On July 27, pop punk act Sleep on It will take the stage at the Foundry in Fishtown as a stop on its co-headlining tour with Like Pacific. The Chicago quartet is getting set to release a follow-up album to its 2017 debut studio album, Overexposed, on Equal Vision Records.
The Northeast Times sat down with guitarist TJ Horansky to talk music, the best Philly cheesesteak and even SpongeBob.
NET: It’s been a busy couple of years for you guys. Since the release of Overexposed in 2017, you’ve played a ton of shows and you’re getting set to release a new record later this year. Are you tired? Excited? Both?
TJH: I think we’re cautiously optimistic. The past two years have taken a toll both physically and mentally, but I’m so excited for people to hear our new record. A lot of times, it’s about being in the right place at the right time. Hopefully, the new record resonates and we can keep touring, especially internationally.
NET: What sets you apart from every other punk-pop-rock act?
TJH: I think Zech (our vocalist) has a pretty unique voice. At least with the new record, we try to keep things high energy and accessible while staying earnest and heartfelt.
NET: What’s one thing no one knows about Overexposed?
TJH: If you play it backwards, it says “Paul is dead.”
NET: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
TJH: Mostly normal stuff, like stretching and getting hydrated. Zech, Jake and I do a vocal warmup, usually in the van.
NET: What should show-goers expect on July 27?
TJH: We’re playing our longest set we’ve ever played, so fans can expect some throwbacks and other songs we hardly ever play. Maybe even something new…
NET: Have you ever had a real Philly cheesesteak? If YES, where from and how was it? If NO, why not?
TJH: Yes. We’ve had Pat’s, Geno’s and Jim’s. To be honest, I wasn’t that impressed with Geno’s or even Pat’s. Jim’s was pretty solid. I haven’t had Tony Luke’s yet, though, and I’ve heard that one is pretty legit.
NET: If you had to describe your upcoming album using an internet meme, what meme would it be? And why?
TJH: Haha, oh man. Probably the one of SpongeBob looking calm on the outside but freaking out on the inside because that’s how it felt while writing and recording it.
NET: What’s the most ridiculous thing someone in the audience has done during one of your shows?
TJH: Someone in Vancouver asked for my used, dirty sock after a set. I gave it to him.
NET: What is the No. 1 reason someone should come see you guys?
TJH: We genuinely love playing music for people, and we try to put that energy and love in to the live show every night. We always come out to the merch table at the end of the night to talk to fans, if they want. Also, we usually smell nice.
NET: What gives you more self-satisfaction — eating a pizza or hating on your hometown?
TJH: To be honest, neither, really. We’re not that pop-punk, haha. Pizza makes me bloated, and Chicago rules. We would rather be eating ramen, to be honest.
Purchase tickets for the July 27 show at sleeponitband.com/tickets. ••
