INTERVIEW: Social Distortion

by Chad Cooper, April 2011

It’s been seven long years since punk legends Social Distortion have put out a new record, and according to sales and popularity, the SoCal veterans remain strong as ever.The new album Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes on Epitaph Records was released in January and debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard charts, which gave the group their first-ever Top 10 album.

Social Distortion was one of 14 bands to play BuzzFest 26 at the Cynthia Mitchell Woodlands Pavilion on May 1.

The band formed in 1978 in Fullerton, Calif., and lead singer Mike Ness is the only original member. They released Mommy’s Little Monster in 1983, which created a music buzz around the country largely in part because of the single “Another State of Mind.”

After hiatus and some personal issues, the band regrouped to release Prison Bound in 1988. Popularity began to soar and Epic Records signed the band giving Social D their first major deal. A self-titled album came in 1990, which featured the Johnny Cash cover “Ring of Fire.”

Then came Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell and White Light, White Heat, White Trash before tragedy struck on February 29, 2000, when guitarist Dennis Danell suddenly died due to a brain aneurysm.

The band took some time off and several changes were made within the band, before the release of Sex, Love and Rock ‘n’ Roll in 2004.

Popular songs include “Let It Be Me,” “Ball and Chain,” “Story of My Life,” “Bad Luck,” “Cold Feelings,” “I Was Wrong,” which was their highest charting single at No. 4 and their latest, “Machine Gun Blues.”

Ness, 49, has dealt with his own demons. Quoted in a previous interview about Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan, Ness responded “they have no idea what’s waiting for them around the corner, no idea.”

He has since recovered and enjoys a great family life with his wife and two sons. Aside from his music, he helped develop Black Kat Kustoms in 2003. Located in Santa Ana, the store specializes in custom car, hot rod, and chopper clothing as well as custom parts.

88MW spoke with Ness about his illustrious career.

Are you surprised the band has lasted nearly 35 years?

I had hoped so, but I sure didn’t think so. Dude, we really weren’t supposed to live this long. In the back of my mind, this is always what I wanted to do as a small kid and I wanted to take this as far as I honestly could.

Social D has influenced many bands and musicians. Who were some of your influences?

Man, there has probably been hundreds like Eric Clapton and The Ramones. I remember listening to a band in the early 80s called Jason and the Scorchers and saying ‘man I want Social D to sound like this.’ The actual list for me is pretty wide because I draw from different styles of music. I love Big Band music, folk, blues, grunge rock, country music.

It’s been years since you released a new record.

What’s funny is the record only took about four or five months to make but it took us about five years to get into the studio. Some of these songs are like five and six years old. We are a really big touring act so we tour a bunch. You can’t make a record until you stop touring, but I want to try to close that gap before we make another record.

I loved the concept of making a short film instead of a regular music video for the single ‘Machine Gun Blues.’

I always thought music videos should be more literal to the lyrics. Rather than just doing a music video, I thought it would be very cool to do a short film for the song. I ran with the same storyline as the song. The main character gets into a little trouble then becomes remorseful, hence the title ‘Machine Gun Blues.’ Getting to act is a lot more fun than just posing with your guitar.

You still have any new music left in you?

Oh man, a lot. It’s what I do.

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Interview: Sevendust

by Chad Cooper, April 2011

If you’ve never heard nor seen Sevendust, then you don’t know rock music. The five-piece band from Atlanta has been throwing down since their self-titled first release in 1997.

While bands struggle to continue to keep their heads above water, it’s the polar opposite with this band. It may be cliché to compare Sevendust to an aged fine wine, but it seems this band continues to get stronger and gain more popularity with age (if they weren’t good and popular already).

Often called road warriors due to the hectic touring schedule, Sevendust has recorded eight albums and are on the road again entertaining their family of fans with a plethora of hits that include “Black,” “Denial,” “Praise,” “Angel’s Son,” “Enemy,” “Broken Down,” “Driven,” “Prodigal Son,” “Unraveling,” “Forever” and “Last Breather.” The last three are respectively hits from last year’s release on Atlantic Records, Cold Day Memory.

There is not much out there about Sevendust that hasn’t already been said. Fresh off a tour in Australia, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon spoke with us about his fondness of music, some history on the band and his take on the future of one of the hardest working bands in the business.

Born in Nashville, Witherspoon, 39, had music as an influence dating back as a kid. And who thought that the youngster would go on to be named in the Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time by Hit Parader magazine?

Has music always been a part of your life?

Pretty much. My father was a singer in a band and I was always singing something. Growing up in Nashville, my grandfather was a trainer for Tennessee Walking Horses and on his farm, you would hear everything from country to rock and roll.

Was there any particular moment that led you to the industry?

