About to Pop: Hey Monday
PopEater * October 14, 2008
by Nadine Cheung

Who: Hey Monday
Album: 'Hold on Tight'
Video: 'Homecoming'
Hails From: West Palm Beach, FL
For Fans Of: Paramore and Avril Lavigne

Why They're About to Pop: Hey Monday got their start in West Palm Beach, FL, when singer Cassadee Pope was still in high school. The young vocalist formed the band (formerly known as Blake) with Jersey Moriarty (bass), Elliot James (drums), and guitarists Mike Gentile and Alex Lipshaw. Soon, the pop rockers were signed to Columbia in a joint venture with Pete Wentz's label Decaydance, and entered the studio with S*A*M & Sluggo, the producers responsible for the slick sounds of Metro Station and the Academy Is.... The result is Hey Monday's debut album, 'Hold on Tight,' which features the infectious single, 'Homecoming.' Catch the quintet on tour with the Academy Is... and We the Kings, now through November 23.

Five Questions with Lead Singer Cassadee Pope:

What's your favorite song on the record?

'Run, Dont Walk.'

What inspired the songs on your record?

Real life experiences inspired us to write this record. Not only does our past help us write, but so do the things that our friends and families have been through and experienced. It's important to really feel the songs you play or else nobody will buy it. If you can't feel it, how can anyone else?

If you could have any musician's career other than your own, whose would it be?

Pete Wentz's career is pretty insane. He has so much going on (Fall Out Boy, Clandestine Industries, Angels and Kings, Friends or Enemies, etc.) and each of those ventures are successful. He's always keeping busy. He loves what he does and it shows. Not to mention his wife is a total babe.

If we looked inside your refrigerator, what would we find?

In my fridge, you would find Sprite, strawberries, grapes, salad and ranch dressing.

What are the most played songs on your iPod?

The most played songs on my iPod are the new The Academy Is... album; 'Stay Young' by We the Kings; 'Is a Real Boy...' by Say Anything; 'Catastrophe' by Four Year Strong; and 'More Than a Feeling' by Boston.

What did you think life as a musician would be like when you first started out and how does it compare to what it's really like for you now?

I knew life as a musician would be hectic and busy, but I knew I'd love every minute of it. It's everything I thought it would be and more. I love to travel and I love my band. I couldn't be happier.