Derek Sanders Announces New EP The Heavy Box and Releases “Howell Canyon”

Photo Credit: Matt Burke

The highly adored frontman of the emo/pop-punk quintet Mayday Parade, Derek Sanders, has announced his new EP The Heavy Box. The EP is set to release on April 14th via Rise Records. This will be Sanders’ second solo release following My Rock and Roll Heart, which was released in 2020 and contains five stripped-back covers.

The Heavy Box is made up of five original tracks, including a song he has already released called “Howell Canyon.” The track is about dealing with sadness that Sanders’ says “comes from an important chapter in my life ending. The song takes a look back but also forward towards a more hopeful future.” The official lyric video for the song can be watched here.

The song “With You On The Ground” features Mike Hanson of the local Tallahassee, Florida band Goodbye Love. “Dear Life” features Mayday Parade’s former co-frontman, Jason Lancaster. This is the first recording of them together since Lancaster left the band in 2007, making it highly anticipated by fans of Mayday Parade’s older music.

“Slowly over the last few years I have poured as much love and energy as I could into these songs. 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.”

— Sanders Comment

The Heavy Box Tracklist:

1. Home

2. With You On The Ground (ft. Mike Hanson)

3. True Story Of The Boy Whose Exploits Panicked A Nation

4. Howell Canyon

5. For Dear Life (ft. Jason Lancaster)

In support of the EP, Sanders will be making appearances at select stops on the Emo Nite LA tour. Tickets and more information can be found here.

Derek Sanders Emo Nite Appearances:

3/16 - Orlando, FL @ The Beacham 

3/31 - Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall

4/8 - Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts

Keep Up With Derek Sanders: Website l Instagram l Twitter l Spotify