The band is currently promoting their new album Another Miracle — an emotional and powerful return for the Californian heavyweights.
Of Mice & Men are coming back to Poland with one of the most personal records of their career. In our interview, the band talks about the emotions behind returning to the Warsaw stage, creating music entirely on their own terms, and how life off the road has changed them in profound ways.
Of Mice & Men. On the new album Another Miracle
Another Miracle is your ninth studio album – what makes it stand out compared to your previous releases?
I think this is our most ambitious record to date. We set out to expand and evolve the sound of the last few albums, while also reintegrating a lot of the energy from albums past. It’s also one of our longest albums.
Many fans describe it as your most personal and emotionally charged record to date. Do you feel the same way?
Definitely. We all poured ourselves and our lives and experiences into this album. Lyrically, half the album was written before I found out I was going to be a father, and you can see the transformation from hopelessness and rudderlessness to meaning and purpose, in the lyrics.
Is there a particular song from the new album that you’re especially excited to perform live on this tour?
Flowers. It’s such a powerful song, especially live.
On touring and playing in Poland
You’re returning to Poland after a long break – what emotions come with playing here again?
We’re so excited. Since we’ve been coming to Europe, Poland is one of our favorite places to play. The people there truly love and appreciate live music and we’re grateful for your support.
What can fans expect from your show in Warsaw? Any surprises in the setlist?
Songs from just about every album. A couple of songs we haven’t played in years and years, and of course, some brand new songs we’ve never played anywhere before.
Your Polish shows have always been warmly received – what do you remember most about the Polish crowd?
The love and the energy exchange that happens is tangible. It’s a truly one of a kind thing.
On writing and creativity
You write, record, and produce your music yourselves. What does that creative process look like behind the scenes?
We write together primarily through Zoom and/or Discord at times, and work remotely with one another—sharing files, projects, and Dropbox links.
Aaron, you recently became a father – how do you balance life on the road with fatherhood and personal life?
This is my first tour away from my daughter and it’s a longing that’s indescribable. I’ve often said that life takes on a whole new feeling when you have a child—your heart lives outside of your chest now. I hope when she’s older, she can look back on what I’ve done and be proud of her dad.
You’ve described each album as a kind of “yearbook” – does Another Miracle also serve as a snapshot of a particular emotional or creative period for the band?
Totally. As I said before, it’s a yearbook of arguably the biggest change and growth of my life. And it’s not just me, it’s all of us.
On the scene and staying grounded
With 15 years behind you, how do you view the state of metalcore and alternative music in 2025?
It’s alive and vibrant! So many amazing new bands are pushing the genre farther than we ever thought imaginable, and it’s awesome that it’s still going strong, some 25+ years into the genre.
Do you feel like social media and technology help you stay connected with fans – or do they sometimes get in the way?
It’s a sharp knife. You can use it to cook some delicious food, or build a birdhouse, but you can also cut yourself badly with it.
You’ve built a loyal global fanbase. What do you think has kept that bond so strong through the years?
The answer is simple. We’ve lasted this long because of our fans. Simply put, we would be creating music whether anyone listened or not. It’s entirely because of our fans and their support that we’ve lasted this long. And we can’t thank them enough.
To close
Do you remember your first time touring Europe? Was there a show that left a lasting impression on you?
Definitely. Funny enough, one of my core memories from that tour was the first time we played Poland. We used to have this group of fans online called ‘the polish crew’ and it was my first time meeting them in person. It was a wonderful time.
If you could only perform one song that captures the essence of Of Mice & Men in 2025 – which would it be, and why?
Flowers, because of the meaning behind the song.
What should we wish you before your Polish show – and ahead of your big return to Australia in 2026?
We just want everyone to come out and have a good time singing along to these songs that have meant so much to all of us for all these years. It’s an honor and a privilege.