"Pain is genuine and life is tough, but it's also incredibly funny."
— Stefan Babcock
Despite the band's growth, they have maintained a close-knit sense of community throughout their journey. This summer, they plan to embrace their DIY roots with a series of house shows in Toronto, performing six in one week. “We’re fortunate enough to be in a position where we can change things up and keep it exciting, and we’re doing these shows simply because we want to,” he affirms.
On the flip side, the band has experienced playing huge arenas, notably while supporting fellow Canadian rock band Sum 41, but he shares that it’s not in their nature to aspire to that level of fame. “I think it’s really commendable and courageous for an artist to aim that high. It’s not a judgment on my part, but I’m not interested in the level of success that means you can't even go grocery shopping. I’m writing songs I believe in and performing them with my friends. That’s gotten us to a place where we’ve been able to make a living for a decade, which is pretty wild. That’s enough for me; I don’t desire that other stuff. This is a conscious choice, but I respect anyone who takes that big leap.”
In a field where sudden fame seems common from the outside, Stefan reflects and wouldn’t change anything about PUP’s journey so far. "I’m just incredibly grateful we started when we did. We’ve been lucky to advance gradually to the point where I’m not anxious in these much larger venues. If I had been thrown into this situation at the very start, I would have seriously messed it up. I have a few friends who've achieved significant success quickly, and it’s not easy. I’m really thankful we’ve been able to do it step by step.”
It seems that PUP has quietly succeeded on their own terms, and even with an exciting year approaching, he emphasizes that they won’t take anything for granted. “I just never know if this will be the last record we make or the last tour we go on. I’ve had those feelings for ten years; it often feels like the band could end at any moment, and I think that’s part of the magic we’re trying to capture in the studio.”
“Many songs on this record convey a sense that everything could fall apart, but we’re staying united. It’s a unique connection that can't be faked. We’re all on this journey together, we care for one another, and we’re glad to be here. This life doesn’t last forever, nothing is permanent, and nothing is guaranteed, so we’re savoring every moment."
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