All Time Low (from left to right): Rian, Alex, Jack, Zack; courtesy of Interscope

Entering the Billboard Top 200 chart at #6 with their first major label, Interscope, are the all-time cuties of pop punk band All Time Low with their fourth album Dirty Work. Well, can’t say we’re surprised. Alex Gaskarth (guitar and lead vocals), Jack Barakat (guitar and vocals), Zack Merrick (bass and vocals), and Rian Dawson (drums) have more than enough reason to celebrate but instead are giving us even more reason to scream and dance as they kick of their “Gimme Summer Ya Love” tour on July 28th. Since their basement days in high school we’ve been rooting for the boys, who’ve proven that the best way to succeed is by just being yourself. Hear what the ever-so-sincere Alex Gaskarth had to say about their successful album, the boys’ sound, and tips for catching his eye.

ELLEgirl (EG): Tell us—how does it feel to have a top 10 record in the U.S. and a number 1 spot for three days on the iTunes album chart?

Alex Gaskarth (AG): You know it was very cool. That was a very fun week for us. It took us quite a while to get this one out, so it was a really good feeling and weight off everyone’s shoulders. It’s such a cool point to make that the record soared. And it speaks highly to our fans and amazing fan base.

EG: Dirty Work is the name of your 4th and most recent studio album. Is there anything behind that name?

AG: The name comes from a feeling we all have from time to time that maybe what we were doing is taking us down a dark road. The nature of this job is kind of a dark one with being away from home and the ones we love for a long time. It’s kind of an ode to that and a testament to balancing this insane lifestyle with reality.

EG: You got to work with Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo on the hit single ‘I Feel Like Dancin‘ that is continuing to race up the charts. What was it like working with him along with other top rock producers like Butch Walker and Mike Green?

AG: It was fantastic; Rivers is a really smart and talented guy, it was really cool to sit down and pick his brain really. I kind of feel like I get to take something away with me. He is a kind of idol to us so it was very rad to work with him, total dream team. Butch Walker is a great friend and producer and the amazing Mike Green really became a fifth member who pulled great things out of all of us.

EG: You also have a video out that’s obviously poking fun of the music industry. What was the thought process behind that and how did that go over at meetings?

AG: To be completely honest, it’s kind of a nightmare video. It’s the stereotype everyone sort of makes about the record industry but the reality is that it’s far from it. Even signing to Interscope we have been blessed with an amazing team who embraces us and doesn’t make us change, so that is very refreshing. The video is an  ironic take on what people assume but isn’t the reality. We had a blast making it; it was completely absurd.

EG: Starting July 28th you kick off the bands “Gimme Summer Ya Love.” What are you most looking forward to on this tour?

AG: I think something we are all very excited about is the fact that The Starting Line is on some of the bills; those shows are going to be amazing. Also on some bills are our old friends Mayday Parade, so it will be great to catch up.

EG: Describe the band’s sound in five words or less.

AG: Dirty sweaty fun.

EG: Blink 182 has been one of your biggest influences ever since you were in high school. What’s it like now to be buddy-buddy with Mark Hoppus? (yes, we follow your tweets back and forth.)

AG: It’s amazing, he’s a really good dude and it’s kinda cool having that relationship. Having been such a massive Blink fan and inspired to start the band because of Blink, to get to know him and really see that they were doing the exact same thing we were is awesome. They believed in all the same things we do, having fun and not taking themselves too seriously. That made for a very cool dynamic within that band.

EG: One of my favorite songs is ‘Put Up or Shut Up,’ where you sing: I’m sick and tired of writing songs about you / this is it / this is the end. So how about now…is there anyone in particular you are sick of writing songs about OR the other way around, that you can’t stop writing about?

AG: That’s such a funny question. There’s always those people for sure, but I think one of the things I learned is to not obsess too much. The content on our songs is not about one particular enemy, but I guess just a lot of enemies.

EG: What grabs your attention about a girl? What would your ideal girl be wearing?

AG: I’m a big fan of casual, a girl in some skinny jeans and an extra large hoodie.

EG: How would you describe your own personal style?

AG: I don’t know, it’s a weird mix of punk rock hipster white trash. I’m also a big fan of tank tops.

EG: What’s your perfect fun night out?

AG: I am a big fan of food, it’s all about finding that great dinner spot. I’m on a Spanish tapas kick right now.

EG: Quick: Favorite song at this very moment:

AG: ‘Under the Sheets’ – Ellie Goulding

EG: If you weren’t touring this summer or writing music what would you be doing?

AG: Probably being as lazy as possible because that’s what summer is about. Being on the beach, definitely the beach, and drinking some brewskis with some friends.