State Champs is an American rock band that has become a defining force in the modern pop-punk landscape. Since their formation, they have cultivated a reputation for their high-energy instrumentation, anthemic choruses, and emotionally resonant lyrics. Their work has not only garnered critical and commercial success but has also solidified their place as a staple in the alternative music community, with their songs frequently celebrated at events like the Pittsburgh Emo Night. This biography provides a detailed chronological examination of the band’s career, from their humble beginnings in upstate New York to their status as globally recognized figures in their genre.
Formation and Early Era
The foundation of State Champs was laid in a period when the pop-punk genre was undergoing a significant revival. The band emerged from a regional scene, armed with a sound that paid homage to the genre’s pioneers while injecting a fresh, contemporary energy that would resonate with a new generation of listeners.
Origins and Formation
State Champs was formed in Albany, New York, during the spring of 2010. The initial catalyst for the band’s creation came from founding members lead guitarist Tyler Szalkowski and lead vocalist Derek DiScanio. United by a shared passion for influential pop-punk acts of the early 2000s, such as New Found Glory, The Starting Line, and Fall Out Boy, they set out to create music that captured the same kinetic spirit. The early lineup was solidified with the addition of guitarist Tony Diaz and bassist William Goodermote. This quartet began writing and rehearsing, quickly developing a chemistry that would define their initial sound. Their primary goal was to write fast, melodic, and sincere songs that were both relatable and technically proficient. The band’s name itself is a nod to the aspirational, often underdog themes prevalent in the genre. They spent their formative months playing local shows in and around the Albany area, honing their performance skills and building a small but dedicated local following.
Early Discography
The band’s first recorded output was a self-released demo collection titled EP 2010, which they used to introduce their sound to a wider audience online and at their live shows. These early recordings, though raw, showcased their potential for writing powerful hooks and energetic arrangements. In August 2011, these tracks were reworked and officially released as the EP Apparently, I’m Nothing. While this release helped them gain some traction, it was the subsequent material that truly set their career in motion. In early 2012, a demo of the song “Critical” began to attract significant attention within the music industry. The track’s polished structure and infectious chorus caught the ear of several record labels. On April 19, 2012, it was announced that State Champs had signed with Pure Noise Records, a label that was quickly becoming a home for the new wave of pop-punk and post-hardcore bands. This partnership proved to be pivotal. With label support, they entered Getaway Recording Studio with producer Jay Maas (Defeater, Vanna) to record their next EP. The result was Overslept, released in September 2012. The EP was a significant step forward in production and songwriting, featuring standout tracks like “Critical” and “Remedy.” It was met with positive reviews from the alternative music press and established State Champs as a band to watch in the burgeoning pop-punk revival scene. The success of Overslept led to more extensive touring opportunities, allowing them to support established acts like Hit the Lights and Handguns, and further expand their fanbase across North America.
The Mainstream Breakthrough
Following the groundwork laid by their EPs and relentless touring, State Champs stood at the precipice of a major breakthrough. Their debut full-length album would not only meet the growing expectations of their audience but exceed them, launching the band from a promising upstart to a leading name in the genre.
Pivotal Album(s) and Lineup Changes
The turning point for State Champs arrived with the release of their debut studio album, The Finer Things, on October 8, 2013. To create the album, the band traveled to Fremont, California, to work with producer Sam Pura at The Panda Studios, a recording space renowned for its work with bands like The Story So Far. Further elevating the project, Steve Klein, then-guitarist of the legendary pop-punk band New Found Glory, served as a co-producer, lending his veteran experience to the songwriting process. It was also during this period that the band’s lineup solidified into what many consider its classic formation, with Ryan Scott Graham on bass and Evan Ambrosio on drums joining DiScanio, Szalkowski, and Diaz. The Finer Things was a masterclass in modern pop-punk, featuring eleven tracks of perfectly crafted, high-octane songs filled with soaring melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Singles like “Elevated” and “Hard to Please” became instant anthems for their growing fanbase. The album was a statement of intent, demonstrating a musical maturity and focus that set them apart from many of their peers. To capitalize on the album’s momentum, the band released an acoustic EP, The Acoustic Things, in October 2014. This release featured stripped-down versions of five songs from their debut, plus two new tracks. It showcased their versatility and the strong songwriting that formed the backbone of their music, proving the songs could be just as powerful without the loud guitars and driving percussion.
Achieving Critical and Commercial Success
The Finer Things was an immediate success. Upon its release, it debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and also made an appearance on the Billboard 200, a significant achievement for a debut album on an independent label. The record received widespread critical acclaim from both underground blogs and established music publications, who praised its infectious energy and polished production. Critics noted that while the album wore its influences on its sleeve, it did so with a conviction and skill that made it feel fresh and essential. This success translated directly into their live presence. The band embarked on a grueling tour schedule, supporting genre heavyweights such as Motion City Soundtrack and Bayside. These tours exposed them to massive new audiences and helped cement their reputation as a formidable live act. Their energetic performances and tight musicianship won over fans night after night, solidifying the loyalty of those who had just discovered them through the album. The combination of a critically acclaimed, commercially successful album and a relentless touring ethic firmly established State Champs as a frontrunner in the alternative rock and pop-punk scenes.
Musical Evolution and Key Events
With a successful debut under their belts, the challenge for State Champs was to build upon their momentum without repeating themselves. Their subsequent releases saw them navigating the pressures of expectation while continuing to refine their sound and deal with the internal dynamics of being a globally touring band.
