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Mayday Parade is an American rock band formed in Tallahassee, Florida, in 2005, as the result of a merger between two local Tallahassee bands, Kid Named Chicago and Defining Moment. Their debut EP Tales Told by Dead Friends was released in 2006 and sold over 50,000 copies without any label support. In July 2007, Mayday Parade released their debut album A Lesson in Romantics. Having been signed to Fearless Records since 2006, the band also signed onto a major label with Atlantic Records in 2009. Their second studio album, Anywhere but Here was released in October 2009 and their third album, entitled Mayday Parade, was released in October 2011. Mayday Parade's fourth album, titled Monsters in the Closet, was released in October 2013. Their fifth album, titled Black Lines, was released October 2015. In April 2018, the band signed to Rise Records and released their sixth studio album Sunnyland on June 15, 2018. Their seventh studio album, What It Means to Fall Apart, was released on November 19, 2021. In 2025, the band planned to release a three-part album, with the first installment Sweet, released on April 18, with a follow-up to be released on October 3.

Key Information

History

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Early years and Tales Told by Dead Friends (2005–2006)

[edit]

Mayday Parade was formed in the winter of 2005 following the merger of two local Tallahassee bands, Kid Named Chicago and Defining Moment.[1] Kid Named Chicago featured vocalist/guitarist Jason Lancaster, guitarist Alex Garcia and drummer Jake Bundrick, while Defining Moment featured vocalist Derek Sanders, guitarist Brooks Betts, and bassist Jeremy Lenzo.[2] Both bands previously practiced in the same building, before it occurred to Lenzo that it "made more sense if we put them together instead of playing separately."[3]

Still without a name, the band went into the studio to record their first EP Tales Told by Dead Friends, with producer Lee Dyess.[4] They decided on the band name Mayday Parade during the week they spent recording in the studio.[5] According to the group, the name was thought of by Garcia who was a fan of the word Mayday and made the suggestion to remember their time watching the hometown parades together.[5] "Three Cheers For Five Years" and "When I Get Home, You're So Dead" were the first songs the band wrote.[6] The EP was released on June 13, 2006.[5]

The group performed at the 2006 Vans Warped Tour in the summer. During the tour, they began selling physical copies of their EP, roaming around venue parking lots and approached concert-goers standing in line. By the end of summer, the EP sold more than 10,000 copies.[2] These sales caught the attention of Fearless Records,[7] which the band signed with the label on August 29.[8] Following their appearance on Warped Tour, the group began writing songs for their debut studio album.[9] The band went on their first U.S. tour with Brandtson and Mêlée,[10] then on another tour with Plain White T's shortly after the release of the EP.[5]

A Lesson in Romantics and Lancaster's departure (2007–2008)

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Mayday Parade at the 2008 Buzz Bake Sale

In January 2007, the band started to record their debut studio album, A Lesson in Romantics,[11] which was completed that same month.[1] The album was recorded in Atlanta, Georgia, with production handled by Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount.[12] "When I Get Home, You're So Dead" and "Jamie All Over" were both re-recorded for the album, with the first previously receiving a big response from fans and the latter, a song that the group liked and decided to use it.[9] In March, shortly after the album was completed, lead singer Jason Lancaster left the band citing a lack of writing credit on the band's releases.[1][13] Due to this change, the group found it hard working out who should sing Lancaster's parts. Eventually, Lenzo and Bundrick filled in for Lancaster's vocals, while Garcia and Betts performed Lancaster's guitar parts.[9]

On April 4, 2007, "Black Cat" was made available for streaming via Hot Topic's MySpace profile.[14] Between early May and late June, the band went on tour with support from Bedlight for Blue Eyes, Driver Side Impact, and Sick City.[15] The album was released on July 10, 2007.[16] The album peaked at number eight on the US Heatseekers Albums chart.[2] Mayday Parade supported their album on the 2007 Vans Warped Tour.[17] In late September 2007, the band supported Paramore in Japan and Australia.[18] They co-headlined a tour with Madina Lake from October to November 2007.[19] "When I Get Home, You're So Dead" was released as the first single from the album on December 3, 2007, via iTunes.[20] The music video for the song was eligible for two MTV Video Music Awards for Best Rock Video and Video of the Year.[21]

Mayday Parade went on the Manwhores and Open Sores Tour alongside All Time Low, Every Avenue, and Just Surrender in January 2008.[22] The band made their first UK appearance in April 2008 performing at the Give it a Name festival in Sheffield and London.[23] "Jamie All Over" was released on May 20, 2008, as the album's second single.[24] The band performed at the 2008 Vans Warped Tour.[25] The group joined All Time Low, The Maine, and Every Avenue in Fall 2008 on The Compromising of Integrity, Morality, and Principles in Exchange for Money Tour.[26] A Lesson in Romantics sold 200,000 copies in the United States, becoming their biggest selling album and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.[7][27] The song "Miserable at Best" was also certified gold by the RIAA.[27] In 2009, the group was featured in Punk Goes Pop Volume Two, performing a cover of "When I Grow Up" by The Pussycat Dolls.[28]

Anywhere but Here (2009–2010)

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The band began writing their new record in December 2008, the first writing process as a band without lyricist Lancaster.[29] They began recording the album in March 2009,[30] with 50 songs in the process.[31] That same month, the band signed onto a major label with Atlantic.[32] The album was recorded and mixed at House of Loud in Elmwood Park, New Jersey by producer David Bendeth.[33] The group, along with their producer, management and label, chose the best 11 tracks for the album.[34] The band finished recording in June 2009 and announced that the album would be released on October 6.[35] The band performed at the Slam Dunk Festival in the UK in May 2009. They also toured with A Rocket to the Moon and We Are the In Crowd in the UK that same month.[citation needed] The group joined Metro Station and Mitchel Musso on their summer tour in 2009.[36]

The title track, "Anywhere But Here", was posted on their MySpace on July 28.[37] On August 4, "The Silence" was released as the album's first single via iTunes.[38] Their second studio album, Anywhere But Here, was officially released on October 6, 2009.[39] The album peaked at number 31 on the US Billboard 200 and sold 17,780 copies in its first week.[40][41] Mayday Parade co-headlined the 2009 Fall Ball tour with The Academy Is..., with supporting acts such as You Me at Six, The Secret Handshake, and Set Your Goals.[42]

They co-headlined the 2010 Take Action Tour along with We the Kings, A Rocket to the Moon, There for Tomorrow and Stereo Skyline.[43] They also joined Madina Lake on their UK tour alongside We Are the Ocean in March and April 2010.[44] The band supported Sing it Loud on their spring tour along with Motion City Soundtrack.[45] "Kids in Love" was released to mainstream radio on April 6, 2010, as the album's second single.[46] The group covered the song "We Are the Champions" by Queen for the compilation album Punk Goes Classic Rock, released on April 27, 2010.[47] The band was also featured on the 2010 Vans Warped Tour.[48] On September 20, "Anywhere but Here" was released as the third single from the album.[49]

Mayday Parade co-headlined a UK tour in the fall of 2010 with The Maine.[50] The band headlined the Fearless Friends tour from October to November 2010, with support from Breathe Carolina, Go Radio, Artist vs. Poet and Every Avenue.[51] On October 14, 2010, the group released a cover of "In My Head" by Jason Derulo as a single from Punk Goes Pop Volume 03..[52] The band a cameo appearance on the 2010 comedy film, How to Make Love to a Woman.[53]

Valdosta EP and Mayday Parade (2011–2012)

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On March 8, 2011, the group released an EP titled Valdosta through Atlantic and Fearless Records.[54] The EP was named after Valdosta, Georgia, where the band used to record their early material.[55] It contained six tracks, including 2 brand new tracks titled "Amber Lynn" and "Terrible Things" as well as acoustic versions of "Kids in Love" and "Bruised and Scarred" from their second full-length studio album Anywhere but Here, "Your Song" from their Tales Told by Dead Friends and "Jamie All Over" from A Lesson in Romantics.[55] On March 10, Songkick recognized Mayday Parade as the hardest-working band of 2010, with 194 bookings and 74,000 miles logged in the entire year, with Willie Nelson and Lady Gaga ranking No. 7 and No. 8 in comparison.[56]

