Sweet Pill reimagine The Wonder Years' "There, There" for Hopeless Records' 30th Anniversary

News

22 Aug

Sweet Pill have reimagined The Wonder Years' fan-favourite track “There, There” for Hopeless Records' 30th-anniversary cover series, Hopelessly Devoted To You. As massive fans of Sweet Pill, The Wonder Years, and Hopeless Records, we were particularly excited to hear this new release. The Philly-based band brings their distinct sound to the cover, adding a brand-new original verse inspired by their close relationship with The Wonder Years, which developed during a tour last year.

“There, There” is a track that holds a special place in The Wonder Years' discography, and Sweet Pill has done justice to its legacy while also making it their own. Dan Campbell of The Wonder Years expressed his admiration for the cover, noting that Sweet Pill is a band that embodies everything right with music—innovative, passionate, and unafraid to take risks. The decision to write a new verse for such a beloved song is a testament to Sweet Pill’s bold and creative approach.

Dan Campbell of The Wonder Years shared:

“If my math is right, The Wonder Years have written 108 songs in our time as a band, and “There, There” is probably the only one in the top 3 list for every single member. It’s a special song for us, and we’re so glad that it was covered by a band we love and are rooting so hard for. Sweet Pill are everything that’s right with music—innovative, DIY as fuck, passionate, and totally unafraid (I mean, to choose to write a new verse for a cover song takes guts). They took a song that’s very dear to us and made it sound amazing all over again in a new way.”

Sweet Pill’s vocalist Zayna Youssef added:

“For us, it was a no-brainer to choose to cover The Wonder Years as part of the Hopeless 30th anniversary cover compilation. The guys in The Wonder Years took us out on tour and introduced us to their incredible fan base last fall. We share so much in common, being from Philly, being diy kings, and being label mates. The guys are nothing but kind and believe in us so fiercely. For that, we are so grateful. "There, There" seemed in our wheelhouse and a good opportunity to still have our Sweet Pill sound without sacrificing the integrity of the song (even though we did get a little cheeky at the end adding a whole new bit). Seeing There, There live every night and feeling the energy of when the first chorus dropped was unmatched. Those simple yet effective lyrics, “I’m awkward and nervous” resonated with me. It spoke to me enough to want to sing it in my own way. We hope their fans and ours enjoy our little spin on a classic emo song.”

This cover is part of Hopeless Records’ broader 30th-anniversary celebration, which includes a series of covers by the label’s current artists. The Hopelessly Devoted To You series highlights the label’s enduring impact on the alternative music scene, showcasing how its artists continue to reinterpret and breathe new life into iconic songs from its catalog. The series coincides with the opening of two exhibits at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, where Hopeless will present a special “Hopeless Museum” alongside performances by artists like Scene Queen, Illuminati Hotties, and Dan Campbell of The Wonder Years.

Founded in 1993, Hopeless Records has been a cornerstone of the alternative music scene for three decades, fostering both legendary acts and emerging talent. The label’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing music landscape while staying true to its punk rock roots has made it a vital force in the industry. From pop-punk mainstays like New Found Glory to rising stars like Sweet Pill, Hopeless has consistently championed artists who push the boundaries of genre and creativity.

Sweet Pill’s cover of “There, There” is a fitting tribute to both The Wonder Years and the legacy of Hopeless Records. It’s a powerful reminder of the label’s ongoing influence and the enduring spirit of the artists who call it home. As Hopeless Records continues to celebrate its 30th anniversary, this cover series is a testament to the label’s lasting impact on alternative music and its commitment to supporting artists who are unafraid to take risks and innovate.

Stream the Hopelessly Devoted To You series, and watch the visualiser for Sweet Pill’s version of “There, There”: