State Champs

State Champs is an American pop-punk band from Albany, New York, formed in 2010. They are currently signed to Pure Noise Records and have released three EPs and four full-length albums. Their 2013 debut album The Finer Things debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart.^[1] They released an acoustic EP titled The Acoustic Things in October 2014 and their second studio album Around the World and Back one year later, in October 2015. In May 2017, they released a deluxe version of the album.^[2] Their third album, Living Proof, was released in 2018. In May 2022, the band released their fourth studio album, Kings of the New Age.

State Champs
State Champs in 2020
Background information
Origin	Albany, New York, U.S.
Genres	Pop-punk
Years active	2010–present
Labels	Pure Noise
Members	Derek DiScanio Tyler Szalkowski Ryan Scott Graham Evan Ambrosio
Past members	William Goodermote Dave Fogarty Matt Croteau Tony Diaz
Website	statechampsny.com

History

Formation and early releases (2010–2012)

State Champs formed in the spring of 2010 in Albany, New York^[3] by founding members lead guitarist Tyler Szalkowski and lead singer Derek DiScanio. Shortly after forming, they self-released EP 2010 in August,^[4] which was followed by their second self-released EP, Apparently, I'm Nothing, in January 2011.^[5] This EP contained several new songs and 2010 EP in its entirety. In July, the band toured with The Tired and True and Call It Fiction.^[6] In April 2012, interest in a demo of "Critical" helped the band gain a recording contract, a management company and a booking agency.^[7] On April 19, it was announced that the band signed to Pure Noise.^[8] In mid-June, the group recorded their next EP with Jay Maas at Getaway Recording Studio.^[9]

"Critical" was made available for streaming on July 12.^[10] In July and August, the band toured with With the Punches and Forever Came Calling^[11] on The PropertyOfZack Tour.^[12] "Remedy" was made available for streaming on August 9.^[13] The band released the Overslept EP^[3] in September through Pure Noise.^[14] In September and October, the band supported Handguns,^[15] then supported Citizen the following month.^[16] The band toured alongside Hit the Lights, A Loss for Words and With the Punches in December.^[17] The group then supported Vanna on their holiday tour, dubbed Home for the Holidays.^[18]

The Finer Things and The Acoustic Things (2013–2015)

Originally, the band was supposed to support Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! on their Pardon My French Tour in March and April 2013;^[19] instead Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! went on tour with A Day to Remember, resulting in State Champs supporting Handguns on their Pardon My Angst tour in March.^[20] The band finished recording their debut full-length with producer Sam Pura at The Panda Studios and co-producer and former New Found Glory guitarist Steve Klein in Fremont, CA in May 2013.^[21] The group supported New Found Glory on their west coast tour in June,^[22] before supporting Cartel.^[23]

Their debut full-length album, The Finer Things, was released on October 8, 2013.^[24] It debuted at #2 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart,^[1] selling a little over 3,100 copies in the first week of release. To support the album, the band supported Motion City Soundtrack and Bayside on a fall tour in North America. The band spent a majority of 2014 touring in support of The Finer Things. The band started their busy 2014 schedule in March with their first full United States tour, opening for We Are The In Crowd, William Becket, Set It Off and Candy Hearts.^[25] Shortly after completing this tour, the band headed on tour overseas for the first time to support pop-punk band The Wonder Years and A Loss for Words. The tour routed throughout the UK and mainland Europe.^[26]

The band performed on the Kevin Says stage for the 2014 installment of the Vans Warped Tour occasionally playing the main Kia Soul stage.^[27] During the tour, it was announced that the band would also be co-headlining the 2014 Pure Noise Records Tour with Handguns, with support from Forever Came Calling, Front Porch Step, Heart to Heart and Brigades.^[28] On October 7, 2014, the band released an acoustic EP titled The Acoustic Things which featured acoustic versions of five tracks from The Finer Things as well as two new songs.^[29]

Around the World and Back (2015–2017)