Mid-career Albums and Sonic Shifts
The band’s sophomore album, Around the World and Back, was released on October 16, 2015. The album saw the band continuing their partnership with producer Kyle Black and Derek DiScanio stepping up to co-produce. The record demonstrated a notable evolution in their sound. While retaining the core elements of their pop-punk identity, it incorporated more nuanced dynamics and a slightly broader sonic palette. Tracks like “Secrets” and “All You Are Is History” became major hits, showcasing an even sharper sense of melody and more intricate guitar work. The album was a commercial triumph, peaking at number 30 on the Billboard 200. This era saw the band embark on their largest tours to date, including a co-headlining world tour with UK counterparts Neck Deep and opening slots for mainstream giants All Time Low and 5 Seconds of Summer in arenas across Australia and New Zealand. Their third album, Living Proof, released on June 15, 2018, marked their most collaborative effort yet. They worked with multiple producers, including John Feldmann (Blink-182, Good Charlotte) and Mike Green, and featured co-writes with members of All Time Low and Blink-182. The album explored a more polished, rock-oriented sound, with some tracks leaning further into the pop domain. While some longtime fans debated the sonic shift, the album was another commercial success and demonstrated the band’s ambition to push their creative boundaries.
Hiatus, Reunions, or Significant Member Departures
After nearly a decade with a stable lineup, State Champs experienced their most significant personnel change in March 2020. The band announced that guitarist and founding member Tony Diaz was stepping away from the band. In a public statement, they clarified that the departure was amicable and that there was “no bad blood.” They expressed their support for Diaz’s future endeavors and announced their decision to continue as a four-piece. They stated that while they would have a touring guitarist to fill out their live sound, no official new member would be joining the band. This decision marked a new chapter for State Champs, forcing the core quartet of DiScanio, Szalkowski, Graham, and Ambrosio to adapt their creative process and live dynamic. The departure did not slow their momentum, as they were already in the process of writing their next record, assuring fans that the fundamental sound of the band would remain intact.
Modern Era
Entering their second decade as a band, State Champs have embraced their status as veterans of the modern pop-punk scene. Their more recent work reflects a band that is confident in its identity, capable of delivering the sound their fans love while continuing to find new ways to express themselves.
Recent Albums and Contemporary Activity
On May 13, 2022, State Champs released their fourth studio album, Kings of the New Age. The album’s title was a bold declaration of their intent to lead the genre forward. The record was largely seen as a return to their roots, dialing back some of the pop polish of Living Proof in favor of the fast-paced, guitar-driven energy of their earlier work. The album featured collaborations with other artists in the scene, including Ben Barlow of Neck Deep and Chrissy Costanza of Against The Current. It was well-received by their fanbase, who celebrated its high-energy and anthemic nature. Continuing their prolific output, the band announced their fifth full-length, a self-titled album, scheduled for release on November 8, 2024. They introduced the record with two lead singles, “Silver Cloud” and “Too Late To Say.” Bassist Ryan Scott Graham described the album as a comprehensive vision of the band’s identity, stating, “Every era of State Champs exists within this record.” This suggests a project that aims to synthesize all facets of their musical journey, from their raw beginnings to their more polished contemporary sound, cementing their legacy while still pushing forward.
Cultural Impact and Connection to the Scene
State Champs’ influence extends beyond their recorded music. They have played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the pop-punk genre in the 21st century and have become a touchstone for a dedicated community of fans.
Influence on Their Primary Genres
State Champs emerged as leaders of the 2010s pop-punk revival, a movement that brought the genre back to the forefront of alternative music. Alongside contemporaries like The Story So Far, Neck Deep, and Knuckle Puck, they defined the sound of a generation. Their music provides a direct link between the trailblazers of the early 2000s and the current landscape of emo and pop-punk. By staying true to the genre’s core tenets—speed, melody, and lyrical sincerity—while maintaining a high level of musicianship and modern production, they have kept the genre vital and relevant. They have inspired countless younger bands to pick up guitars and write honest, energetic songs, ensuring the spirit of pop-punk continues to thrive. Their consistency and dedication have earned them a respected place as elder statesmen of the scene, even as they continue to operate at their creative peak.
Relevance in Nostalgia Events like Emo Night Pittsburgh
The enduring appeal of State Champs is vividly illustrated by their prominence at events celebrating alternative music culture, such as the Pittsburgh Emo Night. While the term “emo” can be broad, these nights celebrate the entire ecosystem of emotionally charged rock music that defined the 2000s and 2010s, with pop-punk being a central pillar. The anthems of State Champs, from “Elevated” to “Secrets,” are staples of any Pittsburgh Emo Night playlist. Their songs evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia for those who grew up with the 2010s pop-punk wave, while also connecting with fans of the classic era. The band’s ability to craft songs that are simultaneously fun, cathartic, and deeply relatable makes them a perfect fit for a communal celebration of the genre. Their music serves as a bridge, uniting different generations of fans in a shared experience of singing along at the top of their lungs, making State Champs an indispensable part of the modern alternative music canon.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Champs
When did State Champs form?
State Champs formed in Albany, New York, in the spring of 2010.
What are the current members of State Champs?
The current members are Derek DiScanio (lead vocals), Tyler Szalkowski (lead guitar), Ryan Scott Graham (bass), and Evan Ambrosio (drums).
What is State Champs’ most popular album?
While they have several successful albums, their 2013 debut, The Finer Things, is widely considered their breakthrough and a landmark album in the modern pop-punk genre.
What genre is State Champs?
State Champs is primarily classified as a pop-punk band. Their music also incorporates elements of alternative rock and has been influential within the broader emo scene.
Has State Champs had any lineup changes?
Yes, the most significant lineup change occurred in March 2020 when founding guitarist Tony Diaz departed from the band. They have continued as a four-piece since.
What is their latest album?
As of late 2024, their most recent studio album is Kings of the New Age (2022). Their upcoming fifth, self-titled album is set for release on November 8, 2024.
