Interview with Mute Math
3.26.2008
Mute Math
By Logan Lenz
(As published in Rag Magazine, 2007)
Don't be ashamed if you have never heard of Mute Math; not a lot of people have. Slowly but surely, however, the band has begun turning heads and earning fans after their album debuted at 17 on Billboard's "Top Heatseekers" chart. The band's eclectic blend of musical genres has enabled the group to headline their own theater tour in the fall. Known for their vibrant and sometimes dangerous live performances, Mute Math only has room to grow. Paul Meany, the band's founder and vocalist spoke exclusively with RAG Magazine on his band and their rapid rise to stardom.
In your own words, how would you describe Mute Math's music?
Meany: I would describe it as good music. That's the only kind that I was interested in making when we started. If there is a category that we would fall into, it would have to be that one.
What is the meaning behind the name Mute Math?
Meany: There is no meaning. It was our drummer's email address. If it meant anything, it simply meant that we didn't have to continue looking for a name, which we had arduously done for months and months.
How did you guys end up teaming up with an act such as Eisley for the current tour?
Meany: We met Eisley a while ago. They are a bunch of sweethearts that make sweet music. We played a Christmas party for Warner Bros and we were horrible. We just botched it! It was one of those shows where we finished and nobody would talk to us or even look at us. Eisley happened to be there and they were the only ones that came to talk to us. They pretty much nursed us back to health. We've been friends ever since.
Mute Math offer a myriad of different elements in their music. Did you guys set out to make something different and unique when you formed or is that something that just happened over time?
Meany: All we wanted to do was create something that we would be excited about. Mute Math really started out as a side project. We always just tried to keep everything simple, while trying to steer clear of any particular musical category.
Who influences Mute Math's music?
Meany: All of the greats: Barry Manilow, Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand, Michael Bolton – you can just go through the lineage.
What's your favorite track off of the album?
Meany: It varies from day to day. Today, I'm in a "Stare at the Sun" mood.
You guys were very wise in your decision to release your albums independently through your own label Teleprompt Records. How did the partnership with Warner Bros actually work? Did they pursue you or is that something you planned on doing anyhow?
Meany: Honestly, we really didn't know. Ted from Teleprompt had a lot of friends involved with the bigger labels. His dream was to have his own imprint label that would eventually upstream to Warner Bros. At the same time, Darren and I started making music together. That model was very attractive to us and it worked out rather well.
I hear you guys have been working on some material for a new album. What can you say about that and what can everyone expect?
Meany: Everyone can expect that it will be a better record than the first. We won't release it if it's not. We have been working with a lot of cryptic ideas during soundchecks and our occasional free time. From the few songs we have written, I am pretty exhilarated just thinking about the next record.
For anyone that did not witness it, explain how Mute Math became the first band to play backwards on television.
Meany: That would be a confusing statement to me too. We filmed the music video for the song "Typical" in reverse. It's not an original idea by any means, but we did it as a performance. Everyone learned their parts backwards. It was a blast! Someone at Warner Bros recommended doing the same thing on live television. So, all we did was recreate our video on TV for Jimmy Kimmel's show. It was extremely awkward and confusing for everyone in the audience, but when they aired it, they flipped it and the end result was a visual festival.
How did the Transformers gig come about? What was it like writing the theme song for such a blockbuster film?
Meany: Going back in time to an eight-year old Paul Meany, it was hoped that one day he would get to sing the Transformers theme song on its soundtrack. I was obsessed with Transformers. Warner Bros called us and told us they were doing the soundtrack. They didn't have anybody doing the theme song and they asked us if we would be interested in taking a stab at it. Of course, we obliged. It was a real pleasure.
Is there one moment or period of major accomplishment that stands out to you?
Meany: There has been a few. Doing our first headlining tour was a big one. Just seeing people show up to watch you perform was a stellar collection of moments. Another one would have to be playing David Letterman. All of us have a huge respect for that show.
What about all of the new music out there? Are there any newer bands that stand out to you?
Meany: Shiny Toy Guns and The Cinematics - both great bands.
What is to come for the future of Mute Math?
Meany: All I see in the future is a lot of shows. Hopefully, we will be able to record our next record at some point early next year.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 17:27 0 comments
Labels: Interview, Mute Math, Rag Magazine
Interview with Tegan & Sara
3.05.2008
By
For these two Canadian identical twin sisters, music has always been the only option. Since 1995, the two siblings have become one of the most unique and beloved independent acts in
For anyone unfamiliar, how would you describe Tegan and Sara?Quin: I don’t know. I typically don’t describe our music. When I meet people at random parties or something and they ask me what I do, I tell them I have a band. When they ask me what it sounds like, I just tell them to check out our mySpace page. So, I don’t know if I am getting lazy or if I just don’t know how to describe us.
