The Vans Warped Tour is just around the corner, and if you’re like me you’re already starting to compile a list of who you want to see.  With so many acts performing throughout the day, it can be hard to figure out who to see.  After all, some bands only play certain dates and set times vary every single day (and let’s not talk about the overlap between stages).  To help try to sort things out, here are a few bands that might be worth checking out:

Mayday Parade:

They’ve only been together for four years, and in that time, this Tallahassee-based pop quintet has already seen its share of success: a debut album peaking at #8 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart; co-headlining the 2010 Take Action Tour; and even earning a spot on past Warped Tours.

Now following the release of the major label debut “Anywhere But Here,” they’ll be looking to continue their success from the Ernie Ball Stage of this year’s Warped Tour.  In regards to their expectations for their new album, they offered this statement:

“I’m not really sure my expectations are for this album, but I do know that is the best thing we’ve ever done.”

Confide:

Take one part thrash metal riffs, one part catchy harmonies, now couple that with frontman Ross Kenyon’s fierce throaty vocals and uplifting lyrics.  Mix all of that and what do you get?

Simple: a five-piece Los Angeles hardcore outfit named Confide.

Hot off the release of their sophomore effort “Recover,” which peaked at #6 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart, Confide looks to bring their energetic live show to this year’s Skullcandy Stage.  Things are already loud and crazy at Warped.  When this band hits the stage, things are going to get a little louder.

Andrew WK:

In 2001, he taught us to “Party Hard” with his debut album “I Get Wet.”  Since then, he has released three more albums along with teaching us to think positive with a series of self-help, motivational speeches around the country.

This Tuesday, he’ll really teach us to party from this year’s main stage, but the fun doesn’t stop when his set times does. If you’ve ever dreamed of partying with Andrew, your chance is coming up:

In addition to all the numerous tents you’ll see (mostly merch or those advertising causes), you’ll find the “Andrew WK Party Tent,” an 800 square-foot, air-conditioned circus tent where fans will get to meet AND party with the man himself.  Along with exclusive merchandise you won’t find anywhere else, you’ll also get the chance to enter a raffle to win a brand new ESP guitar.

Music?  Air-conditioning?  Party?  Win free stuff?  Sounds good.

The Dillinger Escape Plan:

*DISCLAIMER*-”With fire, flying bodies, swinging guitars and more, someone WILL get hurt at this show.  It might be you.  More likely, it will be a member of the band.  Attend at your own risk”

That little disclaimer attached in an email I got sounds more like a selling point than a warning.

It’s been a big year already for these guys, with the formation of their own label (Party Smasher Inc.) and the release of the critically acclaimed “Option Paralysis.”

Now with their musical fury and chaos surrounding it, this year’s main stage is about to get even crazier.  So crazy that even that one famed bank robber from which they’re named would be proud.

The Vans Warped Tour comes your way July 6 from the Verizon Wireless Music Center.  Only $31 gets you in for a full day of music and everything else Warped has to offer.  For tickets, click here.

For a full list of bands performing at the Indy date, hit up www.vanswarpedtour.com.