Focusing more on what they were doing than those around them, Wilmette put themselves in focus and ran with their own style when it came to harnessing what pop-punk meant to them on their latest, Anxious Body. Out July 19th, we talked to their own Peyton Day about the EP, the Chicago scene, anxious millenials, mutant emos and more in this exchange.

Kendra: From Fall Out Boy to The Academy Is, the Chicago area is not shy when it comes to talented bands. Did you come up paying close attention to the local scene around you, watching their hits and misses all the while taking notes?

Peyton Day: To be honest not really, due to their size they were obviously on everyone’s radar growing up but we mostly just focus on us and try to make things we like.

Kendra: There’s got to be some pressure coming from an area that has produced such big names in that scene. Speaking of pressure, that came to mind when listening to “Winter Stay” on repeat. The line “Still I’ll hit my peaks and somehow end up at my low” made me think of the pressure we feel to do our absolute best, achieve it but still feel like we didn’t do enough. Was that where you were coming from when you wrote this or am I digging too deep?

Peyton Day: No, I totally like that you’re digging deep into the lyrics! I really don’t like to publicly state what something means exactly. I like our listeners to be able to interpret a lyric in the way they would like, without hearing that it could mean something totally different. Also, I didn’t really feel we had any pressure which was nice. There is always a little bit of pressure releasing something and not knowing what the response will be. I’m sure the pressure will heighten as we progress further into our careers but this EP overall was and is pretty tame.

Kendra: Sticking with “Winter Stay,” how did you come to work with Safe Bet on the track?

Peyton Day: Honestly we were just really big fans of his. We wanted to see him shine on some full-band tracks because he is an acoustic solo act. But in the future, he does have plans to do full band so that should be awesome.

Kendra: That song is out now and soon we’ll hear more when Anxious Body drops on July 19. Was working on this album therapeutic in any way for any anxiety you may face day today?

Peyton Day: Yeah, it most definitely helps. I think this EP shines a decent sized light on social anxiety and I find for me that writing things down can help me lessen that anxiety moving forward.

Kendra: Since we’re on the subject, why do you feel millennials are often seen as the most anxious generation?

Peyton Day: I don’t know if our generation is actually a more anxious generation or not, but I think today’s society puts a bigger focus on mental health than past generations did. It could also be because technology is heavily advancing and our distant future is most likely automation where robots can do everything!

Kendra: Anxious Body, again, is out July 19 on Mutant League Records. Keeping in line with mutants, what X-Men do you feel would most enjoy the new EP?

Peyton Day: Yes we’re super stoked to show everyone those songs. We also have another single coming out before that on July 3rd so be on the lookout for that. And we would probably have to say Nightcrawler. Could definitely see him jamming out to some emo music.

Kendra: Lastly, what’s coming up for you guys once the record drops? Touring?

Peyton Day: We do have two unannounced weekenders planned in the Midwest. We should be posting about them soon on our social media!