Aside from your early cassette releases, Tegan and Sara have released five CDs; the first of which, Under Feet Like Ours, was originally released uunder the name Sara and Tegan. I have heard that the CD has become a hot commodity. How can a fan obtain a copy?
Quin: We negotiated with our record label for us to be able to sell it live. I saw online that our fans were buying it for a couple hundred dollars, and I thought that that was pretty unfair. We started manufacturing it again so now you can buy it straight from us at one of our shows.
Why switch the band name after you had already released an album?
Quin: When you say “Sara and Tegan,” it sort of all blends together. But, when you say “Tegan and Sara,” you have to annunciate everything.
What is your favorite track off of the latest record, The Con?
Quin: To play live, I love “Are You Ten Years Ago” because it’s such a massive beast. It took us a while to figure out how to play it live, but we have managed to make it even bigger than the recording of it.
The Con was produced by Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie. How was it working with him?
Quin: Chris was great. He really wanted to “create an arch” and make a record that is worth listening to from start to finish. He loves to sequence records so that everything fits and you know what is coming next. He had this meticulous nature that I easily responded to.
Who are some of your main influences?
Quin: We listen to all sorts of stuff. Growing up, we listened to the 70’s and 80’s classics like Bruce Springsteen, U2, The Police, and the Pretenders. In our teens, we got more into punk and alternative music. Now, however, it’s a combination of all of that stuff. I like a lot of electronic music. I think we infuse a lot of different styles into our music and it comes out as a pop fusion.
How did you end up pairing up with
Quin: I met
I have read that you and Sara live in different cities and that you do not get along all of the time on the road. Is it just sibling rivalry or do you guys really get sick of each other often?
Quin: Sara and I actually get along pretty well. I think people project their own ideas about being on the road with their siblings and they are horrified by it. When you spend as much time as we do together, you will have arguments. But the same goes for anyone in the band, not just Sara.
I heard about a side project with Hunter Burgan of AFI. Can you give us any insight into this?
Quin: We have been writing together for the last year and a half. I don’t know what is ever going to happen with that. He was touring while I was off, and now I am touring while he is off. We are both very creative and into a lot of the same styles of music, so we started writing material and sending everything to each other. I don’t know when if and when it will surface, but I hope it will eventually. It’s good stuff. I wouldn’t want it to disappear completely.
At only 27 years old, you have released a great deal of music. What do you still hope to accomplish, that you may haven’t had a chance to yet, at some point down the road?
Quin: Having a side project was always something I wanted to do, and I am getting to do that right now. I look forward to exploring that further. I think that we are getting to the age where we don’t need to tour all of the time. I don’t want to be a superstar that is selling millions of records. Because of that, I think there will be longer spaces in between our records. I don’t want to just pump out music just to make more money.
What is to come for the future of Tegan and Sara after this tour ends?
Posted byLogan Lenz at 16:22 1 comments
Labels: Interview, Rag Magazine, Tegan and Sara, The Con
Godsmack Interview
3.03.2008
After years of sitting atop the throne of the alternative rock world, Godsmack will return in April with a new album entitled “IV.” The band not only promises one of the best albums they’ve ever made, but they also slate this time around as being “only the beginning” of their already lengthy career. I, fortunately had the chance to speak with Godsmack heavy-hitting drummer, Shannon Larkin, who went on telling me about the art of rock drumming, the band’s upcoming album, future touring plans, and what exactly the name “Godsmack” really means.
Entertainment World Exclusive
Interview with
By
Entertainment World: First of all, I would like to thank you in advance for this interview and pay my respects to you and your career thus far. Being a drummer myself, I can’t begin the interview without stating how much of an influence you are to the drumming world.
Entertainment World: Being such a great and well-known drummer in the metal world you have found yourself playing for many accomplishing names in the field before ending up in Godsmack. How has the overall experience been as a member of Godsmack?
Entertainment World: How sick is Sully’s drumming? Honestly?
Entertainment World: So, Godsmack has a new album coming out on April 25th called “IV.” Tell me a little about what the fans can expect from this album and how it compares with your previous releases.
