Feature / Interviews / Fest 24
Fest 24: Artist Interviews

It's almost FEST time, and you know what that means: SPB has dived in to speak to a bunch of bands and artists playing this year's event. Some are FEST veterans with tips and highlights for newcomers, and others are FEST newbies with their own plans for the week. Read on to hear from a bunch of our favorite musicians about how they manage FEST, and anything else going on with them.

1. The Bouncing Souls
2. The Bollweevils
3. The Copyrights
4. Christy Costello
5. Tired Radio
6. Tides

The Bouncing Souls

On tour this year to celebrate the new Born To Be, The Bouncing Souls has also been playing songs off three of their classics, which are celebrating milestone anniversaries Maniacal Laughter (30), How I Spent My Summer Vacation (25), and The Gold Record (20) in 2026.

We caught up with vocalist Greg Attonito to discuss how making records has changed for the band over their 30+ year career.

Scene Point Blank: How did Bouncing Souls approach songwriting and recording when the anniversary albums were made vs the new Born To Be?

Greg Attonito: For roughly the first 20 years we wrote songs in the jam room together...usually rocking out at full volume. Later we realized it was sometimes good to hash out ideas on an acoustic before getting loud. It could go either way.

The biggest difference between that time and writing/recording Born To Be was having Will Yip, our producer, involved in the process. For Born To Be we came into the studio with a few lyric ideas and some verses/choruses. Will has an amazing and positive creative presence, which can really catapult a song into existence and capture some spontaneity. Will is really good at helping us make choices without fussing which makes the process more fun. I think you can feel that in the recordings.

Scene Point Blank: Bands have to walk a tightrope of "it sounds too similar to the last one" vs "they all sound the same." I feel like you've straddled that line very well over 30+ years. Do you think about it consciously, or is the answer "just be yourself"?

Greg Attonito: Thanks. It’s a little of both. “Just be yourself” is a little tricky because that’s not really easy to define when it comes to creativity. I think once we found “our sound” in songs like “Joe Lies,” “Lamar Vannoy” then, later, evolving into “Hopeless Romantic” and “True Believers,” we enjoyed a comfort in that place for a while. That was nice, but only for a little while. Nothing stays the same so we started tinkering and pushing boundaries a little on each record. There's always room for 2 or 3 weirdos on a record. Or songs we feel weird about but might not be at all. There has to be room to explore in my opinion.

Scene Point Blank: You've always had a positive lyrical spin in a scene that tends to lean more cynical. Why?

Greg Attonito: I think it’s our approach to life as individuals and as a group. We started out as a party band. We wanted to have a good time with friends. It seemed weird to us there were so many serious bands out there. It still does. We want to get onstage and uplift ourselves and maybe someone else in a deep spiritual kind of way. If you write a song about throwing a toilet off a roof you can immediately be perceived as a real boneheaded band. I think the people that don’t catch the spirit of that might be boneheads. What else are we doing out here, if we are not lifting or at least attempting to lift each other up?

Scene Point Blank: "As One" stands out on the new album. It's political but not preachy. Historically, I feel like you've focused more on personal lyrics and non-topical subjects. What inspired this one and how did you approach the lyrical angle in that song?

Greg Attonito: The lyrics to this song were written primarily by Bryan. The music concept came from Pete. Bryan was very inspired by The Clash with the lyrics and we kind of tried to run with that. We have tried and failed to write a Clash-inspired song in the past but this one works and it seems to land really well live.

Everyone is being political at all times, whether they want to be or not. How you interact, what you buy, how you invest your time and energy all has an impact one way or another in the energy on earth. We’ve done our best to live consciously in that way since we were kids. It’s a practice and a learning curve every moment. I think Bryan wanted to touch on some of the world issues but still hold onto that awareness and infuse some of that into the song. We talk about the crap of the world and the beautiful stuff a lot. We really give a shit when we are writing, so hopefully thats what comes through regardless.

Scene Point Blank: George Rebelo is from Gainesville so you have a Gainesville connection. Do you remember first meeting George?

Greg Attonito: I do remember the first time I really connected with George. I’m pretty sure it was when the Souls and Hot Water Music were on a summer tour across Canada. We were sitting backstage staring across the room at each other and ended up chatting one on one for the first time. We talked about music and he mentioned how he had been getting somewhat annoyed by the influx of pop punk bands at the time. He kind of had us in that bag until we toured together and said how much we weren’t like the rest. Something along those lines. I told him I was equally annoyed by some annoying pop punk bands at the time -- after that it was buds forever. The two bands also all witnessed an amazing display of the aurora borealis during an overnight drive through remote Canada. It was an epic broment.

The Bollweevils

The Bollweevils have been playing high energy pop-punk since long before it was cool, forming back in 1989. It's hard to describe the positive vibes that flow through the whole venue as the band takes the floor -- it's best to catch it yourself.

At Fest they will have a reliable crew of hometown Chicago fans singing along to every word, of course, but we caught up with singer Daryl Wilson, MD to chat about what makes a Fest set unique -- even if the faces in the front row look the same. The answer, perhaps unsurprisingly, is the same answer as what makes punk rock so special in the first place: the community behind it.

Scene Point Blank: I saw that you were in the studio recently. What's new with The Bollweevils in 2026 as we head into FEST 24? Is there a full-length in the works?