I always liked to sing and play different things and music made me feel different. I always thought it was magical and I still feel that way today. I remember singing in the church choir and was so excited about singing whether it was the church or boys choir.

What may be more impressive than Sevendust’s music is the ability to
maintain a very loyal fan base.

I think we bring a family mentality to these shows because I honestly feel like we have grown up with a lot of these fans. I can look out into that crowd and remember a face and see fans that have had children, like we have now, and bring them to the show. It’s a beautiful thing. I think people know we are a real band and not a bunch of rock stars. We care and never take it for granted.

The energetic live show doesn’t hurt either.

We always try to bring it and we can’t help but do that. Even when days you are tired, we give it our all. We have this pre-show ritual where we do a prayer. If the Rock God hasn’t hit you before then, it will.

How amazing was the Australian trip?

It was an incredible trip. It was summertime over there and hot but it was beautiful. We played with bands like Nonpoint, Pennywise and Slash. We knew most of those guys so it made it that much more fun.

While recording your last album, Cold Day Memory, you guys decided to do some video diaries, which became an online craze. How did that come about?

We were going to record it anyway for a DVD and the idea was brought up to maybe put some clips online. I had my reservations about it, but it turned out to be incredible. You get to see a different side of Sevendust. Where it was recorded (Groovemaster Studios in Chicago), we thought it was kind of haunted so we ran around and did a bunch of stuff.

How good of a feeling was it to get your original guitarist, Clint Lowery, back for this album?

It was like a getting a missing piece of a puzzle. That was the original seed that was planted so having him back was our sound.

You guys have tons of hits so is it challenging to put together a set list?

I can say this — it’s a good problem to have. It’s awesome to have great songs to choose from.

What’s left for Sevendust to accomplish?

I think there is a lot left for Sevendust to do. For one, we recently signed with CAA (Creative Artists Agency) so all of the sudden, it seems like there has been a fire lit under this band. CAA reps bands like Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold and Three Days Grace. We normally wouldn’t go on the road with those bands and now we are on the same agency. So look out!

Sevendust will headline an all ages show on Tuesday, April 19, at Scout Bar in Clear Lake. Advance tickets are $25. Visit scoutbar.com for more details. Doors open at 7 p.m.

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INTERVIEW: Ted Nugent

by Chad Cooper, April 2011

The Nuge is an avid hunter, advocate for groups such as the National Rifle Association and the right to bear arms. He’s joined the ranks of the New York Times Bestseller list with the 2000 publication God, Guns and Rock ‘N’ Roll.

Despite what they see on television, those cannot deny the fact that a career, which basically began in 1958, has led Ted Nugent to sell over 40 million records thanks to hits like “Strangehold,” “Dog Eat Dog,” “Free-for-All” and the 1977 classic “Cat Scratch Fever.”

Nugent was also involved directly with the groups the Armboy Dukes in the late 1960s and signed a record deal with Frank Zappa’s DiscReet Records and produced the song “Great White Buffalo.”

Nugent also helped form the 80s supergroup Damn Yankees, which recorded the power-ballad “High Enough.”

The 62-year-old rockin’ bow-hunter took time to answer some questions about his illustrious career.

Performing for over 50 years, how do you avoid the burnout factor?

I have been blessed my entire life with the ultimate lifestyle of hunting, fishing, trapping and all things — the Great Outdoors. This thrilling, perfect conservation lifestyle truly cleanses the soul and immerses me into the purity of mankind’s spiritual primal scream that demands the highest level of awareness and respect for nature that provides all sustenance for a supreme quality life. In other words, I kill many things in between tours and it is so much fun it makes me play killer music. Literally.

You have been praised for your playing style and cited as an influence by many. Who was your single greatest influence?

I suppose I would give the ultimate salute to Chuck Berry, but so many have inspired me. James Brown, Bo Diddley, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Wilson Pickett, the mighty Motown Funkbrothers, The Ventures, Duane Eddy, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, Booker T & The MGs, Junior Walker and the Allstars, The Stones, Beatles, Yardbirds, Kinks, Who, Hendrix, SRV, so many.

What was the motivation for Ted Nugent Kamp for Kids?

This wonderful charity propelled by incredibly generous volunteers was a response to many requests forever for direction on how to get kids turned on to the outdoor lifestyle. Ultimately, the great Fred Bear guided me to increase my promotion of the hunting, fishing, trapping and the exciting hands-on conservation lifestyle for young people as a powerful alternative to the curse of drugs, alcohol, gangs, crime and so many other life destroying death wishes.

Do you ever utilize your position as a Michigan Co-Sheriffs Deputy?

I do indeed patrol with my fellow officers in Michigan, plus I conduct FALCON (Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally) raids here in Texas, executing federal felony arrest raids. My adrenalin sources are not average.