Shannon Larkin: Our fans can expect the same tough Godsmack sound. There are some really heavy songs like what were on the first record. And there’s also an acoustic song called “Hollow” for all of the fans of our acoustic record “The Other Side.” The heavier stuff on this album just sounds more epic. This time around Tony, Robbie, and myself had freedom enough to write complete songs on our own which ultimately makes this album have different sounding songs.
Entertainment World: I can’t help but notice that a new song on the new album is titled “Voodoo Too.” Is this a continuation of the original “Voodoo” song or is it just a clever title to a song with a similar feel to it?
Shannon Larkin: It’s just a similar feel. I wrote the song with a bass guitar and a drum beat. I thought about how the original song “Voodoo” was really cool when I first learned it after joining the band. I tried to repeat somewhat of the same feel to form a newer version of a great song. We actually think it’s just as good, if not better than “Voodoo.”
Entertainment World: The question is often asked, “What do those guys mean by the name ‘Godsmack?’ What exactly does the name mean and how did the founding members come up with it?
Shannon Larkin: It’s the name of an
Entertainment World: Has any religious groups ever protested or expressed any displeasure regarding the band’s name?
Entertainment World: What is your favorite Godsmack song to play live?
Shannon Larkin: “Straight out of Line” is definitely up there on the list. I love the drumbeat and the verses. Off of the new record, I’d have to say “Livin’ in Sin.” “One Rainy Day” is great too. It’s got a bluesy feel to it. I think that’s what I’m going to be doing when I’m sixty years old and retired. I’ll be jamming out and playing the blues.
Entertainment World: What can we expect to see from you guys in the near future other than the release of your new album, IV, on April 25th? I’m expecting a huge arena tour, right? What can we expect from that?
Shannon Larkin: We’re leaving
Hot Seat:
Entertainment World: Favorite movie?
Shannon Larkin: Evil Dead 2
Entertainment World: Favorite actor or actress?
Shannon Larkin: Bruce Campbell
Entertainment World: CD you cant live without?
Shannon Larkin: Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here
Entertainment World: Best video game platform?
Shannon Larkin: PS2 – Soul Caliber 3
Entertainment World: Ipod or actual CD?
Shannon Larkin: I love both of them too much!
Entertainment World: Favorite type of TV show (sitcom, drama, reality, home make over, etc)?
Shannon Larkin: NFL football
Entertainment World: Celebrity you'd like to be caught in tabloids with?
Shannon Larkin: Angelina Jolie
Entertainment World: Location of biggest portion of your fans?
Shannon Larkin:
Posted byLogan Lenz at 07:56 0 comments
Labels: Entertainment World, Godsmack Interview, IV, Shannon Larkin
Devin Lima Interview
2.06.2008
Devin Lima & the Cadbury Diesel
By
I've always known that I wanted to do something like it. I knew that I had to continue doing music. I got too many tattoos and became this creature that could never work behind a desk. The last few years, I met people and wrote songs with what I had. I had rock guitars, but wanted to make a great pop record. The new album is something that I am very happy about.
Because of the whole "pop" thing, I thought about the presentation of everything. So, I thought about what is attractive to me. I ended up taking two things that meant something to me. My girl always loved Cadbury eggs and I went through a phase wear I loved Diesel Jeans.
After all of my previous work, I decided to analyze everything completely. Why did I have certain tendencies? I pretty much tried to create a new being. I never had "garage years" like most bands do, so I had to go through all of that as well. And it took several years.
One of my favorite bands is the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In a song off of the album By the Way, they use that line. That's always stuck with me. At that point of my life, I was trying to see what certain signs meant. While we were recording the album, we used a Mozart soundboard and then one day we all ate at a Mozart Café. It was just one of those freak things.
I don't "hope" anymore. I only think of what I would like to make happen. I don't like to think negatively anymore. I know that this album is the step that I need to take to make things happen for my music.
That's a hard one! Let me back away from it for a second and look at it from the outside…. (Pause)…. I really wanted to write a song about ice cream. I didn't know how it was going to work, but I didn't care about the whole corny thing. "
(Laughs) No, not really. The entire band is rooted in rock. As for me, I still do my dancing on stage, but it's more of a B-Boy style and spinning. So, it's not completely out of my comfort zone.
If you step back and listen to the music with a free mind, there is no doubt that everybody, no matter their background, will find something that they really enjoy. There are so many different types of songs on the album, even though they are rooted to the same idea. In today's world, I think we are going to have to create our own market somewhere in between pop and rock.
In LFO, all I did was sing. That was always a dream for me, to be a singer. That dream was fulfilled. Then, I asked myself what do I want to do next? I wanted to be a songwriter. With this record, I got to do that myself. It took me almost five years to be comfortable with writing, though.