Daryl Wilson, MD: We have been putting together some demos for about 10 songs recently. We set up some equipment in our practice space and started the work on the next batch of Bollweevils releases. Ken has been really in a creative flow as of late and it's great to see. I can say that we definitely have a concept for this next batch of songs and they are primarily based on our present political environment, among other topics.

Scene Point Blank: How many Fests have you played?

Daryl Wilson, MD: Not enough of 'em! It's been 4 or 5, I think. This is always one of the best times of the year to play and experience music.

Scene Point Blank: One of the great things about Fest is how you can pop in for a guest appearance with friends. Are you working on any cameos or surprises this year? (I feel like I see you chumming with SPELLS
every time I'm there.)

Daryl Wilson, MD: Many times the pop-in guest things happen spontaneously. It's a last minute ask or the moment takes you and the sing-along happens.

SPELLS are our good friends and one of my favorite bands to see live. They bring so much energy and fun to everything they do. They are a band that epitomizes what a live show is supposed to be like. I wouldn't call it a guest appearance or even a very big surprise, but I do play in a band with Rob from SPELLS called Pressure Set and along with Dom from Bear Away and Chuck from SPELLS standing in for our bass player Simon (of Sludgeworth, Methadones, and Violets). We will be doing a set at Fest on Saturday. I would suggest being at that show for all kinds of special surprises besides Pressure Set.

Scene Point Blank: Do you have a favorite moment along these lines from past Fests -- either performing or as a spectator?

Daryl Wilson, MD: There are so many things that happen at Fest that just seem magical. One of the best moments for me as a performer was when Milo from Descendents came to watch our set and chatted with me right after. He is one of my idols and, to top that, the next day Stephen and Karl came to see us at High Dive. Karl bought a hoodie and was seen sporting our merch. That is bucket list stuff. Now all I need to do is support them at a show, and I can truly say I have reached the promised land.

Scene Point Blank: Do you check out comedy or wrestling? Would you ever do either?

Daryl Wilson, MD: We always catch a comedy set or two while we are at Fest. Having a bunch of talented friends that are comedians is great, and to see them up there doing their amazing work is the best.

Although in private I think I am funny, and we all know band folks aspire to be comedians, I am probably not ready to make that jump to do a comedy set. They are professionals.

As far as wrestling goes, I haven't witnessed a match, which I should probably make the effort to catch one this year. Those athletes are elite, and if I tried anything in that realm it would have to be a manager, like Bobby The Brain or something like that.

Scene Point Blank: What bands are you looking forward to most at FEST 24?

Daryl Wilson, MD: The line up for Fest every year is mind-blowing. There are so many bands I am excited to see or just catch up with while we are there. Lucky for us, we are playing with a bunch that I want to see.

Pulley, A Wilhelm Scream, Toys That Kill, The Raging Nathans, MakeWar, The Copyrights, World's Scariest Police Chases, Deadbars, Gameface, SPELLS, PUP, Bouncing Souls, Small Brown Bike, Samiam, Canadian Rifle, Five Hundred Bucks, Her Head's on Fire, Tides, Tightwire, man the list goes on and on.

Scene Point Blank: What is your decision-making method for choosing a band when you have a schedule conflict (e.g. 2 bands playing at the same time)?

Daryl Wilson, MD: This is always the toughest thing at Fest. When conflicts come up, which they always do, sometimes I try and catch part of a set for each band depending on the distance between the venues. If it's an impossible split, then it comes down to the closest venue to the next show I am going to catch. On some occasions this is the time when I don't see either band and discover something I didn't have on my radar by hitting a venue and watching whoever is playing. Sometimes on the way to a venue I will get sidetracked by someone telling me to check something out and I will take them up on that advice.

Scene Point Blank: I feel like there is a Chicago Crowd you can feel in the audience at select Fest sets. Why do Chicagoans travel so well together?

Daryl Wilson, MD: It's all about our Midwest sensibility. We always try and support our own when we are out and about. Something about living here that, no matter where you go, you bring that Chicago/Midwest vibe with you. Chicago likes to show up and show out.

Scene Point Blank: We talked about being in the studio earlier. How do you decide when it's time to record these days, especially as EPs and singles become more dominant and your own time is limited?

Daryl Wilson, MD: That is just the thing. As our time gets more and more limited, the urgency to make something becomes more prominent.

It was 2023 when Essential came out and, as I said, Ken has been on a creative tear. We keep bantering back and forth about how to release these songs. We definitely need to get a few out as singles to keep us on the front of mind. We have been playing some of the songs out live and they have gone over quite well. As with anything we do, we have to make sure we are happy with what we are making before it gets released to your ears. With the creative juice flowing, it was definitely time to get this in the works.

Scene Point Blank: I'm going to be lazy and not look up a year but... it's been a long time since you released a full-length. How do you personally listen to music: singles vs EPs vs LPs and does that affect your own creative process?

Daryl Wilson, MD: Seeing so many of our peers releasing great music is really motivating. I listen to music primarily via streaming as I am driving or working out. So as bands release new music I will hear the single, EP, or LP as it comes out. I was just listening to the new Sweet Teeth release the other day. I would say that the music doesn't influence what I write, but it does motivate me to want to add more of our music to the mix of releases out there.

Scene Point Blank: I think you've been on the floor during most of the set every time I've seen you (I missed you at the larger setting w/ barrier of Surly Field earlier this year in Minneapolis). How do you approach this when you play a new or unfamiliar venue? Is it luck that I always see this, or does it happen more often than not...pending venue liability policies or whatever?

