Pop-punk music is overflowing with nostalgic and new acts, and they all coexist to create a community for the misfits, misunderstood youth, and adults who want to feel heard. We all can find something to love about the genre’s confessional lyrics, ear-worm choruses, and fast-paced rhythms. Northbound, the moniker of Jonathon Fraser, is a new artist embodying everything beloved about pop-punk on his latest album, Juniper, which just came out on July 12 via Smartpunk Records. The release encapsulates the glory days of early 2000’s pop-punk nostalgia combined with the production quality and modern-day edge of 2024’s brightest scene artists.
Northbound has toured worldwide with acts including State Champs and Simple Plan. With that in mind, it’s easy to see how his sound is influenced by his predecessors. Jonathon makes music with a clear intention: to feel nostalgia for the moment you’re currently in. His music may be new to your ears, but there is a familiarity enveloped within each track that will send you back to your preteen years.
To help you find the gateway track that’s right for you, idobi Radio teamed up with Jonathon to pick the song you should listen to, depending on your favorite pop-punk band!
“North Star” — Northbound
FFO: State Champs
The tentative title for “North Star” was the “Champs Song.” The original demo was a much slower acoustic rendition. When turning into a full band song, we funneled a lot of Champs influence, specifically into the drums and overall bounce of the track. It was clear that the only way for this song to be included was to double down on pop-punk and make it a fast one.
“Room For Love” — Northbound
FFO: Say Anything
This song borrows quite a lot from a specific Say Anything song on their self-titled record. However unintentional that was, I decided to lean into it. This is one of my favorite songs on the record because it has a good blend of earnest emotion and sarcastic coping. Much like my favorite band, which is in fact Say Anything.
“Embrace Psychopathy” — Northbound
FFO: Cartel
“Embrace” has a very 2003 feeling for me. It’s four-chord alternative rock. I don’t think it was conscious at the time, but in retrospect, I can very clearly hear the Cartel influence. Specifically the album Chroma. There’s even some synth at the end that feels super indicative of pop-punk in the early 2000s.
“Big Tune” — Northbound
FFO: Sum 41
This song definitely borrows the angst and vibe of a band like Sum 41. Not that I’m rapping in the song or anything, but I come pretty close haha. Anger doesn’t come easily to me, but I like that this song is empowering and high-energy.
“Baby’s Breath” — Northbound
FFO: The Starting Line
The chorus of “Baby’s Breath” definitely feels like it could have been on Direction by The Starting Line. It is another song that was not consciously inspired by any band directly, but in retrospect, it seems quite apparent to me. The topline and melody feel like they may not have ever existed if a record like Direction wasn’t such a big influence on my writing.
As you can see, Northbound has mastered the art of influence without replication. He has found a niche within pop-punk that melds symbiotically with the work of his inspirations. No matter which era of pop-punk resonates with you the most, his album Juniper contains something for you. As new artists find their place in the genre, it’s imperative to uplift new creators to keep the legacy alive for future generations. After all, everyone deserves an angsty, punchy soundtrack to capture their adolescence, growing pains, and life-altering milestones.
