Rematch is the Chicago native pop-punk band, who is set to enter a new era in 2025 with a multitude of upcoming ventures.
The band’s “New Era” launch stays true to its name. Rematch was preparing for 2025, but finding a new vocalist was a new experience. With the hard launch of this new era, Rematch found a well-paired vocalist to maintain the energy and as well as commitments as a band, showing their dedication to their music. They released a surprise release of a new single on their first day of touring with Wheatus. On top of the new single, they have more upcoming tour dates with Forever Came Calling and Captains soon.
ORB (Off Record Blog): First of all, thank you for taking the time to chat! Can you give an introduction to Rematch as a band and your role within the band?
Mike Stranczek (MS): Hey thanks for chatting with me! Rematch started in 2018. Josh and I started Rematch with some other friends, and Noah, Austin and Matt joined along the way. We are just best friends writing and playing songs together. As for me, I’m Mike, the guitarist and founding member of Rematch.
ORB: What does this “New Era” mean to you all as a band? As one of the founding members, you would have the best insight from the official launch to this re-launch.
MS: A New Era to us is about focusing on the future of Rematch, while still staying true to our roots. We actually wanted to release the single with Matt earlier than the day of the tour – but some things held up in production. We were stoked to be able to get it out though, we recut all the vocals on our full length with Matt, and are excited to work on new music with him going forward. Hopefully this year is filled with new music and touring on our end!
ORB: What was the process of finding the right fit for a new vocalist in such a short amount of time?
MS: Honestly, the night Alex told us he was going to step back from the band, Matt was the first person I called. I knew we had the Wheatus tour lined up and I wanted to make sure we had someone who would be able to at least fill in for the tour. He told me that night that he’d want to try out as well. I told him we wanted to run an open try out. We talked to a lot of very talented people but his try out was exceptional and we knew we got along with him as a friend already. It seemed like the perfect fit.
ORB: Matty’s energy seemingly fits Rematch very well. I personally have had the band’s new single, “Double Tap”, on repeat. Did you write that song before choosing Matty as your vocalist, or did he influence its creation as well?
MS: Double Tap was originally written and recorded for our full length before Alex stepped away to focus on his health. Matt definitely brought a new vibe to the song though. Matt’s energy is almost infectious and he knows how to light up a room.
ORB: How do you feel your fans are responding to the new single both on and off tour?
MS: We have heard a lot of great feedback. In person people are saying they LOVE Matt’s energy, and everyone online seems to be accepting him with open arms. A few people haven’t loved the vibe, but we can’t make everyone happy!
ORB: Rematch’s run with Wheatus was just the start of the band’s plans for 2025. You guys have an upcoming tour with Forever Came Calling and Captains soon. What are the band’s goals as a whole on this next run?
MS: The run with Wheatus was amazing. Everyone in that camp was so nice and fun to be around. For this next run, we are just excited to play some more shows with cool bands. Forever Came Calling and Calling All Captains are such great bands. We are excited they asked us to rip these shows with them.
ORB: What does this “new era” in 2025 mean to the core of Rematch? Is there anything you’d like your listeners to know about this new start?
MS: I know we’ve been promising a record for awhile now, it is still coming and we appreciate all the patience and love you’ve given us. We are also trying to hit a lot of the places we haven’t been to yet so hopefully we will see you on the road with a bunch of new music this year!
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I'm a Midwest-based photojournalist with a passion for live music photography, which I began at 14. I cover various genres, mainly alternative rock, emo, hardcore, and pop-punk bands. I have an Associate's in Sociology and plan to pursue a B.A. in PR/Communications. After 8 years in education, I’m now pursuing my creative career full-time!
