#lameassdads is a pop-punk band from Toledo, Ohio, who has just announced the vinyl release of their album Greetings from Nowhere, Ohio. The vinyl is being released by Punkerton Records. It’s being released as random mix color vinyl so each record will be an unique, one of one. The vinyl release also features two bonus tracks, one of which has never been released!

The band was formed in early 2021 when two friends, Ryan and Andy, decided they still had some gas in the tank for songwriting and creating. Now in their late 30s with real jobs, families, and responsibilities, they realized they still needed an outlet to get their adult angst out.

We had the chance to ask #lameassdads a couple questions as part of The Refrain Interview Series. Check it out below.

Refrain Music Blog: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. You have an album out now which is also being re released on vinyl through Punkerton Records. What’s it called?

lameassdads : “Greetings from Nowhere, Ohio” is the name of the album!

RMB: What is the album about, in terms of lyrics? Any overarching messages or themes?

lameassdads: It’s really about a variety of topics. From growing older, to finding the love of your life, the good and ugly side of parenting, and dealing with grief and anxiety. If there’s an overarching theme on the album, I’d say it’s just about life and dealing with it the best way we can.

RMB: How does this album differ from your previous work?

Andy: It’s definitely more collaborative and has a much more pop punk sound. Most of the groups I was in previously were more of a grungy punk feel.

Ryan: In previous projects I was not that involved in the writing and producing process. Not having played in a band in over a decade and a half, I had some pent up ideas that needed to be let out and set free!

RMB: What’s the story on how it was recorded? The Who, When, Where etc. Was it a long process or quick? Any good stories about the recording process?

Andy: Ryan and I work together at our day jobs, and we had joked around about making music for a while since we both knew the other played in bands previously. When Ryan moved to the same small suburb of Toledo that I live in, it seemed like a missed opportunity to not get together and do something. I had a song that I’d written that ended up on the album called “Shoeless in a Snowstorm”. We got together at his house and started recording it. We would get together weekly. It took us about 3 or 4 months to record the whole album and then Ryan did all of the production work as we went along.

Ryan: My wife (Rachel) should definitely be named Executive Producer of the album with all of the snacks, drinks, and lunches she made us while we were recording. Plus, her not killing me for dropping thousands of dollars on software and equipment since we started, makes her a saint! Her, more so than Andy, has to deal with my neurosis by constantly having to listen to multiple song versions while I mix and produce. This album doesn’t happen without her love and support.

RMB: Tell us a little about the band. Who all is in it and how did you form? How long have you been together?

Andy: Ryan and I really started doing this just to be creative during the pandemic. We didn’t know at the time if we’d even play live, or be able to for that matter! When we decided we wanted to play live as the world opened back up, Ryan reached out to his old friend and former bandmate Dan to play guitar with us, and I reached out to my old friend and former bandmate Tim to play drums.

Ryan: I came up with the name of the band because I thought people who would learn about us starting a pop-punk band in our late 30s are just going to think “What a bunch of lame ass dads…” I figured we’d beat them to the punch line.  

RMB: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

Andy: For me it’s bands like Bad Religion, Descendents, Millencolin, MxPx, and Four Year Strong.

Ryan: MxPx, Blink 182, New Found Glory, The Ataris, NOFX, No Use For A Name

RMB: What’s the one thing you are most proud of in your career so far?

Ryan: Just being able to say that we finished a full length album on our own is a pretty big personal accomplishment in my opinion. It getting any amount of attention is just a benefit.

RMB: If you had to pitch your music to a potential fan in less than 10 seconds, what would you say?

Andy: Think early 2000s Blink 182 or Green Day. Catchy hooks with some punk edge.

Ryan: Grown-up Pop-Punk

RMB: What’s one piece of advice you’ve gotten that you think everyone needs to hear or that has meant the most to you?

Ryan: No matter how hard you work, no one cares as much as you do how much you suffer for your art. Just create something that you are proud to call yours.

Andy: Don’t stop playing music. Even if you don’t have others to play with, keep playing by yourself.

RMB: If you could go back in time, what’s a piece of advice you would give to a younger you?

Andy: Practice more! You’re not going to get better if you don’t practice! Take that gig that’s maybe not what you play but will give you exposure to other musicians!

Ryan: Give yourself permission to write something shitty. Just keep writing.

RMB: What’s coming up next for your musical project?

Andy: We’re starting work on our follow up album, so keep you’re eyes out for it!

Ryan: We are also working on a cover song EP

RMB: Anything we haven’t thought of that you want to talk about? Now is the time!

lameassdads: Please head over to www.punkertonrecords.com and pre order our album on vinyl. Also, head over to www.lameassdads.com and connect with us there!