Daryl Wilson, MD: There are liability policies? Haha. Well, I like to be in the crowd.

It's about making a show memorable. It's about connecting with the people that came to see you. Punk rock/hardcore shows are one of the few places where the shared experience of the show is an intimate connection between artists and show goer. There should be no barrier between the artists and crowd. We should all be there having the best time of our lives. All of our songs are to be sung along with and experienced as a collective group. Crowd participation is a great fuel for the fun of a show. As much as I love playing a show, I love going to a show and being in the crowd. That makes a show a show. I try and do that at every show we play.

Scene Point Blank: What about touring. How feasible is it with your current situations?

Daryl Wilson, MD: Touring is pretty difficult with our schedules. Mine is the worst with my day job. Ken is pretty busy as well with his teaching. We can work it to make some short runs of shows as weekend warriors and, if the right thing came along, we would make it work.

Scene Point Blank: How do you prepare for Fest? Do you practice or tour to/from Gainesville?

Daryl Wilson, MD: Fest is usually a fly in and do a couple days and fly back. It would be great to get a few pre-Fest sets done one year, but so far our schedules have been the limiting factor. We try and do rehearsals every Wednesday depending on our work schedules.

Scene Point Blank: Do you approach a Fest set differently than other festivals?

Daryl Wilson, MD: We really try and play songs that will get the crowd participating from the jump. This year we may have something special planned. I do keep in mind Fest may be the only time someone gets to see us play, so there is a bit of an incentive to make the set memorable.

Scene Point Blank: I asked this of Copyrights, so I should ask you too so we can start some turf wars. Who are your favorite Illinois bands right now? Are any at FEST 24?

Daryl Wilson, MD: Favorite Illinois bands right now?

Sincere Engineer, Canadian Rifle, Sludgeworth, The Effigies, Won't Stay Dead, BoyBrain, Devon Kay and The Solutions, The Copyrights, Naked Raygun, Pegboy, Pussy. A few of these bands are playing Fest.

Scene Point Blank: While we all love Fest, name 1-3 things that would make it even better.

Daryl Wilson, MD: Things that would make Fest better:

1. Bring back Fest Punch. Maybe I missed it somewhere since High Dive closed, I really don't drink much anymore but I would consider sharing a few drinks with folks if this drink came back.

2. Official Fest kids. My kids haven't had the pleasure of experiencing Fest and it may make it more reasonable for my wife to bring the kids if there were some Fest kids events? I am probably just talking crazy. My kids barely like my band now ,anyway.

3. Fest bus. Hear me out. Late night getting back to some of the hotels can be a bear getting a rideshare or cab. Fest Shuttle gets groups of folks and gets you around. On the shuttle bus there is Fest Punch served. There would be a pickup spot near Bo Diddley, you show your wrist band and once the bus is full it heads out to the hotels. There would have to be a few busses. This is probably a bad idea when I think about it more. Idea 3B, Fest sporting events like softball or, better yet, kickball. Red Scare does soccer. Let's get more games going.

The Copyrights

We caught up with Adam Fletcher of The Copyrights as the band heads to FEST 24 to talk about new developments, finding time to write, and favorite Illinois bands.

Scene Point Blank: What's new with The Copyrights in 2026 as we head into FEST 24?

Adam Fletcher: We've been hiding out for a couple years with a few occasional shows here and there. Everyone in the band has been busy with life. We all live in different cities so it's not always easy to get us all together in the same room. You bet we're looking forward to being in the same room with all of our friends at Fest this year though!

Scene Point Blank: How many Fests have you played (in Copyrights)?

Adam Fletcher: Let's see... our first was at FEST 5. I think we've only missed 2 years since then? Honestly, I can't exactly remember. Things get confusing. I think this might be our 18th Fest?

Scene Point Blank: How many bands are you in at FEST 24?

Adam Fletcher: Only one band this year.

Scene Point Blank: One of the great things about Fest is how you can pop in for a guest appearance with friends. Are you working on any cameos or surprises along those lines this year?

Adam Fletcher: We've done that a few times in the past and it's always fun. As of now we don't have anything planned but that's not to say some impromptu jam may or may not end up happening.

Scene Point Blank: Do you have a favorite moment along these lines from past Fests -- either performing or as a spectator?

Adam Fletcher: Oh this one is too hard to answer! There's been so many....Paint It Black playing in a U-Haul truck, Frank Turner in the parking lot, so many nights hanging out until the morning with friends from all over the world. Honestly, someone needs to write a book.

Scene Point Blank: Do you check out comedy or wrestling?

Adam Fletcher: I used to go check out the comedy more often than I have in recent years. I always really liked the comedy stage because it's a nice breath of fresh air from so much loud music.

Scene Point Blank: What bands are you looking forward to most at FEST 24?

Adam Fletcher: I'm excited to see Home Front, I've never seen them before so that should be rad. The usual suspects: F.Y.P/Toys That Kill/ Underground Railroad crew is always a blast. I'm stoked to see Iron Reagan too.

Scene Point Blank: What is your decision-making method for choosing a band when you have a schedule conflict (e.g. 2 bands playing at the same time)?

Adam Fletcher: I'm going to be honest here... After 18 years of festing I rarely go watch bands anymore. For me the Fest experience is all about hanging out with friends who I rarely get to spend time with. The open container laws the city passed during COVID was a real blessing. I love being able to hang outside in the Florida sun and catch up with friends over a few drinks, and usually that's what I spend most of my weekend doing.

