Howdy folks. What follows is our brand new intern Emily interviewing Jeremy McKinnon of her favourite band, A Day To Remember, in her second week of working for us ahead of their first Australian headline tour. Sweet gig? You bet. Especially now that we make her do everything. Only joking. Sort of. Thanks Emily.

Do you or any of the other guys in the band have a pre-show ritual?
McKinnon: Not really, I mean we just kind of hang out until we play, and then we go and when we all have our instruments, we all fist pound each other, us and the entire crew, right before we go on stage. That’s the only ritual we have.

How do you keep from losing your voice when you’re in the middle of a massive tour?

Jeremy McKinnon: Well, I don’t usually have that problem, I kind of figured out how to do it; how to keep up with myself. The only problem I come across is sometimes I’ll just get sick, and that’s my problem, so I’ve just gotta try and stay away from people who are sick and just take a lot of vitamins and stuff. That’s usually my only problem.

“The Downfall Of Us All” has become an anthem. What kind of buzz do you get from looking out into a crowd and seeing everyone singing the words to something you wrote?
McKinnon: It’s just crazy. It wasn’t ever really meant to be anything like what we’re doing these days, you know, we’re doing some pretty crazy stuff. We’re just a bunch of guys that were friends that just got together and played music that we wanted to play, and it just kind of happened, so it’s wild to me. We’re just having a good time and kind of going with the flow, you know?

What would you be doing right now if you weren’t fronting a band?
McKinnon: I’d be playing music regardless, because that’s what I do. I’m just fortunate enough to be able to do afford to do it now.

Do you set out to write songs like that [“Downfall”]?
McKinnon: You know, I don’t really try to do anything, we just write whatever comes natural to us, that’s what we’ve always done, and that’s just what comes out, I guess that’s just the way I write songs.

My absolute favourite song of yours is “I’m Made of Wax…”, but one of the best parts of it is probably the film clip. Have you guys always wanted to wail on small children in a game of kickball? How did that come about?
McKinnon: It was actually a friend of ours who just kind of told me randomly, he was like, “Hey, you should totally do this for your video”, and I was just like, “That’s a great idea”, so I got with our video guy, Drew Russ, and we kind of brainstormed this video treatment around that idea and we got our good friend Dan Dobi to film it, and that’s what it was.

I just thought it was really funny seeing that little kid get slammed into the ground, which probably makes me a bad person…
McKinnon: [Laughs] Yeah, we were pretty happy with it. That kid was actually awesome too. He came out to a few random shows and he was really excited about everything, so it was awesome.

Several of the songs on “Homesick” actually feature guest vocalists.  Do you like doing collaborations with other artists? Or do you prefer it when you’re just singing by yourself.
McKinnon: They’re not really collaborations when we have people on our records, it’s just stuff that I write and they just do their part, I mean I’m way to picky to let somebody else write something over the top of my songs *laughs*. It actually stresses me out having people involved, even when they are just doing their own part, ‘cos usually they can’t be there with me at the time and I actually had a lot of problems with all of the guest vocals on the record because of that. I’m a really picky person and it had to be perfect, so a few people had to re-do things to make me happy, so I’m sure I’m just as annoying to them.

Is there anyone that you really want to work with?
McKinnon: I have no idea, I actually just enjoy working with the team of people I usually work with and just doing my own thing.

And going on from that, who do you most admire in the music world?
McKinnon: I’m really stoked on the people we work with once again; I mean, I think Chad Gilbert does a great job with us, he’s perfect for what we do, and then I think Andrew Wade is incredible at what he does. Pretty much every record we’ve done has been involved with him in some form; we couldn’t make a record without him, so I would say for the most part, Andrew Wade.

Now let’s talk about your Australian tour. Most of your major city shows actually sold out in about a day. How does that feel having fans half way across the world?
McKinnon: That’s crazy. I mean, as I said earlier, it’s just wild the way things are going these days. We’re just having a good time and trying to do what we do and people just accept it, so it’s cool.

Now that you’ve got a heap of killer songs in your repertoire, is it difficult to choose songs for a gig set list?
McKinnon: Yeah definitely, I mean adding more songs definitely makes things more difficult, especially when you’re limited to how long you can play. We’re actually going to play Warped Tour this summer and I have no idea how we’re going to play a 40 minute set. We’ve got four records now, so it’s crazy.

