Rock Access: You recorded the new album in Nashville with Brendan O’Brien. What type of album were you looking to make when you chose him?
Dale Stewart:When setting out to record this album, I think we simply wanted to write the best songs we possibly could and make the best album we could. We as a band are all big fans of Brendan’s work so it was a logical step for us. We were really exited and frankly quite honored that we was keen on working with us. He brought a lot to the table and his experience really shows in the studio. We learned a lot from Brendan, it was a fun album to make.
RA: It seems like there are a lot more rock albums being recorded in Nashville lately. What does Nashville offer that Los Angeles doesn’t?
DS:I think it’s just a good change of scenery. It was also a good meeting point for all the guys in the band and Brendan. I actually really like Nashville! Aside from having great studios and a great music scene, the people are really friendly and there is just a general sense of fun. There is always a band playing or a cool place to go tip a few. I live in LA and really like it but I avoid Hollywood as much as possible! I can’t deal with all the crazies and douche bags.
RA: It sounds like the country music scene in Nashville kind of influenced “Country Song”. Was that a track that was written after you started recording or one that you already had put together?
DS:“Country Song” was actually written before we went to Nashville. Our ex guitarist Troy had the swampy intro, e-mailed it to Shaun who then put a chorus and some lyrics to it and there it was! It was one of the first songs we recorded for this album and initially our record label didn’t like it so we were quite surprised when that was the pick for the first single.
RA: How much fun did you guys have making the video for “Country Song”?
DS:It was a lot of fun! We’ve always had pretty serious videos because much of the music is quite serious but as people we are actually pretty goofy. We love to laugh and poke fun at ourselves so we were pretty stoked when we got the opportunity to make a quirky, wacky video. Aside from some blisters from really tight cowboy boots it was a blast!
RA: Did you get to keep the stick horses? I could see those being used in an end of tour prank…
DS:We actually did! I couldn’t take mine though because I had ridden my motorcycle to the airport and nowhere to put it, but I did get to keep the little toy cowboy and his horse though. They’re up in my bar at home.
RA: “Fur Cue” was added to the album late. How did that track come about and what made you decide it needed to make the album?
DS:We thought the album was all but done but we had to do a few odds and ends in New York for bonus material and so on. We had been asked to submit a song for a movie soundtrack so we decided to record it then. It didn’t end up making the soundtrack but the label loved it so we arranged to go to Nashville at the eleventh hour and knock it out. We all loved the way the song turned out and we’re happy it made it on there! I think it’s just what the album needed to round it off properly.
RA: The title ‘Holding onto Strings Better Left to Fray’ is a lyric from one of the songs right? Which track and what does that lyric mean to you?
DS:Yes it is a lyric in a song called “Here and Now”. The title actually existed before the song which is quite strange, it’s usually the other way around. I love the title and I’m glad Shaun worked it into a song. To me it just sums up that feeling we’ve all had where you find yourself trying to hold something together for reasons unknown but the harder you try, they just keep slipping through your fingers. Some things just aren’t meant to be. I think a lot of the songs are about that, to me at least.
RA: You guys did a USO tour late last year, what kind of impact did that have on the band?
DS:We have a lot of USO shows and military shows here at home. It’s something I feel is really important. These people are out there risking their necks for us, so it really is the least we can do to say thanks. We have gotten to meet some amazing young men and women in Japan, Guam and Hawaii and it really puts a perspective on things. It puts a face on the whole war effort overseas that one rarely ever sees. I’m not necessarily pro war but I am absolutely pro troops! I have nothing but respect for them.
RA: You’ve been touring the U.S. for a few weeks now, what has been the most memorable moment so far?
DS:Every day brings it’s own unique set of circumstances and is memorable in it’s own way. It’s fun to be back out on the road after such a long break. I have adopted a new outlook in recent years where I really to try to enjoy ever day and appreciate the little things. Life is just too short!
RA: Seether is rumored to be a part of the Rockstar Uproar Tour this summer… is it just a rumor or have you guys committed to that?
DS:Yes we are! It should be a great tour. We’re stoked to be on it, it’s definitely going to be the tour of the summer. It’s always fun playing with such great live bands because it puts pressure on you to really step up to the plate and bring it.