Driven Far Off

You’re about to put out a new record and it will probably blow up but what inspires you and keeps you moving?

I know that I play music to try to bring hope. I went through some rough times in my life where I feel like I was pulled out of a lot of crap supernaturally so when people say that this music has affected them in terrible times of their life, that’s what keeps me going.

What is the record “Do You Feel” about? Is there any constant themes running through the whole album?

There are definitely different themes on the record. But as far as the song Do You Feel as well as a few others the theme of wanting to do greater things for our world but not because our own daily issues get in the way is a theme that goes throughout the album. It’s something I’ve been dealing with in my own life so naturally it came out in this record.

I’ve heard brief things as to what the song “a song is not a business plan” is about but for those haven’t can you go into a little about what it’s about and how the song came about?

I wrote that song on a day where I felt a tad discouraged about my hard work and feeling the pressures to write music like_________ insert brand new cutesy emo band names that all sound alike that had just formed. I wrote it after my van broke down for the 100th time on the side of the road. Ha, it’s definitely got a hint of bitterness. But it’s something that I got over but was immortalized in a song ha.

You played all the instruments on your other records, is that the case for the newest one as well?

I played all of the instruments on “Do You Feel” except for the Horns on So Much Love and High Life Scenery. We got some slammin good dudes to play those, actually the guys who played on Stevie Wonder’s Sir Duke.

Is touring something that has become second nature or something that you get excited about? What are some of the hard things about being gone for 3 months at a time?

Touring is honestly my life. We are freakin road dogs. We play hundreds of shows a year and it honestly doesn’t really get old, it’s what I do. The only thing that gets old is when you get sick and need to go the DR. or need a check up or something and you have zero days off and you’re across the world. It’s harder to take care of yourself.

Who are some of the bands that you are good friends with have they influenced you music at all?

We’ve toured with a lot of great bands, hellogoodbye, Relient K, ash, the format. Tons of bands! As far as if they have influenced the sound of my music, probably not but they are great dudes who write great music so … maybe?

Let’s talk about “to write love on her arms” for minute. How did you get involved with the charity and why did you?

Renee, the girl who it was originally based on is a friend of mine so it was natural to get involved. TRS is very much a thing that is full of wanting to help so we try to get involved with things like this as well as invisible children and other things.

What are some of the records you’ve been listening to lately? What have been some of your favorites to come out this year?

I love the new Ryan Adams record and I LOVE the new Wilco.

Was the jump to a major label simply a progressive one in the time line of the band or were there more reasons? If so what are some of the things you hope to accomplish by being on a major label?

It was time I think. I think I’m ready for the challenges of being on a major and hopefully more people will hear the music because of it.

What are your thoughts on the music industry, what are the problems that affect you as an artist?

It’s definitely changing and I’m thrilled that I’m in a place where I can do this for a living. There are plenty of problems with it though so I don’t know where to start. My record comes out in 4 days that I have put my life into for a year; I have no room in my life for negativity about the music industry. I can’t afford it, must be all good vibes!

Everything is moving in the digital direction, do you have any thoughts on the DRM (Copy protection) issue?

I think if a record has affected you and you like it, then you should buy it. It’s not easy starving to make records. I would love to continue to make music and people; it’s in your hands.