A lot of it is just speaking to your self. Let's say I wanted to write a song about this interview. Your name is
Stevie Wonder, Prince, The Beatles, RHCP, Rolling Stones, Sly and the Family Stone, and everyone else that has made any form of music.
(Laughs) My manager is also the manager of Sly. It was just one of those things. I was on a tribute album that was made for them. Then from there, the Grammy's wanted to do some kind of special performance for Sly. I was just fortunate enough to be there for it.
Would you ever consider a reunion with LFO if given the chance?
Maybe at some point after I am done doing what I am doing now.
We're going to get the single out there and see what happens. We're going to practice our asses off. Next year, hopefully we'll get on a cool summer tour. Either way, I think we're going to be in it for the long haul.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 17:42 0 comments
Labels: Cadbury Diesel, Devin Lima, Interview, Rag Magazine
Paramore Interview
2.04.2008
With the release of their sophomore album RIOT!, Paramore has rapidly become one of the most in-demand young rock bands around. Fronted by the vibrant 18-year old female prodigy Hayley Williams, Paramore was destined for stardom since their 2004 conception. The band hope to continue taking the world by storm by handling the headlining duties on this summer's Warped Tour. RAG had the exclusive privilege to speak with guitarist Josh Farro about what it's like being young and being loved.
RAG: In your own words, how would you describe Paramore's music?
Farro: Our music is really energetic and youthful. It's definitely filled with raw emotion. I wouldn't classify us as emo, although a lot of people do that. I think we have a new sound. A lot of people make the comparison to Avril Lavigne just because of the female lead, but I beg to differ. We're a little more aggressive.
What makes the new album RIOT! different for the band this time around?
Farro: First of all, I feel like we were all much more comfortable with our instruments. For the first album, we were all so young when we recorded it. Zac Farro (drummer and brother of Josh) was only 13, I was 16, and Hayley was 15. Everything happened so fast. After two years of touring, we entered the studio to record RIOT! with such a familiarity with ourselves and a better understanding of our capabilities.
What is meant by the title RIOT!?
Farro: We really wanted a one word title for the album. I was looking in the dictionary one day and found the word "riot." I discovered a meaning for it that stated "an uncontrolled outburst of emotions." Hayley really liked that because a lot of the lyrics on this album can be considered emotional outbursts. They are all pretty straight to the point and even somewhat vicious at times. The title was a perfect fit.
What's your favorite track off of the new album?
Farro: I'd probably have to say "Misery Business." To me, it's probably the most unique song we have ever written.
Briefly explain how Paramore's writing process works.
Farro: I usually write the music and record it right away. Then I'll give it to Hayley so that she can add lyrics and melody to it. From that, it builds into a complete band effort, where we'll work on dynamics and complete the structure of the song. Sometimes, however, it ends up being the other way around. Hayley may come up with an idea and I will contribute to it shortly after.
Who are some of your main influences as
a band?
Farro: Jimmy Eat World is probably the most influential to us. Death Cab for Cutie has to be listed in there as well.
What has been your greatest accomplishment as a band thus far?
Farro: I think selling 42,000 records of RIOT! in the first week is pretty groundbreaking for us. We are completely surprised and humbled by the album's success. We really can't believe it.
How was it growing up with a musical sibling like Zac (drummer)?
Farro: It was really great! We started covering songs for a long time until we finally started writing our own material. It was great to be able to work on songs whenever we got bored.
Paramore's big break came very uniquely in that you were actually discovered and signed by Atlantic Records. They actually thought it was wise to work out a deal with the indie label Fueled by Ramen to reach the kids in the scene's "purest" form. How does the relationship between the labels affect the band?
Farro: Well, I would say that we are officially signed to Fueled by Ramen. We work a lot more with them, but both labels are involved somewhat. It has only been recently that we have seen Atlantic Records really getting involved with us. But you definitely have it right. Not a lot of people know that information.
Nobody in Paramore was older than 16 when the band was signed. How do you think your age has affected the band's success?
Farro: It's definitely an advantage. Kids can relate to us since we are going through the same things they are. Being young is really great also because if this band doesn't work out, we have our whole lives ahead of us.
Since the band is so young, do you still have to deal with school on the road?
Farro: Unfortunately, we do. Being the oldest, I graduated high school early on. Hayley just recently finished up with home schooling on the road. Zac, the drummer, however, is struggling right now. It's very difficult to stay focused when you're surrounded by music and friends 24 hours a day.
