Dierks Canada and Waves In April: A Journey from Pop Punk to Metalcore

On June 18, Dierks Canada graced the Loudwire Nights show, sharing insights into his band, Waves In April. For those interested, the full interview can be accessed in the audio player at the end of this article.

Musical Roots and Early Beginnings

Dierks Canada discussed his early musical journey, stating, “I’ve been playing guitar since I was five years old because my dad got me super into it and just kind of pushed it on me in a good, healthy way.” His father, Cody Canada, is the frontman of the renowned band Cross Canadian Ragweed.

Canada’s passion for music blossomed further when his mother opened a School of Rock. There, he met fellow musicians Luke Wilson (bass), Elle Gorman (vocals and keys), and his brother Willie (drums). The group initially came together as a cover band, performing songs by Green Day and Metallica, much like many young musicians do.

Evolution of Waves In April

As they jammed together, the four friends realized their desire to create original music, leading to their first EP at the age of 14. Reflecting on that time, Canada said, “It’s a cute thing to me to look back on because we’re still here, we’re still the same band.” However, the band’s sound quickly evolved from pop punk to a heavier, darker style.

“It just kind of happened,” Canada admitted. “In 2022, me and Luke got really, really into metalcore. We saw Ice Nine Kills live, and it just kind of changed it for us.” This newfound passion for metalcore introduced the band to a genre that combines heavy music with deep emotional resonance, marking a pivotal moment in their musical journey.

Recent Achievements and Upcoming Shows

Waves In April has already made significant strides in their career, with performances scheduled at major events like Rocklahoma in 2025 and an upcoming show opening for Powerman 5000. On July 25, they will also support Cross Canadian Ragweed at a sold-out concert at the iconic Red Rocks venue.

Canada expressed excitement about their recent upgrades: “We just got in-ear monitors and really upgraded our show. I’m so proud of it. I’m so psyched to show everybody at Rocklahoma.” With a full production show planned, he emphasized that it’s the kind of performance he always envisioned as a teenager attending concerts.

Breaking News: New Album Announcement

During his conversation with Loudwire Nights, Canada revealed a significant update regarding Waves In April’s new album. “We are putting out an album the day before Red Rocks; we just haven’t announced anything yet,” he shared. The band’s latest single, “Uzumaki,” released on April 30, serves as the fourth track on this forthcoming album.

Canada noted that the album has been in the works for five years, and he is pleased they waited to release it. “A lot of these songs we had back whenever we were still pop punk… those specific songs, you’ll be able to tell. The newer ones are very heavy-focused, while the older ones have pop punk tendencies,” he explained. This unique blend creates a sound that he describes as “almost like you took pop punk and gave it a little bit of grit and it became post-grunge and then somehow became metalcore at the same time.”

Reflections on the Journey

As Canada reflected on his early days and aspirations for the future, he emphasized the importance of building connections within the music community: “It’s a lot more, not as much of a dream, more of a, how do I execute this and how do I do it without nudging myself in an annoying way.” His focus on fostering friendships and community engagement is a core part of his approach to navigating the music industry.

Memorable Experiences

Canada also recounted his experience opening for Powerman 5000: “I had my first rock star interaction moment… I was backstage unloading all my stuff… Spider walked by and said, ‘What’s up, man?’ I was like, ‘Hey, I’ve been listening to your music for a long time,’ and he responded with, ‘Killer shit, man.’ It was insane.”

Additionally, he shared his thoughts on performing for a crowd primarily there to see Cross Canadian Ragweed: “It’s always such a gamble because they’re either going to absolutely love it or they’re going to absolutely hate it. The people that love it are like the Pantera fans… whenever they see us, they’re like, ‘Oh my God, this is what I’ve been looking for for a minute.'”

Conclusion

Dierks Canada and Waves In April are on an exciting trajectory, embracing their evolution as musicians while remaining grounded in their roots. With a new album on the horizon and numerous performances lined up, the band’s journey from pop punk to metalcore showcases their versatility and passion for music.

FAQs

What is Waves In April’s musical style?

The band has transitioned from pop punk to a heavier metalcore sound, blending various influences in their music.

When is Waves In April releasing their new album?

The album is set to be released the day before their performance at Red Rocks on July 25.

What notable shows are coming up for Waves In April?

The band will support Cross Canadian Ragweed at Red Rocks and return to Rocklahoma over Labor Day weekend.

How did Dierks Canada start his music journey?

Dierks was encouraged by his father to play guitar from a young age, and his musical journey expanded at the School of Rock where he met his bandmates.