The Band Index

PUP

AmericasCanadaPunk RockIndie Rock
Community

Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow PUP!

Top PUP Community Posts

Loading posts...
Sponsor content

Band Timeline

2010

Formation and Early Days Under the Name Topanga

PUP was originally formed in Toronto in 2010, initially under the name Topanga. The band consisted of childhood friends Nestor Chumak (bass), Steve Sladkowski (guitar), Zack Mykula (drums), and Stefan Babcock (vocals and guitar). The members had been involved in music and local bands throughout their youth and high school years in Toronto. After a school project collaboration between Babcock and Chumak, the group formed Topanga and released a four-track EP as a free download in December 2010, marking their debut in the local music scene.
2011

First Performances and Early Growth

After their initial EP release, the band began performing live, with their first show at the Bovine Sex Club in January 2011. Their music started gaining traction online, attracting better show opportunities. By early 2012, they were touring with the band Hollerado and signed with Hollerado's label Royal Mountain Records. They also released a two-track 7" single titled 'Oceans' in February 2012, which further established them in the Toronto punk scene.
2013

Debut Album Release and Name Change to PUP

In 2013, the band recorded their self-titled debut album in Montreal with producer Dave Schiffman, known for working with prominent punk and rock acts. They decided to change their name from Topanga to PUP to better reflect their heavier punk sound and to avoid association with a new Boy Meets World spinoff series. The name PUP is an acronym for 'Pathetic Use of Potential.' Their debut album 'PUP' was released on October 8, 2013, on Royal Mountain Records and re-released in the U.S. on April 8, 2014, by SideOneDummy Records after they signed with the label in December 2013.
2016

Second Album 'The Dream Is Over' and Growing Acclaim

In late 2015, PUP returned to the studio to record their second album with Dave Schiffman. 'The Dream Is Over' released on May 27, 2016, continued to build on the band's energetic punk sound with raw and introspective lyrics. The album received widespread critical acclaim and increased their fanbase, helping solidify PUP's standing in the punk rock community as a band with a distinctive voice and intense live performances.
2019

Third Album 'Morbid Stuff' and International Recognition

PUP released their third studio album 'Morbid Stuff' on April 5, 2019. The album showcased the band's growth musically and thematically, tackling topics like anxiety and existential fear while maintaining their trademark humor and intensity. 'Morbid Stuff' was praised for its catchy melodies and punk energy and played a significant role in expanding PUP's international audience. The band supported the album with extensive touring, further raising their profile globally.
2020

Release of EP 'This Place Sucks Ass'

In October 2020, PUP released a six-track EP titled 'This Place Sucks Ass.' The release came during a challenging time for many musicians worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The EP maintained the band's energetic and raw punk style and was well received by fans eager for new material. It provided a continuation of the band's candid and emotionally honest writing during a year marked by uncertainty and isolation.
2022

Fourth Album 'The Unraveling of PUPTheBand'

On April 1, 2022, PUP released their fourth studio album, 'The Unraveling of PUPTheBand.' This album delved into themes of personal and professional challenges, mental health, and the pressures of life in the band. It marked another evolution in their sound, blending punk rock with more diverse sonic textures. The release was met with positive reviews and reinforced PUP's reputation for honest songwriting and compelling musical arrangements.
2025

Fifth Album 'Who Will Look After the Dogs?' and Continued Success

PUP's fifth studio album titled 'Who Will Look After the Dogs?' was released on May 2, 2025. This release continued to explore themes of existential anxiety, personal reflection, and social commentary with the band’s characteristic energetic punk rock style. The album has been welcomed by fans and critics alike, further solidifying PUP's place as a significant and influential band in the contemporary punk rock scene.

Albums

pup_1st_album
PUP
10 tracks
2013
pup_2nd_album
The Dream Is Over
10 tracks
2016
pup_3rd_album
Morbid Stuff
11 tracks
2019
pup_4th_album
THE UNRAVELING OF PUPTHEBAND
12 tracks
2022
Sponsor content

Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Zack Mykula

2010

Background vocals

Drums (drum set)

Nestor Chumak

2010

Background vocals

Bass

Steve Sladkowski

2010

Background vocals

Guitar

Stefan Babcock

2010

Guitar

Lead vocals

Story of PUP

PUP: A Canadian Punk Rock Powerhouse

PUP, a name that stands for "Pathetic Use of Potential," is a Canadian punk rock band hailing from Toronto, Ontario. Formed in 2010 under the name Topanga, PUP has become a force to be reckoned with in the punk scene.

Their debut album, simply titled "PUP," dropped on October 8, 2013, under the banner of Royal Mountain Records. The band's raw energy and infectious hooks caught the attention of SideOneDummy Records, who signed them in December 2013 and re-released the album in the US on April 8, 2014.

PUP's relentless work ethic saw them back in the studio in late 2015, recording their sophomore album, "The Dream Is Over." Released on May 27, 2016, via SideOneDummy, the album solidified their status as a major player in the punk world.

The band's third album, "Morbid Stuff," arrived on April 5, 2019, showcasing their continued evolution and maturity. They followed this with a six-track EP titled "This Place Sucks Ass" on October 27, 2020, further demonstrating their versatility.

PUP's fourth album, "The Unraveling of PUPTheBand," dropped on April 1, 2022, cementing their place as one of the most exciting and dynamic punk bands of their generation.

Origins and Formation (2010)

The band's foundation is built on a strong friendship. Guitarist Steve Sladkowski, bassist Nestor Chumak, and drummer Zack Mykula share a history as childhood friends who attended school together in Toronto. Their bond grew over the years, leading them to collaborate on numerous bands throughout their youth. This shared passion for music would ultimately lead to the formation of PUP, setting the stage for a career filled with powerful music and unwavering camaraderie.

Sponsor content

Learn more about PUP

Bands you may like