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About “Post Traumatic”
Some songs aren’t planned, they demand to exist. While Red Flag was already well into production, guitarist/vocalist Colby Munn sent a demo of “Post Traumatic” to frontman Joseph Meador. What started as a late addition quickly became an essential part of the record.
A bold departure from the band’s signature heavy hooks and breakdowns, “Post Traumatic” strips things back with acoustic guitar, intimate strings (performed by Meador’s wife and eldest daughter), and Munn stepping forward on lead vocals. The result is a hauntingly vulnerable ballad that pushes Stay The Course into new emotional territory.
“This song is a far cry from what we normally do. Colby had sent me a demo over the phone and I knew immediately that it had to go on the record, and he had to do the lead vocal on it. His songwriting is great and his voice is incredible. This song really showcases that. Also, my wife and eldest daughter performed the cello and violin on the song, so that makes it a little extra special for me.”- Joseph Meador (lead singer/backing vocals on “Post Traumatic”)
About the Album - Red Flag (Out 12/12/25)
Red Flag is Stay The Course’s Punkerton Records debut and first full-length LP, mixed and mastered by Christopher H. Fogal (Black in Bluhm). Initially conceived as a five-song EP, the project expanded into a full-length album when the band brought additional re-recorded material to the table.
A blistering mix of pop-punk urgency and easycore intensity, Red Flag hits with massive choruses, searing breakdowns, and lyrics that dig deep into heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery. Standout tracks include “Dreams,” “Pocket Sand,” and “Sunflower State of Mind.”
“The process of making Red Flag was a little crazy, it was recorded in Kansas City, Wichita, and St. Louis while we were juggling shows, day jobs, and living in different cities. At first, it was just a five-song EP that had already been mixed and mastered when we brought it to Punkerton. After talking with Brandon [Owner, Punkerton Records], I mentioned we also had five re-recorded tracks from our back catalogue nearly finished. That’s when Red Flag grew into a full-length LP. We finished tracking, had everything re-mixed and mastered by Christopher H. Fogal at Black in Bluhm, per Brandon’s [Punkerton Records] suggestion, and he really brought our vision to life. It wasn’t an easy process, but nothing worth having ever is. We couldn’t be more proud of how it turned out.” - Joseph Meador
Pre-save Red Flag here: https://ffm.to/staythecourse_redflag
Vinyl pre-order: https://punkertonrecords.com/products/stay-the-course-red-fl...
Red Flag Track Listing:
1 Dreams
2 Family Matters
3 Pastel
4 Post Traumatic
5 Stress Test
6 I-35
7 Booing and Hissing Aren't Part of the Show
8 Sunflower State of Mind
9 Welcome to the Sharks Nest
10 Pocket Sand
Band Bio
Formed in Wichita in 2015, Stay The Course blends the high-energy riffs of pop-punk with the emotional punch of easycore. What began as a solo project for Joseph Meador has since evolved into a full band defined by heartfelt songwriting and relentless live shows. After years of grinding through singles and DIY touring, they signed to Punkerton Records in March 2025.
With Red Flag, the band is ready to step onto a bigger stage and cement their place alongside peers like Four Year Strong, Set Your Goals, The Story So Far, and New Found Glory.
Streaming & Social Links
Stay The Course – Red Flag
Release Date: 12/12/2025
Label: Punkerton Records (PR-050)
Mixed & Mastered by Christopher H. Fogal at Black in Bluhm
Photo: Katherine Jean
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