Don’t Panic! This Boat is going to ROCK!!!
Episode Summary:
In this lively episode of The BoatCast, hosts Chris, Mark, and Eammon welcome AJ Larsen and Ted Panic from Don’t Panic, the 2024 Soundcheck winners. From their quirky campaign strategies to their heartfelt stories of how the Rock Boat community has already embraced them, AJ and Ted share a treasure trove of insights into the life of an independent band navigating the Rock Boat waters. Whether you’re a longtime boater or a new fan of Don’t Panic, this episode is packed with humor, nostalgia, and excitement for what’s to come.
Episode Highlights with Time Stamps:
[00:02] – Welcome AJ and Ted from Don’t Panic
• The BoatCast kicks off with a warm welcome to the Soundcheck contest winners. Ted and AJ joke about their “effortless” submission process and their humorous grassroots campaigning strategy.
[03:00] – Ted’s Rock Boat Journey
• Ted shares his experience from last year’s Rock Boat, including how he got involved with the Six Man Sessions and the overwhelming support from fans who discovered him on board.
• “I came home and told the guys, ‘We’ve GOT to get our band on this thing!’”
[05:22] – The Magic of Rock Boat Fans
• Ted and AJ discuss the unique excitement of Rock Boat attendees, who seek out and engage with every new band.
• Ted reflects on seeing other new bands draw massive crowds on the boat, which he found inspiring.
• “The people on board are so engaged and interested—it’s really freaking cool.”
[07:00] – Standing Out Among the Lineup
• The band reflects on their diverse sound compared to other acts like Walk the Moon and American Authors, and how their faster, heavier music will bring a unique vibe to the boat.
[08:24] – Special Performances and Collaborations
• Ted and AJ hint at some secret collaborations planned for their Rock Boat sets.
• “Each set will include one of our albums, and we’ll have a special guest join us for a cover song each night.”
[09:51] – Rock Boat Merch Plans
• AJ and Ted reveal their merch strategy, including Rock Boat-exclusive designs, vinyl albums, stickers, and beer koozies.
• “We want the merch to feel special—something that marks the event but still works as a cool band shirt.”
[13:00] – The History of Don’t Panic
• Ted and AJ take listeners on a nostalgic journey, from forming the band in 2008 through their early Warped Tour days, hiatus, and triumphant return in 2019.
• “We thought we’d take a quick break in 2010. Then it was 2019 before we knew it!”
[18:30] – The Songwriting Process
• Ted explains his creative process, which often starts with voice memos captured in the shower or on the road. AJ and the rest of the band then collaborate to bring the songs to life.
• “Sometimes we Frankenstein pieces together from everyone’s ideas—and somehow, it just works.”
[20:22] – Album Artwork Inspirations
• The band discusses the creative concepts behind their album covers, from 80s-inspired aesthetics to homages to Queen and cult classics like They Live.
[23:28] – 80s Nostalgia and Music Videos
• AJ and Ted talk about their love of 80s pop culture and how it inspires their music videos, including riffs on Back to the Future, Weekend at Bernie’s, and Mac and Me.
• “Anything 80s—we’re all about it.”
[24:50] – Rock Boat Pre-Party Excitement
• Don’t Panic teases their performance at the Rock Boat pre-party on January 25th at Magic 13 Brewery in Miami. They also share plans to give away exclusive Rock Boat bracelets to fans.
• “The pre-party is the perfect way to break the ice before five straight days of music and camaraderie.”
[27:02] – Preparing for the Rock Boat
• The band reveals their live rehearsal strategy: a local send-off show in Stroudsburg to prepare for their Rock Boat sets.
[28:32] – Wrapping Up
• The hosts thank AJ and Ted for joining the show and hype their upcoming performances on the boat. Ted and AJ share their excitement about meeting fans and creating unforgettable memories.
• “We’re there to hang out, have fun, and make some incredible memories. Bother us as much as you want—we’re excited about it!”
Key Takeaways:
• Don’t Panic is ready to make waves on the Rock Boat with a mix of energy, nostalgia, and connection with fans.
• Their merch, music, and collaborations promise to make their debut an unforgettable experience.
• Fans can catch them at the pre-party on January 25th and throughout the cruise.
Listen Now:
🎧 Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher
Join us next time for more behind-the-scenes stories from Rock Boat artists!
Follow Don’t Panic on Socials:
• Website: dontpanicband.com
• Instagram: @dontpanicband
• Facebook: Don’t Panic Band
• Spotify: Don’t Panic
The BoatCast would like to thank our sponsors, https://www.TheFITCollective.com for supporting us in promoting Rock Boat Artists. If you want to get the word out about these artists and are interested in sponsoring The Boatcast, please email Chris at: [email protected].