On July 13, 2011, the band announced that they departed from Atlantic Records and that their third studio album would be released independently.[57] Written by the band in a beach house in Panacea, Florida,[58] the self-titled album was produced by Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount, who also produced A Lesson in Romantics.[59] In April 2011, drummer Jake Bundrick confirmed that their third full-length album had been completed.[59] On July 6, 2011, Mayday Parade announced that they would be releasing their new self-titled album on October 4, 2011.[60] The group wrote the album entirely by themselves and according to the band, they recorded "our way and not someone else's way this time."[60][59] They also unveiled the track listing, revealing that the album had 12 songs.[61] On July 27, Mayday Parade premiered the track "Oh Well, Oh Well" via Alternative Press.[62] The song was released as the lead single from the album on August 1.[63] On September 8, "When You See My Friends" was made available for streaming via MTV,[64] and was released as a single a day later.[65]

On October 4, 2011, Mayday Parade released their self-titled album and the album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200, selling nearly 27,000 copies in its first week.[66] On October 5, 2011, Mayday Parade released a music video for "Oh Well, Oh Well" directed by Thunder Down Country.[67] The animated video won the IndieStar TV award for Best Music Video of 2011.[68] In October and November, the band headlined The Noise Tour with support from We Are the in Crowd, There for Tomorrow, You Me at Six and The Make.[69] They later supported You Me at Six on their UK tour in March and April 2012.[70] On April 4, 2012, the band released the music video for "Stay".[71] In 2012, their debut album A Lesson In Romantics was released on vinyl.[72] The band performed at the 2012 Vans Warped Tour.[73]

In September, the group performed at the Bazooka Rocks Festival in the Philippines.[74] The band co-headlined a US tour with The Maine, with support from The Postelles, in October and November.[75] On October 15, 2012, the band released a cover of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" as a single from Punk Goes Pop Volume 5. The song features Vic Fuentes of Pierce the Veil.[76] The song peaked at number 18 on the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart and number 32 on the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart.[77][78] In December, the band went on a short Australian tour with We Are the in Crowd and Heroes for Hire.[79]

Monsters in the Closet (2013–2014)

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Mayday Parade live in 2014

On January 10, 2013, the band re-signed with Fearless Records and headed back into the studio to record their fourth studio album.[80] The group supported All Time Low and Pierce the Veil on the Spring Fever Tour from April to May 2013.[81] On June 26, Bundrick confirmed that the band had finished recording the album.[82]

On August 27, the band released the first single "Ghosts" from their fourth studio album.[83] The song peaked at number 46 on the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart and number 35 on the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart.[77][84] On September 17, the band released the second single from the album, "Girls".[85] On October 8, their fourth studio album, Monsters In The Closet, was officially released.[86] The album debuted at number ten on the Billboard 200, selling 30,000 copies first week.[87] The band headlined the Glamour Kills Tour in the fall of 2013.[88] On November 15, the video for "Ghosts" was released. A music video produced and directed by Bobby Czzowitz, for the single “12 Through 15” was later released alongside a lyric video variant.[89]

The group embarked on a European headlining tour called the Monsters Overseas Tour from January and February 2014, with support from Man Overboard, Divided by Friday, and Decade.[90] In March 2014, the band covered Bush's song "Comedown" and was released as a single for the compilation album, Punk Goes 90s Vol. 2.[91] In April 2014, the group headlined the So Devastating, It's Unnatural Tour with We Are the In Crowd, Transit and Divided By Friday joining as supporting acts.[92] A deluxe version of Monsters in the Closet, with new songs included, was released on May 27, 2014.[93] They performed at the 2014 Vans Warped Tour.[94] In October and November, the band went on the Honeymoon Tour with support from Tonight Alive, Major League and PVRIS.[95]

Black Lines (2015–2017)

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In March 2015, the band began recording their fifth studio album with producer Mike Sapone.[96][97] The group expressed how the previous two albums felt the same and how the songs were very similar in style, so they decided to work with a different producer in a new location and secluded themselves when writing and recording the album.[98] According to Garcia, they wanted to "stretch past the creative limitations we could hear in the previous records."[98] On May 21, Bundrick announced that the album was complete.[96] On July 17, Mayday Parade announced that their new album Black Lines would be released on October 9 through Fearless.[99] On July 31, the band released "Keep In Mind, Transmogrification Is A New Technology" as the album's first single.[100] On October 2, "Letting Go" was released as the second single from the album.[101] Black Lines debuted at number 21 on the Billboard 200, as well as topping the US Rock Albums chart and Alternative Albums chart with first week sales of 16,000 copies.[102] Mayday Parade headlined the 2015 Alternative Press Tour with supporting acts from Real Friends, This Wild Life, and As It Is in October and November.[103]

The group toured across the UK with support from The Maine, Have Mercy and Beautiful Bodies in January and February 2016.[104] They co-headlined a tour with The Maine in March 2016, with support from Better Off.[105] Mayday Parade performed at the Slam Dunk Festival in May 2016.[106] The group performed at the 2016 Vans Warped Tour.[107]

A 10th anniversary edition of Tales Told by Dead Friends, featuring new packaging and an additional track "The Problem with the Big Picture Is That It's Hard to See", was released in November 2016.[108] The reissued edition peaked at number 12 on the US Vinyl Albums chart.[109] Following this, a 10th anniversary edition of A Lesson in Romantics was released in March 2017, featuring demos.[110] Producer Kenneth Mount criticized the band on Twitter for not giving Lancaster credit in commentary, "I'm slightly confused why mayday parades commentary for lesson in romantics never mentions Jason Lancaster at all, voice of 50% of the album...Jason also recorded all his vocals naked for a lesson in romantics, that should totally make the commentary. I've waited ten years for that".[111][112]

Sunnyland (2018–2019)

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In April 2018, the band announced that they signed with Rise Records and began teasing the release of their sixth studio album.[113] In their announcement, the band said, "We appreciate the fact that they believe in our band still after all these years and we are so excited for everyone to hear what we've been working on."[114] On May 3, the band released "Piece of Your Heart" as the lead single from their sixth studio album.[115][116] The second single from the album, "Never Sure" was released on May 15.[117] On May 31, "It's Hard to be Religious When Certain People Aren't Incinerated by Bolts of Lightning" was released as the album's third single.[118] On June 5, the band released "Stay the Same" for streaming,[119] before it was released as the fourth and final single from the album the following day.[120] Sunnyland was officially released on June 15, 2018.[121] The album peaked at number 104 on the Billboard 200.[40]

Mayday Parade performed on the final cross-country Warped Tour in the summer of 2018.[122] In January 2019, the band performed at 8123 Fest.[123] In July and August, the band performed at the Sad Summer Fest.[124] The band also co-headlined shows with State Champs, with support from Mom Jeans and Just Friends in the summer.[125] Later in August, they appeared at the Reading and Leeds Festivals.[126]

Out Of Here EP and What It Means To Fall Apart (2020–2022)

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On March 5, 2020, the band released the track "It Is What It Is".[127] On September 24, the band announced that they would be releasing their EP, Out of Here, on October 16.[128] They also released "Lighten Up Kid" as the lead single from the EP on the same day.[129] The band's drummer Jake Bundrick stated about the lead single: "'Lighten Up Kid' is about trying to find yourself and the strength to keep fighting for what you believe in. It's about being or feeling cut down and hung out to dry but standing up for yourself in the end."[129] The EP Out Of Here was released on October 16, 2020, comprises three new tracks – "Lighten Up, Kid," "First Train" and "I Can Only Hope".[130]

Recording for their seventh studio album began in the summer of 2020, where the group headed out to Atlanta, Georgia, to work with producers Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount.[131] Initially, recording started out remotely, with the band popping in and out of the studio to record batches of songs in three separate sessions.[132]

Mayday Parade at Aftershock 2023.

