Ten Years On: The All-American Rejects

It didn’t take long for The All-American Rejects’ first record to become a staple in high schools all over the place when it was released in 2002. And while a lot can change in ten years, including an industry turn upside the head, a few things have remained the same for AAR: they’re still dead-focused on making music, they’ve kept their feet on the ground, and that impossibly catchy melody of “Swing, Swing” has stayed pretty much timeless.

Alter The Press spoke with guitarist Nick Wheeler about how the last ten years haven’t aged the band, but have pushed them to stay relevant in the next decade.

Alter The Press: So it’s been ten years since the release of your self-titled. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about that?

Nick Wheeler (lead guitar): It’s one of those things that seems like it was so long ago, that in time it doesn’t seem like I’ve been doing this for so long, because I don’t feel like I’ve grown up 10 years of life, or matured in any way. It’s crazy, though. It’s one of those things that still hasn’t sunk in. We’re still in go-mode. We’ve never really stopped, we’re always doing something whether it’s touring or writing. We’re always living and breathing this band and these songs. So it’s kind of like one of those milestones that we don’t want to stop and acknowledge.

ATP! Contest: The All-American Rejects Signed CD + Poster

Today we have teamed up with The All-American Rejects to giveaway a signed copy of their new album "Kids In The Street" as well as a signed poster to one lucky fan!

If you want to be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is:

1. Follow @AlterThePress on Twitter
2. Follow @therejects on Twitter
3. Tweet: "I want to win the signed @therejects goodies @AlterThePress!"

The contest closes Wednesday, December 19th. One lucky winner will be chosen at random.

The All-American Rejects Stream New "Flatline" EP

The All-American Rejects' new "Flatline" EP can be streamed in its entirety by clicking read more.