Wendy’s has taken its emo phase much further than anyone probably expected, releasing Songs to Listen to in a Wendy’s Parking Lot, a six track project featuring some very familiar voices from across the scene.
Released on September 23rd, Songs to Listen to in a Wendy’s Parking Lot features State Champs’ Derek DiScanio, Silverstein’s Shane Told, Memphis May Fire’s Matty Mullins, blessthefall’s Beau Bokan and Holy Wars’ Kat Leon, alongside Chloe Kinnon. Wendy’s spent the days leading up to the release teasing that something emo was coming, but what initially looked like another bit of brand marketing has turned into an actual collection of songs with people from the scene involved.
The tracklist is where Wendy’s has had most of its fun. She Said She Didn’t Want Fries features Matty Mullins, while Chloe Kinnon appears on Salt in the Wound. Shane Told takes on I Miss the Sunroom, Beau Bokan appears on The Best Combo Meal on the Worst Night of My Life, Derek DiScanio features on It’s Not a Phase, It’s a 10pc and Kat Leon closes things out with My Frosty’s Funeral.
The whole thing is clearly not taking itself too seriously. From the song titles to the artwork, Wendy’s has leaned fully into emo and pop punk nostalgia without trying to make it anything more than a bit of fun.
Are these songs going to become permanent fixtures in your playlist? Probably not, but that isn’t really the point. Wendy’s has committed to the joke, brought in musicians who are actually part of the scene and somehow ended up with a genuine six track release in the process.