First song you learned to play?
‘just like heaven’ by the cure, you have to love 4 chord songs!
First band you went to see?
a local band from winter haven, florida, usa called ’syrup’; hometown heros for sure. other than that a group of friends drove a few hours to see a punk rock band from the states called ‘the queers’.
What band or who, got you into music?
nirvana, they were the first band were i was taken aback by the rawness, passion, and no care attitude towards the music scene and the world.
What comes first when writing a song, the music or the lyrics?
the music, the lyrics & melodies just come to me, but the music is the hardest for me to write. even in anberlin the music seems to be the hardest to get together, if the music is bad no lyrical genius or melody line is going to save it.
Was there a band name that almost was?
the clamour. (like glamour plus clamor), that was my idea. the other guys wanted ‘laredo’, which is just plain dumb.
What bands would be on your dream tour?
the smiths, jeff buckley, & the rolling stones. but in real life we would love ‘foo fighters, jimmy eat world,… and the beatles.
Where were you when you heard your song on the radio for the first time?
in my car coming back from orlando, florida. i freaked out, i even took a picture of the radio with my phone, as if when i show someone the picture they are going to know what song was playing! ha. yeah. freaked out.
The most important thing you take with you on tour?
phone, without contact to the outside world (family/friends) tour is miserable.
What is your favorite thing to get at the late night gas station stop?
cliff bar (protein bar) and gatoraid.
Whats the most outrageous rider request you ever heard about?
i think it was the foo fighters that asked for ice, and then explained on their european rider how to make ice. ’step one, get water. step two put it in ice tray,’ etc. it was hysterical.
What is the longest stretch you ever went without showering?
warped tour, 3 weeks. no one showered, our bus smelled like dirty hippy.
What and where is the best venue you have played in?
the norva, in virginia, usa. it has a sauna, basketball court, shower, jacuzzi, and right across the street is an H&M. perfect!
After getting home from tour, what is the first thing you do?
have sex with my wife, then i set down my suitcases.
If anyone could ‘guest’ on your new record who would it be?
jimmy gnecko. no doubt.
The Last time YOU were star struck?
MORRISSEY!! i saw him @ the cat and fiddle in LA. i don’t think anyone else could make me star struck except for him.
If you could join any current band which would it be?
any band where johnny marr is involved. that guy is legend.
What has been your biggest extravagant purchase?
a range rover, thanks to the money i got from atticus for doing this interview.