The band opened for All Time Low on their Future Hearts tour in spring 2015, and then opened for 5 Seconds of Summer's Rock Out With Your Socks Out Tour in June 2015 in Australia and New Zealand. On July 15, the band announced their second album, Around the World and Back, would be released on October 16;^[30] by November, the album had reached number 30 on the US Billboard Top 200 albums chart.^[31] The band began a co-headlining world tour in the UK with Neck Deep in February 2016, with support from Creeper and Light Years.^[32] The tour continued in the US and Canada in February and March with support from Knuckle Puck and Like Pacific. Official music videos were produced for two of the album's singles, "All You Are Is History" and "Secrets".^[31]

While touring with Neck Deep in March, both bands also appeared on the cover of that month's issue of Alternative Press Magazine.^[33] After their co-headlining US tour, the band then supported A Day to Remember with Parkway Drive on the Just Some Shows tour in the US during the month of May 2016.^[34]

It was then announced that State Champs would once again be joining the 2016 Vans Warped Tour for the entire length of the tour, mainly playing on the Journeys Right Foot Stage.^[35] Post Warped Tour, State Champs made an appearance at an intimate acoustic show with Sleeping with Sirens on August 25.^[36] The show took place at London's Union Chapel as a warm-up show prior to a festival appearance. That same weekend they then opened the main stage at Reading and Leeds Festivals, in England.^[37] In addition to touring and festival appearances, the band also contributed to "Rock Sound Presents: The Black Parade", a compilation of My Chemical Romance covers released in September 2016. Within the album, they contributed a cover of the song "The Sharpest Lives."^[38]

On March 21, 2017, the band released the single, "Slow Burn" and announced the release of a deluxe edition on Around the World and Back on May 5, with two new songs ("Slow Burn" and "Hurry Up and Wait"), two live songs ("All You Are Is History" and "Elevated") and two acoustic songs ("Secrets" and "Losing Myself"). Also announced was the release of a full-length DVD, directed by Elliot Ingham. Member Tony Diaz took a small break from the band the return to Viper City with Recon.

Living Proof (2017–2021)

Around late November 2017, Derek posted a picture on his Instagram with the caption "just finished recording vocals on the last song of the new record". Following this during early March 2018, State Champs posted what looked to be a set for a music video on their Instagram account. On April 11, 2018, the album artwork and track listing for Living Proof was leaked on various music websites. Later, on April 19, they released the lead single for the album, called "Dead and Gone", and announced that Living Proof would be released on June 15, 2018. On May 6, the band released the second single from the album, "Crystal Ball". On May 24, the group premiered the third single, "Mine Is Gold", on Billboard's website. On June 15, the album was released. On March 26, 2020, the band announced that Tony Diaz would be stepping away from State Champs.

Kings of the New Age (2021–2024)

On August 25, 2021, the band released the single, "Just Sound", followed by "Outta My Head" on September 8 and a cover of Fall Out Boy's "Chicago is So Two Years Ago" on September 21. On February 23, 2022, following the release of their third single, "Everybody But You", the band announced that their new album, Kings of the New Age, would be released on May 13 via Pure Noise Records. On April 13, 2022, the band released the fourth single, "Eventually." Months later, they announced they would be going on a nationwide tour with Blackbear.^[39]

In late 2022, the band embarked on a national headline tour featuring Hunny, Between You & Me, Young Culture, Games We Play, and Save Face. They would go on to support Boys Like Girls the following year.

Upcoming Fifth Studio Album (2024-Present)

In March 2024, State Champs began posting photos and videos from ongoing studio sessions to social media. They also confirmed that a fifth studio album was in the works.

Style and influences

State Champs' style has been described as pop-punk.^{[3][40][41][42][43]} Their influences include The Starting Line, All Time Low, Blink-182, Sum 41, Fall Out Boy, and Green Day.^{[citation needed]}

Accolades

Around the World and Back was ranked at number 4 in Alternative Press's "10 Essential Records of 2015" list.^[44] Mackenzie Hall of Alternative Press wrote that the band brought "everything you love about old-school pop punk with new-school heart."^[44] The album was included at number 8 on Rock Sound's top 50 releases of 2015 list.^[45] "If I'm Lucky" was nominated for Best Music Video and "Secrets" was nominated for Song Of The Year at the 2016 Alternative Press Music Awards.^[46] State Champs won Best Breakthrough Band at the 2016 Alternative Press Music Awards. "Losing Myself" won the award for Best Music Video at the 2017 Alternative Press Music Awards.