On June 22, 2021, the band released the first single "Kids Of Summer", from their upcoming seventh studio album.[133] On August 17, they released the album's second single "Bad At Love".[134] On September 23, they released a third single titled, "One For The Rocks And One For The Scary", while also announcing their seventh studio album, What It Means to Fall Apart, alongside the album tracklist.[135] On October 29, they released the fourth single from the album, "Golden Days".[136] On November 17, they released "Think Of You" as the fifth and final single from the album.[137] The seventh studio album was released on November 19, 2021.[138]

In early 2022, the group embarked on the 11th Anniversary Self-Titled Album Tour across North America, Australia and Europe, with support from Real Friends, As It Is and Those Who Dream.[139] The band released a new track titled, "Losing My Mind" on May 20, 2022.[140] The group performed at the 2022 Sad Summer Festival in July and August,[141] as well as performing at the When We Were Young Festival in October.[142]

Sweet and Sad (2023–present)

[edit]

On May 5, 2023, the band released a new single titled "More Like a Crash".[143] According to Sanders, once the group returns to the studio later in the year, they will continue focusing on releasing singles and "work on some of the songs that are different to what people might expect from Mayday Parade."[143] He also added that the band will eventually record a full-length album.[143] On June 30, the group released another single titled "Got Me All Wrong".[144] In October 2023, the band announced that they would be joining Simple Plan on their UK tour in February 2024, as well as dropping a new single, "Miracle".[145] In March 2024, the group released a self-titled lo-fi EP, working with producer Less Gravity. According to Bundrick, they "wanted to experiment" with the genre and re-worked some songs the band had previously released.[146] On July 11, the group released a new single titled "Pretty Good to Feel Something", the lead single from the band's upcoming album.[147]

In September 2024, the group covered Disney song Remember Me for A Whole New Sound, a compilation album featuring pop-punk covers of songs from classic Disney films.[148]

In January 2025, the group announced a three-part album with the first installment, Sweet, released on April 18, 2025.[149] On January 8, the group released the second single from the album "By the Way",[150] which was followed by the announcement of a North American headlining tour Three Cheers for 20 Years on January 14. The tour began on April 22 and ran through June 6 with support from Microwave, Grayscale, and Like Roses.[151] The following month, the band extended the Three Cheers tour to Australia, with dates announced for September 2025 with Jack's Mannequin and The Home Team.[152] On August 13, Mayday Parade released "Under My Sweater" as the lead single to the second installment of a three-part album titled, Sad.[153] On September 11, the band released "One Day at a Time" as the second single.[154] Sad was released on October 3rd.[155] The band confirmed in an interview with Valentino from The Aquarian, the 3rd album would be released in Spring 2026.[156][157]

The band was confirmed to be performing at the 2026 Sonic Temple music festival in Columbus, Ohio.[158]

Musical style

[edit]

Mayday Parade's musical style has been described as pop-punk,[116][159][160][161] pop rock,[121][162] alternative rock,[163][164] emo pop,[165][166] emo,[4][166][167] and rock.[4][114][166][167] A Lesson in Romantics has been described as pop-punk[168] and emo.[169] Anywhere but Here has been described as pop-punk[170][171] and pop rock.[170] Mayday Parade has been described as pop-punk[172] and pop rock.[173] Monsters in the Closet has been described as pop-punk,[174][175] pop rock[176] and rock.[177] Black Lines has been described as emo,[178] emo pop,[165] pop-punk,[179] and rock.[180]

Side projects

[edit]

After Jason Lancaster parted ways, he formed a new band called Go Radio on which he released two EPs and two studio albums. The band broke up on October 7, 2013. A few months later, he announced that he would release solo music, having released a song on a Fearless Records compilation, and a solo album called As You Are[181] released in June 2014.[182]

In 2012, guitarist and bassist Brooks Betts and Jeremy Lenzo respectively announced their band Truth or Consequence. The band consists of Betts on vocals, guitar, drums, pedal steel and banjo, Lenzo on bass and vocals, and Alexandra Kees on violin and vocals; studio members include Lee Dyess on cello and Mayday Parade's lead singer Derek Sanders on piano. The band released their debut EP titled Second Fiddle on December 25, 2013.[183]

Band members

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Timeline

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Discography

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Main article: Mayday Parade discography
See also: List of songs recorded by Mayday Parade

Studio albums

Awards and nominations

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Alternative Press Music Awards

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Year Nominated Award Result Ref.
2014 Mayday Parade Most Dedicated Fans Nominated [184]
2016 Mayday Parade Most Dedicated Fans Nominated [185]

Indie Star TV Awards

[edit]
Year Nominated Award Result Ref.
2011 "Oh Well, Oh Well" Music Video of the Year Won [68]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mayday Parade

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Mayday Parade is an American and band formed in 2005 in , by a group of childhood friends who merged elements from local acts to create heartfelt, anthemic centered on themes of love, loss, and personal growth. The band gained initial traction through grassroots efforts, self-releasing their debut EP Tales Told by Dead Friends in 2006, which sold over 50,000 copies independently before securing a deal with . Comprising vocalist, keyboardist, and guitarist Derek Sanders, bassist and backing vocalist Jeremy Lenzo, lead guitarist Alex Garcia, rhythm guitarist Brooks Betts, and drummer and backing vocalist Jake Bundrick, Mayday Parade built a dedicated fanbase with their energetic live and emotionally resonant , often drawing comparisons to the mid-2000s scene. Originally featuring co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist , who departed in 2007 shortly after the recording of their debut full-length album, the band has maintained this core lineup through two decades of touring and releases. Their breakthrough came with A Lesson in Romantics in 2007, featuring hits like "Jamie All Over" and "Miserable at Best," which propelled them onto major tours including the Vans Warped Tour. Over the years, Mayday Parade evolved their sound across seven studio albums, blending pop-punk hooks with alternative rock influences while experimenting with heavier riffs and mature themes, as heard in releases like Black Lines (2015) and Sunnyland (2018). Notable works include Anywhere but Here (2009) under Atlantic Records, their self-titled album (2011), Monsters in the Closet (2013), and What It Means to Fall Apart (2021), alongside EPs such as Valdosta (2011) and contributions to the Punk Goes series covering pop and classic rock tracks. In 2025, marking their 20th anniversary, they released the first two installments of a planned three-part album series—Sweet in April and Sad in October—reflecting on their history with producers Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount, while embarking on an extensive anniversary tour. The band's enduring appeal lies in their raw authenticity, consistent touring ethic—earning them the title of hardest-working band in 2010 by Songkick—and ability to connect with fans across generations through music that captures the complexities of emotional vulnerability.

History

Formation and Tales Told by Dead Friends (2005–2006)

Mayday Parade formed in , during the winter of 2005 through the merger of two local bands, Kid Named Chicago and Defining Moment. This collaboration brought together core founding members Derek Sanders on lead vocals from Defining Moment, Alex Garcia on , Jeremy Lenzo on bass, Brooks Betts on , and Jake Bundrick on drums from Kid Named Chicago. The idea for the supergroup originated when Sanders approached Bundrick after a show in , leading to an impromptu practice session where the group wrote their first song, "Three Cheers for Five Years," solidifying their commitment to the new project. Still unnamed at the outset, the band entered the studio in early 2006 to record their debut EP, Tales Told by Dead Friends, produced by Lee Dyess at Morrisound Recording in . During the week-long sessions, they settled on the name Mayday Parade, inspired by a sense of urgency and camaraderie. The six-track EP was independently released in May 2006, with the band pressing physical copies themselves to distribute at shows, embodying a strong DIY ethos that involved reinvesting all proceeds back into promotion and touring. This self-reliant approach allowed them to sell over 50,000 copies without initial label backing, establishing their sound rooted in influences and heartfelt lyrics. In their formative months, Mayday Parade built an initial fanbase through grassroots efforts, leveraging platforms like and to share demos and connect with listeners in the burgeoning online music scene. They performed at local Tallahassee venues such as The Wilbury, drawing crowds of over 100 for regional shows that honed their energetic live presence. Small DIY tours followed the EP's release, including stops across the Southeast where they handed out CDs in parking lots and opened for similar acts, fostering a dedicated following amid logistical hurdles like limited budgets and van breakdowns. Challenges persisted in securing fully committed members amid day jobs and personal obligations, but the group's shared ambition propelled them forward. By late 2006, their momentum led to a signing with after just seven to eight months, marking the end of their independent phase and paving the way for broader exposure.

