Yellowcard’s Lead Singer to Headline Groove Cruise Miami’s Emo Stage Takeover

Ryan Key, the unmistakable lead voice of the iconic pop-punk band Yellowcard, will lead Groove Cruise Miami’s “Taking Back Emo” stage takeover in 2026.

Known for delivering one of the most talked-about electronic music experiences at sea, Groove Cruise combines the thrill of a music festival with the relaxation of a cruise. On January 22-26, ravers can escape winter and board the Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas heading to Nassau, Bahamas, for five sun-soaked days of turquoise waters and ocean breezes, alongside dancing and unforgettable performances.

Across multiple stages, those sailing on Groove Cruise Miami will get to enjoy 96 hours of nonstop music on the sparkling Caribbean sea, including the highly anticipated sixth edition of the Taking Back Emo stage takeover. Leading the takeover on the upcoming sailing is Yellowcard’s lead singer, Ryan Key. Famous for their emo classic “Ocean Avenue,” the addition of Ryan Key to the festival offers a nostalgic touch to an already electrifying lineup.

Performing at sea is something totally different – there’s this energy and connection you can’t find anywhere else. The idea of thousands of fans singing along to emo classics in the middle of the ocean? I’m all in.
Ryan Key

The emo to EDM pipeline is a phenomenon that’s been widely talked about, with the intersection between emo culture and rave culture having always been strong. Teenagers who found a tight-knit community within the emo scene and their desire for high-intensity music, met by the various subgenres of emo music, grew up to become ravers who found the same things within the PLUR community and the heavy-hitting soundscapes of bass music.

This overlap isn’t just reflected in the fans, but in the artists themselves, with many electronic music producers either having direct roots in emo or drawing on its sound and aesthetic in their own brand. Skrillex’s musical career started when he was the frontman of the post-hardcore band From First to Last before moving on to pioneer dubstep. Additionally, many producers have also collaborated with famous emo acts, with Illenium bringing on artists like All Time Low, Avril Lavigne, and Motionless in White to lend their vocals to his tracks.

With the relationship between the two genres so apparent, it’s no surprise that Taking Back Emo has become a highlight of Groove Cruise for attendees every year. Taking Back Emo started on Groove Cruise’s Virtual Sails Away event during the pandemic, and made its live debut in 2022 on Groove Cruise Cabo. It has quickly become one of the most popular events on board, and this year’s stage takeover, DJ’d by Luci, Nikita Page, and The Brothers Grim, will feature Ryan Key as the first emo artist to lead the party.

There’s nothing like belting out your favorite emo anthems in the middle of the ocean with thousands of people who feel the same way. Taking Back Emo has turned into one of the most talked-about moments on Groove Cruise, and bringing Ryan on board is the perfect next step for the community we’ve built.
John Porrata, Groove Cruise’s Managing Directior

Along with the Taking Back Emo takeover, GCFAM can enjoy sets from a ton of artists while on board. This year’s headliners are John Summit and Cloonee, but the festival will also feature performances from Blanke and his drum and bass alias ÆON:MODE, Jason Ross, Mitis, Sabai, Green Velvet, Chris Lorenzo, Joel Corry, Max Styler, Marcus Schulz, Vini Vici, Blastoyz, Darude, Deeper Purpose, and many more.

This year, 20 out of the 65 artists set to play Groove Cruise are women, with the festival helping pave the way for increasing the representation of female artists on lineups. GCFAM can catch sets from artists like Lilly Palmer, Blossom, Jackie Hollander, ME N Ü, Bella Renee, and many others who are making waves in the scene.

In addition to booking the hottest names in electronic music right now, Groove Cruise is devoted to providing aspiring producers and DJs a platform to break into the scene. In collaboration with Beatport and LabelRadar, one producer will win the chance to perform a set at the festival and have an original track of theirs released on Whet Music. Further details about how to enter and prizes can be found on LabelRadar. The deadline to enter is September 19 at 11:59pm ET.

Groove Cruise 2026 is officially sold out, but you can join the priority waitlist with a $200 refundable deposit or join the general waitlist for free.