Wendy’s has released an emo EP, and it stars singers from bands that defined the early 2000s sound. The Songs to Listen to in a Wendy’s Parking Lot EP features Beau Bokan of blessthefall, Matty Mullins, Chloe Kinnon, Shane Told, Derek DiScanio, and Kat Leon. The songs deal with burgers, fries, nuggets, and a cold Frosty, with titles like “The Best Combo Meal on the Worst Night of My Life.”
The EP is a collaboration between Wendy’s and Rise Records. It is available to stream now.
The Band Behind the EP
Beau Bokan sings “I’ll take another Dave single cause I’m single again,” a line that plays on the Dave’s Combo meal, one of Wendy’s signature offerings. The EP also includes singers from Memphis May Fire, Anberlin, Silverstein, blessthefall, State Champs, and Holy Wars.
The Long History of Emo Marketing
This is not the first time Wendy’s has leaned into emo culture. In 2019, the chain celebrated #NationalRoastDay by taking shots at Miss May I, Atreyu, Hopeless Records, and Victory Records. Two of the bands from the current EP — Memphis May Fire and State Champs — were targeted in that roast.
The EP follows a visual trend too. Earlier this week, images of Wendy’s red-headed logo showed a new swoop of hair over one eye, thicker eyeliner for the other, and black-dyed pigtail ribbons and collar. That look matches the emo aesthetic that has defined the chain’s recent promotional efforts.
What This Says About Wendy’s
The EP uses nostalgia to connect with a specific demographic — people who grew up listening to emo bands and now hold marketing jobs. By tapping singers from those bands, Wendy’s is speaking directly to the people who might recognize the references.
The titles are playful. “The Best Combo Meal on the Worst Night of My Life” is a joke that anyone who has ordered food after a breakup will understand.
Key Facts Box
- EP: Songs to Listen to in a Wendy’s Parking Lot
- Collaboration: Wendy’s and Rise Records
- Singers: Beau Bokan, Matty Mullins, Chloe Kinnon, Shane Told, Derek DiScanio, Kat Leon
- Previous roast: #NationalRoastDay, 2019
- Visual update: New hair, eyeliner, and black-dyed collar on the logo
Song Order
- “The Best Combo Meal on the Worst Night of My Life”
The EP is a funny, well-executed piece of marketing that also happens to be a decent album.
See the video the story is built around at Consequence.
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