Pop punks TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT have dropped their debut EP, with them hard at work on the follow-up release expected out soon! The plan ahead is to release more music, play way more shows, connect with the audience and music scene, and keep it going, going, going! The band discussed all of this below.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
We all found music in unique ways. Some of us were inspired by childhood experiences like playing in our school concert band or orchestra, while others were drawn in by the energy surrounding punk rock. Even video games like Guitar Hero & Rock Band inspired us to pick up an instrument. Devon, Mario, and Zach grew up in the same town but really connected while working at the same GameStop in their late teens. Soon, the three began playing in bands, both separately and together, throughout the early 2010s. Meanwhile, Craig’s journey started with his dad introducing him to rock music, which evolved into a love for ’90s alternative and punk rock after hearing Dookie. When a mutual friend introduced Craig and Mario in 2021, everything clicked, and the rest was history. Over time, we’ve developed a sound that blends high-energy punk rock with a modern twist.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
The name Take It Or Leave It derived from a joke over a few weeks. While trying to come up with a name, we were never satisfied. Mario kept saying "I could take it or leave it" and eventually we all started to fall in love with the name. The name "Take It Or Leave It" reflects our unapologetic attitude. It’s about making music we love and leaving it up to listeners to decide—no compromises, just authenticity. So we put our motto right on our sleeve.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We are based out of Rockland County NY, which is right on the border of Bergen County NJ. Since we are so close to New York City, our local scene has this great blend of talent because of the sheer volume of musicians scattered throughout the area. And most importantly, the scene here is vibrant and supportive. From gritty basement shows in the middle of the suburbs to iconic venues like The Delancey and Starland Ballroom, there’s a real sense of community from top to bottom. New Jersey and New York have always been hubs for great music, and it’s exciting to be part of such a dynamic and passionate scene. It’s not perfect, but it’s likely better than most places.
4. How would you describe your style?
Pop-Punk is the easiest way to describe us but genres are tough. We don’t like labels. If you asked for our “on repeat” playlists, each of us would have different playlists and that reflects in our music. We pull from all of our favorite works and blend them into our own style. So imagine the rawness of classic punk fused with pop hooks that stick with you. It’s fun, loud, and full of heart. Perfect for anyone to sing along and have a blast.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
We dropped our debut EP, ‘Tunnel Vision’, in November 2024, which includes five originals and a punk rock take on Hey Jealousy by Gin Blossoms. No two songs sound exactly the same, but they all have that Take It Or Leave It stamp: honest, loud, and unapologetically us.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
We do! We are currently writing a new EP (maybe LP if all goes well!) but we are planning to release a few singles throughout the year. Our first single ‘Therapy’ debuted live in Kearny, NJ at our Christmas show as well as on our live stream in February.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
We just got back from a trip to Western New York playing with some awesome bands and are getting ready for a loaded schedule this spring. We are leading off in Nyack NY at Olive’s, where we performed our first set as a group in 2021 and it’s also where Craig proposed to his wife (happy 10 year anniversary!). We are going to be playing at Montclair Porchfest, a city wide festival, and at Fairleigh Dickinson University as their open house entertainment. We also have some bigger announcements planned for the summer, but those plans haven’t been made public just yet. So stay tuned!
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
After releasing our EP, ‘Tunnel Vision’, we’re excited to keep the momentum going. We’re writing more music, planning more live shows, and exploring creative ways to connect with fans, like streaming and new merch. We have been storyboarding some music videos as well, so there’s a lot happening behind the scenes that we can’t wait to share. The future is bright!
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
https://linktr.ee/music.takeitorleaveit
Our Linktree is the best way to follow and listen to us. We’re on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Band Camp, Sound Cloud, you name it, we’re probably streaming on it! We also have merch, so pick up a shirt and show your support!
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
We are here to have a good time. So at the end of the day, if our songs make you think, laugh, bop your head or fully rock out, then we’re doing something right. If you walk away humming the music, that’s a win in our book.
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