A Lesson in Romantics and early success (2007–2008)

In 2006, Mayday Parade signed with following the success of their independent EP, Tales Told by Dead Friends, which garnered significant attention on platforms like . The band entered the studio in early 2007 to record their debut full-length album, , produced by Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount at Tree Sound Studios in , Georgia. Vocalist contributed to the recording but departed the group in April 2007 due to creative differences, leaving Derek Sanders as the primary for future endeavors. A Lesson in Romantics was released on July 10, 2007, and quickly established the band's signature sound blending emo-pop melodies with heartfelt lyrics about relationships and heartbreak. Standout tracks included "Jamie All Over," which became a radio hit and peaked at number 38 on the chart, and "," both accompanied by music videos that boosted their visibility. The album debuted at number 8 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, signaling early commercial traction in the scene. To promote the release, Mayday Parade joined the 2007 Vans Warped Tour for select dates alongside acts like and Pennywise, exposing them to larger audiences in the and communities. In the fall, they served as direct support on ' Tourzilla headlining run, sharing stages with The Academy Is... and Hit the Lights across North American venues from September to November. These tours helped solidify their rising popularity, with critics noting the band's emotive dual-vocal style—evident even post-Lancaster—and catchy hooks as key to their breakthrough. Reviews highlighted A Lesson in Romantics as a vibrant entry in the emo-pop genre, praising its romantic themes and energetic production while comparing it favorably to contemporaries like .

Anywhere but Here and lineup changes (2009–2010)

Following the success of their debut album, Mayday Parade signed with major label in early 2009 while retaining their partnership with , marking a significant shift from their independent roots. Their second studio album, Anywhere but Here, was released on October 6, 2009, and was produced by at House of Loud studios in . The album featured a more polished pop-rock sound, with Derek Sanders taking on primary vocal duties in the absence of former co-vocalist , whose departure in 2007 had already reshaped the band's dynamic. The album spawned key singles including "Kids in Love," released on September 8, 2009, and the title track "Anywhere but Here" in 2010, with "The Silence" also receiving promotion. "Kids in Love" in particular garnered attention for its controversial , which depicted themes of in a bold, style that sparked debate among fans and media. Commercially, Anywhere but Here debuted at number 31 on the US , selling 17,780 copies in its first week—a solid performance that marked their first entry on the , following their debut's peak at number 8 on the Heatseekers Albums chart. The album ultimately peaked at number 14 on the Rock Albums chart but faced criticism for straying from the band's raw emo-punk edge toward a more radio-friendly production. To promote the release, Mayday Parade undertook extensive touring throughout 2009 and 2010, headlining their own shows and joining multi-act packages. They performed at major festivals such as in , in May 2009, where they shared stages with acts like and Fall Out Boy, and returned for the 2010 Roadshow tour alongside and . The band also hit the in summer 2010, logging over 194 shows and 74,000 miles that year alone, solidifying their presence in the scene despite the sophomore album's challenges. The period surrounding Anywhere but Here was marked by internal band tensions arising from the pressures of major label expectations, including heightened production demands and creative adjustments to appeal to a broader . Members have reflected on this transition as a difficult process, involving personal strains and the ongoing adaptation to a post-Lancaster lineup, which influenced the album's songwriting and contributed to a sense of instability amid their rising profile. These challenges tested the band's cohesion but ultimately helped refine their collaborative approach moving forward.

Valdosta EP and self-titled album (2011–2012)

In early 2011, following the lineup adjustments of the previous year, Mayday Parade released the acoustic EP Valdosta on March 8 through and , featuring stripped-down versions of fan favorites like "Jamie All Over" and "Amber Lynn" to reconnect with their core audience. The EP emphasized the band's roots with intimate arrangements, receiving praise for its emotional depth and nostalgic appeal among listeners. By July 2011, the band parted ways with to return to their independent origins, announcing their third studio —a self-titled effort—as their first independent release via Independent Label Group (ILG) in partnership with . Mayday Parade arrived on October 4, 2011, showcasing more mature songwriting with themes of heartbreak and resilience, highlighted by singles "Oh Well, Oh Well" (released August 1) and "Stay" (with a video premiering in 2012). The 's production, handled by Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount at studios in Georgia, balanced energetic anthems like "When You See My Friends" with introspective tracks, marking a stylistic stabilization and that resonated as a return to form. To promote the releases, Mayday Parade embarked on a spring tour in and 2011, followed by a fall headlining package in October and November with supports including and , extending to European dates that strengthened their international presence. The efforts yielded positive fan reception, with the self-titled album debuting at number 12 on the and earning acclaim for recapturing the band's early emo-pop essence after major-label pressures, fostering renewed loyalty and stability.

Monsters in the Closet (2013–2014)

Mayday Parade's fourth studio album, Monsters in the Closet, marked the band's return to and was released on October 8, 2013. The album debuted at number 10 on the chart, selling 30,000 copies in its first week, and received praise for its return to the band's roots while incorporating more mature songwriting. Recorded between March and June 2013 primarily at The Castle Recording Studios in , Tree Sound Studios in , and ZK Productions in , the project reunited the band with producers Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount, who had previously worked on their debut album A Lesson in Romantics. Odom and Mount's production emphasized layered instrumentation, including strings arranged by Odom, to enhance the emotional depth of the tracks. The album delves into themes of personal struggle, challenges, and tumultuous relationships, often using metaphors of inner "monsters" to represent anxiety, , and emotional turmoil. Tracks like the opening "Ghosts" depict haunting internal conflicts and attempts to escape one's demons, while "12 Through 15" reflects on the lingering pain of and lost in romantic contexts. Three singles were released to promote the record: "Girls" on September 17, 2013, which critiques superficial attractions and heartbreak; "12 Through 15" on September 24, 2013, exploring nostalgic reflections on youth; and "Ghosts" with an accompanying released on November 18, 2013, emphasizing isolation and psychological hauntings. To support Monsters in the Closet, Mayday Parade headlined the Glamour Kills Tour in fall 2013 alongside acts like and , performing across in venues such as the in Anaheim and The Phoenix Concert Theatre in . The band also appeared at major festivals, including in on August 24, 2013, where they shared the stage with bands like The Ghost Inside and Everytime I Die. Promotional efforts extended to intimate acoustic sessions, such as a stripped-down performance of "12 Through 15" recorded at Alternative Press offices in late 2013, highlighting the album's introspective lyrics in a raw, unplugged format.

Black Lines (2015–2017)

Mayday Parade released their fifth studio album, Black Lines, on October 9, 2015, through Fearless Records. Recorded between March and May 2015 with producer Mike Sapone at The Machine Shop in New York, the album represented a deliberate sonic evolution for the band, shifting from their established pop-punk foundation toward a darker, more experimental alternative rock aesthetic. Key to this change was the incorporation of effects-laden synthesizers and rawer production elements, which added atmospheric depth to tracks like "Hollow" and "Let's Be Honest," blending intense emo influences with lingering pop sensibilities. The album's lead single, "One of Them Will Destroy the Other" featuring guest vocals from Dan Lambton of Real Friends, was released in July 2015, previewing the record's aggressive edge and collaborative spirit. This was followed by "Keep in Mind, Transmogrification Is Just Part of the Process" in August 2015, which highlighted the band's willingness to explore unconventional song structures and titles drawn from personal and thematic introspection. Later, in March 2016, "One of Us" emerged as another single, emphasizing the album's themes of relational tension and emotional rawness through its driving guitars and layered vocals. Overall, Black Lines clocked in at 12 tracks and 44 minutes, serving as the band's final release on Fearless Records before their eventual transition to other ventures. To promote the album, Mayday Parade headlined the fall 2015 Alternative Press Tour across , joined by Real Friends, , and As It Is, which allowed them to showcase the new material live amid enthusiastic crowds. In early 2016, they extended their momentum with the Black Lines Tour in the UK and , supported by The Maine, Have Mercy, and Beautiful Bodies, performing in venues from to . The album's reception was polarized, with critics commending its bold departure and matured songwriting—such as the abrasive alt-rock energy on tracks like "Just Out of Reach"—while some fans lamented the reduced emphasis on their signature melodic hooks. Despite the mixed response, Black Lines underscored the band's growth, peaking at No. 21 on the and reinforcing their commitment to artistic risk-taking.