I’ve actually seen you guys talking about some crazy things your fans have done, like that one guy who jumped off a balcony, landed on stage, and then stage-dived into the barrier… How do you guys respond to that sort of thing?
McKinnon: It’s not usually something you realise is gonna happen, so it’s always pretty surprising and we’re usually just stunned and kind of look at each other, horrified for a second when something like that happens. I mean, God, some of these kids; I don’t even understand how they’re alive after some of the things I’ve seen people do.

Were you ever that crazy over a band?
McKinnon: Hell no! I mean, there are bands I like, but I would never jump off a balcony on stage for any band.

You guys have now notched up four big albums. Which album was the most fun to work on, and which one was the most tedious in terms of the process?
McKinnon: In terms of fun, I would say our first record and I would say that because we didn’t care *laughs*. I mean, there was absolutely no thought, there was no revision; we were a local band and we just wrote music that didn’t make sense and it doesn’t go together at all, so that was definitely the easiest one to do, because we didn’t really give a crap what it sounded like. Every record since that first record has been a tedious process because I’m really involved in what we do, so yeah every record is tedious in a process like that.

Yet again, Blunt have taken the guess work out of learning about your favourite bands. We argued, fought and threw Easter eggs to determine the following Top 5 tunes of both A Day To Remember and Underoath. Disagree? Fight us (online)

FIVE ESSENTIAL A DAY TO REMEMBER SONGS

1. The Downfall Of Us All – Homesick (2009)
The song with that acappella intro and a big contributor to the ADTR takeover.

2. I’m Made Of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of? – Homesick (2009)
The perfect example of an ADTR track. Catchy, heavy and a weird songtitle. Nice guest appearance

3. All I Want – What Separates Me From You (2010)
One of the best off the new album, a more punk rock side to ADTR.

4. The Plot To Bomb The Panhandle – For Those Who Have Heart (2007)
The big fan favourite from the album that started the pandemonium.

5. Since U Been Gone – For Those Who Have Heart re-issue (2008)
Sure it’s a cover, but it’s also one of the best re-interpretations we’ve heard in years.

FIVE ESSENTIAL UNDEROATH SONGS

1. Reinventing Your Exit – They’re Only Chasing Safety (2004)
Talk about creating a monster. The pop song that put Underoath on the map and quite possibly why the albums since have been so heavy. Oh, no chance they will play it either!

2. In Division – Ø (Disambiguation) (2010)
Aaron who? Losing such an important member should have been more of a problem for Underoath but no, heavier and experimental as ever was the name of the game.

3. Desperate Times, Desperate Measures – Lost In The Sound Of Separation (2008)
Being a successful, modern rock band on a major label while paying complete disregard to the idea of writing palatable singles instead of angular, expansive post-hardcore. See here if you need some tips.

4. In Regards To Myself – Define The Great Line (2006)
From the first moments of Define The Great Line, Underoath set out to upset all the fans they won with “Reinventing Your Exit” – “In Regards To Myself” being the first aural grenade lobbed at them.

5. The Sun Still Sleeps – The Changing Of Times (2002)
The sneaky moment where the former blackened death band fell in love with a catchy chorus. So just to recap Underoath have moved from Christian black metal to emo rock to experimental post hardcore in their career. Bonza!

Check out the dates for the tour below. With some dates already sold out, hit Soundwave for more details.

SUNDAY 8 MAY – PERTH, ASTOR THEATRE

TUESDAY 10 MAY – ADELAIDE, HQ

THURSDAY 12 MAY – MELBOURNE, FESTIVAL HALL

FRIDAY 13 MAY – SYDNEY, LUNA PARK BIG TOP

SATURDAY 14 MAY – SYDNEY, LUNA PARK BIG TOP

SUNDAY 15 MAY – BRISBANE, THE TIVOLI

TUESDAY 17 MAY – GOLD COAST, COOLANGATTA HOTEL

WEDNESDY 18 MAY – BRISBANE, THE TIVOLI

Blunt sits down to a Q&A sesh with Erik Turner of Warrant!

You’re touring Australia and New Zealand mid this year and playing with some of the biggest bands of the time. What are your thoughts on sharing the stage with such successful acts?
We have done many shows with both these kick-ass bands over the years and always have a great time! It promises to be a great night of American rock ‘n’ roll.

You’ve witnessed the metal scene from two very different time periods. How different is it now compared to back then?
The more different it is, the more the same it is ha! The names have changed but the chords are the same… I think the ’80s were more debauchery-filled than today, that’s for sure.

What’s the first thing you do when you come off stage?
I look for a towel to dry off with, change my shirt and grab a beer or a glass of wine. Then I look for something to eat. I am always starving when I get off stage!

