From Pop Punk to Metalcore: Waves in April Debut Album at Rocklahoma

On this episode of the Adventures of the Pipeman on W4CY Radio, Pipeman sits down with Waves in April at Rocklahoma. The conversation delves into surviving the brutal festival heat, memorable festival moments, the unique creative process behind their new album "As Above, So Below," and the evolution of their musical style. The band also shares behind-the-scenes stories, thoughts on genre blending, details about working with notable producers, and future plans.Main Topics CoveredRocklahoma festival experiences: heat, crowds, and wild momentsThe physical toll of performing in extreme weatherMakeup and costumes in tough conditionsThe release of Waves in April’s debut full-length album, "As Above, So Below"Collaborating with producers from Disturbed, Blue October, and Left 4 DeadThe band’s genre journey from pop punk to metalcore and beyondSpoken word tracks and breaking norms in songwritingThe culture and community of RocklahomaBand merch, social platforms, and upcoming performance aspirationsKey Discussions & StoriesRocklahoma Survival and StoriesThe heat at Rocklahoma is extreme, with both performers and audience facing dehydration and exhaustion. One member of Waves in April even passed out post-set, highlighting the importance of on-site medics and cooling resources 02:12.Festivalgoers’ dedication was evident as crowds braved over 100-degree weather to mosh and support bands 07:03.The party atmosphere at Rocklahoma is wild, with campgrounds full of makeshift bars, unique bartering (e.g., popcorn for flashing), and late-night revelry 08:03.Album Release and Creative ProcessWaves in April dropped their first full-length album, "As Above, So Below," during Rocklahoma, marking a significant milestone 08:50.Record production was a collaborative effort involving John Moyer from Disturbed, Matt from Blue October, and Ethan Wade from Left 4 Dead 09:06.Pipeman and the band reflect on how the album’s songs came together—some written on the spot in the studio, others refined over years 12:04.The album includes a spoken word track, bringing a novel twist to the metalcore genre 17:27.Band Evolution and Genre BlendingThe band began as a pop punk cover group but organically evolved toward metalcore, with influences that reach into grunge, pop, and classic metal 15:00.Members emphasize their intent to break away from genre formulas, infusing songs with diverse influences from Aurora and Fleetwood Mac to Slaughter to Prevail 16:50.The importance of continual evolution is discussed, referencing other artists’ approach to never writing the same song twice 18:31.Festival Culture & CommunityThe band celebrates Rocklahoma for spotlighting up-and-coming acts and local talent, with shoutouts to other bands like Chain Saints, who have leveraged the festival to gain traction 13:34.Humorous and memorable moments include festival tattoos, talk of mosh pits with “fish pits,” and dreams to perform on Shiprocked cruise 22:29.Notable Quotes"You’re all worried about your equipment baking... then you're like, wait, I’m baking too.""I love that a lot of bands now are having these blended genres because I hate genres. There are so many stupid, subgenres, microgenres..." 16:09"We break norms. I want to like kind of break the norm a little bit and just mess with things." 16:36"There is one thing that's incredibly different about our album—besides the music—is we have a spoken word track on there, which I feel like isn’t done often.” 17:27"As you grow, you know, you emerge, evolve... Why do I want to write the same song over and over again? And why would you?" 18:31"If you want to find each of us individually, it's our names followed by ‘in April.’” 21:30Resources & LinksWaves in April Website:wavesinapril.netFind merch, tour dates, album info, and more.Social Media Handles:All socials: @wavesinaprilIndividual members: [Name]inApril (e.g., DirksinApril, EllainApril, LucasinApril, WillisinApril)Album: "As Above, So Below" – Streaming and purchase links available via the band’s website.Additional MentionsCollaborators: John Moyer (Disturbed), Matt (Blue October), Ethan Wade (Left 4 Dead)Other festivals and bands referenced: Jump (Van Halen cover band), Slipknot, Metallica, Slayer, Black Veil Brides, Bring Me the Horizon, Chain Saints, Bloodstock, ShiprockedFor updates, merch, and music: visit wavesinapril.net and follow Waves in April on your favorite platforms.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-adventures-of-pipeman--941822/support.Click Here to Subscribe for PERKS, BONUS Content & FREE GIVEWAYS!Follow @pipemanradio on all socials & Pipeman Radio Requests & Info at www.linktr.ee/pipemanradioStream The Adventures of Pipeman daily & live Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays at 1PM ET on W4CY Radio & Talk 4 TV. Download, Rate & Review the Podcast at The Adventures of Pipeman, Pipeman Radio, Talk 4 Media, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & All Podcast Apps.