Knuckle Puck Forge New Future In Latest Album, Losing What We Love
Interview and photos by Mary Perez
Graphic by Rebekah Witt
What a weekend for Knuckle Puck, as the band kicked off the release of their brand-new record with an in-store performance/signing at Zia Records and two sets at 2023’s When We Were Young Festival. The Chicago quintet—comprised of vocalist Joe Taylor, guitarist/vocalist Nick Casasanto, guitarist Kevin Maida, bassist Ryan Rumchaks, and drummer John Siorek—first debuted in the pop punk scene in 2012 and have solidified themselves as a prominent force within the newer pop punk scene. Their debut record, Copacetic, is often regarded as one of the great pillars of today’s pop punk world by their adoring fanbase, and the band hope that their latest album, Losing What We Love, will receive similar praises. Heralded in by the releases of singles “The Tower,” “Groundhog Day,” and the album’s title track, the 2023 album marks the band’s most recent LP since 2020. I sat down with the band after their When We Were Young performance to hear more about their newest release, upcoming fall tour, and Lil Uzi Vert’s wisdom.
You guys performed earlier today, so how was it? What was it like to play this festival and see the fans?
Joe Taylor: It was great. It was like a bang right out of the gate! Just hopped right in.
Ryan Rumchaks: Baked in the sun a little bit, but it felt good though. It was fun; I love festivals.
Nick Casasanto: It was great. Throwback to Warped Tour. Another part of that is the guitars not staying in tune, but it was still good.
Kevin Maida: It was very fun, and I’m excited to see Blink-182.
John Siorek: It was dope.
Yesterday, you played a set at Zia Records and were talking about how similar it felt to playing smaller venues in your earlier years. What has it been like getting to go from those tiny venues to playing something as massive as this and just seeing the growth you’ve gone through over the years?
NC: Kinda weird in the best way. Playing the instore yesterday to then playing this is a big difference, obviously, and there was a point in the set today where I was like, “Oh yeah, I forgot we also play shows like this.” That’s really cool. It’s kind of a dream.
JT: It’s unbelievable, honestly. Being on fest with Blink with Tom and Green Day, just so many good bands, it’s great to be a part of it.
Additionally, your band has been able to grow by not only polishing your sound but also becoming better performers. How has it felt to see yourselves grow in that regard?
NC: I don’t really sing or play guitar well, but I sure as hell didn’t play guitar well when we started. Just in that aspect, I’m like, “Oh, I feel like I’m okay now, and that’s pretty cool.” We were playing in bowling alleys and kinda just having fun, so it’s unbelievable to be playing festivals.
Yesterday marked the release of your newest album, Losing What You Love, so congratulations! What messages are you hoping fans take away from the record?
JT: We’d love for people to take away that we love being a band, we love playing music together, and we just wanna rock. I just wanna rock.
Like Lil Uzi?
RR: I just wanna rock!
JT: Body-ody, yah.
Are there any songs you’re particularly excited for fans to hear? Any songs that you’re anticipating will be favorites of your fans?
NC: Honestly, “The Tower.” I was really hoping that people would like that. I remember when we were recording it, I was like, “I hope people will think this is as sick as we do.”
KM: “Fool,” the last song on the record, I hope to play live a lot. We’ll see what happens.
Tour is coming up! I thought “Fool” was an interesting way to end the record because it felt like it was going back to those older KP albums and ending on a slower note. Was there a particular reason for doing that?
KM: It was actually an old song that we wrote a few years ago, and I think we just fit better this time around. Yeah, we finished it, and now it’s way better.
Something really interesting that I noticed was that most of your albums were released within the autumnal months. How do you personally perceive your own music? Are there any specific vibes that you attach to your band?
RR: It's funny you mentioned that because just before I left for this festival, my girlfriend was listening to the singles off the new record, and she's like, “You guys are just such like a fall band.” That’s true. I feel like that though.
NC: For sure. Definitely not a summer band.
So, your tour is right around the corner. Do you have any favorite songs from the other bands you’re touring with?
RR: The latest One Step Closer songs are really good.
NC: Arm’s Length is about to put out a new song, and I heard the teaser of it. I’m really excited for it.
JT: They both recorded their new records with John!
NC: Shoutout Jon Markson! He’s a goated punk producer right now.
JT: My favorite Real Friends song, I’ve been asking them to play “Floorboards,” and they didn’t play it last tour. I’m gonna go with “Floorboards.” Play it, guys.
Obviously, you guys play with Real Friends a lot. Is there anything in particular that you guys are planning to do this run? Anything you’re looking forward to?
JT: I’m excited to watch One Step Closer. I'm not a big hardcore guy, but they fucking rock. Yeah, but I listened to them for the first time. I can't wait to watch.
Are there any messages you want to send your fans?
JS: Enjoy your life. Do what you want to do. If you think something's cool, it is cool. Pursue that and enjoy it.
JT: Thank you for sticking around and just being on the journey with us.
I’ve been a fan of Knuckle Puck since my high school years, and it’s been amazing getting to see their growth with each release. Additionally, the band always puts on an explosive performance, whether it be playing six songs in a small record store or headlining a festival stage. Knuckle Puck will be coheadlining a fall North American tour alongside Real Friends, as Arm’s Length and One Step Closer open up the show. Be sure to pick up tickets to a show to hear some of your new favorites from the album and some of the classic hits from the two Chicago bands.