Sunnyland (2018–2019)

Mayday Parade released their sixth studio album, Sunnyland, on June 15, 2018, through , marking the band's debut with the label after a decade with . The album features a brighter, more optimistic tone compared to the edgier experimentation of their previous release, Black Lines, with themes centered on reflection, , growing up, and hopeful resilience amid love and loss. Tracks like the "It's Hard to Be Religious When Certain People Are Never Incinerated by Bolts of Lightning," released on June 1, 2018, exemplify this blend of sarcasm and optimism, while "Stay the Same" explores personal evolution and steadfastness in relationships. The album was recorded with producers and , who helped emphasize a raw, live energy in the performances to capture the band's dynamic stage presence. Feldmann, known for his work with acts like Blink-182 and , handled several tracks including "Stay the Same," focusing on polished elements that highlighted the band's —consisting of vocalist Derek Sanders, bassist and Jeremy Lenzo, lead Alex Garcia, rhythm and Brooks Betts, and drummer Jake Bundrick—without additional touring members. This production approach aimed to reflect the band's maturation while maintaining their emo-rock roots, resulting in an eclectic mix of sensitive ballads and upbeat anthems. To promote Sunnyland, Mayday Parade embarked on the extensive Welcome to Sunnyland Tour, a headlining run across the from October to November 2018, supported by , Oh, Weatherly, and , followed by international dates in and in early 2019. The band also performed at the final Warped Tour in summer 2018, closing out the long-running festival with sets that included new material from the album. These tours showcased the live vitality emphasized in the recording process, drawing strong fan attendance and reinforcing the band's enduring appeal in the pop-punk scene. Fan engagement during this period was heightened through special releases tied to the album's rollout and the band's 10-year anniversary milestone, including multiple vinyl variants such as the limited-edition swamp green with black smoke pressing (500 copies), orange and white swirl, bone colored, and coke bottle clear editions. These collectibles, available via and independent retailers, fostered a sense of community among supporters, complementing the reflective themes of Sunnyland by evoking shared memories of the band's journey.

Out of Here EP and What It Means to Fall Apart (2020–2022)

In October 2020, amid ongoing that had halted live music globally, Mayday Parade released their EP Out of Here on October 16 via . The four-track project, recorded earlier that year with producers Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount, featured the "Lighten Up, Kid," which debuted in and captured a sense of escapism reflective of the band's isolation during the . The EP marked their first new music since 2018's Sunnyland and emphasized melodic pop-punk elements with introspective lyrics, receiving positive reception for its timely energy. Building on this momentum, the band announced their seventh studio album, What It Means to Fall Apart, in 2021, with a release date of November 19 via . Produced once again by Odom and Mount, the record explored themes of personal loss, struggles, and emotional resilience, drawing from the band's experiences over 15 years and the broader impacts of the . Key singles included "Kids of Summer," a nostalgic Warped Tour-inspired track released on June 22 that evoked youthful freedom amid uncertainty, and "," unveiled on November 18 as a poignant closer blending heartbreak with hope. Additional singles like "" (August 17) and "One for the Rocks and One for the Scary" (September 24) further highlighted the album's raw vulnerability, solidifying Mayday Parade's evolution toward more mature, resilient songwriting. The significantly disrupted the band's touring plans, leading to canceled shows and postponed dates throughout 2020 and 2021; in response, they adapted with virtual performances, including the "Mayday Parade 2021" livestream on May 1, which offered fans an intimate acoustic set from their homes. Live tours resumed in early 2022, starting with an Australian run in April celebrating their self-titled album, followed by North American dates that allowed the band to reconnect with audiences post-lockdown. These shows emphasized the release of pent-up energy, with setlists incorporating tracks from What It Means to Fall Apart to underscore themes of perseverance.

Sweet EP (2023–2024)

In 2023 and 2024, Mayday Parade focused on rebuilding momentum following the challenges of the through a series of singles, collaborative projects, and targeted tours that emphasized intimate fan connections and streaming engagement. The band released "More Like a Crash" in 2023 as a standalone single, marking their return to original material with themes of emotional resilience and personal growth. This was followed by the Mayday Parade Lofi EP in March 2024, a collaborative effort with producer Less Gravity that reimagined five classic tracks in a dreamy, lo-fi style, offering a lighter, reflective contrast to their heavier pandemic-era work. The EP's soothing production highlighted the band's adaptability, blending with contemporary chill to appeal to streaming audiences. To promote these releases, Mayday Parade undertook small-scale and festival-based tours that prioritized recovery and direct fan interaction. In 2023, they joined Yellowcard's Ocean Avenue Acoustic Tour for select dates across , delivering stripped-down sets that evoked early-2000s intimacy, and performed at events like the Hangout and . The following year, they headlined a UK/Europe run in February 2024 alongside and , playing mid-sized venues to enthusiastic crowds, while also appearing at U.S. festivals such as Outside and All Your Friends Festival. These outings, coupled with active and streaming pushes— including the 2024 single "Pretty Good to Feel Something," which captured a sense of tentative optimism—helped reestablish their live presence and post-isolation. Amid these efforts, internal band discussions increasingly centered on their approaching 20th anniversary, with members reflecting on their independent origins and debating a shift toward self-managed releases to regain creative control. This period of informed the thematic direction of upcoming material, emphasizing "" as a for fond recollections of relationships and career milestones, balanced against honest self-examination.

20th Anniversary Trilogy (2025–present)

In early 2025, Mayday Parade announced a three-part album trilogy to celebrate the band's 20th anniversary, marking their first fully independent releases since forming in 2005. The project, self-released through the band's own imprint Many Hats Endeavors, consists of , Sad, and the forthcoming , each exploring the band's evolution with introspective themes of , growth, and reflection on two decades in music. The first installment, , was released on April 18, 2025, as an eight-track EP produced by longtime collaborators Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount. Sad followed on October 3, 2025, featuring eight tracks that delve into heartbreak and self-forgiveness, including the "Under My Sweater," released on August 12, 2025, with an accompanying . The third and final chapter, , is slated for release in 2026, completing the trilogy's arc of emotional introspection. To coincide with the trilogy, Mayday Parade launched the "Three Cheers for Twenty Years" headline tour in April 2025, spanning North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia with a setlist blending classics and new material. The tour included a performance at the When We Were Young Festival on October 18, 2025, in Las Vegas, where the band highlighted tracks from Sad amid their anniversary celebrations. As of November 2025, the band continues touring select dates into 2026 while preparing Sugar, emphasizing their commitment to creative independence through Many Hats Endeavors.

Musical style

Core elements and evolution

Mayday Parade's core musical identity is rooted in emo-tinged , characterized by the emotive lead vocals of Derek Sanders, often supported by harmonized backing vocals from band members, creating a dynamic vocal texture central to their sound. This is complemented by anthemic choruses built for communal participation, guitar-driven melodies anchored in power chords, and a consistent mid-tempo pacing that sustains emotional momentum without rushing into hardcore aggression. These elements combine to deliver accessible, hook-laden tracks that blend raw emotional delivery with melodic precision, as evident in their foundational style from the outset. The band's evolution reflects a deliberate progression from the high-energy, straightforward of their early work—exemplified by the raw, guitar-centric urgency of their 2007 debut A Lesson in Romantics—to a more expansive palette in subsequent albums. Mid-career releases like Black Lines (2015) introduced a grittier edge with larger synth integrations and muscular production, marking a shift toward broader sonic experimentation while retaining their punk roots. By Sunnyland (2018), this maturation incorporated subtle electronic textures alongside traditional rock instrumentation, allowing for greater atmospheric depth without alienating their core audience. Releases like What It Means to Fall Apart (2021) and the 2025 anniversary EPs Sweet and Sad continue this trajectory, blending with reflective maturity and subtle modern elements while staying true to their roots. Production techniques have evolved in tandem, emphasizing layered harmonies to enhance vocal richness and dynamic shifts between verse quietude and explosive choruses to heighten emotional impact. This approach underscores Mayday Parade's discography arc: a trajectory toward sonic maturity that preserves the immediacy and relatability of their origins, ensuring enduring appeal across two decades.