You are co-headlining Warped Tour this summer. What does that responsibility mean for the band?
Farro: We're just going to try and have fun. We're going to make sure we go out there and present ourselves better this time around. Our live show is going to be tighter and more energetic. We've worked a lot on transitions and making the show very entertaining for everybody.
Aside from the release of RIOT!, what else is to come for the future of Paramore?
Farro: We've talked a little about a DVD. We have to get a lot of footage on Warped Tour this summer before we do that. As for the fall, we are going to the UK to do some festivals and probably do a European tour after that. After that, who knows? We have yet to observe all of our options at this point.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 17:30 0 comments
Labels: Hayley Williams, Paramore, Paramore Interview, Rag Magazine, Riot
Too Much Mars Volta?
1.28.2008
It is important to begin with my proclamation of being a huge At The Drive-In fan. Having said that, I have been on The Mars Volta's side of the battle after the band's split. Sparta, in my opinion, are nothing to call home about. Deloused in the Comatorium, their debut album, was absolutely amazing. It was love at first listen. At the time, I was so relieved that the Mars Volta was just as good, if not better, than At the Drive-In.
It wasn't long after that the band released it's second record Frances the Mute. The CD was definitely a breath of fresh air - something unique and completely innovative. At the same time, however, some of the band's musical qualities were left behind; replacing therir overall musicianship with shock value.
Only a year later, the workaholics released Amputechture and a live album called Scab Dates. Scab Dates was excellent because the band is an entertaining and exuberant live force. Amputechture, however, seemed like it was produced by extraterrestrials. If I was unfamiliar with the band, I would have guessed the album was recorded on an intergalactic spacecraft. It was peculiar, yet still somewhat charming. They hadn't lost me yet. I was still intrigued.
Now, another year has elapsed and the Mars Volta are releasing The Bedlam in Goliath tomorrow. The album serves as the band's fourth full-length studio album, but the first sans Jon Theodore. Jon Theodore, for those unfamiliar, was the rhythmic drumming force behind the Mars Volta's intricate and sometimes overwhelming time signatures. Theodore made everything human and kept everything cohesive within the music.
The Bedlam in Goliath is sorely missing the presence of Theodore on this record. While the CD is straight-to-the-point compositions without much between song noise and nonsense, the music is lackluster. There are a few catchy, well constructed tracks on the record, of course, but it seems that the Mars Volta have fallen from their throne and have become "just another eccentric rock band."
Bedlam offers nothing special or out of the ordinary for avid Volta fans. If you were anticipating this record all year, you may want to reconsider purchasing it. Coming from a huge Mars Volta fan - I suggest the band take a little more time writing and crafting their tunes in the studio the next time around. This release has seemed to fall under my head, while the others have gone a little bit over.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 09:56 1 comments
Labels: CD Review, The Bedlam in Goliath, The Mars Volta
The Heath Ledger / Nick Drake Connection
Last Tuesday, Hollywood endured a heavy blow. Overwhelming at first, the news that Heath Ledger was found dead in his apartment at the young age of 28, took everybody by surprise. Nobody saw even hints of seeing it coming. Although the latest toxicology reports suggest that he may have died from "natural causes" (a heart attack to be precise) and not via an allotment of drugs, the bizarre and curious connection between him and the late folk-singer Nick Drake still leaves the case wide open with astonishment. Was Heath Ledger's obsession of the depressed singer self-medicating for him? Was it, in fact, depression that induced his shy and reserved personal attributes that led to his eventual death?
During interviews of his latest film I'm Not There - where he portrays Bob Dylan, Ledger revealed his "obsession" with Nick Drake. For those unfamiliar, Nick Drake was a singer-songwriter, whom was heavily burdened with depression throughout his career. Drake overdosed on anti-depressants at the young age of 26.
Similar to Ledger, Drake had a lengthy and prosperous career ahead of him. Having only put out a few albums and slowly gaining a reputable audience, Drake unfortunately never achieved a commercial following until very recently. It wasn't until Volkswagen scored a commercial with his recording of "Pink Moon" in 2002 that Drake began selling records.
Ledger's admittance of his attraction to Drake's story definitely leaves one with questions. Was his curiosity and admiration merely coincidence? It's a strong possibility that it was, but first let's delve a little deeper into their ties.
The strongest case that glorifies Ledger and Drake's similarities is Ledger's recently created music video for Drake's song "Black Eyed Dog." The video, which was produced completely by Ledger, depicts Ledger as the sole subject. At the video's close, Ledger turns the hand-held camera on himself and slowly drowns himself in a bathtub. The most bewildering and hair-raising aspect of this is that "Black Eyed Dog" is known as Drake's very last recording - allegedly recorded right before his death. The song is also known as being about dealing with depression.
