As December Falls: “So many people turn to music as therapy. It’s important they feel understood”

In an era where genre boundaries blur and connection is beginning matter more than clout again, As December Falls are stepping into their boldest, most authentic chapter yet. Their new album, Everything’s On Fire But I’m Fine, doesn’t just reflect their current mindset, it redefines it. Fuelled by raw emotion, sonic evolution, and a deep relationship with their fans, the record is a battle cry from a band that refuses to be boxed in.

“This album feels like our most authentic selves,” says vocalist Bethany Curtis. “We’re now not trying to fit ourselves into a box - what we call ADF - we’re actually testing out the things that we want to do.”

Since their early days navigating the well-trodden paths of pop-punk, As December Falls have always been about evolution. With Everything Is On Fire But I’m Fine, that journey has reached a turning point. The record is a melting pot of influences, driven by curiosity rather than conformity.

“With our first two albums, it was like, this is what we do: we’re a pop-punk band,” recalls guitarist Ande Hunter. “We were very much within that wheelhouse. But then with Join the Club [2023 album], we pushed the boat out a little, started testing new sounds. And people loved it. That emboldened us, like, ‘oh, we can actually do whatever we want, and the fans are going to evolve with you.’”

This newfound creative freedom is palpable throughout the album, from emo-tinged anthems to heavier, riff-laden breakdowns and sultry bass lines. Rather than lean into trends or expectations, the band leaned into what felt right.

“Now we’re like, ‘Okay, we want a metal riff here, we want a sexy bass line there,’” Bethany laughs. “We’re just doing more of what inspires us, rather than what we think we should be doing.”

One of the most striking elements of Everything Is On Fire But I’m Fine is its emotional honesty. Songs like Angry Cry tackle the overwhelming feelings of overstimulation, frustration, and insomnia, emotions many are familiar with but struggle to articulate.

“The amount of messages we get from people being like, ‘I didn’t understand this feeling until I heard your song,’ that’s huge,” Bethany says. “So many people turn to music as therapy, and it’s important they have something that helps them feel understood.”

Bethany shares the backstory of Angry Cry, a song born from a sleepless night and a moment of quiet domestic envy.

“All my usual tricks to fall asleep weren’t working. I was lying there wide awake, and Ande’s just fast asleep, snoring. I was like, ‘How do you make it look so easy?’” she recalls. “That frustration just poured into the song. The next morning, I opened my notes and was like, ‘Ande, I wrote a song last night.’ And that was it.”

It’s that kind of unfiltered transparency that’s become a hallmark of the bands ethos, on and off stage.

What truly sets As December Falls apart is how deeply embedded they are in their fan community. While many bands maintain an air of mystery, ADF have chosen connection over image. Whether it’s late-night Twitch streams, Discord chats, or behind-the-scenes stories of signing thousands of records, they’ve built a relationship with their audience that’s more family than fandom.

“We hang out with our fan base. We're in Discord, we’re gaming with them on Twitch,” explains Ande, “We want them to know we’re struggling too. That’s what this whole album is about.”

In 2025, being a successful independent band is a tightrope walk between passion and practicality. “To do a band financially and successfully and live off music, it’s virtually impossible,” he admits. “Most of us are working multiple jobs. You look at social media and it looks like bands are living the high life, but that’s not the reality. We’ve always felt that’s not relatable.”

Instead of glamorising the grind, ADF have chosen to embrace it. The chaos of real life; VAT returns, endless admin, sleepless nights, fuels their songwriting. The album title isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a mission statement.

“Everything is on fire in our lives, but we’re fine because we’ve got this thing pulling us back - the music,” says Bethany. “It’s our passion, and it keeps us going.”

Despite the hurdles, As December Falls are riding a wave of success many unsigned bands can only dream of. Charting albums, main stage festival appearances at Download and Slam Dunk, massive support tours, they’ve ticked plenty of bucket list moments for sure. But even with those milestones, humility remains a core part of who they are.

“We’re still struggling and grinding like everyone else,” says Ande. “We’re doing some of the coolest stuff we’ve ever done as a band, but we never want to pretend we’re above anyone. We’re all just humans trying to make it work.”

This humble honesty combined with fearless musical exploration and fan-first energy has carved ADF a space that feels entirely their own. They’re no longer interested in genre labels or industry formulas. They’re writing what they want, when they want, and trusting that their fans will follow.

With Everything Is On Fire But I’m Fine, As December Falls have crafted more than just an album. They’ve created a snapshot of modern life: chaotic, overwhelming, frustrating but also full of meaning, connection, and purpose. It’s a record that doesn't pretend things are perfect. Instead, it leans into the mess with a message of resilience.

“We’ve always been a ‘feel your own feelings’ band,” Bethany reflects. “And now, we’re trying to turn those feelings into something positive. That’s what this album is about, owning the chaos, but not letting it define you.”

As they continue to break moulds and build bridges, one thing is clear: As December Falls are far from done evolving. If everything is on fire, well, they’re more than alright.

Everything’s On Fire But I’m Fine it out now via ADF

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