The Format's Sam Means Talks "Boycott Heaven", Touring, Production, & More
After nearly two decades away from the album format that first defined them, The Format have reemerged not as a nostalgia act, but as a fully revitalized creative force. With the release of Boycott Heaven on January 23, 2026 via The Vanity Label, the duo of Nate Ruess and Sam Means have delivered a record that feels both rooted in their past and sharply attuned to the present. We can sincerely say it’s our album of the year and nothing else that gets shared this year will even come close.
Produced by Brendan O'Brien, whose résumé includes work with Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, and The Killers, Boycott Heaven carries a weight and polish that elevates everything they’ve done in the past. With O’Brien also contributing on bass and Matt Chamberlain on drums, the album leans into alt-rock grit, power-pop immediacy, and a touch of grunge spirit, the same sonic DNA that first bonded Ruess and Means as teenagers in Arizona.
Yet this isn’t simply a reunion album. Boycott Heaven feels intentional and reflective of years spent growing both within and outside the spotlight. The songs carry a renewed sense of urgency and perspective, balancing big melodic instincts with grounded storytelling. That balance has translated seamlessly to the stage, where the band is currently in the midst of their sold-out Boycott Heaven Spring 2026 North American Tour (dates below!!).
Just kicked off March 26th in Boston and running through April 19th in San Diego, the tour has been both a celebration and a statement. With support from artists like Ben Kweller, Phantom Planet, Piebald, Adult Mom, and Limbeck, the run has highlighted not just The Format’s enduring appeal, but their place within a broader indie ecosystem. Adding further depth to the tour’s impact, $1 from every ticket has been donated to organizations fighting food insecurity and supporting local animal shelters, a gesture that underscores the band’s commitment beyond the music itself.
The momentum doesn’t stop there. This fall, The Format will launch a new round of U.S. headline dates beginning September 18, 2026, at First Avenue, with The Get Up Kids joining as support. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 12 PM local time, and if the current tour is any indication, demand will be swift. In addition, the band has announced a special run of full-band acoustic shows in July, offering fans a more intimate lens into the material.
Visually, the band continues to expand the world of Boycott Heaven with the release of the video for “Depressed,” directed by Vanessa Pla. A fan favorite, the track also marked a milestone moment when The Format performed it live for the first time on Jimmy Kimmel Live earlier this year, signaling their full return to the cultural conversation.
In our conversation above with Sam Means, it became clear that this chapter of The Format is defined by clarity and renewed purpose. He spoke in depth about the making of Boycott Heaven, from the collaborative dynamic with Brendan O’Brien to the band’s reconnection with the influences that first shaped their sound. There was also a strong emphasis on process, how the songs were built, refined, and ultimately brought to life after such a long hiatus. Equally important was the sense of perspective. This isn’t a band chasing the past, but one fully aware of where they are now and what they want to say. Even better for all the fun. fans out there, we even talked about our favorite album of all time “Aim and Ignite”!
With a packed touring schedule, a critically embraced album, and a renewed creative spark, The Format’s return feels less like a moment and more like the start of a new era. And if Boycott Heaven is any indication, it’s one worth sticking around for. Get a slice of joy in your life and do not miss them on tour!
The Format - Tour Dates - Purchase HERE
April 7 Dallas, TX House of Blues**
April 8 Austin, TX ACL Live at The Moody Theater **
April 10 Denver, CO The Mission Ballroom ***
April 11 Salt Lake City, UT The Union ***
April 13 Seattle, WA The Moore *** (SOLD OUT)
April 16 San Francisco, CA Castro Theatre *** (SOLD OUT)
April 17 San Francisco, CA Castro Theatre *** (SOLD OUT)
April 19 San Diego, CA Soma ***(SOLD OUT)
July 25 Milwaukee, WI The Rave Bar (full band unplugged) (SOLD OUT)
July 26 Grand Rapids, MI Elevation @ The Intersection (full band unplugged)
July 28 Indianapolis, IN Hi-Fi Indy (full band unplugged) (SOLD OUT)
July 30 Lawrence, KS The Bottleneck (full band unplugged) (SOLD OUT)
August 1 St. Charles, IA Hinterland Music Festival
September 19 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue +
September 22 Omaha, NE Slowdown+
September 24 St. Louis, MO The Pageant+
September 29 St. Petersburg, FL Jannus Live+
October 1 Carrboro, NC Cat’s Cradle+
October 3 Washington, DC Lincoln Theatre+
October 5 Rochester, NY Anthology+
October 6 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall+
October 7 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE+
Like what you read? Follow our social media and playlist for the latest in independent music:
