Interview: Glass Generation
Glass Generation by Alexis Abarca
Los Angeles-based Glass Generation are back with their latest single, "Coming Clean." Known for their seamless blend of pop-punk, emo, and post-hardcore, the band’s new track delivers a stripped-down yet deeply emotional sound that continues the raw energy of their 2023 EP, Never Better. In our exclusive interview with the band, they discussed how "Coming Clean" explores the personal aftermath of a breakup, reflecting on themes of self-discovery and vulnerability. Despite the softer tone, the band assures fans that the same authentic emotional core is still at the heart of their music.
During our chat, Glass Generation also opened up about their collaborative songwriting process, their experiences working with producer Alex Estrada, and how they balance their influences while keeping their unique identity intact. From booking their own shows to experimenting with layered guitar tones, the band revealed the DIY challenges and triumphs they've faced since forming in 2019. With shows lined up alongside Sad Park and Yungatita, and plans for more music in 2025, Glass Generation is ready for what’s next, hoping to connect with fans through the raw, relatable emotions in "Coming Clean."
You’ve mentioned blending pop-punk, emo, and post-hardcore. How do you balance these influences to create your sound?
We’re always looking for new ways to express what we want to write about. We love the anthemic energy of pop punk, the raw emotion found in emo lyrics and the heavy yet melodic sides of post-hardcore. We’re always taking some influence from these genres in our writing.
Your latest single "Coming Clean" follows your 2023 EP Never Better. How does it continue or differ from the themes explored in that EP?
I feel like “Coming Clean” is a lot softer and a little more stripped down than the songs on Never Better, sonically at least. But lyrically it’s still raw and real like we set out to do with the EP
You’ve been compared to bands like Joyce Manor and Modern Baseball. How do you feel about those comparisons, and how do you set yourselves apart from them?
We love it! They’re some of our favorite bands and the fact that I grew up in the Torrance area helps it mean a lot. But we always try to differentiate ourselves by sitting down and really assessing our work; making sure we 100% know that what we put out is 100% Glass Generation when all is said and done.
Since forming in 2019, what has been the most surprising or challenging aspect of your journey as a band?
Just having to navigate through the complexities of how to be in a band; how to book shows, book tours, marketing ourselves, etc. It’s really a “live and learn” process but we’re eternally grateful for the people that have helped us and continue to help us go in the right direction.
You worked with producer Alex Estrada, who’s known for his work with bands like Joyce Manor and Touché Amore. What was it like collaborating with him, and how did he influence the sound of Coming Clean?
Alex is the freaking best, man. We’ve been working with him since the beginning and each time we go to him it’s a treat. He makes this intimidating thing, being in a real studio, seem so easy and relaxing. When we went in to do the single, we took a lot of the same approaches we’ve done in the past but experimented with differently layered guitar tones and effects that we think is gonna pave the way for more interesting stuff from us.
Your lyrics often convey raw emotion. Can you talk about the inspiration behind "Coming Clean"? What emotions or experiences drove this song?
The song surrounds my ex-girlfriend and the feelings I had after our breakup. I wanted to tackle the struggle of finding myself again and realizing who I am after giving myself away to create this false sense of self to keep everything going. It’s almost as if it’s an open letter to myself and her; saying things I can no longer tell her and helping myself realize what I was doing was only harming the both of us.
With upcoming shows alongside bands like Sad Park and Yungatita, how do you approach live performances, and what can fans expect from your upcoming sets?
Our only goal when we play a show, any show, is for the fans to have fun. We are gonna put every ounce of our energy into creating a fun atmosphere for them and hopefully, they’ll wanna see us again.
How has the music scene in Los Angeles influenced your development as a band? Are there any local bands or venues that have been particularly important to your growth?
A lot of the people we’ve met and become friends with over the years have been so detrimental to our growth; so much of the success we’ve had has been the result of our friends’ support. Even little things like coming to our shows, saying hi and chatting music, or even streaming our stuff has helped us more than they’ll ever know. We’d like to credit; in no particular order:
Rec Affect, Dedfones, Grave Secrets, Stay Tough Records, The Smell, The Shed, Dani and so many more; the list can go on forever.
You mentioned that your songwriting process is often collaborative, with ideas being worked out together. Can you share more about how a typical Glass Generation song comes together?
It starts really with one of us bringing in a riff idea, a small demo with some lyrics or just an idea in general. Then we all sit down and jam and collaborate; we have enough trust in each other to come up with parts to make the song what we want it to be; even if things get switched around or taken out.
You've self-released "Coming Clean". What have you learned from handling the DIY aspects of being a band, and do you prefer this approach over working with a label?
One thing I’ve learned is that there’s always something new to learn. There’s always a new way to break yourself apart and try to get your voice heard through the crowd of millions of artists going after the same thing; the same-old, same-old isn’t always going to work. Working with a label is definitely in our minds, we wouldn’t say no to working with one if it felt right. We do understand that it takes time, and when it’s our turn we’ll be ready.
You’ve mentioned Green Day as an early influence. How has your relationship with their music evolved over time, and do they still play a role in how you create?
Green Day is the band that made me want to be a musician, to want to sing and play in a band. Nowadays the direct influence has dwindled a bit, but the way they perform continues to inspire me. When it’s time to write I do find myself listening back and like rediscovering them again. No matter what though they’re the band that started the snowball into my journey with music; I even have a “Jesus of Suburbia” tattoo on my arm.
What’s next for Glass Generation after the release of "Coming Clean"? Are there any new projects or tours in the works?
We’re always writing and thinking of what we’re gonna do next. We do plan on releasing more music in 2025 and we might hit the road again sometime in the year!
What do you hope fans take away from "Coming Clean" when they listen to it?
We hope that they can relate to it in some way; whether it’s something they themselves went through or maybe someone they know. All in all, we just hope they enjoy it!
Finally, what have you been listening to lately? Any new or old favourites that have been on repeat?
The Story So Far’s new record has been in my rotation lately. Also Spite House, Death Lens, Praise, One Step Closer, Koyo, and Stateside are all taking over my Spotify as of late.
Glass Generation’s latest single “Coming Clean” is out now and available for streaming on all your favourite platforms.
