At first glance, the thought of setting emo bangers to orchestral strings doesn’t sound real. How could the soothing nature of classical music ever match up to the angst and grit of the Warped Tour scene? However, this juxtaposition creates the most magical blend of emotionally charged lyrics and dynamic instrumentation. Hawthorne Heights experiments with this theatrical sound on an orchestral rendition of their latest single, “The Storm,” pulled from their freshly released EP, Lost Light, which dropped last month.
Celebrating their current tour with Emo Orchestra, the new version paints Hawthorne Heights’ authentically emo-punk sound in a new and exciting light. The aggressive guitar chugs and screams paired with piercing violins give listeners the same goosebumps as Bring Me The Horizon’s Live At The Royal Albert Hall album. There is truly something for everyone in this new version of “The Storm,” and the energy on the track is palpable.
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Frontman JT Woodruff discusses the inspiration behind the song’s new orchestral arrangement. “Hawthorne Heights has always been willing to live in a world of the non-traditional,” he shares. “We are a million albums into our career and just released our heaviest song yet. The most unnatural thing to do would be to add a full orchestra, which would match the heaviness with a featherlike delicacy, and that’s exactly what we did. We all grew up listening to the Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie double disc, and this was a great chance to live in that world for a little bit. We hope that our fans are willing to step into this world of majesty with us, get dressed up, and listen loudly when the lights go down.”
Hawthorne Heights is performing orchestral arrangements of their own songs and scene staples on the Emo Orchestra tour. But don’t mistake the cellos and violas to be the only instruments onstage. The band will play alongside the string ensemble, complete with their electric guitars, drum kit, and Woodruff’s unique vocal tonality. Since kicking things off on September 27 in Cincinnati, OH, Hawthorne Heights has performed in major music markets such as Nashville, TN, and Atlanta, GA. The nationwide tour will run through to November 11 in Oakland, CA.
“For emo lovers and orchestra aficionados alike, there’s a new show in town. Emo Orchestra brings you a unique and incredible new experience that brings together the emo hits of your youth with a touch of adult elegance,” the website reads.
If you’re looking for the perfect emo date night, don’t miss Hawthorne Heights and Emo Orchestra when it hits your city. Check out the tour dates below and grab your tickets here.
Tour Dates:
- Oct. 4—Patchogue, NY @ Patchogue Theatre
- Oct. 5—Englewood, NJ @ Bergen Performing Arts Center
- Oct. 6—Torrington, CT @ Warner Theatre
- Oct. 7—Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theatre
- Oct. 12—Washington, DC @ Warner Theatre
- Oct. 14—Atlantic City, NJ @ Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort
- Oct. 18—Fort Pierce, FL @ Sunrise Theatre
- Oct. 20—Akron, OH @ Goodyear Theater
- Oct. 21—Waterloo, NY @ Del Lago Resort & Casino
- Oct. 22—McKees Rocks, PA @ Roxian Theater
- Oct. 24—Louisville, KY @ The Louisville Palace Theatre
- Oct. 25—Indianapolis, IN @ Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
- Oct. 26—Sheboygan, WI @ Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts
- Oct. 27—Waukegan, IL @ The Genesee Theatre
- Oct. 28—Kalamazoo, MI @ James W. Miller Auditorium
- Oct. 30—St. Paul, MN @ Fitzgerald Theater
- Nov. 2—Davenport, IA @ The Capitol Theater
- Nov. 3—Des Moines, IA @ Hoyt Sherman Place
- Nov. 5—Omaha, NE @ The Astro Theater
- Nov. 9—Palm Desert, CA @ McCallum Theatre
- Nov. 11—Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
