Unearth Interview

An interview with John Maggard:

Please tell us about who you are and your place in the band?

My name is John "Slo" Maggard and I play bass guitar for Unearth.

Is this your first headlining tour/how's the tour been progressing?

We have toured many times as a headliner in many different places. So far the tour we are on is awesome.

What's it like being signed with Metal Blade Records?

We love it, the label treats us like family, so we have been very happy with them for many years now.

What did you guys think when you went on The Invaluable Darkness Part I Tour?

That was a hard tour for us because we went through a line up change during that tour, but in the end we believe that it was a success.

What other things are you interested in, aside from your successful musical career?

I love to gamble, play poker, play blackjack. I love to read as well.

Is there a story behind the band name/how did it come about/what does it mean?

Our name to me means that we are digging up the old school metal sound and making it new again. Our first drummer came up with the term and it stuck.

How did you all meet/first get started, are you pleased with how everything is currently going or wish something was different at times?

The band formed in 1998 in Boston, I joined from another band in 2001. I love being a part of this band, these guys are my best friends and I always have a blast with them!

What do you like and dislike about your past albums? Do you ever look back and feel like you could have done anything different?

I feel like every album is representative of a time in our lives. To change it would mean I would have to change the past. I respect what I have been through so I don't feel a need to change anything.

What do you like and dislike about touring?

I like everything about touring, it's a blast, you see old friends and you make new ones. You hang out and party and have a blast. The only thing I dislike about it is I miss my friends and loved ones back at home.

Is there any story or concept behind your CD "The March", who did the artwork, how much input did you have in it?

The artwork is representative of the lyrics on the album. Sons Of Nero did a great job of putting this art together for us. "The March" is a statement that we as a human race need to come together and stand firm in unity and respect each other and our world. If not we will break.

Please tell us more about the recording process!

There isn't much to say. A lot of hours of work and a lot of booze and jokes and you have yourself an album, haha!

How was working with your new drummer, Derek Kerswill?

Derek is awesome! I love the guy. As a bass player I found it extremely easy to work with him. He has become a great friend of mine as well.

Would you ever want to do an all acoustic show?

Actually I think that would be really fun to do. I vote yes!

What do you think and know of Romania?

Actually I have made some friends there. I really don't know a lot about Romania, but I would like very much to go there and learn more about the region.

Any other thoughts or comments?

I hope you enjoy the new album and I hope to talk to you again soon!

http://www.metalblade.de/
http://www.unearth.tv/