Scene Point Blank: You released Alone In A Dome a few years ago. Like most of us, we slow down as we age and have other commitments. What sets the gears of The Copyrights in motion in 2026? What inspires a new song or recording session?

Adam Fletcher: Yes it's been a few years, but we're still making new music from time to time. Usually Luke will hit me up with some song ideas and then we just started making demos. Those eventually turn into finished songs. We all still enjoy playing music together and working on making the best songs we can.

Scene Point Blank: The last record was on Fat -- are you sticking with the label in its new iteration?

Adam Fletcher: Fat has been great to us. Hopeless owns Fat now, but I don't know how much that'll really change things for us. From what I've been told we're still welcome to release new material on Fat, so that'll be where we stay for now.

Scene Point Blank: You've always had a lot of EPs, even before the current digital/singles landscape. How do you view albums vs. singles as it relates to releasing new material?

Adam Fletcher: Unfortunately 7" is my favorite format. Nothing beats getting up to flip the record to the B-side as soon as you sit down, and storing thousands of heat sensitive pieces of wax in big heavy boxes you get to carry around. Oh, and I forgot to mention they're also expensive now! Albums are great and we've made 7 of them, but for us there's usually a "big picture" or theme to each of our full-length albums. Not like a crazy rock opera or anything but just a vibe for each individual album.

Scene Point Blank: How do you see The Copyrights releasing new material in the current media landscape?

Adam Fletcher: We'll probably keep doing what we've always done: release an occasional album or single every few years. I'll admit we're not great at navigating this current media landscape. I'm not really a fan of the content creation from bands on social media. Nothing makes me turned off by a band more than their over exposure and constant bullshit updates. Please stop!

Scene Point Blank: What about touring. How feasible is it with your current situations?

Adam Fletcher: It's not easy, but can do it if everyone in the band can find the time. Inflation has made touring very expensive, and we're not the most popular band in the world so doing it really is a labor of love.

Scene Point Blank: How has touring, or even one-offs like Fest, changed for you as you grow older?

Adam Fletcher: We usually all have to fly in now. In the past we'd just jump in the van and drive across the country. Which makes it harder now because there's a higher overhead cost just to get us all there. No complaints though! We're just happy we still occasionally get the opportunity to play all around the world.

Scene Point Blank: How do you approach a Fest set? Is it different than other shows?

Adam Fletcher: We usually have our annual once a year band practice to prepare for Fest. We always play two sets, so we try to dust off some old tunes to fill out two sets. Since the crowd is familiar with us we can bust out some deep cuts and they know the songs. If it were a normal show we'd stick to the script and just play the hits.

Scene Point Blank: Who are your favorite Illinois bands right now? Are any at FEST 24?

Adam Fletcher: Pet Mosquito, The Brokedowns... No, but they should both play Fest next year!

Christy Costello

So many Fest articles these days talk up the family reunion element. While some of the other interviews in this larger piece have repeat performers who don't even recall how many times they've been to Fest at this point, fresh perspective is vital.

Forget all those "family reunion" Fest stories. Not everybody has been to Fest, or even Florida, to play. Christy Costello is making her first trip to The Sunshine State (as a performer, anyway) at FEST 24 and we discussed her expectations for the event.

More importantly, we discussed her recent battle with breast cancer and the toll that takes on the body and psyche. Catch her set, with The CC Club, at The Backyard @ Boca Fiesta & Palomino on Sunday.

Scene Point Blank: It's been almost two years since From The Dark. How has the response been and how has touring for the album gone?

Christy Costello: The response to From The Dark was surprisingly good. I really didn't know what it would be. It has a range of songs in it that fall into different subgenres of punk, indie and even country, so I really wondered how it would go over without falling into a niche. I guess that's why I started a solo adventure. I like to write all kinds of stuff.

Scene Point Blank: I'm going to circle back to genre later, but I feel like "Campbell's Soup Kids" is almost the perfect opening statement for the album. When you wrote the song, was there a moment where you could feel it "click"?

Christy Costello: Yeah, that was the stomp beat song. It was perfect for setting the tone. Just slamming it home about how growing up without all the tech we have now is something to miss.

Scene Point Blank: You performed simply as Christy Costello for a while, before solidifying The CC Club name. When did the lineup feel like it gelled and how did you land on adding the backing band name (and is that the right term)?

Christy Costello: The band has had some moving members but Austin Cecil (drums) and Orion Treon (guitar) have been with me the whole time. Tim Kingstrom (sax, keys) came next followed by Mike Schierman (bass and trumpet) and finally Stevie Jo Murck (guitar and vocals). They are a pretty solid group of good people and I always keep my fingers crossed that they'll stay with me because training in folks is a constant move backwards. And I feel a band should have a name. We landed on The CC Club just out of my initials but we've joked on what it means at almost every show on tour. The C's have meant many things. And then, of course, there is the Minneapolis dive bar with the same name. But we didn't name it after the bar like some people have guessed. It just rings right, I guess.

Scene Point Blank: Congrats on the clear diagnosis after a mastectomy. First, how has recovery been and how hard was it to have some of those discussions with your family and loved ones?

Christy Costello: Yes. It all started about a year ago with an abnormal mammogram. Lack of insurance kept me from really digging into health stuff but this was a game changer. I ended up learning a whole bunch about services that help uninsured industry/artist folks like myself get through health issues like this. I let everyone in my family and close friends know right away. I came out to the public about 6 weeks after my diagnosis as I had to cancel a few months of scheduled shows. Also, I have a platform and I know if I say things it can help people.

