Less than 1,000 monthly listeners. More than 1,000 reasons to listen.
How did you come up with the bands name?
Our band name came from an old Sears commercial referencing the “softer side.” When we needed a name before booking shows, one of us suggested “The Softer Side of Nothing,” which we eventually shortened to “The Softer Side.” It felt ironically fitting for a fast skate-punk band, but over time the name made sense as our music touches on emotion, life, love, loss, and friendships.
Where are you from?
Jacksonville, FL, USA
What genre would you class your music as?
Punk, Skate Punk, Melodic Punk, Pop Punk
For Fans Of?
Slick Shoes, Craig’s Brother, Inspection 12
Where can people connect with you?
The bands website can be found here.
What is your latest release?
‘Rise from the Deathbed’ is a limited-edition 12” dual EP vinyl release from Jacksonville, Florida melodic punk band The Softer Side. Formed in 1999 by members of notable North Florida bands including Inspection 12, Whaleface, Hatrick, and Redline, the band is known for tight guitar work, driving drums, inventive bass lines, and melodic vocals.
The release combines two EPs—‘Deathbed’ (2024) and ‘Rise from the Embers’ (2013)—neither of which had previously been released on vinyl. The record also features new artwork created by the band’s guitarist, Scott Sugarman.
‘Deathbed’ delivers six songs that blend skate punk, pop punk, rock, folk, and metal influences, pairing emotional storytelling with energetic punk melodies. ‘Rise from the Embers’ showcases catchy, well-crafted songs with melodic rock and skate punk vibes, and features bassist Peter Mosley (formerly of Yellowcard).
Both EPs were mixed and mastered by Paul Lapinski of My Platinum Sound. Together, the release offers nearly an hour of heartfelt, high-energy melodic punk rock that highlights the band’s evolution while appealing to fans of Yellowcard, No Use For A Name, The Ataris, Face To Face, Strung Out, and Rufio.
What are the three songs you would recommend to new listeners?
Our first song in a decade and long overdue, ‘Don’t Forget Me’ kicks off 2024’s Deathbed EP and sets the tone for some of the overall themes listeners will hear throughout. Where are we headed? Where have we been? From sunrise to the sunset, how will we be contributing to our legacy each day? We try to balance the emotional lyrics against catchy guitar riffs, intense vocal harmonies, driving and creative bass and drums.
Off of the Deathbed EP, this song delves into the choices we make in life and the greater impacts, for better or for worse. Thoughtful lyrics paralleled with catchy guitar and bass riffs, pounding drums, and big melodic sing-a-long choruses.
Off of 2013’s ‘Rise From the Embers’ EP, this song explores the tension between emotional connection and physical desire in relationships. The song blends introspective lyrics with catchy melodies, energetic guitars, and driving rhythms. Pop-punk fans will enjoy its relatable theme, strong hooks, and melodic, high-energy sound that captures the heart of classic pop-punk.
What is the song you’re most proud of as a band?
So many to choose from, but we’ll go with the title track off the Deathbed EP as it is a pretty unique song compared to the rest of tunes. Rather than a typical song structure, it really is a short story that explores the downfall of someone whose arrogance masks deep insecurity and fear of being alone in the end. No repeated parts and every piece of music balances with the lyrics. Overall the song pairs sharp, emotional lyrics with hard-hitting fast punk energy, turning heavy themes into something both powerful and memorable. It has a lot of interesting musicality to it and we all got to put a personal stamp on this one.
When can we expect some new music?
We are working on a cover tune or two for an upcoming project, but are also working on a new batch of original tunes as well.
Who would be your dream collaboration?
Possibly a musical brain dump with Lagwagon, Tony! Toni! Toné!, and A Perfect Circle. We would love to see what would come out of that writing session!
Where can people grab some merchandise?
You can buy merch here!
What is the bands goal for the next 12 months?
Finish some covers and original tunes and getting back into the studio.
What is your message to new listeners?
We’re incredibly grateful that, after all these years, people still care about what we’re doing. It’s exciting to see new fans discovering our music and connecting with the songs for the first time. If you love melodic, heartfelt punk rock, we’re proud to keep delivering the kind of energy and authenticity that keeps that spirit and alive.
Let Fox Reviews Rock know what you think!