State Champs at Webster Hall

State Champs is an energetic pop-punk band that has been making waves in the music scene with their infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics. Hailing from Albany, New York, the band blends catchy melodies, raw emotion, and high-octane performances. Formed in 2013, State Champs has not only explored their sound, but stays true to their pop punk roots and oftentimes gives it a new twist. Most recently, they released their new record, self titled, State Champs in October of 2024.

State Champs brought their North America USA Tour to Webster Hall, NYC. Although the band is from Albany, the band and fans have considered this their hometown show! This tour, State Champs brought along Daisy Grenade, Meet Me @ The Altar, and Knuckle Puck. Lara Ziccardi, one of our photographers here at Punk Pulse, headed into the city to catch the show!

I have NEVER been to a show at Webster Hall… until now! Located in lower Manhattan on 10th Ave, Webster Hall was a fun, intimate venue. What I thought was fun was how it had three floors: the first to enter and for merchandise and one of the bars, the second for GA, and the third for the balcony.

As soon as State Champs walked on the stage and started playing the first song on the set, Silver Cloud, The entirety of Webster Hall was SHAKING! The entire crowd was jumping along and you could feel the entire venue vibrating. I had a feeling it was going to be a good show before it started, but this truly confirmed it.

Oh, the setlist…? FIRE! My favorites at the beginning of the set were Silver Cloud and Losing Myself. As I made my way into the crowd, my favorites were Tight Grip, All You Are Is History, and Too Late to say. I find it fun when bands do mashups of their songs, and Champs sang “Perfect Score / Frozen / Fake It” all together. There was something so magical about the “All You Are Is History” pit, it was the perfect amount of rowdy!

Although, I think the song of the night has to go to “Elevated” - I only got to crowd surf once during Champs’ set and that was the song I chose to do it to. Shoutout to the kind strong people who give me a boost! It was horrifying for a moment though - while I tried to get up, someone else was coming from the back. Luckily no one got hurt and I was able to surf safely! And yes, with my camera. Don’t try that at home, kids! Towards the end of the set, Daisy Grenade came out and sang an acoustic version of “Around the World and Back” with lead singer, Derek DiScanio. Right before the encore, Joe Taylor of Knuckle Puck joined Champs to sing “Save Face Story.”

State Champs is one of the most fun and energetic bands in the scene. Every member looked like they were having the time of their lives. While one was running around on stage, the other was spinning. Not only was the band energetic, but the entire crowd was. I’ve said it a bunch of times and I’ll keep saying it - pop punk crowds are the best. They’re lively, energetic, and the most incredible ball of energy into one place.

This is actually my second time shooting State Champs. The first time I photographed (and saw them) was with Boys Like Girls on the Speaking Our Language Tour in 2023. I photographed them at The Fillmore in Philadelphia October 30th, 2023. Not only was that show very fun but it’s where I met an amazing friend and fellow co-founder of Punk Pulse, Kirstyn! I specifically think about how much my photos have improved from then until now (specifically this post). how grateful I am for all the opportunities I’ve been given. Thank you for reading my yap, back to our regularly scheduled program!

While I enjoyed seeing State Champs open for Boys Like Girls, I absolutely loved seeing them headline. I enjoyed the setlist they gave and the crowd they brought out. Although I am a Jersey girl at heart, it was so worth heading into the city to see them. If State Champs is coming to your city, they're a show you don't want to miss!