Soundnova

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Duane
Conducted By: Corey Evans

Having had about three months for the album to be out, and tour extensively behind it already, how have you found the fan reaction to be to the new songs, both live and on album?

As far as the the new recording goes, the majority of feedback we have had about the album has been positive. Same goes for the songs in a live setting. The fan reaction has improved a great deal, which will make all the touring we intend to do this year alot more fun.

Been quite a few years since the Poison The Well era, do you find you still have that label on you as "that guy who used to originally sing for Poison The Well", or have outgrown it to be "that guy who sings for A Jealousy Issue"?

Eventually, it will die down. However, I think I will always have that label attached to me in some way. It's just at forefront these days because of the sticker that is plastered on our new record.

Were you ever (for lack of a better word) bothered by that label, or found it as a good thing to even bring attention to your new band?

I am not bothered by the label itself. I am happy that it helps out with exposure and getting peopele to check out the band.It just bothers me that people will write us off as just another "ex-member" band trying to feed of the popularity of another.

What do you think of Poison The Well now, on Atlantic, a couple albums later, as opposed to when you were in it? Are you more satisfied with what you are doing now, and find it more fitting to your style?

I get alot of shit for saying this, but I think Poison The Well sounds alot better now than when I was in it. They have really grown into their sound. I feel more comfortable singing for A Jealousy Issue than I did for Poison The Well. It suits me better.

Well, enough of shit that really doesn't have too much do with A Jealousy Issue at all. Listening to "If The Flames Don't Kill Us.. We Will", I got the feeling that lyrically, from the lyrics to the samples thrown in every now and that, that the album seems to me to not be taken strictly seriously, and presents elements of dark humor.. am I just completely off or intentional?

I don't take myself to seriously at all. Eventhough I consider myself to be a pretty dark person, I always like to throw in an element of humor when I write. It just makes singing the songs alot more enjoyable.

Being tour-a-holics, ever get worn out from being in a van with four other guys nice and sweaty after a hard nights show, has this been a childhood dream to take on this type of lifestyle?

As a child I had two main dreams. One was to sing in a band, and the other was to be an artist. I have since achieved both of those things. Howeverr, only time will tell if I will be successful at either. HaHa!

The new album wasn't entirely new, contained all the songs off the EP "Somebody Shoot Me", have you yet formalized any plans to record an entirely new album, or having fun going all over in support of this one?

As of right now we are concentrating of doing some extensive touring to promote the new record. We will be working on new material between tours though. Our plan is to not set foot into a recording studio until we have enough new material for a full length.

Poison The Well, Avenged Sevenfold, From Autumn To Ashes, etc...the hardcore/metalcore scene is becoming an increasing popular force, selling out bigger and bigger clubs, what are your thoughts on the past, present, and future of the genre? Do you think this is its height as far as popularlity?

When I got into the scene years ago, I never thought I would see a band like Poison The Well or From Autumn to Ashes on MTV. It's still a pretty strange concept to grasp. I don't think hardcore has reached it's popularity plateau as yet. However, there is a downside to the hardcore scene gaining all this recognition. I call it the "copycat syndrome". For every hardcore band that becomes extremely popular, there will be a string of bands trying to capitalize on that band's sound in hopes of receiving the same attention.

With great releases coming out almost weekly nowadays after a bit of a slump, what bands have been occupying your CD player as of late?

Currently, my discman playlist consists of these bands: Sex Positions, Embrace Today, Cocteau Twins, Erase Errata and The Secondhand Outfit.

With the tour with Albert React carrying you through much of April, do you have any potentials lined up of who to go out with next?

After the Albert React tour, we will most likely be heading out on the road with The Program. Then we hit the road with The Rescue.

Music and technology, has divided everybody, sending major records to the courts and indy bands loving it, where do you stand on the issue?

It all depends of what aspect you are talking about. If you are talking about the whole music downloading phenomenon, I am all for it. I don't mind anyone downloading our record because if they enjoy it, then there is a chance they will come see us if we play their town.

Lastly, so as to not take up too much of your time, what is your take on politics. Do you have a tendency to get involved or stay disassociated with it. Noticed in a recent posting by Frank B. (bassist) he certainly dived right into politics. Is this your same nature as well? If so, what issues have really just have you up in arms lately?

Frank B is actually one of our guitarists not the bassist HAHA! I am not a very politically minded person at all. Eventhough I don't follow politics, I still realise how much the current President is destroying this country.

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