I caught it early and, because of that, I saved myself a world of treatments and possibly my life. I feel if I can share my journey then I may just encourage/inspire others to do the same. Also, sharing my experience lets folks know why waiting isn't the best idea.

Since I've shared my diagnosis I've had so many folks reach out about theirs. It can feel isolating so it's nice to be able to chat with folks going through the same thing. There are a lot of people with cancer that choose to not go public. I totally understand why. It fuses into your identity and some just don't want it to be "the be all end all" of who they are. I am in that club now for life. I don't mind talking about it, I guess.

Scene Point Blank: You cancelled some tour plans. How has it been to recapture momentum with the band? Has your perspective changed on stage?

Christy Costello: I played a show for my birthday. It was scheduled before I found out about my breast cancer. I did the timeline and discussed it with the doctors and they all said I should be good for a handful of shows around then and into the fall. I am going through reconstruction at the moment so I get really sore by the end of the day. I have staples attached to me throughout my chest where the expanders were placed. They can be very uncomfortable if I move the wrong way and after playing guitar for a while. The strap rubs right up against the treated area. So I end up taking a day off for every day I use my energy. For example, if I practice, play a show or drive more than an hour I'm dead the next day. At this point I just listen to what my body needs and go with it. I look at it all as a small price to pay and a blip in time for the end result of being cancer free.

Playing that birthday show in late August was a blast and it did solidify that this is what I love to do. It truly lifted my spirits. The audience, bands and venue were so incredibly loving and supportive.

Scene Point Blank: When and how did you decide to take the solo-ish approach? After doing it for a while, does it feel different than with a band that doesn't bear your actual name?

Christy Costello: I decided to do the solo run because I have range as a songwriter. I've been in bands for so long that I just wanted to create what's within without boundaries. There's more politics in bands on how the songs should sound and what represents everyone as a whole. I don't mind this when I'm in a band, but I just wanted to write for myself and not hold back by genre or artistic indifference for once. I do love being in a band, though, and hope to have another someday. I've got a lot of songs I want to get out for my solo project first. So maybe I'll do that after another record or two.

Scene Point Blank: Dating back 25 years even, I feel like a lot of your bands straddle that gray line between new wave, '80s pop, and punk. A lot of musicians who keep at it this long change directions at some point. What about this style speaks to you today? Is it the same appeal it had for you in your youth?

Christy Costello: I think that sums me up pretty well. I definitely love all of that and still write in those genres. They seem timeless to me. I also love heavy music and hardcore so I dabble there once and a while. And again, I think that's why I love the solo project as I don't have to play in the same vein constantly. I can do a little bit of everything and make it mesh.

Scene Point Blank: How did the No Kings show near the capitol (an event that drew national attention, including Springsteen) happen?

Christy Costello: I was contacted by a pal who does a lot of organizing for No Kings if I wanted to perform. It would be solo at first but, as it grew, it ended up being the full band. I've been pretty vocal about what's been happening politically. And when ICE hit our city, both myself and my husband Paddy didn't sit around. We had to help. I was organizing for mutual aid and put together a benefit show. He was running supplies and groceries by the truckloads to families. I was very active and I believe this is what lead me to being asked to play that No Kings rally.

Scene Point Blank: How are you preparing for your FEST 24 set?

Christy Costello: I'm thinking it'll be mostly the punk stuff. Fast, fun and full of energy. I know what shows I can sprinkle the more psych/indie stuff into but, for Fest, I'm thinking about just blazing the punk.

Scene Point Blank: This is your first time at Fest. What have you heard about it from peers?

Christy Costello: I've heard they don't remember a lot of it😆. So many told me it's their favorite and it's a blast. And then I've had some folks tell me it's past it's heyday like SXSW. As in, it used to be fun and if you don't play the right spot or get the right time, it's not worth the cost of going. I guess I'll see for myself.

Paddy's in Dillinger Four so they've headlined the big stage. I've just gotten back into touring after taking a decade off to raise our kid, pretty much. So I'm coming in as a newbie, kind of nobody. Our experiences are almost always completely different. But in the end, I'm really looking forward to the show we're playing and getting to experience Fest for myself. I know a lot of the bands on the line-up personally and just getting to play with friends for a day in Florida is worth it. Shortly after we return, I go back in for another surgery and recovery. So this is a little treat before all of that.

Scene Point Blank: Have you played Gainesville in previous bands or is this your first time?

Christy Costello: I have never played Florida. This is a first.

Scene Point Blank: Name a few bands you'll make a point to see perform at Fest.

Christy Costello: Hmm...there are so many. Homefront, War On Women, Evening Standards, Middle-Aged Queers, Toys That Kill, Underground Railroad to Candyland, FYP, Canadian Rifle, The Bouncing Souls, The Bollweevils, Tiltwheel, Jumpstart Plowhards. I have to go look at the list and take a deep dive.

Scene Point Blank: Are you bringing a crew and full gear, or borrowing from friends? Are you touring before/after?

Christy Costello: We'll be traveling with most of our gear and one road person. He's our band spirit animal, aka Super Dave. And we will be playing a show here in Minneapolis at Pilllar Forum on Saturday October 17th and playing three on the way down right after that: Milwaukee at MKE Ultra on Tuesday Oct. 20, Cincinnati at The Northside Tavern Wednesday Oct. 22, and Nashville at The Basement Friday Oct. 23. We are DJing a dive bar called Dukes in Nashville the night before our show there on Thursday Oct. 22. I'm looking forward to a nice hang in Nashville and getting to meet some folks there.

