How All Time Low Transformed Noise Into New Music

Two decades into their time together as a musical group, All Time Low found themselves at a turning point. They had recently remastered and issued a greatest hits collection, taking another look at the tracks that originally brought them fame. pop-punk pioneers In the middle of the 2000s, as All Time Low drew upon the memories of previous achievements, they found themselves facing their reputation and, even more crucially, deciding on their future direction. Would they step back or embrace a fresh start?

That query arose at a time when the group was deeply caught up in a significant legal conflict, involving a defamation suit All Time Low responded to severe allegations of sexual misconduct leveled by fans online against original guitarist Jack Bakarat. This led to a wave of controversy, with the band's fan community dividing into two groups: those who supported the band and those who opposed them, each side firmly committed to their position. The situation placed significant importance on the band's subsequent actions.

In August of last year, All Time Low held three performances to mark the release of their greatest hits collection, which they called the Forever Shows. The group from Baltimore delivered an energetic set for 14,000 enthusiastic supporters at their local outdoor venue. This became their largest event yet. Inspired by the passionate audience singing almost all the lyrics along with them, All Time Low discovered the solution to the uncertainty they had been facing.

"There's still more of a tale left to tell here, and there's yet another chapter for All Time Low," says frontman and guitarist Alex Gaskarth during a Zoom call. "It truly reignited our passion for the band and inspired us to create this album," he continues, thinking back on their significant shows in 2024.

Several months following the Forever Shows, All Time Low asked to drop their defamation lawsuit without prejudice. "All Time Low has decided to resolve the issue internally and safeguard the anonymity of individuals associated with Doe 2, rather than continuing with legal action at this moment... The inquiry confirmed what All Time Low had always believed — the claims made in the postings are entirely untrue," stated the band’s attorney in a release. Rolling Stone at the time.

Now, All Time Low is prepared to discuss everything. Rolling Stone talked to Alex Gaskarth regarding the band's new phase featuring their appropriately named 10th album Everyone's Talking! , how disputes affected the album, and what the group's aspirations are for tomorrow.

You performed at the Vans Warped Tour in Washington, D.C. for theirs 30th anniversary and joined forces with the American University cheer team and D.C.'s Different Drummers drum line. What made it significant to have them come on stage with you?

There was much more to it than meets the eye. The concept originated from our view of the Warped Tour performance as a festival-like event. Knowing it was the 30th year, we aimed to create something distinctive and original. We hadn’t previously put on a show with so many intricate elements and additional artists joining us onstage. It began as an exciting challenge for us to take on for such a grand occasion and tribute to the Warped Tour. As we worked through putting everything together, the D.C. group Different Drummers reached out saying they were interested in participating. We appreciated the notion of featuring strong representation on stage.

It was crucial, especially over that weekend when there was so much happening in Washington, D.C. Many people, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, feel frightened and disconnected right now. It was wonderful to utilize the Warped Tour setting, which has consistently been recognized for its diversity and inclusivity, to support them and offer a comforting embrace during a period when everyone seems to really need one.

You addressed the audience, saying, "This is where you should be tonight in Washington, D.C., I can assure you." A short distance away, President Trump was hosting his birthday celebration. military parade Was that a deliberate comment?

I can confirm it was. Soupy [Dan Campbell from The Wonder Years] expressed it somewhat differently, but he stated, "I'm going to say it with all of my heart." Looking back, I likely should have spoken with all of my heart, but here I am, retrospectively explaining that it was indeed with my entire being that I meant what I said. that was the spot to be. was where everyone was going. was the hot destination. was the must-visit location. was the center of attention. was the go-to place. was the trendy hangout. was the popular choice. was the top pick. was the essential stop.

You've recently revealed your latest album. Everyone's Talking! When did you all choose to return to the recording studio?

We do a significant amount of writing with Dan Swank, our fifth Beatle, who is also overseeing most of this album's production. We collaborated on the road, as we have a small studio installed on the tour bus. Songs were being created throughout the process. Tell Me I'm Alive tour and The Forever Sessions trip, but we weren't sure if they would become a full collection. During the period when we began performing those 20th-anniversary concerts, it placed us in a mental space where we thought, "There's something here worth continuing." It established the direction. That was when we started assembling the tracks and made a serious attempt to return to the studio and create, create, create.

We began working on the actual album midway through last year. The project was completed in parts. We would spend several weeks writing songs and then take a break. One thing we have discovered about creating albums these days is giving the tracks space to develop and returning to those we genuinely cherish. There's a track titled "Butterflies" that we composed near the conclusion of the process; I knew right away that it was something exceptional without needing time to grow attached to it. It’s different from what we’ve created recently. My approach to songwriting varies — some pieces have clear narratives, while others embrace more spontaneous poetic expressions, leaving them open to individual interpretations. "Butterflies" falls more into the latter category. It brings to mind the lyrical style found in Don't Panic Like something from that time period somehow carried over into this one. When you review all the albums you've created, it's enjoyable to make those connections and think, "Oh right, it has a little bit of that in it."

