Sonic Shocks were given the opportunity to catch up with John Humphrey from Seether, ahead of their UK tour!
Sonic Shocks: Hello! Where in the world are you when answering these questions?
Just arrived in Stockholm, Sweden following a 10hr. ferry boat ride through the frozen waters of the Baltic Sea!
Sonic Shocks: Before we get down to business about the new album, how have you all been keeping?
Doing great! It’s wonderful to tour overseas after 4 years of just touring the States...
Sonic Shocks: Your new album is called ‘Holding onto strings better left to fray’. Is there any significance behind the name?
The name is really the brain child of our singer, Shaun. I think the title, in a way, pulls together all the lyrics with a common thread. The idea, of how we sometimes, try to desperately hang on to relationships that are otherwise toxic and not good for us.
Sonic Shocks: Who was responsible for creating the artwork?
Mark Kostabi's "Man fighting rope". We just felt it was a great visual matching the album’s title. Mark was also responsible for the amazing artwork of Gun's N' Roses "Use Your Illusion" albums. Great artist.
Sonic Shocks: Did you approach the writing of both lyrics and music in the same way to previous albums?
I think the music was truly a full band collaboration. We were almost kicked out of our Nashville hotel while recording demos for the album. It wasn't for the usual rock and roll behaviour you would expect...It was because the electronic kit, I was using to record, was making too much noise and vibrating the floor. Pretty funny. We recorded the album in segments. Focusing on a group of 4 or 5 songs at a time. A great way to work. Shaun then comes in, after music is recorded and ads the lyric. Shaun usually goes off on his own and gets inside his head, if you will, to develop those...
Sonic Shocks: Did you use the same producer and record space as before?
No, this was our first time to work with Brendan O' Brien. As well as our first time recording in Nashville, TN.
Sonic Shocks: Do the band write and rehearse all tracks prior to entering the studio?
Some...A lot of songs were developed and re-arranged, as we recorded. Some of the best stuff happens on the fly.
Sonic Shocks: Are you all perfectionists and are you open to advice and constructive feedback?
I am a perfectionist when it comes to my drum parts. But, I learned a long time ago to be open minded to any ideas or suggestions. Sometimes a guy who understands music, but doesn't necessarily play drums, can have a brilliant idea. Also, ego just doesn't get you far...
Sonic Shocks: You chose ‘Country Song’ as your lead single, how did you make this decision?
We just felt it was a strong lead track. We also thought it unique enough to really set us apart. It has really done well, for us.
Sonic Shocks: You’re heading out on tour in the near future, are there any countries or venues you are looking forward to visiting for the first time, or returning to?
We just did a great run of shows in Australia, New Zealand and Russia. I'm really looking forward to returning!! The crowds were amazing!! I'd also love to do a tour of Japan, at some point.
Sonic Shocks: And you are playing some dates with Three Doors Down, how did that collaboration come about?
They are really great friends of ours. Top notch band that took us out on our first "real" tour of the United States. It’s great to be with them again for this tour of Europe and the UK.
Sonic Shocks: Will you be treating the fans to some old favourites, or is this a push to promote the new album?
I think we have to play a few of the popular singles, but we can do whatever we want. Really, this tour is more about connecting with the longtime fans and hopefully, making some new ones. So we can return again for our own headlining tour of Europe.
Sonic Shocks: Having seen you five times live in small venues around the UK, are you planning any secret, one-off shows mid tour?
We have a couple of headlining shows but nothing secret ;)
Sonic Shocks: Will Seether be appearing at any festivals in the summer?
We'd love to return for Rock Am Ring, Rock Am Park, Download, etc... Can you put in a good word for us? :)
Sonic Shocks: Finally, do you have any parting words of wisdom, or information about where we can find out more about Seether!
You can find us at www.facebook.com/seether or our website www.seether.com to look up tour dates. Keep rockin' and look forward to rockin' the UK!!
Interview by Dan Balchin
COMPETITION ALERT!!
We have 3 t-shirts to give away! It's simple to enter, just send us an email mentioning Seether T-shirt giveaway in the subject line along with your name and address to competitions@sonicshocks.com
*UK Residents only
Look up for a more in-depth video interview during their upcoming UK tour soon!
Sonic Shocks were given the opportunity to catch up with John Humphrey from Seether, ahead of their UK tour!