We'll be getting to Fest on Saturday the 24th. So, sadly we'll miss one day of the event but we gotta play where and when we can to make the trip worthwhile.

Tired Radio

Like many bands, I discovered Tired Radio at Fest. I'd heard references prior, so I decided it was time to check 'em out when I saw them on the daytime Backyard schedule a couple of years ago. The space was packed, early in the afternoon, and the crowd was singing along to every word. It was clear I'd found something.

Then, last year, they released Hope In The Haze, a record that solidified my appreciation. While their lyrical content is downright miserable, the energy of their live show is cathartic and powerful.

Scene Point Blank: How many Fests have you played?

Tony: Three glorious Fests

Scene Point Blank: Do you have a favorite moment from past Fests -- either performing or as a spectator?

Tony: Definitely our first Fest. That was honestly one of the greatest moments of my life. The energy in the room before we even started was palpable. Then we started playing and everyone just went fucking nuts, screaming every word back at us. It was one of those moments where you’re like, "Holy shit, this is real." It was incredibly validating and honestly changed my life a little bit.

Scene Point Blank: What bands are you looking forward to most at FEST 24?

Tony: Oh boy. I can list 100 bands here, but I'll narrow it to five, and I'm sure I'll inevitably miss all of them: Bear Vs. Shark, Small Brown Bike, Kerosene Heights, I Am The Avalanche, Algernon Cadwallader.

Scene Point Blank: What is your decision-making method for choosing a band when you have a schedule conflict (e.g. 2 bands playing at the same time)?

Tony: Ahh yes, the dreaded conflict. It changes every time. Sometimes I make a decision and don’t look back (aka, regret that decision for the rest of my life). Sometimes I try to catch a little bit of both. And sometimes I just say fuck both bands and go have a whiskey at Loosey’s.

Scene Point Blank: I feel like your songs chase painful emotions. How do you keep it going without hitting exhaustion? When does a real life experience become a song and when is it something you just have to "move on from"?

Tony: I think putting those painful emotions into songs is how I process big feelings. Once I get them out into a song, it either helps me move on -- or at least makes them feel a little less heavy. As for avoiding exhaustion… I don’t know if I’ve figured that part out yet. It is Tired Radio, after all.

Scene Point Blank: On that note, do you have an example of a song you wrote about a tough situation that has a whole new meaning now, after playing it live repeatedly?

Tony: Honestly, I don’t think the meaning of any of the songs has really changed from playing them so much. There are definitely songs I feel a little more disconnected from now because I’m in a different place in my life, but the meaning is still the same. I think sometimes the song stays frozen in that moment, even if you’ve moved on from it.

Scene Point Blank: You're obviously having fun on stage, so I have to ask how you balance grim life experience with trauma and challenging emotional material?

Tony: I think the fun part is kind of what balances it out. The songs are heavy enough. I don’t want the live show to feel like another heavy experience, ya know? I think you can write about some really dark shit and still have a blast playing it. Nothing makes me more genuinely happy than playing these songs and seeing everyone in the room screaming along and jumping around. I don’t want every part of the band to feel heavy. Life is hard enough. I want our live show to be an escape.

Scene Point Blank: I'm more familiar with the Midwest scene and its often intensely personal focus. Who are some East Coast bands that influenced your sound?

Tony: Honestly, the Midwest scene is a huge influence on me, maybe even more so than the East Coast scene. But growing up on Long Island, bands like Taking Back Sunday, Saves The Day, Glassjaw, Thursday, and The Movielife, really shaped my taste.

Scene Point Blank: Everyone in America, if not the world, knows about Brooklyn. What do they not know about the punk scene there? What's it like in a real, daily living sense?

Tony: I'll say this first: our scene in Brooklyn is beautiful and made up of some of the best bands and people around. But I think the thing about NYC is that it’s so big and there are so many bands that it’s actually hard to have a “scene.” There are a ton of little cliques and pockets of people, but it’s not really one big, cohesive scene. That’s something I really appreciate about living in Philly now. The scene here feels a lot more interconnected and communal.

Scene Point Blank: When you play such serious songs, is it sometimes hard or how do you "break the wall" to make a song ready for the performance? Is it hard to break down those walls?

Tony: I think the fun and excitement of playing live actually makes the heaviness of the songs a lot easier to deal with. That said, some songs are definitely harder than others. There are a few songs we don’t even play because they’re really hard for me to get through. It honestly just depends on where I’m at emotionally that night. Sometimes I can get through them no problem, and sometimes I just can’t.

Scene Point Blank: If you had a do-over moment or a chance to rewrite a lyric, what would it be? It can be a minor tweak or a major chance?

Tony: The first thing that came to mind when I read this question was “Your Great Escape.” There’s a part in the intro where I sing about having a slight overbite. That was originally just a placeholder lyric and I just never changed it. It bothers me so much. So I guess if I could go back and rewrite one thing, it would probably be that, haha.

Scene Point Blank: Going the other way, what song or lyric is the most inspiring to play live and watch the reaction?

Tony: The intro of “D.R.E.A.M.” has become the coolest part to play live in that regard. As soon as I start singing, “The things that used to make me happy, they don’t work no more,” people have been going absolutely apeshit. Sometimes I can barely hear myself over everyone screaming. It rules.