Influences and lyrical themes

Mayday Parade's musical influences draw heavily from the and scenes of the early , with frontman Derek Sanders citing bands such as , New Found Glory, Brand New, and as pivotal in shaping their emo-pop fusion sound. These acts informed the band's blend of melodic hooks, emotional intensity, and guitar-driven energy, evident in their debut album A Lesson in Romantics. Sanders has also expressed admiration for of , whose songwriting and vocal prowess have influenced his own emotive delivery and acoustic-leaning performances. The band's lyrics frequently explore themes of heartbreak, nostalgia, and personal growth, often rooted in autobiographical experiences that lend authenticity to their storytelling. Songs like "Kids in Love" stem directly from Sanders' teenage summer romance, capturing the raw ache of young love lost. Over time, their work has shifted from the youthful romance of early releases—such as the wistful longing in A Lesson in Romantics—to more reflective examinations of adulthood in later albums like Sunnyland, where intertwines with wistful introspection about past joys and regrets. This evolution persists in recent albums like What It Means to Fall Apart (2021) and the 2025 EPs Sweet and Sad, which delve deeper into career-spanning , resilience, and mature introspection. Mental health emerges as a recurring motif, particularly through themes of resilience and emotional struggle, as seen in tracks addressing friends' battles with hardship and the release of . This consistency in baring personal turmoil provides emotional , a hallmark that has defined Mayday Parade's output across two decades, evolving from adolescent heartbreak to mature self-reflection while maintaining an unflinching honesty.

Band members

Current members

Derek Sanders serves as the , , and primary songwriter for Mayday Parade, having co-founded the band in 2005 in . As the creative force behind much of the band's discography, Sanders has contributed lyrics and melodies that blend energy with emotional introspection, notably on the 2025 20th Anniversary Trilogy, including the albums Sweet and Sad, where he reflected on the band's two decades of evolution during recording sessions with producers Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount. His keyboard work adds a melodic layer to the group's sound, evident in live performances on the "Three Cheers for 20 Years" tour, which kicked off in early 2025 and featured full-set renditions of early material alongside new trilogy tracks. Alex Garcia has been the lead guitarist and since Mayday Parade's formation in 2005, bringing technical riffs and harmonies that define the band's rock edge. During the 2025 anniversary tour, his guitar solos highlighted fan favorites from A Lesson in Romantics and new songs from , maintaining the high-energy dynamics that have sustained the band's live reputation. Brooks Betts joined as a founding rhythm guitarist and in 2005, providing the rhythmic foundation and gang vocals that anchor Mayday Parade's anthemic choruses. Betts has been instrumental in the band's longevity, contributing to songwriting on the 2025 trilogy, where his input helped shape the introspective tones of Sad, released in . On the anniversary tour, his stage presence and guitar work supported extended sets, emphasizing the original lineup's reunion and cohesive chemistry after years of lineup shifts. Jeremy Lenzo, known by his nickname "Cabbage," is the and , a role he has held since co-founding the band in 2005, with a brief hiatus from 2011 to 2013 before rejoining permanently. Lenzo's bass lines drive the band's pulse, and he played a key part in composing tracks for the 20th Anniversary , focusing on themes of growth and reflection during the 2025 recording process. His contributions were prominent in tour performances, where the full delivered bass-heavy arrangements of material like those from Sweet. Jake Bundrick handles drums and backing vocals, having been part of the original 2005 lineup, with a departure from 2014 to 2016 prior to his return. Born in , on September 2, 1983, Bundrick's dynamic drumming propels Mayday Parade's energetic style, including propulsive beats on the 2025 albums, which he helped develop alongside Sanders and the producers. During the "Three Cheers for 20 Years" tour, his rhythms supported marathon sets blending old and new songs, underscoring the reunited members' commitment to the band's milestone celebrations.

Former members

Jason Lancaster was a founding member of Mayday Parade, serving as co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist from the band's inception in 2005 until his departure in 2007. He co-wrote and performed on the band's debut album A Lesson in Romantics (2007), contributing lyrics, melodies, and harmonies that defined the group's early sound with its dual-vocal dynamic. Lancaster's exit occurred shortly after the release of A Lesson in Romantics, prompting the band to restructure its vocal lineup. Following his departure, Mayday Parade adopted a single approach centered on Derek Sanders, with backing vocals from other members like drummer Jake Bundrick, which altered the harmonic texture and emotional delivery in subsequent releases such as Anywhere but Here (2009). Immediately after leaving Mayday Parade, Lancaster formed the rock band Go Radio in , in April 2007, where he served as and . Go Radio released two studio albums and an EP between 2010 and 2013 before disbanding, during which Lancaster continued exploring pop-rock and alternative styles similar to his Mayday Parade era.

Touring members

During Jeremy Lenzo's hiatus from 2011 to 2013, bassist Sean Goodwell served as a touring member. Similarly, during Jake Bundrick's departure from 2014 to 2016, Tanner Clark filled the role on tour.

Side projects

Derek Sanders projects

Derek Sanders, the lead vocalist of Mayday Parade, has pursued several solo endeavors that highlight his songwriting and vocal talents in more intimate, acoustic settings. His first solo release, the EP My Rock and Roll Heart, arrived on February 14, 2020, via , consisting of five acoustic covers of songs that shaped his early musical influences, including tracks from , , and New Found Glory. These reimagined versions emphasize stripped-back arrangements with polished acoustic production, allowing Sanders to revisit the roots that inspired his career while diverging from the band's fuller rock sound. Building on this, Sanders released his second solo EP, The Heavy Box, on April 14, 2023, also through , featuring original compositions that delve into personal themes of loss, , and . The EP employs minimalist , such as sparse , strings, and subtle drum machines, creating a dreamlike, raw atmosphere that contrasts with Mayday Parade's energetic style but retains the emotional sentiment and anthemic choruses central to his songwriting. Tracks like "For Dear Life," featuring former Mayday Parade co-frontman , mark their first collaboration since 2007, blending harmonious vocals to explore bittersweet reunions. Beyond his EPs, Sanders has contributed guest vocals to other artists' projects, showcasing his versatile delivery in collaborative contexts. A notable example is his feature on ' "When We Were Young" in 2022, where his emotive harmonies enhance the nostalgic anthem about youth and summer memories. Similarly, on The Heavy Box, he partnered with Mike Hanson of Goodbye Love for "With You On The Ground," adding a punkish edge through layered vocals and shared storytelling. These features underscore Sanders' role as a sought-after collaborator in the and scenes. Thematically, Sanders' solo work often overlaps with Mayday Parade's introspective lyrics on relationships and personal growth but shifts to an acoustic focus, prioritizing vulnerability and simplicity over band dynamics. This acoustic emphasis allows for a folk-leaning intimacy, evident in the piano-driven ballads and reflective narratives that echo broader influences like early 2000s emo acts. In recent years, Sanders has extended his solo creative output to support 's 20th anniversary celebrations in 2025, including acoustic performances and contributions to reflective content that highlight his enduring vocal style.

Other members' projects

Guitarist Brooks Betts and bassist Jeremy Lenzo formed the side project Truth or Consequence in 2012 alongside vocalist Alexandra Kees. The trio's music leaned toward folk-rock influences, diverging from 's roots, and they released their debut EP Second Fiddle later that year, which was made available for streaming on platforms like . Drummer Jake Bundrick launched his solo project Via Fiori in 2020, a pop-rock endeavor based in that he writes, records, and produces independently. The project has released multiple singles, including "Call to Arms" (2020) and "Don't Bother" (2021), blending emotive vocals with elements similar to Mayday Parade but in a more personal, self-directed format. Lead guitarist Alex Garcia has contributed to select guest appearances, including a 2019 charity performance at The Wilbury in Tallahassee, where he joined vocalist Derek Sanders and former Mayday Parade member to play "Jamie All Over." This marked Lancaster's first onstage collaboration with current band members since his 2007 departure and supported local Tallahassee-area charities.

