Right now pop-punk is at a crossroads, it can either go more traditional or more aggressive.  I know myself personally I’m leaning towards the aggressive side. One band is helping make that choice easy is Life Lessons. From that very first listen I was hooked and I have not stopped. Their EP, I Know What I’m Not was my summer album. The only album I may have listened to more was Manic by Knockout Kid. So that tells you something about my tastes right there. On the Columbus stop of their tour with Sudden Suspension I had a chance to sit down with Kaden Birdsong who is the vocalist. I have to mention this but this was the most nervous I have been doing an interview. I typically don’t get nervous but this EP has been one of my rocks this summer. And to talk to someone that was part of that was amazing to me. It was almost like the first time I talked to Geoff from Thursday. So I hope you guys enjoy the interview.

TUNED UP: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR BAND TO SOMEONE WHO HASN’T HEARD YOU GUYS BEFORE?

Kaden Birdsong: Well, we get compared to Knuckle Puck and The Story So Far often. I just like to think we are aggressive Punk.

TUNED UP: WITH THE RELEASE OF THE CURRENT EP HAS THERE BEEN ANY FUTURE TOUR DATES TO COINCIDE WITH THAT?

Kaden Birdsong: This tour we are on now is the EP release tour. We will be announcing some things soon.

TUNED UP: HAVE YOU GUYS RECEIVED ANY LABEL INTEREST YET?

Kaden Birdsong: We have gotten a little. We are hoping/aiming for something like Hopeless.

TUNED UP: HOW HAS THE RESPONSE FROM FANS BEEN SO FAR?

Kaden Birdsong: The response that we have received so far was not expected at all. We are gaining new fans every night.

TUNED UP: WHEN ONE THINKS OF OKLAHOMA, POP PUNK DOESN’T COME TO MIND. I KNOW I THINK OF MERLE HAGGARD, FLAMING LIPS, JOHN MORELAND AND GARTH BROOKS. IS THERE A POP-PUNK SCENE AROUND?

Kaden Birdsong: Oklahoma is actually hardcore, so that’s the scene we came out of. The only other pop punk band is Fossil Youth.

TUNED UP: ARE THERE ANY UP AND COMING BANDS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

Kaden Birdsong: Everyone Leaves, Homesafe, Bonfires, and Sleep On It (Tuned Up has covered 3 of the 4 in the past 9 months. This are all killer bands. Please go check them out)

TUNED UP: WHAT IS YOUR DREAM TOUR/FESTIVAL?

Kaden Birdsong: Taking Back Sunday, The Early November. Pretty much Taste of Chaos plus us.

TUNED UP: WHAT IS YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE POP-PUNK ALBUM?                            

Kaden Birdsong: The Wonder Years-Suburbia I’ve Given You All and Now I’m Nothing

TUNED UP: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE G.I. JOE CHARACTER?

Kaden Birdsong: General Hawk

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Life Lessons just announced a killer tour today. If they are coming near you, go out and see them. And tell Kaden hi for me. 🙂