AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH SEAN MACKIN OF YELLOWCARD
Forward by Timmy Farmer
In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, few bands have successfully navigated the tides and remained an influential force. Amongst those remarkable few is none other than Yellowcard, the quintessential pop-punk band that captured the hearts of millions with their heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies.
Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with the band's own violinist and notable songwriter, Sean Mackin, whose passion and musicianship have proven irreplaceable to Yellowcard's distinctive sound. With a career spanning over two decades, Mackin, as well as his fellow bandmates, have stood the test of time and continue to inspire loyal fans around the world.
James Alvarez: Can you tell us a little about Yellowcard’s triumphant return? What prompted the band to reunite and celebrate Ocean Avenue’s 20th anniversary and did you imagine that would ever lead to new material down the road?
Sean Mackin: Yellowcard’s return was fueled by a reunion show to celebrate Ocean Avenue for Riot Fest, and that enthusiastic welcome fueled a full tour and an uncertain future for our band. We never imagined we would have the opportunity to write new music or play any shows of this magnitude, so this has been a very shocking and lovely surprise.
JA: What made you decide to come back with an EP instead of diving headfirst back into full-length territory?
SM: We wanted to offer a surprise mix of updated Yellowcard sounds. Because it was a surprise, we were all in different locations with normal day jobs, and we thought it best to put together an EP that focuses on the quality of content. We’re very happy to have it be so warmly received.
JA: How did Yellowcard link up with Equal Vision Records and how does it feel working with such an iconic label?
SM: We were really excited to work with Equal Vision because they were excited to work with us, and they have been very supportive throughout the whole process.
JA: It’s safe to assume as long-time professional musicians, you all kept working on music in some way or another during the band’s break. How did it feel channeling your creative energy back into Yellowcard for this new EP?
SM: I actually didn’t play a lot of music when Yellowcard was idle. Playing violin had always stirred some sad emotions in me after the band parted ways, so I hadn’t played for a while – which made it all the more exciting when we started working on new Yellowcard songs.
JA: Is that Nate Young back behind the drum kit?
SM: Nate Young is an incredible friend and talent. We were so fortunate to be able to have him record new Yellowcard songs with us.
JA: Childhood Eyes opens and closes with two big guest features. Were “Three Minutes More” and “The Places We’ll Go” written with these guests in mind or did each song just scream for additional Pierce the Veil and Dashboard Confessional seasoning?
SM: Both features were drawn up after the fact. And in both cases, are a testament to the relationships that you can build while enduring the grueling road life. Both men are insanely talented and we were very lucky to have both Vic and Chris on the release.
JA: The title track, “Childhood Eyes” has one of the catchiest hooks imaginable. Legend has it Ryan Key woke up with the chorus melody in his head. Does Ryan always dream of iconic rock jams or was this a one-off thing?
SM: Scholars maintain that once every decade, William Ryan Key will summon the moonbeams to compose memorable and unstoppable melodic hooks.
JA: Hiding In The Light” feels like it has the 2nd catchiest hook imaginable. Are there any plans to release this as a single down the road?
SM: Right now we don’t have any plans to release a second single. If I had it my way it would definitely be a release of "The Places We’ll Go." But I appreciate the love for the violin/guitar solo in "Hiding In the Light."
JA: You just played to a monsoon of people at the nearly iconic When We Were Young Music Festival in Las Vegas…how does it feel to be Team Yellowcard right now?
SM: It feels amazing to be on team Yellowcard right now. We have a good number of amazing people who are helping us manage this journey. And it definitely feels like it’s easy to root for a winning team.
JA: What’s the song you all missed playing most during the band’s hiatus?
SM: "Ocean Avenue!" If you’re having a bad day, it turns it into a good day. And it’s a song that changed my life forever.
