All Hype: From Hawaii Roots to West Coast Pop-Punk
- Phantom Light Media
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
Rising from Honolulu, Hawaii, and now based in Portland, Oregon, All Hype is quickly carving out its place in the modern pop-punk scene. With high-energy performances, heartfelt songwriting, and a deep connection to their community, the band’s journey is one rooted in friendship, risk-taking, and relentless passion.
Meet All Hype
All Hype describes themselves as a West Coast pop-punk band with island origins. The lineup features Michael “Stryker” Mollohan Jr. on lead vocals, Alika Dela-Pena on guitar and vocals, Alex Hardie on bass, and Dominic Jones on drums.
Each member brings a unique personality and perspective to the group, but together they share one unified mission: to create music that feels authentic, energetic, and meaningful.
Influences That Shape the Sound
While pop-punk legends like Blink-182, A Day To Remember, and Sum 41 helped define their foundation, each member pulls inspiration from a wide range of artists — many outside the traditional pop-punk lane.
Stryker cites bands such as Knuckle Puck and Koyo as key influences. Alika draws inspiration from the intensity of System of a Down, the punk edge of NOFX, and the theatrical power of Avenged Sevenfold. Dominic connects with the modern pop-punk energy of Neck Deep and Belmont. Meanwhile, Alex brings heavier textures influenced by Slipknot, The Story So Far, and Basement.
This diverse palette of inspiration gives All Hype a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly dynamic.
Finding Purpose Through Music
For the members of All Hype, music has always been more than just a hobby — it’s been an outlet. Growing up attending shows gave them a sense of belonging. The local scene became a safe space, a second home.
That connection ultimately shaped their purpose: to give back to the same community that raised them. Music became a way to express themselves fully while contributing to something bigger than themselves.
The Move That Changed Everything
The formation of All Hype wasn’t originally meant to be long-term. The members had been playing in separate bands, and the project initially felt like something that might only last a few shows. But moving away from home changed everything.
Relocating to the West Coast strengthened their bond and sharpened their vision. Portland welcomed them with open arms, and the friendships they built within the scene helped solidify the band’s foundation. It was there that Alex, who had also moved away from the Bay Area to pursue music, joined on bass. His addition felt immediate and natural — a seamless fit from the first practice.
Shared sacrifice, shared ambition, and shared belief in the dream became the glue that held them together.
A Warped Tour Dream Realized
In 2025, All Hype achieved a milestone many bands only dream of: winning the Vans Warped Tour Battle of the Bands.
For the group, Warped Tour had always been a cultural staple — an event they hoped to attend someday just to experience the energy. To not only attend but represent Portland, Hawaii, and the broader West Coast scene was surreal.
They describe the experience as a “fever dream,” but also as a defining moment. The lessons learned and connections made have directly influenced the new music they’re preparing to release.
What’s Next for All Hype?
The momentum isn’t slowing down. The band is set to hit the road with Millionaires for tour dates on March 13 in Portland and March 14 in Seattle.
Beyond that, they hint at major announcements on the horizon — projects they’re eager to share when the time is right.
A Message to Others
If there’s one message All Hype wants to pass on, it’s this: don’t sit on the sidelines.
Whether you’re in a band or chasing a completely different dream, take the leap. Commit to the thing that scares you. Make mistakes. Build friendships. Support your community, and it will support you back.
Life moves fast — and as All Hype proves, sometimes the biggest rewards come from simply deciding to go all in.
Article by - William Onweiler | March 4, 2026
Follow All Hype on all their Socials below!
Perfect as the RDR to All Hype can say unequivocally hit the mark with this spotlight well done!