Welcome to “Bands We’re Watching at Warped: Catherine Edition.” Alright guys, we’re now a week and a half in to the Warped Tour Roadie grind. Although Nathan and I are having the time of our life sharing the story of Invisible Children with the Warped Tour community, we are quickly noticing there is less time than we anticipated to actually go see bands play. The days are filled with setting up tents and tables, talking to supporters new and old, and sweating more than I thought was possible. That said, there are a few bands that I have made some crucial time to see in the first week, and I want to share those with you so you don’t miss them in your home state!
1. The Story So Far- “Empty Space”: The Story So Far came highly recommended to me by an Invisible Children fundraising all-star that happens to be working on Warped Tour this summer, Alexus Fisher. Although she is working just as hard as we are, she makes time to see their set almost every day- and with good reason. The Story So Far is the perfect blend of gritty and catchy, and I’m not sure how I’ve been functioning without them since they debuted their first album in 2011.
2. Mixtapes- “Elevator Days”: I was actually running with our equipment one evening after breaking down our tent when I had to slow to a full halt and watch a song from Mixtapes. I have a special part in my heart reserved for bands with girl singers and Maura Weaver was killing it. I finally figured out who they were when I conveniently passed their tent during a signing and recognized her. Thanks to fate intervening, I can’t wait to see them again.
3. Front Porch Step- “Drown”: Our Ventura date yesterday put us conveniently located next to the Acoustic Basement Tent. Praise. Among other amazing artists we got to watch, Front Porch Step drew the largest crowd I’ve seen so far for the tiny acoustic tent. I now know it is because Jake Mcelfresh’s songs are everything I love about old school emo acoustic. Cry your heart out to this jam.
4. The Summer Set- “Boomerang”: One of our first tour dates put the IC tent next to the stage The Summer Set was jamming on. It took me one set to fall victim to the earworms that The Summer Set has created. Real talk, I wake up with one of their songs in my head every morning. Plus, Brian Logan Dales kills it with those dance moves, AND he’s an Invisible Children supporter. Talk about a triple threat, ya’ll.
5. Mayday Parade- “Three Cheers for Five Years”: I had to include at least one band on here that I have loved since my first Warped Tour. Due to an incredible set balancing classics and new favorites, Mayday Parade wins the competition. I am lucky enough to hear their show almost every day, and even if I can’t see them I still sing along.
6. Bayside- “Pigsty”: YOU GUYS. Nathan and I have not only had the pleasure of sharing a bus with these guys for the past few weeks, but the other day we had the pleasure of watching their whole set backstage. I knew they were legends but wait until you see a set. It consisted of them rocking as hard as humanly possible for 30 straight minutes. Nick Ghanbarian literally jumps and kicks the entire time, and all is as it should be.
– Catherine Wharton.
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