Adored Mayday Parade frontman, Derek Sanders has announced his forthcoming EP, ‘The Heavy Box,’ out April 14 via Rise Records. The five-track EP is Sanders’ second solo release following 2020’s ‘My Rock and Roll Heart,’ which was comprised of five stripped-back covers. Alongside the announcement, Sanders has shared ‘Howell Canyon,’ which can be heard now below.
‘The Heavy Box’ features five original tracks penned by Sanders and includes features from Mike Hanson of local Tallahassee band Goodbye Love and Jason Lancaster, former Mayday Parade co-frontman on the song ‘Dear Life.’ The song will be the first recording of Sanders and Lancaster together since Lancaster’s departure from Mayday Parade in 2007.
“Slowly over the last few years, I have poured as much love and energy as I could into these songs,” shares Sanders. “Thank you to everyone who helped make ‘The Heavy Box’ something real and available for those who find it worth their time. These songs mean so much to me, I hope you enjoy them.”
Speaking on ‘Howell Canyon,’ Sanders said that it is “about dealing with the sadness that comes from an important chapter in my life ending. The song takes a look back but also forward towards a more hopeful future.”
In support of ‘The Heavy Box EP,’ Sanders will make appearances at select stops on the Emo Nite LA tour.
March 16th – The Beacham – Orlando, FL
March 31st – Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
April 8th – Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA