Interview by Angela Croudace
Celebrating two decades of making music, Mayday Parade frontman Derek Sanders recently opened up about the band’s journey, the impact of their classic album A Lesson in Romantics, and the excitement surrounding their 20th-anniversary celebrations.
“It’s wild,” Sanders says of the milestone. Reflecting on how the band, formed in Tallahassee, Florida, had no idea where their musical path would take them, he describes the rollercoaster ride of watching the band's growth from young dreamers to global musicians. “It feels like it’s both gone really fast, but also does kind of feel like 20 years,” he admits. Despite the speed of it all, Sanders is deeply grateful for the experiences that have come with Mayday Parade’s success.
The band’s debut album has become a staple of pop-punk, still resonating with fans worldwide. Sanders speaks proudly of the record, remembering the raw energy they poured into it and the overwhelming joy of still playing tracks from it today. “I’m so proud of what it’s become,” he says. “The fact that we can still play songs from that record and get the reactions we do is insane.”
Having toured with bands like All Time Low and Simple Plan, Mayday Parade has built a rich history of unforgettable experiences. One of Sanders' earliest and most meaningful memories comes from a show in their hometown, where they opened for Further Seems Forever. “I got to sing with them on stage,” Sanders recalls, describing the experience as a full-circle moment in their career.
When asked about his current musical inspirations, Sanders points to artists like Dashboard Confessional and Ben Folds. Though these influences have remained staples throughout his life, his recent obsession with Dashboard Confessional has reignited a deep appreciation for Chris Carrabba’s songwriting and vocal prowess.
In celebration of their 20 years, Mayday Parade are releasing a three-part album project, with the first instalment out soon. Sanders teases that the album balances their classic sound with fresh, new elements. “It feels like a good step forward for our band,” he says, hinting at exciting new musical directions.
As for their upcoming tour, including their return to Australia, Sanders shares the excitement of playing bigger shows with a full production. “These will be the biggest shows we’ve had in Australia,” he says, reminiscing about their past tours with All Time Low and the fun times spent at Melbourne’s Heartbreaker bar.
Looking back at the past 20 years, Sanders reflects on the importance of staying creatively in control. The band’s journey has been full of lessons, including navigating major label pressures, but he’s proud of how they’ve found their footing. And with a legacy spanning two decades, Mayday Parade is still just as dedicated to their music and fans as ever.

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