What made you select "Suckerpunch" as the first track released?

At the time we created it, there was a sense in the room that day. Everyone remarked, "This sounds like exactly what people need to hear right now." It came across as a strong message saying, "Hello, we're here. We're back, and we're prepared to move forward." It was an energetic way to reintroduce ourselves, something difficult to ignore. It felt similar to launching into action with that powerful, distorted guitar sound. We believed this would resonate strongly with a live crowd as well.

Your global tour starts this autumn in North America. Now that you've released 10 albums, how will you decide which tracks to include in your performance lineup?

It's truly amusing; the main debate within the group right now revolves around the setlist. Every time we need to plan a performance, it's challenging. We consistently aim to create an event that feels thoughtfully designed. Personally, I despise the feeling of being just a nostalgic act. While I appreciate our history and past tracks, I view ourselves as a modern band producing contemporary music. When compiling a setlist, I strive to honor the newer material while still including the classics.

I'm genuinely excited that "Suckerpunch" and "The Weather" were released first. Occasionally, the songs that truly shine during performances are lesser-known tracks from the album, but in this instance, both of these songs will work exceptionally well in a live setting. A key objective when creating this album was asking ourselves, "What's going to make the audience lose themselves at the concerts?" With these initial two tracks, we're showcasing our strongest material right from the start. I envision a crowd moving together effortlessly.

Does any specific track become a point of contention among band members? Sure, here's a paraphrased version of your text: Yeah. If someone even suggests removing "Lost in the Stereo" from our setlist, Jack won’t be pleased. It’s his track. I’m not sure it has ever been taken out since he fiercely defends playing it. There were instances when we thought, “What if we skip this one during the next tour and include another instead?” His response was always, “No way, I’ll quit.”

What does the album title represent? What is the importance of the album's name? Why was this particular title chosen for the album? What meaning lies within the album's title? How does the album title relate to its content? What story or message does the album title convey? What is the reasoning behind selecting the album's title? In what way is the album title significant? What deeper meaning can be found in the album's title? What role does the album title play in understanding the music? Everyone's Talking! ?

I believe it's the contrast between rumor-mongering and recognition. There was an atmosphere lingering after those Forever performances. A renewed chatter surrounding All Time Low emerged. There are individuals who have supported us throughout more than two decades, alongside others who discovered our band more recently. Wake Up Sunshine and Tell Me I'm Aliv e. For the first time in a while, it seemed like the whole fanbase was genuinely excited about the tale of All Time Low and all we'd accomplished throughout our years as a group. We found ourselves repeatedly mentioning, "Everyone’s discussing it." That expression became common among us, and as we focused more on the album, we realized, "That's definitely something worth generating excitement around. Let's go with that."

It's certainly fascinating, even when measured against some of the group's other album names.

Sure thing, I'm all in. That was our plan.

In recent years, the group has been engaged in a highly visible legal dispute. What effect has this had on the creation and distribution of Everyone's Talking! ?

It’s clear that the past few years have felt like an ongoing shadow looming over everything. Navigating such a tough situation wasn’t easy at all. Everything has already been discussed, written about, and shared—so there isn’t much left to add. However, it did impact how we approached both the writing and creative processes because once you’re dealing with something truly awful, it becomes hard to find motivation to talk about anything else. Writing became less appealing during that time. But now that we’ve moved beyond it and had the chance to express our perspective, it feels amazing. There’s a sense of freedom, and it's reassuring knowing the facts are finally known. Now we can move forward without that heavy burden weighing us down. Honestly, it's like taking a deep breath after holding your composure for so long—it brings a feeling of relief and renewal. We're incredibly enthusiastic about what lies ahead.

Fans in the All Time Low subreddit have theorized That the lyrics in "Suckerpunch" appear to allude to the recent public legal disputes over the last several years. Was this intentional? Were you thinking of a specific group of people when you composed and shared "Suckerpunch"?

Sure. There’s clearly an element of that in the track. In today's world, a lot is shaped by unseen voices and online opinions through social media platforms. The song responds to this situation, highlighting how certain individuals enjoy bringing others down and find satisfaction in spreading negativity within comment sections. This song embraces such challenges and accepts being targeted. It conveys something like, “I’m willing to expose myself and embrace the risks involved in pursuing my dreams. I understand that setbacks will happen along the way. I'm ready for a few hits; let's move forward.” That feeling was empowering. This song serves as a means to recognize our presence despite obstacles and keep striving towards success. My wish is that it evokes optimism. Each piece on this album carries a touch of hope, which makes it really inspiring.

