Ahren Stringer is carving out his next chapter, the former Amity Affliction bassist and clean vocalist has teamed up with ex-Volumes frontman Yung Yogi to form Self Checkout, and their debut single ‘Death Notes’ is set to land on September 15.
‘Death Notes’ marks Ahren Stringer’s first release since parting ways with Amity, and it looks to be a hard hitting reintroduction. The song is also set to feature a full music video, as well as a behind the scenes cut, giving fans a raw look at the project’s beginnings. Manager Lucy Norsgaard has been kind enough to give us a sneak preview of the track, and what more can I say than just, ‘Wow’!
Back Ground
A big thank you to Lucy who let us in on some background details of the project, including how Ahren and Yogi met and formed the group and just what the future holds.
Self Checkout was born in a Mexico City studio, although the guys met years earlier on the Vans Warped tour, they ended up bunked together by fate. The bunk under Ahren’s was the last one left, Yogi took it, and they just bonded and stayed friends for life.
When Ahren left Amity, Yogi obviously knew what that felt like and was always checking in with him, it got to the point where every day all of us were on FaceTime together, Yogi was always saying ‘let’s start a band together bro’.
The band really started with Ahren doing his solo work, he asked Yogi to feature on ‘I Love Lucy’ and he just went into the studio and sang whatever he felt at the time and smashed it in one go. His hook was so amazing, we changed the whole song and went…. ‘You know what, f*** this solo project, Yogi works so well with material Ahren’s written, we only want to do this with him’.
It’s given them both purpose and something to look forward to after they’ve both dealt with very similar situations in life, Lucy explains.
My Thoughts
Today has consisted of listening to ‘Death Notes’ (multiple times now) and I have to say it’s exceeded all expectations. It’ so different to what I was expecting, the lyrics are delivered with passion and musically it hits hard. Blending both of their unique styles and skills together, if this is a sign of things to come, the future is beyond bright!
Musically, the project promises no restrictions – just heavy riffs, honest storytelling, and the kind of grit that can only come from survival. With mental health sitting firmly at the core of their writing, Self Checkout aren’t dressing things up; they’re ripping it open and throwing it back at the world.
For Stringer, this isn’t about riding on past successes. It’s about breaking free and delivering something uncompromising with a collaborator who matches his intensity. For Yogi, it’s another chance to unleash the rawest parts of himself without compromise. Together, they’re not just starting a new band, they’re building an outlet for connection and positive mind set.
Pre Save ‘Death Notes’
Fans can pre-save ‘Death Notes’ here, and keep up to date on Self Checkout through their Instagram and Facebook.
With Death Notes finished and more on the horizon, September 15 is shaping up as the moment Self Checkout steps out of the shadows. Whether you’re an Amity diehard, a Volumes fan, or just hungry for something unfiltered, ‘Death Notes’ looks like the spark that could ignite a whole new fire.
Self Checkout Interview
Missed our interview with Self Checkout from May this year?
You can check it out below:
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