State Champs ANNOUNCE UNPLUGGED EP DUE OUT AUGUST 14, 2020
After many trips around the world (and back), NY-based pop-rockers State Champs are excited to be celebrating a decade of music, memories and even some madness with fans this summer. State Champs will be releasing State Champs Unplugged, a 6-track EP of stripped down versions of four brand new songs as well as two fan-favorite tracks from Living Proof, due out August 14, 2020 via Pure Noise Records.
State Champs will be hosting their 10-Year Anniversary Variety Show online for fans on June 22, 2020. The evening will feature performances from home, the exclusive premiere of new music from the EP, special guests, a brand new webisode of “Shot Boys”, a live Q&A and more. Fans can pre-order the EP when they purchase tickets to the 10-Year Celebration at https://www.statechampsny.com/.
“We’re excited to Celebrate our 10th Birthday as a band in the best fashion: An interactive online variety show where we get to hang out with fans, perform, reminisce, and tell stories from the past 10 years,” shares vocalist Derek DiScanio. “We’ll be bringing in some surprise guests, and even premiering new music. That’s right, those who purchase tickets to the event will be the first to hear some brand new tunes and music videos from our upcoming Unplugged EP. There will be exclusive merch deals right on the event page and we’ll top the night off with a live Q&A hangout with everyone. This is the most unique event we’ve ever thrown and we can’t wait to share it with everyone as we ring in the next chapter of Champs.“
Given that this is a very important election year, State Champs has partnered with HeadCount to offer a 50% discount on tickets for all fans who register to vote. For those that are not of age to register, they can pledge with HeadCount and still receive the discount. For more information, please visit HeadCount.org/StateChamps.
In addition to this partnership with HeadCount, State Champs recently unveiled ways they will be helping to use their platform to champion the Black Lives Matter movement. “There’s an incredible movement happening right now in our country and throughout the world. Black voices that are tired of the injustice, the discrimination, the inequality, louder than ever in a choir fighting to be seen and accepted without prejudice, and it’s long overdue,” shared the band on social media. “We are excited to lend our voices and support alongside those protesting, donating, making petitions, gathering and distributing resources, and raising awareness. It’s time to listen, learn and act, because it’s time for a change.” Fans can head to https://www.statechampsny.com/ for a limited edition t-shirt and the opportunity to win unique pieces of State Champs memorabilia through raffles.
State Champs Unplugged, dropping in time for the band’s 10-year anniversary, is much more than a set of stripped-down reimagined bangers. Instead, the EP offers up four brand new tracks crafted specifically for this setting, plus a surprising reworking of “Criminal” and a moving new take on “Dead and Gone.” It’s a record that’s reflective of the diverse listening habits of the foursome, unapologetic about their love of everything from Pop to Country without sacrificing the upbeat enthusiasm of the central influences that first moved their collective souls.
“The Unplugged EP is special for us for many reasons, one main reason being the writing process. We feel like we really went back to our roots, you know, just the band, in a room with an acoustic guitar, writing songs and having fun,” shared DiScanio on the upcoming EP. “We tend to execute our best material in an environment that is stress free and organic. Our fans have been asking for new acoustic, stripped down material for quite some time, we’re happy to say it’s here.”
State Champs Unplugged EP Track Listing
1. A Thousand Hearts
2. The Recipe
3. 10 AM
4. Crying Out Loud
5. Criminal
6. Dead and Gone
This will be the first taste of new music from State Champs since their 2018 release Living Proof. The 13-track collection is the most ambitious and cohesive work in the band’s catalog. While securing the #9 Top Current Albums, #28 Top 200 and #3 Rock Billboard charting positions, this album has seen impressive praise from fans and press alike.
State Champs has always embraced the idea of getting their music in front of as many people as possible. They aren’t running away from the sound they’ve established; if anything, it’s that scrappy punk spirit that drives them to continue to reach further and further. They’ve done pop arena tours, metal tours; they’ve even played a show on a beach. Wherever they turn up, they are going to be sincere and passionate. They are going to have fun. And moreover, so will you. This is an arena-ready band, capable of moving any kind of crowd, with the heart and soul of DIY freedom.