The Used

After an incredible amount of anticipation, the Vans Warped Tour Australia lineup has been announced and includes The Offspring, Parkway Drive, and Simple Plan.

In addition to these big names, the man behind Warped Tour Kevin Lyman is bringing American post-hardcore band The Used to join the party in late November/early December .

The Used are Australian touring veterans and vocalist Bert McCracken is excited to be returning to our shores. “We can’t wait, it’s about time they bring the Warped Tour back down under and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of it” the singer exclaims.

“I love all of those bands on the bill, we’re friends with most of them so I can’t wait.”

Before the four-piece attack the Australian incarnation of the iconic Warped Tour, they embark on the extensive touring schedule of the festival’s North American counterpart. “We’re [at] about our sixth show today and even though it’s hot, it has been amazing and we’re up here changing the world a little bit at a time; it’s a beautiful situation,” McCracken states emphasising that he’s been utterly impressed by all of the shows so far

The typical Vans Warped Tour schedule has band timetables announced on the day of the festival with a constant rotation throughout dates. “I really like the setup” – McCracken reflects – “it keeps everyone on their toes and it eliminates a bit of class system hierarchy.

You’ve got to be there for the music so you never know, your favourite band could play early or real late, it’s pretty awesome.”

Soundwave promoter AJ Maddah has organised the Australian Warped Tour alongside Lyman and has suggested on his infamous Twitter account that the ‘drawn from a hat’ timetable system will most likely not be applied in Australia.

“It’s about time they bring the Warped Tour back down under and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of it.”

McCracken has enjoyed the perks of checking out some of the other bands playing on the U.S. Warped Tour including post-hardcore newcomers LetLive. “They’re an incredible band and they’re so energetic, real and honest,”  states the he 31-year-old, admitting he was simply blown away, especially by the new material off their recently released sophomore record The Blackest Beautiful.

The Used are jumping on the bandwagon of new releases at the moment, having just released their EP, The Ocean Of The Sky. “We wanted to set a piece of music down in the history books that is completely human in every sense of the word” he iterates proudly. “We left all the mistakes in there, nothing is tuned, just like the very first demos we ever did.”

The raw energy of the release is coupled with some deep lyrical themes. “We produced it ourselves and it is full of some really deep hidden messages” the singer emphasises while offering a hint to listeners; “dig real deep and you’ll find some incredible secrets.” Could there be some subliminal messages in the music? Perhaps a secret track?

What we do know is that the EP will be pretty heavy and chaotic. “We all dug Nirvana growing up so we wanted to take the music it to that level of noise, but still with our pop sensibility.”

To promote the new release, The Used have been revealing some of the material live on tour. “We are playing the first track, it’s called “Iddy Biddy” and the fans are loving it.”  McCracken chuckles as he admits he’s been attempting to teach the words to the crowd whilst playing live.

“We just put a brand new video up for the song online” the vocalist teases, and subsequently reiterates – “it has some really heavy messages in there but it’s only to provoke thoughts, the intention is not to offend.”

The musical growth McCracken speaks of is also mirrored by a personal one, with the singer acknowledging he’s matured both personally and professionally.

“The idea that somehow the band on stage is more important than the fans and the crowd is nonsense.”

“Lately I’ve been staying positive and eliminating a lot of doubt and confusion in this world by just simply talking about ideas.”

The philosophical vocalist aims to be more active by improving the state of our world, ideally through the band. “The Used are on a different page regarding the Earth, it is a beautiful place and whether or not you want to admit it, we’re destroying it so it’s time to start thinking about some deeper issues.”

With this newfound  philosophical ideology, McCracken endorses  a journey of change and discovery for others. “I think it is important as a part of growing up to become a more selfless person.”

The singer vows to take responsibility of his actions and hopes to contribute some serious messages to his fans. “We are all human beings, being brothers and sisters on this planet, so we need to take it pretty seriously.”

The alternative rock band from Utah are hoping to continue producing thought-provoking music for a full-length album. “We will be recording in October and but we haven’t even begun pre-production yet so we’re still in the writing process.”  By the time the boys hit Australia, fans may be treated to some new, completed material.

Along with new tunes, Aussie fans may be treated to some sideshows with rumours circulating on social media “I’m not sure if we will be doing sideshows, we’re in the process of figuring out everything regarding the Australian shows.” McCracken says assuring fans they will find out about any tour dates as soon as the band does.

“Aussies will experience The Used’s live energy which comes across as pure magic” he boasts. “This is unadulterated rock and roll, we’re here to break rules and abolish all weirdness and class system hierarchy between fan and artist.”

Coming back down to Earth, McCracken concludes – “There is nothing that separates me and you, we are the same and the idea that somehow the band on stage is more important than the fans and the crowd is nonsense.”

The Ocean Of The Sky is out now through Hopeless Records.

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