CATAWOL Records’ punk rock powerhouse High School Dropout has reached the Final of the Real Figures Don’t F.O.L.D Song Contest.
In this interview, the band speak candidly about the Contest, the song they brought to the stage, their admiration for the other Finalists, and the message they want to send to the MODE Family’s Sigfig and Val.
Originally viewed as one of the favourites to win, High School Dropout’s path to the Final took an unexpected turn: they advanced through independent judgement, as Round 2 did not receive enough public votes.
One of the most significant details of their entry was placing guitarist Mia Vance at the forefront, leading the performance instead of frontman Jake Ryder.
What does the Contest mean to you?
The band’s connection to the MODE Family runs deep. High School Dropout previously worked on the soundtrack for The EvilMode Movie (2014), which fostered a close relationship with the group. Of all the Contest's entrants, they have taken the F.O.L.D’s treatment of Sigfig and Val the most “personally”.
Jake spoke for the band:
For us, this Contest is about respect. We’re proud to be here, but more than anything, we wanted to show up properly for the MODE Family, and for everyone who knows what it means when people are treated badly.
Tell us about your version of the song.
High School Dropout described their Contest entry as a track shaped by instinct, raw energy and a deliberate shift in perspective.
We wanted it to hit hard, but still be focused. We wanted to channel that raw anger our music lends itself to, but more of the rebellious anger and not the destructive kind. Mia wanted to lead, and it changed the whole temperature of the performance: it gave the song another angle, and it worked so well.
Mia briefly describes her decision to step forward as the lead vocalist:
We’ve been doing this for years, and everyone’s familiar with Jake being at the front, so we agreed we were gonna give people something different. The girls are usually in the background, so they have to listen now.
That change in delivery has become one of the most talked-about elements of their run, adding another layer to Act already known for its male-led identity.
If not you, which Finalist would you like to see win?
High School Dropout admitted that the field is strong enough to make any prediction difficult — but drummer Lena Cross chimed in with her suggestion.
I’d probably want to see Soline Bellefort take it; there’s something really compelling about what she brought to the Contest.
When asked which of the other Finalists stood out most, the band pointed to a mixture of power and personality across the field.
A few Acts really left a mark: Axel King (and The Roses) had presence, Bryknii had real impact, and SoraNami showed a different kind of energy. But honestly, there’s no weak link.
A Message for Sigfig and Val
The band reserved their most direct words for the MODE Family’s Sigfig and Val, who departed as a result of the F.O.L.D’s aggressive actions toward them.
We’re with you, and we haven’t forgotten what happened. This performance was for you, and for everyone who believes people should be safe and treated like humans. You deserve better than what you’ve been put through.
What Comes Next
Whatever happens in the Final, High School Dropout say the Contest is only one chapter in a much bigger story.
We can’t say too much yet, but we’re not slowing down; there’s more coming, and more to say. This Contest has meant a lot to us, but it’s also reminded us why we do this in the first place.
About the Contest
Real Figures Don’t F.O.L.D is a collaboration between CATAWOL Records and the MODE Family, in the form of a song contest. 32 of the label’s most talented Acts compete to create the campaign’s official anthem, raising awareness of bullying in hobby spaces.
CATAWOL Records is proud to support the Finalists as they share their voices on a larger stage, while celebrating creativity, resilience, and community.