Discography

Studio albums

Mayday Parade's studio albums chronicle the band's progression from emo-pop-punk origins to broader rock explorations, often reflecting personal and emotional themes amid shifts in production and label partnerships. Their debut album, A Lesson in Romantics, released on July 10, 2007, through , introduced the band's signature blend of anthemic choruses and heartfelt lyrics, peaking at No. 8 on the Heatseekers Albums chart and later certified gold by the RIAA for 500,000 units sold. The sophomore effort, Anywhere but Here, arrived on October 6, 2009, via , marking their major-label debut and achieving a peak of No. 31 on the with first-week sales of 17,780 copies. In 2011, the self-titled Mayday Parade, issued on October 4 through Independent Label Group and , signaled a return to independent roots and debuted at No. 12 on the , selling nearly 27,000 copies in its opening week. Monsters in the Closet, released October 8, 2013, on , adopted a more introspective tone and entered the at No. 10, moving 30,000 units in its first week. The band's fifth album, Black Lines, came out on October 9, 2015, via , experimenting with rawer, elements and debuting at No. 21 on the while topping both the Top Rock Albums and Alternative Albums charts. Sunnyland, their sixth studio release on June 15, 2018, through , embraced an optimistic vibe post-label transition and peaked at No. 104 on the . The seventh album, What It Means to Fall Apart, was issued on November 19, 2021, by , amid the , and reached No. 31 on the with themes of resilience.
AlbumRelease DateLabelPeak on Billboard 200Notes
A Lesson in RomanticsJuly 10, 2007— (No. 8 Heatseekers)Debut album; gold certified.
Anywhere but HereOctober 6, 2009No. 31Major label debut.
Mayday Parade, 2011Independent Label Group / No. 12Self-titled; highest debut at the time.
Monsters in the ClosetOctober 8, 2013No. 10Introspective themes; 30,000 first-week sales.
Black LinesOctober 9, 2015No. 21No. 1 on Top Rock and Alternative Albums.
SunnylandJune 15, 2018No. 104Optimistic shift.
What It Means to Fall ApartNovember 19, 2021No. 31Pandemic-era release.

Extended plays and singles

Mayday Parade's extended plays have served as key supplementary releases throughout their career, often featuring acoustic reinterpretations, B-sides, or thematic explorations that complement their studio albums. Their debut EP, Tales Told by Dead Friends, was self-released on June 13, 2006, before being reissued by on November 7, 2006. The five-track EP, produced by Kenneth Mount and Lee Dyess, showcased the band's early emo-pop sound and helped build their initial fanbase independently. In 2011, the band released Valdosta, an acoustic EP through and (distributed by the Independent Label Group), on March 8, 2011. Featuring stripped-down versions of tracks like "Jamie All Over" alongside new material such as "Amber Lynn," the EP highlighted the band's versatility and preceded their self-titled album. It peaked at number 11 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, demonstrating sustained interest in their roots. The 2020 EP Out of Here marked a return to shorter-form releases, independently produced and issued via Rise Records on October 16, 2020. Limited to four tracks, including the title song and "Is Nowhere," it was framed with an emotional advisory for its introspective themes and received praise for its raw production during the pandemic era. In 2025, Mayday Parade launched a three-part album series to commemorate their 20th anniversary, beginning with the EP Sweet on April 18 via Many Hats Endeavors. The eight-track release, featuring songs like "By The Way" and "Who's Laughing Now," explores matured emotional narratives with guest appearances and was made available on limited-edition bubblegum pink vinyl. The second installment, Sad, followed on October 3, 2025, also under Many Hats, with tracks such as "Under My Sweater" and "One Day At A Time" continuing the trilogy's cohesive storytelling. Among their singles, "Jamie All Over" from 2007 stands out as a breakthrough hit, certified by the RIAA in 2024 for over one million units sold and streamed. Originally from A Lesson in Romantics, it propelled the band's early visibility on alternative radio and . "Miserable at Best," another staple from the same album, saw renewed attention with a 2024 visualizer release and inclusion in the remixed, remastered vinyl reissue of A Lesson in Romantics. Standalone singles have included recent 2025 releases like "Towards You," "Under My Sweater," and "One Day At A Time," which debuted as previews to EPs and charted on Billboard's Alternative Digital Song Sales. These tracks, often accompanied by music videos, underscore the band's ongoing evolution in and . Compilations such as the 2012 Kids in Love EP, released via Fearless, collected covers and rarities, further expanding their non-album catalog.

Awards and nominations

Alternative Press Music Awards

Mayday Parade received early recognition from Alternative Press as a promising act in the emo and pop-punk scenes, with the magazine featuring the band in its influential "100 Bands You Need to Know" list in 2008, spotlighting their breakthrough potential following the release of their debut album A Lesson in Romantics.[](https://www.flickr.com/photos/theshutterclick/2546995991/) Alternative Press has historically served as a key tastemaker for the genre, championing underground bands through features, tours, and polls that helped propel the emo revival in the mid-2000s.[](https://www.altpress.com/the_5_great_eras_of_pop_punk_from_the_70s_to_today/) The band's second album, Anywhere but Here (2009), earned widespread acclaim within the alternative music community, solidifying their status and contributing to their growing fanbase.[](https://www.altpress.com/2009-scene-albums/) With the launch of the formal (APMAs) in 2014, Mayday Parade's dedicated following was formally acknowledged through nominations in fan-voted categories. In the inaugural ceremony, they were nominated for Most Dedicated Fans alongside , , , and , reflecting the band's enduring appeal in the landscape.[](https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/alternative-press-announces-inaugural-ap-music-awards-nominees-6062938/) Mayday Parade earned another nomination in 2016 for Most Dedicated Fanbase, competing with Issues, , , The Ghost Inside, and The Maine; the award ultimately went to The Ghost Inside.[](https://www.altpress.com/here_are_the_winners_of_the_2016_apmas/) The band has frequently participated in APMAs events, including performing "Jamie All Over" in 2016 and presenting the Best Live Band award in 2015, underscoring Alternative Press's continued support for their live energy and community impact.[](https://www.altpress.com/watch_mayday_parade_play_jamie_all_over_at_the_2016_apmas/)[[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSVZbeqIdss)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSVZbeqIdss)

Other recognitions

In 2011, Mayday Parade's animated for "Oh Well, Oh Well" from their self-titled album won the IndieStar Award for Best , recognizing its creative and visual appeal in the genre.[](https://www.maydayparadetour.com/biography/) The band's dedication to touring earned them recognition from in 2010 as one of the hardest-working acts, based on 194 bookings and over 74,000 miles traveled that year, underscoring their commitment to building a global fanbase.[](https://www.maydayparadetour.com/biography/) In 2017, "Miserable at Best" from the 2007 debut album A Lesson in Romantics was certified Gold by the (RIAA), signifying 500,000 certified units sold or streamed in the United States. In 2018, the album A Lesson in Romantics itself was certified Gold by the . In 2024, their breakthrough single "Jamie All Over" from the same album was certified Platinum by the , signifying 1 million certified units sold or streamed in the United States and highlighting the songs' enduring popularity nearly two decades later.[](https://www.altpress.com/mayday_parade_a_lesson_in_romantics_certified_gold_riaa/) The music video for "Jamie All Over" garnered attention during the cycle, with the band issuing a direct plea on MTV's Buzzworthy blog to secure a in categories like Best Rock Video. Mayday Parade's 2025 self-released EP Sweet, the first installment in a three-part 20th-anniversary series, received widespread acclaim from indie music outlets for its nostalgic yet fresh take on , with praising the band's ability to evolve while honoring their roots.[](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/mayday-parade-sweet-interview-1235318439/) Additional positive coverage came from When The Horn Blows, which lauded tracks like "Clockwork" as quintessential Mayday Parade anthems blending melody and emotion.[](https://whenthehornblows.com/content/2025/4/17/album-review-mayday-parade-sweet) The follow-up EP Sad, released in October 2025, also earned praise for its heartfelt and emotionally resonant tracks, with reviews highlighting its nostalgic introspection and solid songwriting as a fitting continuation of the anniversary series.[](https://www.squareonemagazine.co.uk/reviews/mayday-parade-sad) Fan-voted platforms have also honored the band through competitive polls; for instance, they secured multiple victories in reader-driven battles on sites like in the late 2000s, reflecting strong support early in their career.