Scene Point Blank: While we all love Fest, what would make it even better?

Tony: No notes.

Tides

As a long-time Fest go-er, the impact of The Fest on the greater punk scene around Gainesville has always intrigued me. Yes, the event showcases international talent and Main Stage headliners, but it also gives great exposure to local bands. In turn, those local bands can give us greater exposure to what's going on in Florida.

In this interview we talk with Tides about their new album How To Survive A Fall, while also learning more about the Jacksonville scene up Route 301.

Scene Point Blank: This is your first record. What's the story in putting it together? When did you start writing and recording?

Beau Crum: We have been writing nonstop since we started the band. We were all bringing ideas to practice weekly and by the time we were finished with the first EP/split we already had almost enough songs to do the full-length but it took time to get into the studio. This record came together more organically than the split because we were finding our sound as a whole and learning what each of us was bringing to the table.

Scene Point Blank: As a Midwesterner with 12+ Fests under my belt, I feel like I have a good feel for the Tampa and Gainesville scenes, an okay feel for Orlando... not so much on Jacksonville. Tell us about the JAX scene. How is it similar and different to other nearby cities?

Beau Crum: The Jacksonville scene has constantly changed over the years. The city is so spread out, and there are a lot of different bands, scenes, and genres throughout the area. Hardcore has always been a big part of the scene, with a lot of great hardcore bands coming through over the years, but I think Jacksonville is probably best known for Lynyrd Skynyrd and Limp Bizkit.

I was always really into the Gainesville No Idea Records bands, and I think that influence comes through in my writing, as well as Alex’s. Chris was heavily influenced by the skatepunk and Fat Wreck Chords bands, while Sean was into a lot of interesting post-hardcore and other styles. He was also in a lot of hardcore bands growing up. Dan is kind of the wildcard and just goes with the flow.

I think having all of those different influences in one band really speaks to the sound that Tides has developed. It’s a combination of all these different musical backgrounds that has helped shape who we are.

The Jacksonville scene has been really great lately, too. We’ve had new venues popping up like Hard Love, The Oriole, and Albatross, while the OG Jack Rabbits is still holding it down. I’m also seeing more and more younger kids coming out to shows and supporting local bands, which is really cool to see. It feels like there’s a lot of energy in the scene right now.

Scene Point Blank: I definitely pick up on the Florida DIY sound I love in Tides. When you started the band, did you have a specific mission to distinguish from your previous bands or is this just what happens when you get in a room together and play?

Dan Wagler:Playing in Tides is totally different from other bands. All the members are so dedicated.

Beau Crum: We knew that we wanted to take this more serious and record an EP immediately and just see what happens. As far as the sound, I think we were all just very open minded but all had our different influences and they all meshed well with the sound that came out of it. We are a lot older now and I don’t think there was any room to bicker or put too much thought into it, but we all knew if it wasn’t fun it wouldn’t be worth the time invested. We are lucky to have found the guys that make up this band -- it just took many decades to finally get here.

Scene Point Blank: While you aren't the first band with the name Tides, it's such a good Florida band name. How did you pick it?

Sean Slater: We were honestly just brainstorming and the name kind of stuck. We’re only now realizing there are actually multiple bands called Tides around the world. We’re playing the Farewell Youth Fest in Germany, and when we were announced, someone tagged a German band called Tides. They responded saying it was actually us, which is when we realized the name was already being used by other bands.

We added “Tides_FL” to our name to make it easier for people to find us online. That said, the German Tides sounds really good, so we’re definitely not mad about sharing the name!

I seem to remember seeing a billboard that said take a trip to Jacksonville Beach and enjoy the tides, but I didn’t really Google it and we found out later that there’s definitely a lot of bands that apparently had the same idea.

Scene Point Blank: I already mentioned that I've invested much of the 2000s into annual GNV trips, so perhaps it's warped my brain. I swear many bands in this scene release records in late summer/early fall. Is that coincidence or does Fest timing play a role?

Beau Crum: I think it fell into coincidence for us. When we started the band we had a goal to play Fest, so the first EP was around the announcement for the first Fest we played -- but we were late getting any music out. We were on the back up list and a band dropped off 3 weeks before Fest and were asked to play. We were extremely stoked, but there wasn’t much time for people to check us out.

Our show was still packed so we couldn’t have been happier.

Scene Point Blank: What makes ADD Records the place to be in 2026?

Beau Crum: We worked with ADD on the split and became great friends with Dave Disorder. We were talking to a couple other labels as well, but Dave showed up to our show in Dunedin and he just talked to us as friends and gave us an offer we couldn’t pass up. He has pretty much done everything and more than he said he was going to do. It kind of blows our minds, to be honest. He didn’t do much with the split but he was telling us that was the first record he put out in years and he was sparked on doing more bands and releases with the label.

Scene Point Blank: What does Tides have planned for FEST 24? Any big covers, cameos or surprises you can share/hint at?

Beau Crum: We hope Christine from Little Low collaborates with us on "Undertow "but I am not sure what time Little Low plays.

We are working on a collaboration with John Gaunt (Chuck Ragan’s fiddle player) right now. John wrote a song and asked us to make it a Tides song. It has been a great challenge and we are loving where it is going. We are hoping to record it and release it before Fest and have him join us, possibly. The plan is for us to record our version and have him record the folk version and I will produce a documentary short video explaining the process. We are really stoked on it!

