Photography by Tony Lewis Jr.
I had the opportunity to chat with Nate from All You Need about the band’s journey and their upcoming performance at the 2026 Best Of Party on June 9th. This marks the second year the band will take the stage at the event, and after last year’s crowd couldn’t get enough of their high-energy performance, we knew we had to bring them back. Ahead of this year’s celebration, Nate shared more about the band’s beginnings, musical influences, and what they’re most excited about for the future.
How did All You Need first come together, and did you ever expect the band to become such a recognizable part of the Annapolis music scene? Eastport a Rockin’ 2019 was our first-ever gig as “All You Need.” Nate had gotten a slot on the J Stage and came to Kaleb Shipley (bass/vocals) and Tyler Stover (drums) to play the festival. We ended up having one two-hour practice the day before Eastportarockin’. We got on stage, and it just felt right. We had an immediate connection with the audience and played a great show. We came off stage and all had the same thought: We should really do this again. That’s when All You Need officially became a band.
Who or what would you say has influenced the band’s sound and style the most over the years? All You Need’s strongest influences are Green Day and Blink-182 (and more, but those are the comparisons we get the most by far). We absolutely love the energy they bring from the second they get on stage to the second they step off. You know you’ve got something if you can get people all around the world nodding their heads to one of your songs. That’s what we look up to, and that’s the kind of energy we try to bring everywhere we go.
Photography by Tony Lewis Jr.
You performed at the Best Of Party last year and are returning again this year — what made you excited to come back? Yes, we did! And we had an absolute blast. Being out on the balcony, feeling the wind, and taking in the views while rocking out with everyone on acoustic guitars was such a unique experience. The event itself was also such a fun time — we enjoyed every part of it, on and off stage. It was something truly special, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to see everyone again and have some fun rockin’ out!
What’s your favorite part about performing at an event like the Best Of Party that brings together so many local businesses and community members? Annapolis truly has something special. This event is an amazing way to spotlight the hard work and dedication of the family and friends who make the Annapolis area what it is. We really have some of the best around here in so many different ways. Having a “Best Of” event and seeing it all together in one place really makes you feel proud to be here.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for All You Need in 2026? We just released our first music video, which we had a blast filming, and we have so much new video content coming out soon that we’re excited to share. We’re also heading into the studio for some new releases coming toward the end of the year. And, of course, we’re excited for all the upcoming shows and the chance to take our music to new cities in the near future.
Learn more about All You Need and give them a listen at allyouneedofficial.com. See them live on June 9th at What's Up? Media's Best of Party 2026.
