Sean Mackin talks about the new album Better Daysthe collaboration with Travis Barker and the excitement of returning to the stage.
Two decades after marking a generation with Ocean Avenue, yellow card come back with Better Daysan album full of hope, energy and a mature look towards the future. We talk with Sean Mackin —violinist and one of the pillars of the band—about this musical renaissance, the unexpected collaborations and the excitement of preparing a new world tour that could soon bring them to Mexico.
Indie Rocks!: Better Daysthe name of the album and the first single. How did you choose this song to mark the beginning of this new stage?
Yellowcard: It was a difficult decision because we have a lot of good songs and this is a very special moment for the band. We have always had that positive and hopeful energy, although there is also darkness in our music. Better Days It encapsulates all of that. It has that big, almost rock opera-like sound with powerful guitars and a soaring melody. Ryan is at his vocal best and we feel that this song brings together everything that represents yellow card. Plus, it's the first time in 20 years that we've had a song in the top 10 on radio in the United States! It's a great moment for us.
GO!: This is your first full album in almost a decade. How did Travis Barker influence the energy and sound of the record?
AND: Work with Travis It was a dream. He's the best drummer of our generation, and having him behind the project forced us to be better. Ryan He was very brave to say, “I don't know how to make a rock record again,” and Travis helped us find that direction. Their level of demand pushed us to the limit: every question, every arrangement, every measure had to be the best. He didn't just play the drums; He became deeply involved in the production, structure and details. What you hear in Better Days is a more focused and genuine version of yellow cardwithout unnecessary decorations, just the essentials.
GO!: In addition to Travis Barker, you collaborated with Hammock and other artists. How did those connections arise?
AND: We have always had good friendships in music. Ryan He spent some time exploring more ambient and electronic sounds, and there he met the guys from Hammock. What was special about them was their willingness: they wanted to collaborate without all the pressure of labels or business rules. Very beautiful things came from there. and with Traviseverything flowed naturally: it was even his idea to invite Avril Lavigne to sing in one of the songs. We also collaborate with Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trioa band we listened to non-stop when we toured in our early years. It is a very nice circle that closes with this album.
GO!: After so many years, what is the secret to continuing to make music without falling into monotony?
AND: I think the secret was having stopped us. Saying goodbye to music for a while allowed us to understand how valuable all of this was. Today we take great care of every moment, every show, every song. Better Days It was not born from a business plan, but from the fans' desire to see us back. And that changes everything. This is a fragile and beautiful moment, and we want to treat it with the respect it deserves.
GO!: Speaking of fans, how do they experience this new generation that is rediscovering pop punk and emo?
AND: It's incredible. Music is cyclical, and seeing that kids are learning to play guitar, violin or drums again is very inspiring. There was a time when I thought that instruments were disappearing, that everything would be done on computers. But there are more chords in popular music now than ever. I love seeing it. When we started, no one played violin in a rock band. Today there are many more possibilities and that excites us very much.
GO!: They are about to start a new tour with Better Days. How do you choose the songs setlist?
AND: (Laughs) We fought about it! It's difficult, but we try to balance the new with the classic. There are songs that simply have to be there, but we also want to give space to what this new chapter represents. Better Days It's been playing in our ears for a year now. shows and has become an essential part of the set. We are also preparing huge dates in the United States with A Day To Remember and at festivals like When We Were Young. We want every show to be special… and yes, Mexico is at the top of our list. We have been very close to playing there, and we hope that this time it will finally happen.
GO!: For those who don't know you yet, what would be the best song to enter your universe?
AND: “Only One”. It has everything: emotion, strength, melody. It's a ballad with the soul of an anthem, a breakup song that feels like a declaration of love. Ocean Avenue may be the most recognizable, but Only One It best represents what we are. When we play it live, it feels something very special.
GO!: Lastly, describe Yellowcard in three words.
AND: Grateful, powerful and… music lovers.