Scene Point Blank: Who are you most excited to see at FEST 24?

Beau Crum:I want to see Samiam, Pup, MakeWar, Her Head's on Fire, and Home Front and stumble across new bands I haven’t heard before!

Alex Van Auken: A few highlights for me are Hey Mercedes, Bear Vs Shark, Samiam, and Her Head's on Fire amongst a bunch of others. I love checking out and supporting bands I’ve never seen or listened to before.

Chris Jones: Really excited to see New Junk City. It’s one of my family’s Fest highlights for the weekend. There are the obvious bands I want to see like Small Brown Bike, Lagwagon, Samiam, Flatliners, etc., but I’ve been a big Defeater fan and I’m looking forward to catching the Love Letter set.

Dan Wagler: I'm excited to see as many bands as possible, especially, Lagwagon and my friends New Junk City.

Sean Slater: The Flatliners and Samiam, Bouncing Souls and Lagwagon.

Scene Point Blank: How many Fests have you been to? Do you have a story from your first time, or your most recent time?

Sean Slater: This will be my 3rd Fest.

Being able to speak with Patrick from Drug Church was really cool, super down to earth guy. I’m a big admirer of their music. And being able to see The Get-Up Kids -- a band that I haven’t seen in 20+ years.

Alex Van Auken: I’ve been going to Fest since like FEST 4 or 5. I’ve missed a few years here and there, but I’ve been there most years. Playing the last several years has been so much fun. It’s a holiday I look forward to every year for sure.

Dan Wagler: This will be my third Fest and the third time I'm playing Fest. I always heard about it but never went. Now that I'm a part of it, hopefully I'm never going to miss a year.

Beau Crum:I have been to 10-15 Fests at least -- too many to count. I once could not remember my bike combination at the end of the first night at Fest so I ordered a pizza from 5 Star and got a ride to the hotel with the delivery driver.

Chris Jones: I’ve been going since FEST 16 and look forward to it every year. I’d have to say a pretty awesome moment was last year when we played Vecinos. The show was at full capacity with a line wrapped around the building! We were stoked to have the Dopamines and Raging Nathans show up to support us. Those dudes are awesome!

Scene Point Blank: How do you approach Fest when you aren't playing? How do you "set your schedule" of bands to see?

Alex Van Auken: There’s usually a few must-see sets that I circle on the schedule that guide me wherever, and I’ll check out bands in all the surrounding venues in between. I’ve discovered some of my favorite bands by popping in random venues at the right times.

Beau Crum:It depends on who is playing but I usually have a must see and then I like to stumble in to see bands I've never heard. Or I listen to the Fest Radio on the site and check out new bands.

Chris Jones: I just create my "Band Wishlist" and pray that the schedules align with timing with everyone else’s favorites. Sometimes you need to divide and conquer to see the bands you love!

Scene Point Blank: What's a hidden Gainesville gem you recommend to people?

Alex Van Auken: Gotta check out Sunshine Records and Hear Again Records for sure. It’s also mandatory at some point to enjoy tacos and elote from Boca Fiesta.

Dan Wagler: I'm probably going to have to say Geeks. I love that place.

Beau Crum:Toby from Red Scare puts on a small soccer tournament on Saturday morning that is really rad. Getting to kick the ball around and meet other players from other bands and Festers is a highlight for me. I put together a team last minute last year and we won, so I’m hoping to put another team together this year.

Chris Jones: Kind of off the path, but everyone should check out Satchel’s Pizza! Its right around the corner from Geeks. So good!

Scene Point Blank: How big has Fest been for regional punk bands in Florida?

Beau Crum:Being a Florida band and being close to Gainesville is a blessing. Being able to play Fest has been great and we have met a lot of great friends and other bands along the way. I usually book a Jax pre Fest, so meeting these bands comes in really handy. It has always been about the music and connections through music for me, so being able to help other bands that are not from Florida play in Jax has been rewarding.

Scene Point Blank: Historically Fest took place during an out-of-town football game in Jacksonville, leaving Gainesville student-free and full of Festers. How does it feel to make the opposite commute as the majority of North Floridians (what do people call the region)?

Beau Crum:It doesn’t bother me at all because I don’t follow the FL/GA football game. One time my old band Coyote Throat played Fest on Sunday and our bass player was in the bar industry, so he couldn’t take off because of the game and he got caught in the traffic from Jax for 6 hours and barely made it to our show.

Alex Van Auken: I think it’s cool. With the college kids gone, the city just gets taken over by this community of people that really care for one another and are so passionate about this scene. It feels like one big family reunion with relatives you’ve never met before.

Scene Point Blank: Where do you typically play shows in Gainesville outside of Fest weekend?

Beau Crum:We have been playing a lot at Geeks, which is Tony’s vintage toy store. That place is really cool. We also play at Loosey's when we can. Danny has been really cool. We have a tour booked and are playing there in January. We will announce the tour after Fest.

Scene Point Blank: Anything you'd like to add?

Beau Crum:We’re incredibly stoked to still be doing this and to have the opportunity to share our new record. We’re so grateful to our families, fans, friends, and everyone who has supported us along the way, especially Tony and Randy for giving us a shot. The Fest is such a huge part of our culture, and we’re incredibly proud to be a part of it.

There are so many amazing bands playing all weekend, so anyone who chooses to come see us means a lot. We hope you enjoy the set, check out the new record, and have an amazing time. Come say hi at Fest!