If you're looking for a pop punk band that channels all of the pop punk of yesteryear, look no further. State Champs does it as well as anyone, and they're just starting to hit their stride.

With the Alternative Press World Tour already under their belt this year and Warped Tour just around the corner, State Champs seems poised to be the breakout band of the year. Coming off of the success of October's Around the World and Back, the New York-based group has been getting critical acclaim aside from filling shows all over the continent, and they show no signs of slowing down any time in the near future.

Myspace caught up with founding lead guitarist and backup vocalist, Tyler Szalkowski, to discuss how things have changed for the band, what the internet means for younger artists, and exactly how it feels to play with those bands he looked up to for so long.

It seems like State Champs is landing on major tour after major tour this year, what's that been like so far?

It's been wild each and every night. It's been like "Holy shit, how is this a thing?" It's just been weeks and weeks of sold-out shows, and it's really been our first big blowout, so we're just touring our asses off all year.

When you're not touring, you've also released an EP or full-length every year since the band started in 2010. Do you think all the touring and constant performing has helped keep your releases consistent?

It definitely keeps you sharp. It's hard to force creativity, but that's never been the case for us. We're inspired by everything in life, so there's no time to get lazy. It's like being on a diet or staying in shape at the gym, the more you do it, the easier it gets.

Since State Champs began, pop punk has really had a resurgence. How's that changed things for you guys in 2016 as opposed to the early days?

The popularity of it wasn't anywhere near where it is right now. We were just concerned with where the next show was, whereas now my life is planned months in advance. I don't think we started any of it, but I think we're doing a great job of keeping it going.

What's it been like to see the reunion tours of so many bands from the 2000s that obviously inspired you?

I used to wake up early and turn on the TV to watch videos of bands like Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, and all of those other guys. If you had told me back then while I was eating my cereal that I would be playing with those guys one day, I would've called you crazy.

How do you think life as a band is different for you than it was for those bands a decade ago?

I really think we had it easy because we had the benefit of the internet. Those bands paved the way for us to do what we do. The internet helps us so much. Touring used to be done with printed out MapQuest directions for those bands, but now we all have maps and directions on our phones. We have all of these resources because of the internet - like we can share our music with millions of people instantly - but I think some bands rely too much on it.

What would your advice be to the next generation of bands?

Young bands need to focus on writing good songs and stop worrying about following and unfollowing people on Twitter. A lot of bands are rushing things to get them out on the internet, but you only get one chance to make that first impression on people. They need to stop rushing so much. Use all your resources on the internet, but wait until you're ready.

Is there anything else you want people to know?

I just love that people care and that they give a shit about this band. They're the ones who allow us to do all of the things we want to do.