The Used has been around for quite some time having toured around the world more than once playing alongside such acts as My Chemical Romance, being buddies with them at one point but that friendship was destroyed a short time later. Now that the past has seen the light, The Used has moved onward continuing to release albums and performing to sold out crowds, they went on to release their newest album "Vulnerable" that takes a step into a whole another direction for the band and with the Vans Warped Tour just around the corner who knows just where this band will end up next. Bassist Jeph Howard talks to me about the band’s newest album and upcoming plans we can all look forward too.
1. For the people who may not know who The Used is can you give them a brief summary?
Jeph: Four normal guys with normal everyday live situations from a super small town made it big and learn how to be alive.
2. How does it feel to be a part of the Hopeless Records family? What is it about them that make them special to The Used?
Jeph: Great. I wish Hopeless Records had been called Hope-Filled Records because these are great people who really care about music.
3. When did you start writing for this album? How was the songwriting process different/similar to previous The Used albums?
Jeph: About three years ago. We took a whole new approach with this record, we started with Bert on keyboards to write and rewrite most of the songs that ended up on the record. 4. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this album?
Jeph: A big change. Each of our records marks a progressive change in our lives we really wanted this change to show how much we've changed from our last record artwork. A lot had happened in the short span of three years. Vulnerable is about being strong.
5. How would you describe the overall sound of the new album? How does it compare to Artwork?
Jeph: I would say it’s the most positive album we have ever made and artwork might have been the most negative and angry.
6. Artwork was a sizable critical success. Did you feel any pressure to follow it up?
Jeph: There is always a little pressure when making a new record, but during vulnerable I don’t feel like there was any worry about making a better record. We knew it was going to be better.
7. It's been three years since the release of Artwork. Why such a long time period between albums?
Jeph: Artwork leaked three months early that with poor management decisions (had to cancel tours) put us in a big slump. We started writing for vulnerable right after and ended up writing 60+ song ideas, but everyone's priorities were a bit mixed up during the writing process with the recent leak problems, management problems, label problems, new marriages and new born babies.
8. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)
Jeph: Being yourself, standing up for yourself, knowing that you're not alone with whatever problems you have, and of course worshiping Satan our dark lord.
9. How do you describe your music to people?
Jeph: Rawk!
10. What image do you think your music conveys?
Jeph: Being yourself, standing up for yourself, knowing that you're not alone with whatever problems you have, and of course worshiping Satan our dark lord.
11. You've been doing a handful of shows since the album's release and plan to hit the road within the upcoming months including the Vans Warped Tour you pumped?
Jeph: We're super excited to play these new songs live. I love playing live.
12. How do you rate your live performance ability?
Jeph: We are better live than recorded. I feel like you can understand our songs more when you see us live.
13. When it comes to touring what do you have to bring with you on the road?
Jeph: 3 hamsters, 2 horny toads, and a box of Japanese killer wasps. (For the after party's).
14. Who goes the longest without taking a shower?
Jeph: Quinn but he wraps his entire body in baby wipes throughout most of the day.
15. How many times do you have to wear the same piece of clothing because you couldn't find a laundry matt?
Jeph: You mean wash my clothes? Why? No point, they will just get dirty again.
16. What has been the best hotel/motel that you have slept in and what made it the best out of all the others?
Jeph: Every time I get my own room, it turns into my own video game palace adventure.
17. Where hasn't The Used set foot in as far as touring goes?
Jeph: Too many places. We have a lot to see and a lot of people to play for, and we plan of going to as many as we can.
18. What else can be expected from you guys and is there anything else you'd like to say?
Jeph: We will be touring and touring so watch out for us in your city or country. Also watch out for an upcoming DVD. Also open your mind to the universe.
Post a Comment