Before you run to YouTube in hopes of finding this video, one must be aware that it has only been screened twice. The video received much praise and a few awards after being shown at two European film festivals. The video has yet to (and may never) leak onto the internet.
During the I'm Not There interviews, Ledger also revealed his intentions of eventually releasing a biopic of Drake's life and story. Although we may never see his version of the singer' s life, we are bound to see someone's attempt at reviving Ledger's dream in the future. We can also expect a piece about Ledger himself at some point down the road, for his life and death has impacted far more than one would think.
Ledger's career may have been brief and limited, but his future in film was looked upon as the most anticipated. Having accomplished what he did at such a young age in his first ten years in the business is miraculous. He was on track toward becoming one of the best actors in history. He will always be most remembered for his portrayal of Ennis Del Mar in the Academy Award winning Brokeback Mountain. After this summer, however, he will also be remembered for his upcoming role as the new Joker in the next installment of the Batman films - The Dark Knight - due out in July.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 08:40 0 comments
Labels: Black Eyed Dog, Heath Ledger, Nick Drake
Sullivan Interview
1.27.2008
only begun turning heads in the modern rock world. After being signed by Tooth and Nail Records, the band excitedly looks forward to their promising future. On June 5th, their debut full length album Cover Your Eyes will initiate and determine that future. Vocalist Brooks Paschal, guitarists Tyson Shipman and Jeremy Stanton, drummer Phil Chamberlain, and bassist Zach Harward are hoping to “take the world by storm.”
RAG: In your own words, how would you describe Sullivan’s music?
Paschal: For me, the word that I continue to use to describe the band is “tension.” I think that a lot of our music has a really cool tension to it. There is underlying darkness surrounding our music, but on the surface everything sounds so sweet and happy. That’s what makes it so interesting. There is this unidentifiable tension between those two elements. Musically, it’s very uplifting, but lyrically it’s pretty disturbed and out there.
Paschal: I think we really came to terms with our songwriting style on this album. Overall, it’s a really dark record. It sounds pretty angry and moody. It’s also an extremely honest record.
Paschal: It’s been really great! Everyone is so cool and the crowds have been amazing. We’re just so lucky to be surrounded by such great bands. We are learning a lot, and of course having a great time as well.
Paschal: It’s definitely different for us. For this record, we got off tour on Thanksgiving of last year. From then on, I completely shut myself off to the world to write. I wrote everyday for about a month. Tyson, our guitarist, had a bunch of ideas that he had brought to me as well. With this record, we really learned how to work extremely well together. We bounced ideas off of each other until we had the complete arrangements put together.
Paschal: As a band, it’s tough. How about if I base it off of live performance? Live we are very influenced by the band At the Drive In. Looking back at footage of that band live is just unreal. I think that’s what kids want these days. They want to see something live that they can’t feel on the record. They need something special. I think we provide them with that.
Paschal: It’s tough there, because
Paschal: I was nine when I started playing piano. I was a typical high school kid that wanted to play music and be the next Green Day, you know? I started playing in a band with the guitarist Tyson in 2000. Eventually, in 2003, we started Sullivan. We have been working really hard ever since.
What has been your greatest accomplishment as a band thus far?
Paschal: This record. It’s everything that we wanted. We didn’t have to cheat ourselves and we didn’t get cheated. Tooth and Nail gave us everything we wanted and we got an awesome producer, and we got our engineer. Everything was perfect. On a personal level, it has been a great achievement staying together as a band and keeping the drive alive throughout all of the good and bad times.
Paschal: We’ve toured with them a few times already, so that’s never out of the question. It never hurts playing in front of a couple thousand people every night, no matter the genre difference. We’re really good friends with those guys, so you never know what is to come. I’m sure we’ll tour again at some point.
Paschal: It’s awesome. I met (TWLOHA president) Jamie at last year’s Cornerstone Festival in
Paschal: I think all bands hope for the same thing. I hope that we tap into a success that allows us to continue playing music. We can only wish that our music reaches a ton of people. If we simply can keep playing music and are able to support ourselves along the way, we’re going to continue to work hard and do this until we’re forty. I can only hope.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 01:49 1 comments
Labels: Rag Magazine, Sullivan, To Write Love On Her Arms, Underoath
Saves the Day Interview
1.16.2008
(Published in Rag Magazine's April 2007 issue)
No matter what happens to them, Saves the Day always seems to make the most of it. After being bounced around from label to label and losing a beloved band member to cancer (just to name a few), the band always seems to make the most out of their misfortunes. With a new album entitled Under the Boards slated for a release in the fall, band members Chris Conley, David Soloway, Manuel Carrero, and the newly recruited Durijah Lang appear to be doing better than ever. After speaking with the band’s singer/songwriter, Chris Conley, it is obvious that they possess much different values and objectives than many other groups in the industry.