Do you think that the internet has helped your career? A lot of bands complain about the effect that the internet is having on sales. What’s your stance on the rise of the internet in terms of downloading?
The internet has made it very easy to steal music, that’s the downside if you create music for a living. That said, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

What do you think of Steel Panther and their one-band mission to bring back glam metal?
I love Steel Panther, hands down the best musical comedy act out there!

A lot of the bands that are around today quote you guys as some of their biggest influences. How does it feel to be worshipped by people who weren’t even born when you guys were hitting the big time?
It is always nice to hear when young or older musicians alike say good things about our band. I definitely don’t feel worshipped though ha!

Are there any bands that you guys are digging at the moment?
I have been so consumed by Rockaholic our new CD and my world that I haven’t been checking anything else out lately.

So many bands simply get over the idea of touring and playing live shows, what keeps bringing you guys back to it?
It is in my blood I guess, the traveling sucks and that’s what we get paid for. The shows we play for free because we love it!

Do you have a pre-show ritual?
I like to have my guitar on and walk around warming up, talking to people and drinking a little bit, nibble a little bit on chips or carrot sticks, then rock!

What must-have items do you have on your rider?
For me, light beer and water… things you need to survive!

You guys have notched up a fair list of ex-members over the years. How are you finding your current lineup?
I love this line up, we are going on three years and a new CD yeah! The four original guys, Joey, Steven, Jerry and myself have been back together going on seven years now.

So you’re currently in the studio working on a new album. What’s it like working with the different technology that’s available today?
We use old school amp and guitars mostly. I think it’s great. I have know idea what knob to turn. I just play my parts best I can!

The Metal Health Tour kicks off in April!

Blunt sits down to a Q&A sesh with Steve Riley of L.A. Guns!

You’re touring Australia and New Zealand mid this year and playing with some of the biggest bands of the time. What are your thoughts on sharing the stage with such successful acts?
All three bands have been friends for years. We think both Quiet Riot and Warrant are two of the best exports from the L.A. scene in the ’80s. All three bands have done many shows and tours together and Franlie Banali and I go back to the late ’70s in L.A. hanging at the Rainbow with the likes of Nikki Sixx, Blackie Lawless, Randy Roades and many more before we all made it.

You’ve witnessed the metal scene from two very different time periods. How different is it now compared to back then?
Well it is obviously different now because all of the bands from the ’80s who made a name for themselves are now playing more shows and have become live acts that can play all over the world because of our songs. It is actually what we always wanted to do from the beginning. We wanted to write enough songs that would make an impact that would carry us over to be able play for the rest of our lives around the globe. We are still writing and recording new material and will continue to do so, but the avenues to get it on the radio and TV are much harder because they are playing younger bands that have a fresh audience. That’s the way it has been in rock forever.

What’s the first thing you do when you come off stage?
Well we dry off and go right back out to do a signing at the merch booth for the fans. We do this every night and will be doing this throughout the entire Australian tour. So I want all the fans to know that right after each show, we will see them at the merch booth to sign whatever they have, whether it is L.A Guns stuff, or WASP and Girl stuff.

Do you think that the internet has helped your career? A lot of bands complain about the effect that the internet is having on sales. What’s your stance on the rise of the internet in terms of downloading?
Well, it has helped us. We can now have our music available somewhere, now that most record shops have closed. We think it’s a good thing.

What do you think of Steel Panther and their one-band mission to bring back glam metal?
Ralph Saenz, the lead singer, is a good friend and we think he and his band are great. There is alot of tongue in cheek, but they are great players and are showing people that a lot of great music came out of the ’80s.

A lot of the bands that are around today quote you guys as some of their biggest influences. How does it feel to be worshipped by people who weren’t even born when you guys were hitting the big time?
That just makes us feel so good. We have been seeing alot more young fans at our shows and they want to carry the torch and we are all for it.

Are there any bands that you guys are digging at the moment?
I think because rock is in a transition right now, there is not that much to sink your teeth into. It is not to say that there is not some good stuff out there, but it is a little thin on any new scene happening.

So many bands simply get over the idea of touring and playing live shows, what keeps bringing you guys back to it?
It’s what we always wanted to do. L.A. Guns have always been a band that wants to tour and play live. We will be doing this until we die.

Do you have a pre-show ritual?
We are so loose in our dressing room before a show because we have been doing it for so long. We have friends and family in before the show and then we clear the room for about twenty minutes so the band can hang alone.

What must-have items do you have on your rider?
Beer, good wine, water, and Red Bull. Some things never change.