Band members

Current members Derek DiScanio – lead vocals (2010–present) Tyler Szalkowski – lead guitar, backing vocals (2010–present), rhythm guitar (2020–present) Ryan Scott Graham – bass, backing vocals (2014–present) Evan Ambrosio – drums, percussion (2012–present)

Touring Members Cameron Hurley – rhythm and lead guitar (2021–2022) Former members Dave Fogarty – rhythm guitar (2010–2011) Matt Croteau – drums (2010–2012) William Goodermote – bass (2010–2013) Tony "Rival" Diaz – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2012–2020)^[47]

Timeline

Discography

Albums

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions						Sales
		US ^[48]	US Rock ^[49]	US Indie ^[50]	US Alt ^[51]	AUS ^[52]	UK ^[53]
The Finer Things	Released: October 8, 2013 Label: Pure Noise Format: CD, CS, DL, LP	132	43	24	—	—	—	US: 24,000^[54]
Around the World and Back	Released: October 16, 2015 Label: Pure Noise Format: CD, CS, DL, LP	30	3	5	3	31	78
Living Proof	Released: June 15, 2018 Label: Pure Noise Format: CD, DL, LP	28	4	2	3	62	54
Kings of the New Age	Released: May 13, 2022 Label: Pure Noise Format: CD, DL, LP	—	45	33	—	—	—
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Extended plays

• EP 2010 (self-released, 2010)
• Apparently, I'm Nothing (self-released, 2011)
• Overslept (Pure Noise, 2012)
• The Acoustic Things (Pure Noise, 2014) US No. 112^[55]
• Unplugged (Pure Noise, 2020)

Compilation appearances

• Punk Goes Pop Vol. 6 (2014) – "Stay the Night" originally performed by Zedd featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore
• Rock Sound Presents: The Black Parade (2016) – "The Sharpest Lives" originally performed by My Chemical Romance
• Punk Goes Pop Vol. 7 (2017) – "Stitches" originally performed by Shawn Mendes
• Songs That Saved My Life Vol. 2 (2019) – "Real World" originally performed by Matchbox Twenty
• Dead Formats, Vol. 1 (2022) - "What's My Age Again?" originally performed by blink-182

