Discover the new band Self Checkout – with former members of The Amity Affliction and Volumes

Self Checkout is a new band formed by former The Amity Affliction bassist and vocalist Ahren Stringer and former Volumes vocalist Gus Farias, whose stage name is Yung Yogi. Both musicians were kicked out of their previous bands and have a history of public battles with addiction and mental health. While Stringer was, in his own words, “kicked out” of The Amity Affliction earlier this year, Farias was sacked by Volumes in 2019.

Yeah, we both needed rehab. We have both lived such similar lifestyles… and we just ended up just joining forces and just being like, let’s start a new band. Ahren Stringer

The interview claims that this new project will address face one’s demons and overcoming addiction, as well as expressing the stigma attached to addiction and mental health.

[Suicide has] profoundly impacted my life, and I want to share that. I’m kind of healing expressing that with the world. Gus Farias

The project, which reportedly blends rapping, shouting, melody, and other elements into a “cosmic gumbo,” has been recording in Mexico City. According to the previously mentioned interview, two tracks have already been finished, and more to follow. Thirteen songs from a shelved solo project are also in Stringer’s possession. In addition, Stringer talked about the support the couple has received in spite of their public difficulties.

Thank you for sticking by me. I can’t wait to show you… because you’re gonna love it. I know we both have a very bad reputation… because we’re like, admitted addicts, everyone thinks we’re just like POS, but you’re gonna see that we’re not. We’re gonna prove the world wrong. And we want to thank you guys for sticking with us and we hope you love what we’ve produced. It’s gonna be fire.