There’s no doubt that you are passionate about this country. Was there a particular moment to cause you to begin speaking out for/against certain things?

As I watched a growing segment of America align themselves with obvious America haters, like anti-gun groups, anti-hunting groups, the SEIU, AFL-CIO, NEA and others unhesitatingly marching and protesting side by side with the American Communist party for example, I was compelled to maximize my moral obligation to participate in the most dynamic way as possible to earn my place in this sacred experiment in self government.

Is it true you picked up a bow before a guitar?

It was close. The merger of the mystical flight of the arrow and its pure animal soundtrack pretty much erupted simultaneously. Still does.

Do you consider any particular moment the greatest in your musical career?

Every night, every song, every jam session forever with my incredible bandmates going way back into the 1950s, most intensely the last 7-8 years with Mick Brown, Greg Smith and now back again with Derek St. Holmes provides indescribable highs and musical adventure fun beyond your wildest imagination. I am truly a blessed man. That we captured it all on my 6000th concert DVD in Detroit in 2008 says it all.

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INTERVIEW: Theory of a Deadman

by Chad Cooper, April 2011

Despite just three albums under their belts, Theory of a Deadman are no longer rookies of the music industry. Hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, the three-some, which includes Tyler Connolly (vocals/guitar), David Brenner (guitar) and Dean Beck (bass) have just put the finishing touches on their upcoming untitled fourth album on Roadrunner Records.

The band saw success with their first two records, Theory of a Deadman and Gasoline, but it was their third album in 2008 that got the Theory train rolling — Scars & Souvenirs.

The 13-track disc saw an unprecedented nine singles to radio including “So Happy,” “All or Nothing,” “Hate My Life,” “Not Meant to Be,” “By the Way” and the No. 1 “Bad Girlfriend.”

Theory of a Deadman is sharing the stage with Stone Sour on the Avalanche Tour 2011 with special guests Skillet, Halestorm and Art of Dying. The tour will play Reliant Arena, which is positioned near Reliant Stadium and Reliant Astrodome, on Tuesday, April 12, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $35.25 and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com.

About a week into the 31-city tour, Brenner took time out of the tour schedule to answer some questions.

Your last studio album, ‘Scars & Souvenirs,’ was a monster. During the recording process, was there any early idea it would be a great success?

We have a good feeling going into every record we have recorded but it really helped because we worked with Howard Benson for a second time and Mike Plotnikoff was the engineer again. We were also aware of how prepared we needed to be. The prep work was there with the songs and it made them so much better.

Were you surprised at the longevity of the record, being eight singles were sent to radio?

It was surprising, but you never know what to expect because we still feel like we are a young band in this industry. Every time you face a new record, it doesn’t really matter what you’ve done in the past.

How far along is the band with the new record? Any pressure because of the previous success?

It’s written, recorded, mixed and mastered. We got a few songs back and we have rounded it down to two songs for the first single. It looks like an end of June or July release date. As far as pressure, it’s a driving force but we like to challenge ourselves. Here we are doing a fourth record and we wanted to create some of that pressure. We want to be that band that answers the call and performs under pressure. It’s nice to have something driving you because you never want to become lazy in this industry.

Can you give us some scoop?

We worked with Howard and Mike again for a third time and we didn’t want to mess with it too much because we wanted to do what we thought was going to be successful and we loved working with him so it wasn’t a hard decision. We wrote a few songs that we thought some brass horns would work well with so we experimented with some horn players coming into the studio. There’s some rock-a-billy sound to a few songs and I’m really excited about that.

Do you reflect on the growth of the band by listening to your earlier music?

I feel like we revisit those memories every night on stage, especially when we play a song from the first record. It’s cool to look back and I always look at it from a fan’s perspective because I look back on some of my favorite bands’ growth and that was one of the things I always cherished as a fan of music. You always want to have progression. It’s audible history of a band.

Any particular moment that spurred you to want to become a musician?

Growing up in Vancouver and being so close to the Seattle scene really helped the idea along. I listened to of course Pearl Jam and Nirvana but when I heard Alice in Chains, I felt like I needed to know how to do it, so I credit them on making me want to play music.

Heard you guys were big hockey fans?

We are huge hockey fans and it helps when your team, the Vancouver Canucks, are the best team heading into the NHL playoffs. This has been their best season ever because their previous season high in points was 105 or something and they are well over that. Hopefully they can bring home the Stanley Cup. A few weeks ago, we played in an arena that had two hockey rinks and we asked if we could get on the ice and they let us. We rented some skates and found some sticks and a goal and about eight of us played hockey for about an hour and a half.