References

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  9. https://www.fsunews.com/story/entertainment/2018/09/23/mayday-parade-discusses-upcoming-concert-tallahassee/1398185002/
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  21. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/mayday-parade--5?page=2&year=2009
  22. https://www.discogs.com/release/3666929-Mayday-Parade-Valdosta
  23. https://propertyofzack.com/post/11067079987/poz-review-mayday-parade-mayday-parade
  24. https://music.apple.com/us/album/oh-well-oh-well-single/454405681
  25. https://www.discogs.com/master/557034-Mayday-Parade-Mayday-Parade
  26. https://lovemusiclovelife.com/mayday-parade-reveal-uk-tour-2011/
  27. https://dyingscene.com/archive/tour-we-are-the-in-crowd-mayday-parade-you-me-at-six-u-s/
  28. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/46526/Mayday-Parade-Mayday-Parade/
  29. https://fearlessrecords.bandcamp.com/album/black-lines
  30. https://www.allthingsloud.com/album-review-mayday-parade-black-lines/
  31. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/68803/Mayday-Parade-Black-Lines/
  32. https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/mayday-parade-keep-mind-transmogrification-new-technology-black-lines-premiere-exclusive-6649114/
  33. https://genius.com/albums/Mayday-parade/Black-lines
  34. https://www.discogs.com/master/912004-Mayday-Parade-Black-Lines
  35. https://itsalldead.com/2015/07/17/mayday-parade-announce-new-album-black-lines/
  36. https://www.punktastic.com/news/mayday-parade-announce-black-lines-ukeu-tour/
  37. https://itsalldead.com/2015/10/16/review-mayday-parade-black-lines/
  38. https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/mayday-parade-premiere-sunnyland-8458604/
  39. https://substreammagazine.com/2018/05/mayday-parade-sunnyland-interview-2018/
  40. https://beat.com.au/mayday-parades-sunnyland-is-brimming-with-nostalgia-and-loss/
  41. https://www.discogs.com/release/13940925-Mayday-Parade-Sunnyland
  42. https://www.amazon.com/Sunnyland-Mayday-Parade/dp/B07CQKKFFY
  43. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/mayday-parade--5?year=2018
  44. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/average-setlist/mayday-parade-23d6b8cb.html?tour=23d0d8ab
  45. https://www.discogs.com/master/1359160-Mayday-Parade-Sunnyland
  46. https://riserecords.com/products/mdp0sunnsg-lp
  47. https://www.ebay.com/itm/306525881500
  48. https://substreammagazine.com/2020/09/mayday-parade-lighten-kid-ep/
  49. https://crypticrock.com/mayday-parade-out-of-here-ep-review/
  50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w65NAHka_Lg
  51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoVenTG4GGA
  52. https://genius.com/albums/Mayday-parade/What-it-means-to-fall-apart
  53. https://idobi.com/high-life/mayday-parade-lighting-it-up-on-idobi-radio-may-1/
  54. https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/mayday-parade-australian-tour-2022-interview-39070/
  55. https://newnoisemagazine.com/news-mayday-parade-announce-new-ep/
  56. https://preludepress.com/featured/2024/01/11/mayday-parade-lofi/
  57. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/mayday-parade--5?page=2&year=2023
  58. https://musiccloseup.com/mayday-parade-uk-tour-dates/
  59. https://substreammagazine.com/2024/07/mayday-parade-release-pretty-good-to-feel-something/
  60. https://www.melodicmag.com/news/mayday-parade-announces-three-cheers-for-twenty-years-tour-and-new-album-trilogy/
  61. https://www.instagram.com/p/DEkigxVpTwe/
  62. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mayday-parade-new-album-sad-announcement-1235405439/
  63. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FzvACRSwmI
  64. https://idobi.com/news/mayday-parade-sweet-by-the-way/
  65. https://chorus.fm/news/mayday-parade-announce-anniversary-tour/
  66. https://www.whenwewereyoungfestival.com/
  67. https://revuewm.com/music/not-a-phase-mayday-parade-turns-20
  68. https://www.ticketmaster.com/mayday-parade-tickets/artist/1197956
  69. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mayday-parade-mn0000916783
  70. https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/mayday-parades-alex-garcia-talks-new-album-black-lines-628492
  71. https://crypticrock.com/mayday-parade-sunnyland-album-review/
  72. https://www.themicmagazine.uk/post/mayday-parade-the-wonder-years-rock-city-21-02-2019
  73. https://www.altpress.com/mayday-parade-what-it-means-to-fall-apart/
  74. https://www.oxfordstudent.com/2014/02/22/mayday-parade-monsters-make-their-mark-overseas/
  75. https://heavymag.com.au/20-years-of-mayday-parade-derek-sanders-reflects-on-milestones-music-and-memorable-moments/
  76. https://uproxx.com/indie/derek-sanders-interview-indie-mixtape-20/
  77. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/mayday-parade/kids-in-love
  78. https://www.silive.com/teens/2009/06/interview_with_derek_sanders_o.html
  79. http://starsandscars.com/album-review-mayday-parade-sunnyland/
  80. https://www.wallofsoundau.com/interviews/derek-sanders-mayday-parade-interview
  81. https://newnoisemagazine.com/interviews/interview-derek-sanders-of-mayday-parade-talks-sweet/
  82. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/derek-sanders.html
  83. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/alex-garcia-guitar.html
  84. https://www.cltampa.com/music-2/qanda-mayday-parades-alex-garcia-talks-florida-sad-summer-fest-and-new-music-18138885/
  85. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/brooks-betts.html
  86. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/05/16/brooks-betts-mayday-parade-longevity-whether-band-slow-down/83650243007/
  87. https://greeblehaus.com/mayday-parade-celebrate-20-years-together-in-2025/
  88. https://www.musicradar.com/news/mayday-parades-jeremy-lenzo-i-dont-care-about-being-the-best-bass-player-i-just-want-to-write-the-best-songs
  89. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/jeremy-lenzo.html
  90. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/jake-bundrick.html
  91. https://itgnext.com/sarah-turner-the-story-behind-jake-bundrick-ghsa-record-holder-mayday-parade-drummer/
  92. https://www.altpress.com/jason-lancaster-say-im-what-you-want-solo-ep-interview/
  93. https://www.altpress.com/musicians-that-play-multiple-instruments/
  94. https://www.altpress.com/there_was_literally_no_communication_at_allalex_reed_and_steven_kopacz_on_g/
  95. https://popcrush.com/derek-sanders-my-rock-and-roll-heart-ep-interview/
  96. https://americansongwriter.com/mayday-parade-derek-sanders-album-my-rock-and-roll-heart/
  97. https://www.punktastic.com/album-reviews/derek-sanders-the-heavy-box/
  98. https://www.wallofsoundau.com/new-music/we-the-kings-drop-ultimate-nostalgia-with-derek-sanders-on-when-we-were-young
  99. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaVgkC7t5Ls
  100. https://www.altpress.com/truth_or_consequence_mayday_parade_side_project_release_debut_ep_streaming/
  101. https://www.altpress.com/jake-bundrick-via-fiori-mayday-parade-interview/
  102. https://secondsocietyreport.com/jason-lancaster-re-joins-mayday-parade-for-charity-show/
  103. https://www.markneedham.com/awards/billboard_albums.php
  104. https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2009-10-24/
  105. https://www.billboard.com/pro/mayday-parade-first-no-1-rock-alternative-albums/
  106. https://www.allmusic.com/album/sunnyland-mw0003178945
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  108. https://www.last.fm/music/Mayday%2BParade/Tales%2BTold%2BBy%2BDead%2BFriends
  109. https://genius.com/albums/Mayday-parade/Tales-told-by-dead-friends
  110. https://fearlessrecords.com/releases/valdosta-ep/
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  112. https://distortedsoundmag.com/mayday-parade-announce-new-ep-out-of-here/
  113. https://www.discogs.com/release/16230436-Mayday-Parade-Out-of-Here
  114. https://genius.com/albums/Mayday-parade/Out-of-here-ep/q/release-date
  115. https://maydayparade.bandcamp.com/album/sweet
  116. https://www.discogs.com/release/33737706-Mayday-Parade-Sweet
  117. https://maydayparade.bandcamp.com/album/sad
  118. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzrC1v7M7XI
  119. https://concord.com/news/mayday-parades-bestselling-debut-a-lesson-in-romantics-returns-to-vinyl/
  120. https://www.discogs.com/artist/835496-Mayday-Parade
  121. https://www.flickr.com/photos/theshutterclick/2546995991/
  122. https://www.altpress.com/the_5_great_eras_of_pop_punk_from_the_70s_to_today/
  123. https://www.altpress.com/2009-scene-albums/
  124. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/alternative-press-announces-inaugural-ap-music-awards-nominees-6062938/
  125. https://www.altpress.com/here_are_the_winners_of_the_2016_apmas/
  126. https://www.altpress.com/watch_mayday_parade_play_jamie_all_over_at_the_2016_apmas/
  127. https://www.altpress.com/mayday_parade_a_lesson_in_romantics_certified_gold_riaa/
  128. https://whenthehornblows.com/content/2025/4/17/album-review-mayday-parade-sweet
  129. https://www.squareonemagazine.co.uk/reviews/mayday-parade-sad
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