On this episode of The Wasting Time Podcast, we’re joined by After Midnight for a conversation about momentum, identity, and putting Penang on the global pop punk map.

The band break down their rapid rise over the past six months — how the buzz started, what’s changed, and how they’ve handled the jump from local favourites to building international attention. They open up about what it’s like being a pop punk band in Penang, growing a scene outside of the traditional US strongholds, and the realities of pushing the genre forward from Southeast Asia.

We also dive into their US pop punk influences — the records that shaped them, the bands that made them want to start, and how they balance those inspirations with creating something that feels uniquely their own.

In the intro, Chris and Nick catch up on the brand-new album Listen Up! by New Found Glory, alongside new music from The Menzingers and Social Distortion. There’s also spotlight time for Ninebanks and other emerging UK artists, plus a wider conversation about the strength of non-US scene bands and why the global pop punk community feels more connected than ever.

A worldwide episode with local roots — and proof that pop punk has no borders.