This is by no means a hot take, and in fact verges on cold, but I think pop punk gets an unfair amount of shit from the internet as a whole. That’s not to say there aren’t aspects of the genre worth dunking on, because there very obviously are. But part of the core Millennial Experience, at least to me, is an undying love for music about not fitting in, or in Nashville band Dad Hats‘ words, ‘songs for people trying to get their shit together, or laughing at themselves when they don’t.’
I first heard Dad Hats at a festival I attended back in May called Jorts Fest that took place inside a three-venue bowling alley. It was awesome, and I completely missed their set because I suck, but I looked them up afterwards as part of my penance. That’s when I heard their single “Never Better” followed by a great cover of “Teenage Dirtbag”. And believe me, those two songs back-to-back were enough to sell me. Not that I’m, like, the un-sellable Colleen Nerney over here, but you get my point. Sometimes it takes a few listens of a whole album, and sometimes all it takes a missed festival performance and a killer B-side.
Drummer Joe Halby answered my questions as the band’s ‘token extrovert‘ about their upcoming album Wash. Rinse. Repeat, due to release later in 2026. Read on for tales of action, adventure, and maybe even romance.
Tell me all about the new album! This is your third full-length after about a three-year break…what has changed within Dad Hats? Did you take a different approach to the writing or recording process this time around?
This new one was our step back into writing in the practice space together. Our last record Spill was written and demoed completely remotely during the pandemic. We learned a lot from that, but getting back into a room together really helped bring these songs to a different kind of level. Turns out in-person collaboration might be important!? Who would’ve thought!
This is also our first record with Craig going single duty as our vocalist. Dad Hats started as a four piece with Craig slappin’ da bass and singing. Our friend Zak moved to Nashville right after Spill, so we begged the boys to let him join. Having a rhythm section separate from vocals helped us get a little groovier in parts and let Craig have more freedom in what he could do with words and melodies without being held down by thinking about ‘how the hell can I play that and sing at the time!?’
Our first record was recorded out on a farm in Indiana, and the vibes out there are immaculate, so while writing this one we decided we should go back out again. Those few days really helped us get the songs across the finish line, and also a dudes trip is always good for making us closer as friends. I think a few of us may have even kissed…I hope that love is shown in the new tunes.
We took our time tracking, the majority of which was done in Craig’s studio (Costume Party Records), we probably drank too much during each session which maybe was the cause for taking our time?? But it was fun, so who cares.
Your lyrics and band bio really emphasize self-deprecation and social anxiety. Is this a common trait that all the band members share, or do you have token extroverts?
Funnily enough, Craig’s lyrics are very honest about who he is and how he thinks, but to meet him and hang you’d think he was making it all up. He’d probably say that I’m the most extroverted (that’s why they make me run all of the socials and promotion shit), but Craig’s probably the one most people would likely invite to a party to bring it to life.
“Teenage Dirtbag” is a great pick for a cover, especially with your mix of indie and pop punk. Anything in particular draw you to that song? What are some other Dad Hats Dream Covers?
“Dirtbag” came up a few years ago… we wanted to open Jorts Fest 2 with something everyone would know to get the crowd going. There was a little friction when Tyler mentioned it. I think Craig and I were leaning towards an Everclear cover. But Tyler was right all along, which is always hard for me to admit.
Plus it’s easy to play, and that’s important to me.
You mentioned Jorts Fest earlier, which is actually how I first heard about you guys. Did you begin as just a booked band before moving into a more organizational role?
A few years ago our best frenemies Ghost Town Remedy asked us if we’d wanna play this little fest they were putting together. Their frontman TJ asked if I’d help with some logistics around sponsors and shit. After that, he asked if we could hold hands and tag-team the whole thing for next year.
We did a couple years kind of double-dutying everything, but eventually we fell into our strengths, and now he handles talent buying/booking side of things and I lead all things marketing/operations. This past one we put together quite the team who really helped us elevate it into something very cool.
The Nashville DIY scene is a sleeper hit, IMO. I found out a lot after that first Fest. There are so many badass bands playing these badass venues run by badass music supporters. It’s… badass.
While the next Jorts Fest may be quite some time away, Halby and the rest of Dad Hats are busy preparing for the promotion and release of Wash. Rinse. Repeat., which is due to drop later this year. Halby notes that ‘the goal for the next single is 9/11“, which I will be screenshotting and saving in my Google Doc of his cancelable quotes.
Wash. Rinse. Repeat. credits:
Releases late fall 2026
via Mind Over Matter Records
Produced by Craig Turner
Mixed by James Paul Wisner
Mastered by Eric Mitchell
Dad Hats is:
Craig Turner – Vocals
Zak Klaine – Bass
Tyler Coleman – Guitar
Nate Sorg – Guitar
Joe Halby – Drums
