All this month we are celebrating acts that you need to look out for in 2026. Today we speak to the band Altarboy about an exciting 2025 and what is in store for this year!

Hello tell us all about yourself?

We’re ALTARBOY and we’re from Philadelphia. We like to blend punk rock with old campy horror aesthetics. I feel like it’s a fun take on a band for us and the listener as well. 

How was 2025 for you?

2025 was great! We started in 2024 and spent that year learning how to be a band and building our relationship with our scene/community. 2025 I feel like we got to REALLY get into the grind of playing shows and we’re already miles ahead of where we were in the beginning of the year. We’ve gotten a lot of great opportunities and really set up our future. This was the year where we felt like we really nailed how to be a REAL band. 

What was the top 3 highlights for you?

Opening for The Dollyrots at Broken Goblet. It was the biggest stage we played on and arguably our biggest crowd. It was very close to where we grew up (Northeast Philadelphia), so being able to play such a great stage with a well-respected band in our hometown was a core memory for sure.

BRST FEST in September. Our label, Crusty Wrapper Records, put on a festival to raise money for breast cancer research and it was a huge success. All of our friends were on the bill, the room was packed, the crowd was electric, you couldn’t really ask for more. It was by far our favourite show we’ve played that truly represented our scene.

 Adam, our lead guitarist, joining our band in May. We’ve been rocking it as a trio since our inception and Adam has taken our music to a whole new level. Our upcoming single, Rave From The Grave, is our first release with him and we’re really excited to show everyone how much he’s helped our sound evolve.

What was the key lesson you learnt from last year?

I would say it would be, you get what you give. Being a part of a local scene is important. And we’ve made it a point as individuals to show up to as many shows in our community as we can. Show support for all the bands, not just our own. And the amount of love and support we’ve gotten back has been incredible and it really shows you how important being part of your community is. You can also apply that to the effort you put into your craft. The more often we get together and practice, write, go to shows, make content; you really see how much it pays off.

What are your plans for 2026?

New music and more shows is definitely the go to answer. That will always be our biggest priority. But otherwise we would really like to start touring and play some festivals as well!

What styles do you hope to see more of in music this year?

Just more types of horror/art punk. Seeing bands with unique gimmicks/aesthetics is always super cool. We take a lot of pride and time in putting ours together so it’s always cool to see other bands take on it. We’re not competitive, we like to find bands who are out of the ordinary and stick together!

Who is your band / musician that is your ones to watch in 2026 and why?

Our label mates, FRND CRCL, just put out an album this year (JRSY FRSH) that absolutely ruled. They did a whole tour of the U.S. to promote it, so we’re really excited to see how they follow it up and what they have planned.

Another one is a Brooklyn based band I discovered recently, Medium. Their music is like super new wavey/punk rock straight out of the 80s. I absolutely love their style/aesthetic. It’s like super dark and colourful 80s horror. But it’s not in your face blood and guts, it’s more artistic and unsettling and it’s so fucking cool. I’ve been obsessed with their recent singles.

Do you have any new years resolutions? If so what are they?

Just to keep grinding and start touring. There isn’t much I think we’re lacking as a group. It’s just more so the constant improvement we always like to do. Be a better band today then we were yesterday.

Are you on social media? If so how can people find out more about you?

Yes we are! We’re on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter (X), the whole nine yards. We’re @altarboypa for everything!

Three words why people should come and see you this year?

That f******* good.

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