Ellington

Before Broadside of Richmond, Va., became one of Alternative Press' "100 Artists You Need to Know in 2015," the band consisted only of drummer and Musicians Institute alumnus Andrew Dunton and bassist Josh Glupker.

Dunton approached Glupker about collaborating on a project in late 2010. Then, they began the search for band mates. After three guitarist changes and more than 50 vocalist auditions, the rhythm section found its match in guitarists Niles Gibbs and Dorian Cooke and vocalist Ollie Baxxter, who joined the band in January 2013.

In 2014, Chicago-based record label Victory Records picked up the buzz from Virginia and signed Broadside to its roster, which in the past has included successful acts such as Taking Back Sunday, Hawthorne Heights and Atreyu. The band wasted no time taking its latest tracks to Los Angeles, where it recorded its Victory Records debut, "Old Bones," which hit stores May 19, 2015.

While Broadside is best described as pop-punk, which Glupker defines as "fun, energetic, upbeat, fast-paced music full of life and energy," the band members all have varying tastes in music, from hip-hop to R&B to metal and even country. One of Glupker's personal favorite artists is Foo Fighters.

"I went to a concert once and experienced the most incredible show ever," he says. "They are true artists who just rock out from start to finish."

Despite the resurgence of pop-punk bands in the music scene, Glupker says Broadside still manages to set itself apart.

"We grew up listening to the late '90s bands, and while they're influential to us, we feel we have a new old-school taste—a modern, refreshing sound," he says. He also points to the Golden Age of California-based independent label Drive Thru Records, which drew national attention in the early to mid-2000s with the success of bands such as Something Corporate, Dashboard Confessional and Hellogoodbye.

Broadside's touring schedule—including its currently three-week tour with Orlando-based band Old Again, whom it also toured with last year—has taken the band all over the country. It even came to Tupelo about three years ago, making its upcoming performance at Big Sleepy's on Friday, July 17, Broadside's second performance in Mississippi.

"We're such a different band from then," Glupker says. "We've evolved. A lot of times, people who see our performances tell us how genuine we seem, that our passion and love for what we do can be seen by the smiles on our faces. This is life for us. Every member has dropped something to be a part of this, whether it was school or moving to a new city. We've all found our place, and this band helped us with that. We're all very humble. We appreciate everything and have worked hard for this."

While Broadside has no Mississippi ties, Glupker says the musicians are excited to perform in this state again.

"We're southerners at heart, so we're excited about the performance," he says. "Music is a big family. You get a weird connection with your fans when someone comes up to you and tells you how a lyric relates to them or how a particular song made them feel. That's what it's all about."

Broadside performs 7 p.m., Friday, July 17, at Big Sleepy's (208 W. Capitol St, 601-863-9516). Old Again, Common Goals, Finding Peace in Gunshots and The Villetown Mountain Army Brigade also perform. Admission is $10, and all ages can attend. For more information, find the event on Facebook.