References

1. Charts, Allmusic
2. Ralph, Caitlyn (March 30, 2017). "State Champs announce 'Around The World And Back' deluxe edition with DVD and new songs". Alternative Press. Retrieved March 31, 2017.
3. Thomas, Fred. "State Champs | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
4. "Ep – 2010 – Ep by State Champs". iTunes. August 17, 2010. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
5. Ilvonen, Keagan (January 18, 2011). "Featured Stream: State Champs". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
6. Nassiff, Thomas (June 27, 2011). "State Champs Tour Dates". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
7. Walker 2015, p. 45
8. Ilvonen, Keagan (April 19, 2012). "State Champs Sign To Pure Noise Records". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
9. Yancey, Bryne (June 4, 2012). "State Champs (Pure Noise Records) recording with Jay Maas later this month". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
10. Colwell, Matthew (July 12, 2012). "Stream new State Champs song, "Critical"". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
11. DiVincenzo, Alex (May 24, 2012). "With the Punches, Forever Came Calling, State Champs Tour". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
12. Wagner, Christian (May 11, 2012). "The PropertyOfZack Tour". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
13. Colwell, Matthew (August 9, 2012). "Song Premiere: State Champs, "Remedy"". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
14. DiVincenzo, Alex (July 5, 2012). "State Champs Detail New 7". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
15. Ilvonen, Keagan (August 30, 2012). "Dates For Handguns Headlining Fall Tour". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
16. Ilvonen, Keagan (September 24, 2012). "Citizen Fall Tour With State Champs and Candy Hearts". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
17. DiVincenzo, Alex (October 18, 2012). "Hit the Lights/A Loss For Words Tour Dates". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
18. Whitt, Cassie (November 7, 2012). "Vanna announce Home For The Holidays tour". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
19. Paul, Aubin (January 20, 2013). "Tours: Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! / Handguns / State Champs / City Lights". Punknews.org. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
20. Ilvonen, Keagan (January 25, 2013). "Handguns Announce The "Pardon My Angst" Tour". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved November 25, 2015.
21. State Champs finish recording full length, AbsolutePunk
22. Kraus, Brian (March 20, 2013). "State Champs added to New Found Glory 'Sticks And Stones' west coast dates with Cartel". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
23. Kraus, Brian (March 20, 2013). "State Champs added to Cartel tour dates". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
24. The Finer Things release announcement, AbsolutePunk
25. We Are The In Crowd Tour Dates, AbsolutePunk
26. State Champs UK tour with The Wonder Years, AbsolutePunk
27. Warped Tour 2014 Stage Guide August 23, 2015, at the Wayback Machine, VansWarpedTour.com
28. 2014 Pure Noise Tour Announcement, PureNoise.net
29. State Champs 'The Acoustic Things' EP premiere, AltPress.com
30. "State Champs announce new album with "Secrets" single – Alternative Press". Alternative Press. July 16, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2015.
31. Ciccone, Rachael (March 9, 2016). "An Interview with State Champs: They've Got More Secrets Than You'll Ever Know". The Aquarian Weekly. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
32. Biddulph, Andy (October 5, 2015). "Neck Deep + State Champs Just Announced An Amazing Tour". Rock Sound Magazine. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
33. "#333 Neck Deep & State Champs". Alternative Press. February 16, 2016.
34. Emily. "A Day to Remember Announce U.S. Shows With Parkway Drive and State Champs". Kerrang.
35. "90 Days to Warped Feature Band: State Champs". vanswarpedtour.com.
36. Jen. "Sleeping with Sirens and State Champs to Play Acoustic Show". kerrang.com.
37. McDaid, Heather. "State Champs Give Reading Festival The Business". upsetmagazine.com.
38. "Introducing...'Rock Sound Presents: The Black Parade'". rocksound.tv.
39. "blackbear announces 2022 Nothing Matters Tour with Waterparks, State…". Kerrang!. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
40. Gardner, Ryan. "State Champs – The Finer Things". Absolute Punk. Retrieved October 28, 2014.
41. Kraus, Brian (October 4, 2013). "State Champs – The Finer Things". Altpress.com. Retrieved October 28, 2014.
42. RENALDO69 (October 30, 2013). "State Champs – The Finer Things". Punknews.org. Retrieved October 14, 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
43. Ritchie, Andy (October 4, 2013). "State Champs – The Finer Things – Reviews". Rock Sound. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
44. Hall 2015, p. 96
45. Bird, ed. 2016, p. 28
46. Whitt, Cassie (March 18, 2016). "Here are the nominees for the 2016 AP Music Awards!". Alternative Press. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
47. "STATE CHAMPS on Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on April 30, 2022.^{[user-generated source]}
48. "State Champs Chart History – Billboard 200". Billboard}. January 22, 2015. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
49. "State Champs Chart History – Top Rock Albums". Billboard. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
50. "State Champs Chart History – Independent Albums". Billboard. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
51. "State Champs Chart History – Alternative Albums". Billboard. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
52. Peaks in Australia:
    • All except noted: "State Champs". australian-charts.com.
    • Living Proof: "ARIA Chart Watch #478". auspOp. June 23, 2018. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
53. "State Champs". Official Charts Company.
54. . Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on September 17, 2015.
55. Awards, The Acoustic Things, Allmusic.com

Sources

• Bird, Ryan, ed. (January 2016). "Top 50 Releases of the Year". Rock Sound (208). ISSN 1465-0185.
• Hall, Mackenzie (December 2015). "10 Essential Records of 2015". Alternative Press (330). ISSN 1065-1667.
• Walker, Jennyfer J. (October 17, 2015). McMahon, James (ed.). "Passport to Fame". Kerrang! (1590). ISSN 0262-6624.