The Uppers Drummer Travis Talks Influences, Playing Live, and ‘Manic Melodies’ EP

There is no downside with The Uppers; this band is all about energy and punk-driven enthusiasm. The St. Louis, Missouri-based quintet features previous members of Hard Evidence, Time and Pressure, Better Days, and Thee Fine Lines. They combine raw punk with traditional power pop influences to create a rocking good time.

Their latest release is Manic Melodies, released this past September via Spaghetty Town Records, Blvd. Trash, and Wanda Records EU. Early on, the group made a big believer out of the great Tuk Smith. Smith is best known for his work with his previous project Biters, and his current group, Tuk Smith and the Restless Hearts. Smith agreed to produce Manic Melodies for The Uppers, helping make this the band’s most accomplished release yet.`

The Uppers formed back in 2017 and have supported celebrated acts like The Dead Boys, Dillinger 4, Pegboy, and FEAR. They have also played alongside Radioactivity, Spiritual Camp, NY Hounds, and Chubby and the Gang. Some of the festivals that the band has popped up at include Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas, The Down South Showdown in Atlanta, and Windy City Sensation in Chicago.

Today, we are joined by The Uppers drummer Travis who discusses the band’s origins, writing Manic Melodies, playing live, and more.

How would you describe your own music?

Travis: “Punchy and energetic punk-infused rock n’ roll. Every song has a sense of urgency but still maintains a tight and solid foundation. Lyrically, we’re sarcastic, cynical, and a little bit narcissistic (in an ironic way). Big hooks coupled with memorable choruses and sneaky guitar riffs make for an overall anthemic and polished sound.”

Who are your biggest influences?

“In regard to our sound, I think we collectively pull from different bands/eras, but they’re all very similar. Overall, we’re influenced by classic bands like The Boys, D Generation, The Real Kids, The Dead Boys, The Exploding Hearts, The Jabbers, The Hives, and Generation X. We wear a lot of ’77-era punk and power pop on our sleeves. As a drummer, I will always cite John ‘Bonzo’ Bonham as my biggest influence.”

Tell us more about Manic Melodies. What was your experience of making it? What went on behind the scenes?

“Manic Melodies was pieced together with bubble gum and tape basically a month before we recorded it. The word ‘Manic’ in the EP title truly does define the creative process. Our singer, Ryan, has a billion riffs, lyrics, and ideas in his head. Collectively, we take his idea(s) and turn them into a cohesive song. A lot of times, easier said than done, especially on this record. Tuk Smith came out to St. Louis to help us polish up the songs we had for this record over a two-day period. He tied up a lot of loose ends, as well as added some great ideas to the songs we had. In two days, Tuk helped us finalize everything, and he really helped take everything to a different level for us.

“A month later, we were at Firebrand Studios with engineer Brian Scheffer and Tuk at the helm for guidance. Tuk really brought an aura of professionalism and perfection that we all honestly lack, especially me. Over a few days, we hammered out the tunes, and the rest is history.”

The Uppers, photo by Vicious Velma

What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened at one of your shows or on tour?

“Ryan performed our entire live set opening for Dillinger 4 in Las Vegas with his zipper down on his pants. I am pretty sure that wasn’t the first time that happened to him, and I am pretty sure his penis made a surprise appearance accidentally. He’s sorry to all that witnessed, I think.”

For those not familiar with The Uppers, can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?

“We’re all not young guys anymore, but we still have the inherent need to play punk music in a band still. All of us have been playing in punk bands since we were teenagers, and The Uppers is the culmination of years of doing the same thing. We all have done touring in other groups over the years, so the approach to The Uppers has been lower stakes at this stage in our lives. It’s more about creating songs we dig and tearing up stages as much as we can. Some people golf or go fishing, we all play in a punk band. That’s the easiest way to put it. It’s just what we do.

“The band is not only the main hobby for all of us, but it is our main social and creative outlet. Ryan and Shelby are tattooers with a brand-new shop they co-own (Encore Tattoos in St. Louis), Jimmy owns a construction business, I am in the automotive industry, and Kevin works for the St. Louis Art Museum. We’re all just working-class old-heads still driven to make the funniest music possible.”

The Uppers ‘Manic Melodies’ album artwork

What are some of the newer bands that you are listening to or enjoy?

“We’ve all been really digging Spiritual Cramp and their entire body of work as well as Comino, The Chisel, Restraining Order, RMBLR, High Vis, Loosey, Crime Line, Fast Eddy, Bad Mother, and Criminal Kids.”

Which do you enjoy the most: writing, recording, practicing, or playing live?

“Speaking for myself, I can say I hate recording as a drummer. It really shows me how ‘not tight’ or ‘polished’ I truly am, but it also pushes me to get better. I always leave a recording session better than when I went in. I just have a problem with stressing myself out.

“Personally, shows and practice really do it for me. Practice is a time to hang out with the band, bullshit/catch up, test new ideas, and overall just enjoy the company of the maniacs I play with. Shows are ‘it’ for all of us, though, at the end of the day. Having the finished product to show off (album) is amazing, but nothing beats a well-attended gig when the crowd is into the songs.

“Writing music is fun, but we either take forever to finish something or we ‘shit’ it out in a couple of hours. There’s no real process aside from, ‘hurry up and record this song on voice memo while we still remember it!’ when we’re writing. The good thing about us is we normally all agree, ‘it’ll work itself out to something cool once we hit the studio,’ and honestly, it always does with some fine-tuning and rehearsal. Playing shows is where it’s at, though.”

What’s next for you?

“We’re currently writing for our next release. We are going the route of an EP again. We’re hoping to have six to eight songs (more than the usual four for us) ready by late spring/early summer. We’re more than halfway there at this point!

“The direction and sound of the new stuff will not deviate too far from what our listeners have come to expect. We’ve got a ballad, fast punk rock burners, and even a recreation of a B-side/fan favourite planned. At this point, we do not tour, but we have and usually will play a few out-of-state gigs when invited (in the past, we’ve played Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas and The Down South Showdown in Atlanta, for example).”

Politics and music. Yay, nay, or what the hay?

“When it comes to The Uppers, we choose to ‘shut the fuck up about serious shit and rock.’ We just focus on rocking; let the nerds argue about politics.”