Make Me Sick is a pop-punk band from Black River Falls, WI. Formed in January of 2023 to bring back the early 2000s punk vibe. Fast paced songs with “stuck in your head all day” catchy choruses, which delivers that feel good summertime anthem sound. With two lead singers, the dynamics cover the entire spectrum of rock music. From beautiful tenor singing, to occasional ear-piercing screams with the power to turn the heads of the heaviest of metal fans. Relatable lyrics from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, even sprinkling comedic factors just to get a laugh. MMS is the good time music has been waiting for! Look out for their debut, available everywhere summer of 2025.
-Interview- (8/30/25)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? How did the name "Make Me Sick" come about and is there any meaning to it?
I started playing guitar because I liked Metallica a lot and I wanted to play those songs myself at a young age. Watching MTV all the time, I discovered Blink-182 and fell in love with the Pop-Punk sound.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
I just want people to feel like they are in the early 2000's. We enjoy the music of the era but wanted to have parts be heavy enough for our metal-head sensibilities.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
It sounds like Blink-182 had a baby with early Bring Me The Horizon.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Neck Deep, State Champs, and Senses Fail.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
I think it's bullshit because nobody is actually creating anything. The people who have spent years developing their sound, and even learning how to write a song correctly, are getting ripped off. When you see a live band, or DJ, the performance of their own art is what people connect with. Fuck AI.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Pop Punk?
Pop-punk is always kind of around, but hasn’t had the spotlight in a while. The success of bands like The Story So Far and Neck Deep are prime examples of the continued want for new music in this space. It’s a strange middle ground for artists that allows a lot of creativity and, ultimately, connection with the audience.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Wisconsin?
I always thought the area was mostly a metal scene, so I'm surprised to see so many people enjoying Pop-Punk. We supposed that markets tend to get stale after a while in the same genre and the musicians get comfortable playing the same sets at the same dive bars. The two genres do have overlap, I just didn't know it was this strong.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
We've had $6.11 put onto our account from streaming royalties. I literally found $6 loose in a bag earlier today. Don't count on these companies for money, they are a tool to get your art into the hands of the audience. Making money from recorded music is a thing of the past because you don't have to buy an album anymore, physical or not. It is a convenience but we hate the system.
9. What’s next for Make Me Sick?
We are going to start working on the next record and continue playing shows.
10. Any shoutouts?
First of all, our brother Grimrose. Constantly supports us and couldn't be a more genuine person. He's doing great stuff in his camp, check it out.
Dave's Guitar Shop in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Not a sponsor but we just like the place a lot.
To all the talented people helping us behind the scenes, we cannot thank the crew and our families enough.
