WORDS BY OLIVIA DUCHARME
Twenty-five years into their career, Hawthorne Heights aren't showing any signs of slowing down. Between a new record deal, fresh music, and an upcoming run of shows that includes an appearance at Warped Tour Florida, the emo veterans have plenty to celebrate.
Their latest single, “Carry Me,” flips the usual script on emo and alternative music, opening with a tense drumbeat and heavy breakdown. Mark McMillon kicks things off with an explosive scream before the song transitions into JT Woodruff's signature clean vocals.
The track explores the uncomfortable feeling of needing help but not wanting to become someone else's burden. It's a familiar emotional struggle, particularly for a band that has spent decades turning personal vulnerability into music that connects with generations of listeners.
The chorus delivers that unmistakable Hawthorne Heights sound, pairing soaring guitars with emotionally charged vocals and another nod to the band's Ohio roots.
The second verse dives further into anxiety, sleepless nights, and the kind of late-night overthinking that makes even the smallest problems feel impossible to solve. It's a painfully relatable look at how isolation and technology can amplify our emotions when we're already struggling.
The track eventually erupts into one final breakdown, capturing the release that comes from letting everything out when words simply aren't enough.
Beyond the new music, Hawthorne Heights have officially signed with Thriller Records, marking another significant milestone in their long-running career. The band are also preparing for an extensive 2027 tour, with a highly anticipated appearance at Warped Tour Orlando adding to the excitement surrounding their next chapter.
With 25 years of music, relentless touring, and their own Is For Lovers festival under their belts, Hawthorne Heights have proven that longevity in emo isn't about living off nostalgia. It's about continuing to evolve while staying connected to the emotions that brought fans to the music in the first place.
10/30 - Virginia Beach, VA
10/31 - Charlotte, NC
11/1 - Charlseston, SC
11/3 - Asheville, NC
11/4 - Louisville, KY
11/5 - Nashville, TN
11/6 - Atlanta, GA
11/7 - Birmingham, AL
11/8 - New Orleans, LA
11/10 - Pensacola, FL
11/11 - Orlando, FL
11/12 - St. Petersburg, FL
11/13 - Fort Lauderdale, FL
11/14 - Orlando, FL (WARPED TOUR)
11/17 - Indianapolis, IN
11/18 - Chicago, IL
11/20 - Fort Wayne, IN
11/21 - Grand Rapids, MI
11/22 - Detroit, MI
11/23 - Kansas City, MO
11/24 - Tulsa, OK
11/25 - St. Louis, MO
