Interview by Angela Croudace
After decades in the punk rock game, MxPx have nothing left to prove. At least, that’s what you might think. But for frontman Mike Herrera, the hunger to keep pushing forward hasn’t disappeared, and with a new album on the horizon, the American punk veterans are showing no signs of slowing down.
Returning to Australia for Good Things 2026, MxPx are eager to reconnect with fans after what Herrera describes as far too long away. More importantly, they believe Australian audiences are about to experience a band that has become even better with time.
“Our show is better, our songs that we play are better,” Herrera says, explaining that the band has added some new classics to their live set that Australian fans haven’t yet had the opportunity to experience.
The return also arrives ahead of MxPx’s twelfth studio album, Living In The Chaos, due January 29, with first single ‘Panic Attack’ offering an early glimpse into what’s coming.
For Herrera, the track reflects the increasingly unpredictable nature of everyday life, describing the experience of chasing dreams while the world seems determined to get in the way.
He calls the album’s central theme the “chaosification of life”, but insists there’s more to it than simply acknowledging the madness. It’s also about resistance, solidarity and making the most of what we have.
“Let’s do the best with the time we have, let’s do the best with what we have, and let’s at least take care of each other.”
Despite their longevity, Herrera says MxPx still approach every release and performance with something to prove. Having grown from a garage band to one of the main stages at Good Things, he still sees the group as underdogs who earned their place through hard work rather than shortcuts.
And while he might embrace livestreams and social media, there’s one thing Herrera refuses to do.
“TikTok dancing.”
Some things, apparently, are better left untouched.
