Alex Gaskarth On The Title Of All Time Low's New Album, Wake Up, Sunshine
Exclusive: All Time Low frontman Alex Gaskarth unpacks the meaning behind Wake Up, Sunshine, and how he came to terms with the "dark times" he's been through.
To coincide with the announcement of their highly-anticipated new album Wake Up, Sunshine, Baltimore pop-punk heroes All Time Low return to the cover of Kerrang! this week to discuss how they reconnected with their past to write the band's future.
Across the huge eight-page feature, Alex Gaskarth and Jack Barakat unveil their renewed perspectives following the Last Young Renegade era, with frontman Alex explaining that a period of self-reflection inspired both the title of their new album and the lyrical ideas contained within Wake Up, Sunshine.
“One overarching theme that inspired Wake Up, Sunshine is that of getting better and feeling comfortable in your own skin,” he says. “The title is about waking up to a new life and feeling rejuvenated, but it’s also a call to action. Coming up with the title was like me grabbing myself by the collar, slapping myself in the face and saying, ‘Wake up, dude! It’s time to do things right.’
“I’ve been through some dark times recently,” Alex continues. “Coming out the other side was a big thing on this record. I’ve been struggling with anxiety and my identity, and that gets both explored and put to bed on Wake Up, Sunshine. This album is me coming to terms with who I am, as well as reflecting on where we’ve been with the band and looking to the future.”
Wake Up, Sunshine is due out on April 3 via Fueled By Ramen, with new single Sleeping In premiering this Thursday (February 20) on BBC Radio 1 – stay tuned to Kerrang.com for more on that.
Pick up Kerrang! now to read Alex and Jack's full new interview. UK residents can get the issue from all good newsagents, while worldwide readers can order the mag directly to their door through Kerrang.Newsstand.co.uk.
Catch All Time Low at the following UK shows this year:
February
21 London The Garage
24 Leeds Brudenell Social Club
August
28 Reading Festival
29 Leeds Festival
Read this next: All Time Low's Jack Barakat: The 10 songs that changed my life