Best Collaborations in the Scene
Photo by Perla Diaz
When heavyweights in the scene collide, there’s no telling what could happen. Some of alternative music’s most iconic songs sprung from collaborations. From Pierce the Veil and Kellin Quinn to Poppy and Fever 333, here are some of our favorite collaborations in the scene.
Pierce The Veil & Kellin Quinn - “King For A Day”
Did you really think we wouldn’t include this? Hands down, “King For A Day” is one of the top five songs scene kids lose their mind to. With an infectious guitar riff and a defiant chorus for anyone “over sleeping like a dog on the floor,” the Vic Fuentes/Kellin Quinn combo will always inject energy into a crowd.
A Day To Remember & Mike Hranica - “I’m Made Of Wax Larry, What Are You Made Of?”
Jeremy McKinnon and Mike Hranica teamed up to deliver one of the most iconic breakdowns in the scene. The back-and-forth bridge between the two vocalists will always get an audience head-banging and screaming, whether it’s at an A Day to Remember show or an Emo Nite.
The Used and My Chemical Romance - “Under Pressure”
In 1981, rock icons Queen and David Bowie came together to release “Under Pressure.” In 2004, it was covered by another duo of artists at the top of their game: My Chemical Romance and The Used. Between Gerard Way’s dramatic delivery and Bert McCracken’s emotion, the cover was an impassioned tribute to the generation of rock that came before them.
New Found Glory & Hayley Williams - “Vicious Love”
Prior to their 2017 divorce, Hayley Williams linked up with Chad Gilbert and his bandmates in New Found Glory to release a love song denouncing all mushy cliches. It’s a bouncy pop-punk anthem detailing the messy parts of a relationship with Williams and singer Jordan Pundik coming together to sing in, ironically, perfect harmony.
All Time Low & Vic Fuentes - “A Love Like War”
Worlds collided when the pop-punkers in All Time Low teamed up with one of post-hardcore’s biggest vocalists Vic Fuentes for “A Love Like War.” The two trade lyrics during the earworm of a chorus, sure to always start a sing-along among ATL and PTV fans alike.
Machine Gun Kelly, Yungblud & Travis Barker - “I Think I’m OKAY”
Machine Gun Kelly is best known as a rapper, but he’s not afraid to show his appreciation for pop punk, with “I Think I’m OKAY” as a prime example. MGK teams up with Yungblud and Travis Barker to provide an anthem for the lonely and restless.
Poppy & Fever 333 - “Scary Mask”
Poppy’s making uniquely heavy music all her own, but Fever 333 injected an extra dose of energy when the two teamed up for “Scary Mask.” Poppy leads the song with an eerie, sing-song melody, while Fever 333 provides a chunky riff reminiscent of Korn and frontman Jason Aalon Butler frantically screams “I’m alright.” We’re not exactly convinced but it makes for a killer song.
Neck Deep & Mark Hoppus - “December (Again)”
What started as a somber ballad for Neck Deep turned into a banger when the band linked up with blink-182’s Mark Hoppus. With a picked-up tempo, a bridge appearance from Hoppus and a little more attitude, the band typically performs the upbeat version at live shows.
Deftones & Maynard James Keenan - “Passenger”
Deftones and Tool were among the most respected alternative metal groups in 2000. Then Deftones recruited Maynard James Keenan for “Passenger” and blew everyone away. Chino Moreno’s soft whisper carries the verse, while the guitars rise to a wall of noise and Keenan cuts through it to deliver a powerful chorus.
Architects & Greg Puciato - “Year In Year Out/Up and Away”
“Year In Year Out” is an emotionally-layered, moving ode to never giving up in the face of depression. Two of metalcore’s favorite vocalists in Sam Carter and Greg Puciato are a formidable duo. They tackle the complexity of depression and suicidal thoughts from despair and loneliness to moving forward with hope.