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State Champs

AmericasUnited StatesAlternative RockPop punk
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Upcoming Events

Aftershock Festival 2025
Aftershock Festival 2025

2025 10-02 on stage

Get ready to witness the West Coast's ultimate rock, punk, and metal pilgrimage as Aftershock Festival returns to Sacramento's iconic Discovery Park from October 2nd to 5th, 2025. Now in its 13th year, Aftershock has cemented its reputation as a must-attend event, drawing over 160,000 music fans from all 50 states and over 30 countries in previous years. This four-day destination festival consistently delivers a powerhouse lineup of genre titans and rising stars, promising an unparalleled experience for every headbanger and music enthusiast. Aftershock 2025 is set to be bigger and bolder than ever, featuring an impressive roster of over 115 bands performing across four stages. Headliners like Blink-182, Deftones (playing a special hometown show), Korn, and Bring Me The Horizon are poised to ignite the crowds with their electrifying performances. Beyond the main acts, the festival boasts an incredible depth of talent, including highly anticipated reunions like The Dillinger Escape Plan and Chiodos, rare performances, and a strong showing of California's own vibrant rock and metal scene. Whether you're a die-hard fan of classic anthems, the raw power of nu-metal, or the cutting edge of genre-blending rock, Aftershock's meticulously curated lineup ensures there's something to fuel every passion. Beyond the stages, Aftershock Festival offers a complete immersive experience. Set against the scenic backdrop of Discovery Park where the American River meets the Sacramento River, attendees can expect a lively atmosphere filled with a diverse array of food and drink options, engaging art installations, and various other entertainment. The festival has become a significant cultural and economic driver for Sacramento, bringing an estimated $30 million economic impact to the region. With its commitment to showcasing the best in rock, punk, and metal, Aftershock 2025 is not just a festival; it's a celebration of a vibrant global community and a testament to the enduring power of heavy music.

Band Timeline

2010

Formation of State Champs in Albany, New York

State Champs was formed in the spring of 2010 in Albany, New York by lead guitarist Tyler Szalkowski and lead singer Derek DiScanio. The band quickly began creating music, releasing early demos collectively called '2010 EP.' This marked the beginning of their journey in the pop-punk genre, establishing their presence and starting to build a fanbase.
2011

Release of Apparently, I'm Nothing EP in Japan

In April 2011, State Champs reworked their earlier demos and released the EP 'Apparently, I'm Nothing' exclusively in Japan. This release helped to broaden their audience and demonstrated the band's dedication to refining their sound. They also toured during the summer, supporting bands such as The Tired and True and Call It Fiction.
2012

Breakthrough with Overslept EP and Signing to Pure Noise Records

In 2012, interest in the demo track 'Critical' led to State Champs securing a record deal with Pure Noise Records. They recorded the Overslept EP with producer Jay Maas and released it in September through Pure Noise. The band toured extensively, supporting acts like Handguns and Citizen, which increased their exposure in the pop-punk scene and laid groundwork for their debut album.
2013

Release of Debut Album The Finer Things and Supporting Major Tours

May 2013 saw the band finishing recording their debut full-length album 'The Finer Things' with producer Sam Pura and co-producer Steve Klein. It was released on October 8 and entered the Billboard 200 chart. To promote the album, State Champs toured with well-known bands such as New Found Glory, Motion City Soundtrack, and Bayside across North America, building momentum and gaining new fans.
2014

Extensive Touring and Release of The Acoustic Things EP

Throughout 2014, State Champs continued to support 'The Finer Things' with extensive touring in the United States and Europe. On October 7, they released 'The Acoustic Things,' an EP featuring acoustic versions of five tracks from their debut album alongside two new songs, showcasing their versatility and reinforcing their standing in the pop-punk community.
2015

Second Album Around the World and Back and Increased Global Exposure

In 2015, State Champs supported major tours, opening for All Time Low and 5 Seconds of Summer in various locations including Australia and New Zealand. They announced their second studio album, 'Around the World and Back,' which was released on October 16. The album peaked at number 30 on the US Billboard Top 200. This period marked the band’s expansion into international markets and higher chart success.
2016

Worldwide Touring and Collaboration with Neck Deep

In 2016, State Champs co-headlined a worldwide tour with Neck Deep, including dates in the UK, US, and Canada, supported by bands like Creeper and Knuckle Puck. They released music videos for singles 'All You Are Is History' and 'Secrets', gaining critical and fan attention. Their presence on the cover of Alternative Press alongside Neck Deep highlighted their significant standing in the pop-punk scene.
2017

Deluxe Release of Around the World and Back

In May 2017, State Champs released a deluxe version of 'Around the World and Back,' including additional tracks and new content. This release sustained the album’s momentum and kept engagement high among fans. The deluxe edition demonstrated the lasting appeal of the album and the band's ongoing creative output during this era.
2018

Release of Third Album Living Proof

State Champs continued to evolve with their third studio album, 'Living Proof,' released in 2018. The album reflected the band's growth musically and thematically, and reinforced their position within the pop-punk genre. The release was accompanied by continued touring and further solidified their fanbase.
2022

Release of Fourth Album Kings of the New Age

In May 2022, State Champs released their fourth studio album, 'Kings of the New Age.' This album marked a new chapter for the band, reflecting their maturity and continued relevance in the modern music scene. It was received well, demonstrating the band's ability to adapt and thrive over more than a decade.
2024

Release of Fifth Self-Titled Album

In November 2024, State Champs released their self-titled fifth album. This release was a significant milestone, representing their most recent work and ongoing contribution to pop-punk music. The album continues the band’s legacy of energetic, heartfelt music and showcases their continued creative vitality.

Albums

state-champs_1st_album
The Finer Things
11 tracks
2013
state-champs_2nd_album
Around the World and Back
11 tracks
2015
state-champs_3rd_album
Living Proof
13 tracks
2018
state-champs_4th_album
Kings of the New Age
11 tracks
2022
state-champs_5th_album
State Champs
12 tracks
2024
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Ryan Graham

2014

Derek DiScanio

N/A

Evan Ambrosio

N/A

Story of State Champs

Hailing from Albany, New York, State Champs emerged onto the pop-punk scene in 2010. This powerhouse quartet, initially spearheaded by guitarist Tyler Szalkowski and vocalist Derek DiScanio, quickly made their mark. Their early self-released EPs, 2010 (August 2010) and Apparently, I'm Nothing (January 2011), laid the groundwork for their meteoric rise. The band's relentless energy and catchy hooks soon caught the attention of Pure Noise Records, solidifying their place in the industry.

Since signing, State Champs have unleashed a wave of musical fury, dropping three EPs and five full-length albums. Their debut full-length, The Finer Things (2013), exploded onto the charts, hitting #2 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. Following up with the acoustic EP The Acoustic Things (October 2014) and their sophomore effort, Around the World and Back (October 2015), including a deluxe edition in May 2017, State Champs continued to build their fervent fanbase. Living Proof (2018), Kings of the New Age (May 2022), and their self-titled fifth album (November 2024) further cemented their status as a major force in modern pop-punk. Their journey showcases a band who've consistently evolved their sound while staying true to their high-energy roots.

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