Maggie Lindemann and  Travis Barker Give "Friends Go" a Punk Makeover

image

Photo: Naserin Bogado

Maggie Lindemann doesn't play by anybody's rules. Many may call her style of music "pop," but for a genre that historically writes songs with a formulaic approach, Lindemann has a streak of shaking things up. Since 2015, the singer has been releasing single after single that maintain the infectious singability of pop while also borrowing elements from a myriad of other genres. Well, it seems that Lindemann is eager to show the world just how wide her range of influences is - on June 21, the artist released a second version of her summer smash, "Friends Go," featuring Travis Barker, legendary drummer of Blink-182.

The original release of "Friends Go" is still rather unique for a pop song, borrowing elements of ska in its blaring brass section and hiccupy guitar. However, this second version of the song takes on a markedly anti-pop identity that sounds like you might hear it on a stage at Warped Tour. The first feature of the reboot that stands out is Travis Barker's signature jackhammer drumming, but if that wasn't enough to awaken the punk in you, Lindemann swaps out the light dancehall strings for a veritable buzz saw of distorted rock guitar. On the track, Lindemann explained,

"I wanted to do a version of 'Friends Go' that had a bit more of a punk feel because that's my favorite type of music. When I first recorded the song, I wanted to do multiple versions. I feel like the song is very versatile and wanted to kinda explore different genres! I love the Travis version, it's one of my favorite songs I've done."

Complete with the tinny, lo-fi production quality of early 1990s punk records, take two of "Friends Go" hits just like the pavement in the skate park when you still couldn't land a kickflip. Maggie's full-length debut is set to drop later this year, but in the meantime, scratch your rebel itch with "Friends Go" featuring Travis Barker here:

Related Articles

Fall in Love With Ama Again on Her Self-Titled Re-Introduction [Q&A]

Fall in Love With Ama Again on Her Self-Titled Re-Introduction [Q&A]

July 3, 2026 The album is a vexing combination of honesty, R&B sultriness and perspective unfolds over thirteen tracks highlighted by the smash single, "Need It Bad."
Author: DJ Connor
pop
R&B
Ama
“Don’t be a fig girl, be the tree": Julip on Being a Multi-Hyphenate, Serendipity and Her Literally Hands-on Approach to Making Music [Q&A]

“Don’t be a fig girl, be the tree": Julip on Being a Multi-Hyphenate, Serendipity and Her Literally Hands-on Approach to Making Music [Q&A]

July 3, 2026 ”The concept of only being able to pick one fig, I think that’s very limiting and it doesn’t always have to be the case”, says New York based, multi-hyphenate artist julip.
Author: Daniela Waizel Rule
pop
Keo Refuses to be Labeled

Keo Refuses to be Labeled

July 2, 2026 Despite being mischaracterized as a maverick guitar band for Gen-Z, Keo’s music demonstrates multi-generational appeal, their reckless sound derived from bands such as Pearl Jam and Nirvana, attempting to put listeners onto comparable music from previous eras.
Author: Noah Wade
Keo