Today’s Who The Heck feature is all about Pinkshift, Baltimore’s most promising young punk trio—and quite possibly the textbook definition of a “next generation” pop punk band (if “pop punk” is even the right phrase). Inspired by acts like My Chemical Romance and No Doubt, Pinkshift’s style leans into grunge and post-hardcore territories—but it was a cover of a Britney Spears song that ultimately brought guitarist Paul Vallejo and lead vocalist Ashrita Kuma together to collaborate further. The band met in college, where—along with drummer Myron Houngbedji—they were studying to be surgeons and engineers, never expecting to be rockstars.
The band’s fate was sealed when their homemade music video for their song “i’m gonna tell my therapist on you” went viral overnight, much like the plot of a Disney Channel Original Movie. Pinkshift’s members would drop out of college (against their parents’ wishes) and go on to tour with the likes of Mannequin Pussy and PUP; their debut album, Love Me Forever, is finally out today and definitely sounds like they made the right move.
Pinkshift will play Chicago’s Cobra Lounge tomorrow (October 26); get your tickets here. Ahead of the gig, we pitched the band some get-to-know you questions on their favorite live shows, their dream collaborator, and more.
FOR FANS OF: MEET ME @ THE ALTAR, SAVE FACE, MANNEQUIN PUSSY
L to R: Myron Houngbedji (drums), Ashrita Kumar (vocals), Paul Vallejo (guitar)
DESCRIBE YOUR OWN MUSIC
Q&A
Bucket-list collaborator for a future
Pinkshift song:
“Writing with Turnstile would be incredible!”
Desert island album pick:
“Microwave’s Much Love.”
Favorite Riot Fest set you’ve seen:
“Never been to a Riot Fest but favorite show would have to be tied between My Chem and Pierce the Veil. My Chem because never thought we’d get to see the legends perform, and PTV cause their showmanship is unreal.”
Something barely anyone knows about Pinkshift:
“Because our music is pretty fast-paced and intense at times, everyone seems to think we’re like that off-stage/in the van, but we’re pretty low energy most of the time.”