How would you address fans who may be unsure about listening to the latest release due to previous issues?

I get it because it’s not simple to process such matters through the media and figure out your emotions regarding them. The key point I want to make is that we remain committed to our statement. We presented our case in the most effective manner possible within a legal setting. We proved exactly what we aimed to convey from the start: that All Time Low has consistently been a safe environment and a supportive community where individuals uplift each other and unite in a positive spirit. Since day one, this has been the essence of our performances. Those who attend our concerts truly experience this, and they have continuously shared that with us.

A lot of what appears online isn't genuine and can be quickly fabricated and altered. For some time, we existed beneath that reality. This is why the 20th-anniversary performances last year felt so rewarding as we emerged from that situation. Approximately 14,000 individuals gathered under one roof to commemorate and enjoy themselves while supporting each other within the community we’ve had the privilege of developing around this group. After leaving the stage during those events, we said, “This is why we do this.”

Has this album taken on a distinct character compared to previous works following that feeling of freedom?

Certainly! Here's a paraphrased version of your text: Yes, I'd agree. We’re energized, motivated. We consider ourselves fortunate to have the opportunity and the honor of performing on stage each evening. We’ve always felt this way, but it’s far more noticeable after experiencing something challenging. It truly helps put things into perspective, making you think, “Wow, we're lucky to do what we do.” It's rewarding to see people coming out to support us in pursuing our passion.

The album will be launched through your newly established label, Basement Noise Records. Why did you choose this path and decide to put out your first independently released record since your initial album?

We had been associated with Fueled by Ramen for our recent albums, and it was a fantastic label to work with. However, as often happens in this industry, the parent company of Fueled By Ramen experienced significant changes. By the time everything settled, we were already in the middle of recording a new album. Tell Me I'm Alive And the label no longer felt like the one we originally signed with. Having been through so many cycles now as a band, we’ve learned that changes often happen gradually without you even noticing, until you realize you’re no longer part of the system you initially joined. After finishing our last album and wrapping up the tour, we noticed several people we really enjoyed collaborating with were leaving their positions. At that moment, we understood it might be time for us to move forward as well.

We aimed to regain some authority, and it seemed like the perfect moment to do so. It’s quite different being an artist who creates a collection of work filled with dedication, effort, and passion, only to entrust it to a large corporation and hope they handle everything properly. Fortunately, we now find ourselves in a position where we can contribute more to the business aspects and influence key decisions. Being at such a stage in our careers feels incredibly liberating.

Several of your colleagues, such as Mayday Parade and The Maine, have recently returned to independence after spending many years as a group. Have you noticed this pattern coming up in discussions?

It's becoming increasingly common these days for musicians to enter the industry with greater understanding and insight. We emerged around the same time as groups such as Mayday Parade and The Maine, and we were all young people pursuing our dreams. It might sound cliché, but that’s exactly how it was. We didn’t come about through corporate strategy sessions—we were teenagers playing at places like VFW halls, simply wanting to create loud music and eventually stepping into the business world. We lacked experience. All Time Low landed an agreement that turned out to be relatively fair, but if faced with something unfavorable, we likely would have accepted it anyway. We were thrilled just to be part of the process, and there are countless similar tales from other bands. did sign the bad deals.

After so many years of experience, what's it like for All Time Low to mentor emerging acts such as the Paradox?

That's amusing. It truly was Benji and Joel [Madden They told me, "Hey, buddy, you're behind the wheel now. You're in that role." They were somewhat older than us, and as we began to rise, they genuinely supported us and guided us through the basics since we shared a link with Maryland. We were fortunate to have them as guides. It wasn’t until they mentioned it that I truly understood we were now in that spot. I came to realize there are certain artists who watch us to see how things should be done.

I'd never be arrogant enough to believe people want to listen to my nonsense. Still, if someone approaches us and asks about how we dealt with certain situations, or simply observes from the sidelines and takes a few of our jokes, I'm thrilled. That's exactly what we did when we were starting out, and I find it incredible to now be in that position.

What do you believe is required for a group to remain committed over the long term in 2025?

It's difficult to predict since the musical scene has evolved significantly. It seems as though there's little clarity about where the industry will head next. For me, it all boils down to live performances. I enjoy being on stage and experiencing the interaction and exchange with the crowd. I greatly admire musicians who have kept this alive over many years. While some individuals mock performers in their 60s, 70s, or 80s, claiming they should have stopped long ago, those artists continue to take the stage and deliver because their passion for music defines them.

I had the fortune of attending one of Paul McCartney's concerts during his final tour. It took place just prior to his 80th anniversary, and he performed without stopping for three consecutive hours. That’s a person truly passionate about playing music, fully committed to their craft. I hope to achieve such dedication. My dream is to remain active in the industry for as long as possible, continuing to create music for others.

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