My introduction
Hey everyone! I’m Lionel, a French dude totally into music, growing up in the 2000s when punk rock was my jam. I apologize in advance for any mistakes I may make in English. One unforgettable moment was stumbling upon Blink 182’s “Feeling This” video in 2023. That was the start of my dive into a world of killer guitar riffs and catchy pop-punk tunes. All of this came with energetic songs whose lyrics spoke to the teenager I was.
I blasted and, let’s be honest, more yelled than sang along to all the epic tracks from the biggest names back then. I was that kinda odd but accepted high school kid who was always dropping the latest beats I was into, from punk to metal – my music taste knew no bounds.
As time went on, life changed. Though I might’ve settled down a bit in other ways, my love for this music scene never faded. That led me to spend the next 15 years with my go-to albums on repeat, volume maxed out, much to my family and neighbors’ despair. But, gotta admit, I wasn’t much for hunting down new stuff. Still, I never missed a drop from Blink 182 or Sum 41!
The renewal
Then 2020’s pandemic hit. Like so many, I was stuck at home with nothing but my thoughts and my crappy apartment. To escape, I started digging for new tunes. And, wow, was I surprised! New bands were dropping fresh tracks left and right, sparking talks of a punk comeback with a pop twist. Yep, pop punk was making waves again.
This fired up my passion for discovering new bands, something I loved sharing with my buddies. Back in the day, I explored this world online from a quiet spot in France. Now, I was hitting up shows, collecting CDs and vinyl of my fave bands, and even curating new playlists on Apple Music and Spotify. Today, living in Quebec City puts me closer to the US, upping my concert and discovery game. But, I noticed a gap – there weren’t many sites or blogs for fans like us, especially in Europe, that connected the Francophone and Anglophone music scenes.
The shift
That realization hit me hard at the end of 2023 when I checked out my year in review on Apple Music and Spotify. Seeing over 100,000 minutes logged on tunes, not counting my CD and vinyl time, made me think. When a friend joked about me knowing “the sound of silence,” it clicked. Starting this site felt like the next big step to share my passion and put all that time to good use, along with friends who dig this scene just as much.
The result: Pop Punk Rock Universe
So, here we are at Pop Punk Rock Universe, a music blog for all things pop punk and more. Whether you’ve been in this scene for ages or are just getting into it, this blog is your ultimate spot to keep up and connect with this kick-ass community.
What’s on this blog?
- News and Updates: Keep up with the latest from your favorite pop punk bands, album drops, and tour news, especially for the Francophone scenes. We’re here to be your go-to for everything pop punk, punk rock, emo, you name it, from all over.
- Album Reviews: Jump into our take on the latest albums and shows, whether you’re a seasoned punk rocker or new to the scene.
- Artist Interviews: Get up close with pop punk artists, learning about their music-making process and what inspires them. We’re shining a light on new voices and giving local artists a platform.
- Discover New Talent: Check out emerging bands with us. Pop Punk Rock Universe is your spot to find the next big names in pop punk, with a special shoutout to up-and-coming Francophone talents.
- Collaborative Playlists: Dive into our playlists, a mix of classic hits and the newest bangers. Share your finds and help us build the ultimate soundtrack for our community.
In closing
We’re here to bridge the gap between the Anglophone pop punk scene and Francophone fans. We offering content in French and in English to create a welcoming space for music lovers to share, discover, and chat about their favorite tunes. Plus, for those who swing both ways, hit up the French flag at the top for the French version.
Whether you’re a nostalgic fan of classic punk rock or a fan of modern pop punk, PPRU is for you. Join us and be part of the Francophone pop punk scene, sharing your stories and helping this community grow.