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INTERVIEW: Saving Abel

by Chad Cooper, February 2011

Mississippi is known as the “Birthplace of America’s Music.” Of course one of the first things that comes to mind is that Tupelo was the birthplace of Elvis and dozens of blues musicians honed their skills in the state including Sam Cooke, Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King and Muddy Waters.

Faith Hill, Mickey Gill, Jimmy Buffett and Jerry Lee Lewis also call Mississippi their home state.
Rockers Saving Abel have added their name to long list of influential musicians that hail from the southern Gulf Coast state.

The band formed seven years ago in Corinth, which sits in the northeastern corner of the state, and with two albums under their belts, their popularity continues to soar. Not only with those who enjoy good rock music in the United States, but those serving in the military overseas. Saving Abel is seeing great success with two national album releases and are celebrating their first No.1 single on the mainstream rock charts, “The Sex Is Good,” off the 2010 sophomore record Miss America.

After signing a record deal with Virgin Records, they released their self-titled debut in 2008 and
three singles released to radio all charted in the Top 5 including “Addicted,” “18 Days” and “Drowning (Face Down).” Those singles helped their debut sell over 500,000 copies certifying it as a gold record.

Lead singer Jared Weeks spoke with 88 Miles West about songwriting, the band’s support for the military and what’s next for Saving Abel.

With a state rich with musical history, was music a big part of your childhood?

My family was very music-oriented. My grandmother played piano at church, my dad played guitar, my uncle played the drums so I was blessed to grow up around music. I remember on Saturday doing chores around the house, my dad would play old Hank Williams’ records and sitting on the floor listening to that and some Beatles. Growing up, I listened to it all from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Garth Brooks. Regardless of what it was, if the music was good and you could feel it, there wasn’t anything wrong with it. I will say that once I heard 3 Doors Down was from Mississippi, you weren’t going to stop me. If they could do it, I was going to.

Saving Abel is a tour-heavy band. When did you find time to write and record ‘Miss America’?

Well, as you know, it has nothing to do with the beauty pageant. Ha, ha. We actually did this album while we were touring and supporting the first record. On the tour bus, we were all on our Mac computers doing some writing and a little recording and when we had three days off, we flew to Nashville and took Skidd (Mills, album producer) what we had written or recorded. We also emailed back and forth with him. He is like a super-producer so we would do that. Whenever we had time off, we recorded. This second record was important to us because of the success of the first one. We wanted to avoid the sophomore slump.

How cool was it to work with songwriter Marti Frederiksen? He’s hooked up with the likes of Gavin Rossdale, Aerosmith and Def Leppard.

He was way cool and very versatile. Our very last song we recorded on the album was ‘Miss America’ and he came in with great ideas for the song. We were about to head to Iraq and play some shows for the troops and that song really hit home with us because it is about those guys fighting for our freedoms. While we were there riding the bus with our bulletproof helmets on going to perform, we asked ourselves what we wanted to name the album and we all said at the same time — ‘Miss America.’ Getting to play some rock-n-roll for these people and naming the album that was the least we could do.

That brings to mind a single off the first album, ‘18 Days.’ That song seemed to have a military theme to it.

That song was written as a love song but before a video was shot for that song, a fan made a video to that song on Myspace. She used that song and at the same time showed pictures of troops coming home and meeting up with their families. It was awesome but that’s how that song ended up with that theme. So we shot the official video on the USS Carl Vinson in San Francisco and it all tied in and was a beautiful experience.

Going and playing for the troops must have meant a ton to you guys.

I have five uncles and four of the five served in the military so I grew up a little bit in that environment. Our whole band, we either know somebody or are related to someone that has served our country. Going over there wasn’t one of those things were we just up and decided to go. After the ‘18 Days’ video was released, we also started our shows talking about the military and getting support for them, but we didn’t want to be that band that just talked about it. We wanted to experience it and it just so happened those men and women requested us so we went to Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar. It was great to perform for those guys and girls because they are all proud of what they do.

A song that I really like off the second record is ‘I’m Still Alive.’ It’s not your typical Saving Abel song.

Man, I am glad you said that. I wrote that song and it’s one of my favorites on the album. I don’t think it’s going to be released as a single. It’s like an ace in the hole. A lot of work went into that song and it’s about being on the road and people thinking you have a dream life, but that’s not necessarily how you feel all the time. I wrote that song from a deep, dark secret hole inside my soul. We actually hired an orchestra and they wrote the symphony to it.

The versatility of this record is great because another ditty I like is ‘Mississippi Moonshine.’

That’s crazy because that’s probably my second favorite song on the album. When the sound of the song was put together, it was like getting on the front porch and doing some foot stomping while drinking your moonshine.

Though you are still touring in support of the record, have you guys targeted a date for the third album?

We are still in the early stages of discussing it, but we have been doing some writing. One thing I will say is that the third album will be more aggressive.

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