Sum 41 has announced their return to Singapore, taking on August 24 at Zepp@BigBox. The pop punk veterans will be touring in support of their latest album ‘13 Voices’.
Over the course of two decades and six albums, this Canadian band has been around for longer than most pop punk bands. Fronted by lead singer, rhythm guitarist and producer Deryck Whibley, Sum 41’s music brings in elements of hard rock, alt rock and melodic rock.
With the myriad of concerts and gigs already happening in Singapore this year, what makes Sum 41’s show worth the watch? Are they actually bringing anything new to the table since their “In Too Deep” days, other than a newly-sober lead singer?
Dave “Brownsound” Baksh, lead guitarist who took a nine-year hiatus from Sum 41 and rejoined in 2015, speaks with POPSPOKEN on the current state of their band and what to expect at their Singapore show this month.
POPSPOKEN: Hey Brownsound! What has Sum 41 been up to since the launch of “13 Voices” last year?
Dave “Brownsound” Baksh: Lots of touring and playing, we’ve been on a bit of a break for the summer so we are ready to be back on the road.
POPSPOKEN: We’re so glad that you guys decided to have a Southeast Asia tour this year. Is there any reason in particular why you chose to make this return to our side of the world?
Brownsound: Southeast Asia is a place that we love to play shows in, the music fans are passionate and give all they can during performances.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaiN6vFVf1w
POPSPOKEN: Some artists have mixed feelings about their breakthrough song. Is that the case with Sum 41 and “In Too Deep”?
Brownsound: We still love to play “In Too Deep”. It’s a part of our history and the energy of the crowd gives the song a different energy every night.
POPSPOKEN: If you could change one thing in the punk scene today, what would it be?
Brownsound: I don’t have any problems with the punk scene – punk for me is about doing what you want to do. Bands have a good grasp on this concept and people listening to punk are enjoying it.
POPSPOKEN: How has the songwriting of Sum 41 changed over the last couple of decades, and what is usually the inspiration behind the music you create?
Brownsound: Life is behind what we create. We are lucky to be alive and especially to be who we are, as long as we are alive and breathing we can write songs about it. Songwriting has not changed much – though it is easier to bounce ideas off of each other now, thanks to the internet.
POPSPOKEN: What can we expect from your Singapore show next month?
Brownsound: We have always been stronger live than our records. Expect a hot sweaty and fun time, we can’t wait to come see you all in Singapore again.
POPSPOKEN: Lastly, how would you like Sum 41 to be remembered?
Brownsound: For me now is more important than the future, whether we are remembered or not is up to our dedication and the people we play for. In the end we love doing what we do and that’s the important thing to us.
Sum 41 is Deryck Whibley, lead guitarist/backing vocalist Dave Brownsound, co-lead guitarist/backing vocalist Tom Thacker, bassist/backing vocalist Cone McCaslin and drummer Frank Zummo.
Sum 41 Live In Singapore:
Thursday, August 24th – Zepp@BigBox, Jurong
Tickets are sold here.
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Cover Photo: Ultimate Guitar
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