Do you guys have any plans for a new album any time soon?
We have put out three great records in the last eight years and they were produced by Andy Johns who did the Zeppelin stuff and Van Halen etc. They sounded great and we are so proud of them. The problem a band like L.A. Guns has is that the distribution is so limited that our fans are having a tough time finding them. We want to put four new songs on iTunes on the internet on our own this year, and follow it up with another four or five songs later this year and get it to the fans right away. We will make a compilation of these and take it out on the road so the fans will be able to get some new stuff in a couple of ways.

The Metal Health Tour kicks off in April!

Blunt sits down to a Q&A sesh with Frankie Banali of Quiet Riot!

You’re touring Australia and New Zealand mid this year and playing with some of the biggest bands of the time. What are your thoughts on sharing the stage with such successful acts?
Firstly let me state how thrilled we are to have this opportunity to tour Australia and New Zealand. I am personally looking so forward to visiting and bringing the “Noize” down under. The only thing that would make this trip even more fantastic would be if Kevin DuBrow were able to share this experience, may he rest in peace. I am very grateful to the team at iNTENSE iMPACT for making this tour a reality. Having both Warrant and LA Guns taking part of this tour is terrific as they are both great bands and people. Quiet Riot has shared the stage with both groups many times over the years. I am very proud that with the 1983 Quiet Riot “Metal Health” record being so successful and iconic, we were able to open the door commercially for many of the bands who then achieved their own successes on their own merits.

You’ve witnessed the metal scene from two very different time periods. How different is it now compared to back then?
There really is no comparison. In the 1980s it was all new, there were no blueprints, no game plan. You learnt as you went along. Now, I think it’s a case of both nostalgia for a time in music where music was fun, outrageous and outlandish. It is very gratifying that we have found a new and young fan base that makes doing this worthwhile.

What’s the first thing you do when you come off stage?
If it’s a great show, I give high fives, compliments all around and towel off. If it’s less than I expect I simply say “WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?!” and then towel off.

Do you think that the internet has helped your career? A lot of bands complain about the effect that the internet is having on sales. What’s your stance on the rise of the internet in terms of downloading?
The Internet is the invariable double edge sword. It can be wonderful in that you can reach millions of people instantly by hitting “enter” on your keyboard. The reality is that illegal downloads aren’t killing the recording industry, they already have. It costs money to make records and if you can’t recoup the cost of making the record or make a profit, then it’s pointless to even do so.

What do you think of Steel Panther and their one-band mission to bring back glam metal?
They are a very fun act, but it’s not a mission to bring back glam metal, it’s a fun act to hear and see.

A lot of the bands that are around today quote you guys as some of their biggest influences. How does it feel to be worshipped by people who weren’t even born when you guys were hitting the big time?
I appreciate the fans because I am a fan. It’s always great when you find people who are really into what you have done in music just like how I feel when I listen to bands that I love and that have influenced me. I just don’t walk around like I am something special because what I am is very lucky to have been at the right place, the right time, with the right band, Quiet Riot.

Are there any bands that you guys are digging at the moment?
Not really. I still listen to the bands that I love and most of them are British bands from the late ’60s and ’70s. Hendrix, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Free, Spooky Tooth, Queen, etc.

So many bands simply get over the idea of touring and playing live shows, what keeps bringing you guys back to it?
To date, I’ve not lost my love of music, swinging a pair of drumsticks around behind a drum kit with the roar of stacks of Marshal and SVT amps blaring away. I got in a band to play music live and loud. Still doing it, still loving it.

The sudden death of Kevin DuBrow was no-doubt a shock to the system for you guys. How are you finding things now working with Mark Huff on vocals?
Kevin is irreplaceable, the best singer and friend I ever worked with and knew. Continuing Quiet Riot was not something I ever thought I would do, but as time passed and I’ve put Kevin’s death in perspective and the history of Quiet Riot in perspective, I knew it was the right thing to do if it sounded like Quiet Riot for the fans, and most importantly if it was respectful to Kevin’s memory, which I believe it is. Mark Huff thus far is doing a good job and it’s a work in progress. Having Chuck Wright on bass and Alex Grossi who is phenomenal on guitar has made it right too since they were in the last Quiet Riot lineup when Kevin passed and the most cohesive one as well.

Do you have a pre-show ritual?
Nothing at all. I don’t pace, don’t push my fist in the air, I just quietly wait as the intro CD blares over the PA system because I know once I get onstage it’s going to get very loud and the gloves are off and I give it everything I have. I’ve been doing this professionally most of my life and am loving it.

What must-have items do you have on your rider?
Everything we require and asked for, plus extra small condoms for the road crew……

The Metal Health Tour kicks off in April!