RAG: In your own words, how would you describe Saves the Day’s music?
Conley: We’re an upbeat band from
You are slated to release a new album called Under the Boards in fall. What can your fans expect from the album?
Conley: It’s somewhat of a departure from Sound the Alarm, but it’s still Saves the Day. It’s going to be the record that we want to make. We have about thirteen songs that we are really excited about right now. I think that our fans will enjoy them.
Conley: Not for this tour but we will have it some time in the future.
Tell me a little about this spring co-headlining tour with Say Anything. What should everyone expect?
Conley: It’s going to be a good time. I personally love Say Anything. We have a few rotating acts coming on and off of the tour such as The Almost, Deerhunter, and Manchester Orchestra.
They’re all such great bands.
Briefly explain how Saves the Day’s writing process works.
Conley: On most of the songs, they are born while I am playing acoustic guitar by myself. Then maybe I will throw together a couple parts and show a fragment of a song to the rest of the guys. If everyone likes it, we’ll try to flush it out from there. All of the songs definitely start with some kind of initial backbone and we slowly piece together the body.
You recorded your 2006 release Sound the Alarm in the band’s own studio dubbed ‘The Electric Ladybug.’ Tell me a little about that decision to do it yourselves and more about the studio itself? It seems like you achieved some really big sounds from the room.
Conley: Yea, we were really happy with the recording. The Electric Ladybug is just a way for us to record our music for free whenever we want. We will be recording our new album there this summer.
The single “At Your Funeral” obviously ignited a great deal of your initial success back in 2001. Did the success of the song come as a surprise to the band at all? Was it overwhelming?
Conley: I thought it was cool. It wasn’t that explosive, though. It was only somewhat of a minor hit on MTV2, you know? It did fair decently for the underground scene, but it wasn’t anything huge for us especially since the song got pulled right after 9/11. It was really just a brief glimpse of the “big time.” I am glad we were able to get out of it with our sanity in tact.
Who are some of your main influences as a band?
Conley: We look up to bands like Radiohead, Pearl Jam, and Dave Mathews Band because of the way they conduct themselves. They are very loyal to their fans and they’re not trying to succeed in the realm of the record industry, but rather trying to succeed by making great albums. That’s the way it should be.
At what age did you start playing music? Playing in a band?
Conley: I started playing music when I was six years old. I started playing cello. Then, I picked up guitar when I was thirteen. I started a band right away, and four years later we became Saves the Day.
What’s your favorite song to play live?
Conley: It changes! I have a handful of favorites. I really like singing all of them. Currently, though, I like to play “Sound the Alarm” and “Where are You?”
What has been your greatest accomplishment as a band?
Conley: Our greatest accomplishment is remaining true to ourselves and not conforming to standards of the music industry.
I heard about Pete Parada leaving the band recently. Who do you have coming in as a replacement?
Conley: We’re going to have Deraja from Glassjaw coming out with us for the tour. We are not sure about a permanent replacement yet. We’re going to take it slow.
What do you think of the current status of the music industry?
Conley: I think that the only positive aspect of the music industry is that it is so negative that it has to get better.
So, you don’t like anything about the industry?
Conley: I like the fact that the music industry has become so void of substance that most bands have to take their careers into their own hands and just directly stay in touch with their fans through the internet. I think that is the true relationship that coveys what music is all about. There never should have been any middlemen involved.
Conley: Yes. That’s why I started it. It’s more important for us to stay invested in our fans than to only be interested in succeeding in the industry. I’d much rather have our current believers stay with us than have a hit record. The fans are truly who I care about more than anything.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 15:04 0 comments
Labels: Interview, Rag Magazine, Saves the Day
Buckcherry Interview
1.14.2008
Having been through a multitude of dramatic turbulence in the recent past, it’s quite a pleasure to see the straight-ahead hard rock group, Buckcherry, on top of the rock world again. The band’s latest release, 15, has already been certified gold and has taken the charts, radio, and television by storm. Their latest successes can mainly be attributed to the power of their most recent hit single, “Crazy Bitch.” It’s obvious that frontman Josh Todd, lead guitarist Keith Nelson, bassist Jimmy Ashhurst, guitarist Stevie D, and drummer Xavier Muriel are having the time of their lives again. I had the great honor of speaking with guitarist, founding member, and songwriting backbone, Keith Nelson, right before the band’s highly anticipated national tour. He spilled the beans on just about everything including the band’s 2002 breakup, life without record label support, and his unexplainable love for bicycles.RAG: For anyone who has been in a coma for the last eight years, how would you describe Buckcherry’s music to them?
