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Interview with
RYAN GRAHAM
from
STATE CHAMPS

(20th March, 2025)

Interview with Dave Bruce

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State Champs

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Check out the full interview below:

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State Champs: Keeping Pop Punk Alive and Kicking

For over a decade, State Champs has been a driving force in the pop-punk scene. Hailing from Albany, New York, the band has built a dedicated fanbase through relentless touring, infectious melodies, and an unwavering passion for their craft. With their latest self-titled album making waves and a highly anticipated Australian tour on the horizon, I had the chance to sit down with bassist Ryan Scott Graham to talk about the band’s journey, their growth, and what the future holds.

A Look Back: The Rise of State Champs

Formed in 2010 by Derek DiScanio (vocals) and Tyler Szalkowski (guitar), State Champs quickly gained momentum in the underground scene. Their early years saw them navigating small club tours, sleeping in vans, and grinding it out the old-school way. Ryan, who joined in 2014, reflected on how those early experiences shaped the band.

“We were just kids trying to make it work. Playing to 50 people in a basement one night and 500 the next—it was all part of the grind.”

Their breakout moment came with the release of The Finer Things (2013), an album that solidified them as a force in modern pop punk. Fast forward to 2024, and the band is still going strong.

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The Self-Titled Album: A Full-Circle Moment

Their latest release, State Champs, is more than just another record—it’s a statement.

“We wanted to make something that felt true to who we are,” Ryan explained. “It’s got that raw energy we started with but also shows how we’ve grown as musicians and people.”

Tracks like “Light Blue” and “Everybody But You” have already become fan favorites, with crowds singing every word back at shows.

Bringing the Energy Down Under

With an Australian tour lined up for April, the band is gearing up for another round of high-energy performances.

“Australia is like a second home for us,” Ryan said. “The crowds are always insane, and we can’t wait to be back.”

This time, they’ll be supporting Neck Deep, making it a must-see event for pop-punk fans.

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Beyond the Music: What’s Next?

While touring remains their main focus, Ryan hinted at some exciting projects in the works.

“We’re always writing. Who knows? Maybe another EP, some collabs—there’s a lot we want to do.”

For now, though, it’s all about bringing State Champs to life on stage.

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With a killer new album and a tour that’s shaping up to be one for the books, State Champs is proving that pop punk is alive and well. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering them, now is the perfect time to dive into their world.

Catch them live, turn up the volume, and get ready to scream your heart out.

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Follow STATE CHAMPS
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Twitter

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Check out the full interview below:

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Press Release 7th March 2024 (below) HERE

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AMNPLIFY – DB