatives today, what would each of you win?
Most likely to annoy the other guys in the band to do something
Most likely to seem like they’re not having a good time
Does this guy even go here?
Most likely to never text you back
Any new music or upcoming tours we should know about? Anything brewing behind the scenes you can give a hint about?
We have a 6 song EP ready to release in 2026 and will most likely be putting it out on vinyl. Should start playing shows in the new year and have a few other fun ideas brewing relating to the 30+ demos we’ve recorded over the last 3 years. Tim is also pregnant with an alien baby and will be giving birth to our new extraterrestrial overlord around the same time the EP is released.