Nelson: High energy with an IQ! We’re just a real rock and roll band. Just five guys making music that we all love making.
Nelson: There are a couple of reasons. I think everybody likes the underdog story and we were definitely the underdog prior to releasing the record. There was no record deal. I think we made a really honest record. There wasn’t a huge marketing campaign for it, so we did everything ourselves. I think it had a lot to do with all of those things coming together.
How does the album “15” differ from your previous two records?
Nelson: Well, we made the record ourselves. I produced the record with two other guys. We basically made the record that we wanted to make. Nobody was there telling us what to do and what not to do. It was a different vibe. We had nothing to lose by making this record.
Briefly explain how Buckcherry’s writing process works.
Nelson: They all start in different ways. Some start with a bassline; some start with Josh and an acoustic guitar; some start with guitar riffs. For instance, the song “Crazy Bitch” started with Josh calling me and singing the chorus. I took that melody and came up with the music around that.
The hit single “Lit Up” obviously ignited a great deal of your initial success back in 1999. Did the mainstream success of the song come as a surprise to the band considering what it was about?
Nelson: Absolutely! When we wrote the song, we never imagined it being played on the radio. The record company declared it as our first single and it quickly got the attention that it did. That single alone made that record gold.
In your opinion, what is the best song you have ever written?
Nelson: There is a song off of Time Bomb called “You.” I think that that is probably one of the best songs we have ever written. Sadly, that album was severely under-promoted. You can’t even buy it anymore. It’s actually out of print now.
Nelson: Doing what we are doing right now. Starting with nothing and making a record that has gone gold and is still in the Top 200 of the Billboard charts.
In 2002, it was confirmed that Buckcherry had “broken up.” What exactly happened?
Nelson: There were no fistfights or drama or anything like that. After the tour following the release of Time Bomb, three of the band members had quit. We got back to LA and realized that there were only Josh and myself left. We were the two guys that started the band. We tried to write new material for a few months, but I think that ultimately the idea of not having a band really weighed on us. We decided to completely take a break from everything. It just wasn’t fun anymore.
Was it difficult beginning again? Did you fear that fans had forgotten about you?
Nelson: You never know what to expect. My greatest goal was to just come out with another record. We didn’t really have any delusions that the world was waiting for our new record. We made the best record that we could and slowly recruited everyone that wanted to do business with us.
I had heard a few years back that Josh Todd was “in the running” toward becoming the front man of what ended up becoming Velvet Revolver? I later read that you were actually given songwriting credit for the VR song “Dirty Little Thing.” The whole situation seems crazy to me. What exactly happened?
Nelson: There is not much to say about it. Velvet Revolver is a great band and now my band is back together. During the few months when Josh and I did not have a band, we had rehearsed a few times with the guys of VR. The situation didn’t end up working out, but I am really happy that those guys persevered. They are a really great band. They have a new record coming out this year. I think we all ended up in a good place.
What do you think about the newer bands / styles of music that are coming to life?
Nelson: There are some really awesome bands right now. I’m a huge fan of My Chemical Romance. I really like the All-American Rejects. There’s a band called Black Stone Cherry that I love. I am a Shinedown fan. There is some really great new music out there if you are willing to dig for it. There are all of these emo bands with their weird haircuts and whatnot, but some of those bands are simply amazing.
What do you like to do when you’re not playing music?
Nelson: I like to get away from music. I like to ride a motorcycle. I like to ride bicycles, too.
Really? Bicycles?
Nelson: I know it’s probably weird trying to picture a big guy covered in tattoos riding a bicycle, but I really enjoy it.
What is to come for the future of Buckcherry? (New CD, upcoming tours, etc…..)
Nelson: There is probably going to be a DVD being shot over the summer for a winter release. There are some talks of doing a live record. Of course, there will be tons more touring and doing what we have been doing until nobody wants to hear us anymore.
Posted byLogan Lenz at 15:42 0 comments
Labels: Buckcherry, Interview, Rag Magazine
