The All-American Rejects Reflect on Independent Comeback and New Album 'Sandbox'
The All-American Rejects discuss their shift to independence and upcoming album 'Sandbox' at Billboard House during SXSW 2026.
With The All-American Rejects' comeback continuing into 2026, marked by their first album since 2012, Sandbox, band members Tyson Ritter and Nick Wheeler made an appearance at the Billboard House @ SXSW on Friday, March 13.
In a conversation with Billboard co-chief content officer Jason Lipshutz, the band members discussed various topics. These included their transition to an independent model in today's music scene after previously dominating the mainstream, their viral backyard tour, and the experience of creating their first album nearly 14 years ago.
Clips from their backyard tour performances gained significant traction on social media, sparking nostalgia and strengthening the band's connection with their fans.
"While we were in the belly of that beast, when we were a week in and it was popping off, it felt like we were holding the tail of the dragon, man,” Ritter raved. “Those shows were the greatest things I’ve ever been a part of, let alone been to, let alone performed in.”
The idea for the backyard tour across America originated from their manager, Meghan Kraemer. “That created something — especially being from Oklahoma — it felt like the shows we were playing when we were kids,” Ritter added.
After a successful run in the 2000s with Interscope Records, the band opted for an independent path for their new music out of necessity.
“Nobody wanted to touch us,” Ritter revealed. “Nobody wanted to really roll the dice on us as far as new music is concerned, including the management we had at the time… Independence was what we had to do to continue the story of this band.”
With their first album in 13 years, Ritter and Wheeler focused on ensuring the band could evolve artistically through new music, rather than attempting to replicate past successes.
“My fear for this band was can we grow together musically? The last thing we wanted to do was reach into some bag and be like, ‘Cool, this looks just like it used to and sounds like it used to, let’s go make a transactional experience for our fans of the lackluster watered-down concentrate of the juice they were drinking 20 years ago,” Ritter continued. “I’m happy I believe in what we’re doing.”
Wheeler echoed this sentiment, stating, “That’s the only reason we’re doing it. We would’ve been happy to ride off into the sunset and play state fairs and casinos. We always said we wouldn’t even attempt this again unless we really wanted to and we were excited about it and wanted to challenge ourselves again.”
In addition to panel conversations, Billboard House also hosted daily performances throughout the weekend, featuring artists like Dizzy Fae, Alicia Creti, Kairo Keyz and Babyfxce E on Friday. DJ Cortez provided daytime music for the event.
Look for Sandbox to arrive on May 15. Watch the full interview with The All-American Rejects here.
Related Articles
- Bruce Johnston Steps Away From The Beach Boys After Six Decades
- Billy Corgan Claims CIA and MTV 'Dialed Down' Rock Music in the Late '90s
- Eagles Announce 'The Long Goodbye' Tour Extension: Is This Really It?
Related Articles
Listen to The All-American Rejects on Foxsoundi. Click here to listen!
Comments (0)
Login to comment