On November 19, 1998, I attended my first concert at The Opera House in Toronto. That night, a Midwest emo band from Kansas City, The Get Up Kids, took the stage as the second act. Little did I know, that performance would mark the beginning of a lasting relationship with the band that would shape my musical identity. From that day forward, The Get Up Kids became my favorite band, and I’ve made it a point to see them every time they’ve toured here since.

In 1999, they released Something to Write Home About, an album that, for me, became much more than just music—it became the soundtrack to my youth. In many ways, it’s continued to be the soundtrack to my life. While it may sound cliché, this album has seen me through countless challenges and moments of growth. Every track holds a memory, and some of those memories carry significant weight. This record remains a deeply personal and important part of my journey.

——————

I was in my youth,
A former 90s cool kid,
And I found love,
Through music.
And now,
An aging emo kid,
Holding onto his youth,
Through each song,
He fell in love with.


— Sincerely, Boris