Interview: A Static Lullaby

bst interviews a static lullaby by rob tatum Recently, bst had the chance to interview Joe Brown, the vocalist of A Static Lullaby, when the band hit Denver as part of the Taste of Chaos tour. We asked Joe about the band's upcoming album, the current tour, as well as some other things. The following is a recap of the interview. If you are interested in learning more about and listening to A Static Lullaby, visit the band's official website, and Columbia Records. bst: Please state your name and instrument. Joe: I’m Joe and I sing. bst: How has working with Columbia been? Joe: Amazing. We’ve been with them for over a year now. They let us do what we want. We can see their support for the new album and we’re really excited for the release. bst: It’s been quite a while between releases for you guys, do you think that has helped or hurt the overall perception of the band? Do you think it has created a high level of anticipation from listeners? What should listeners expect from the new album? Joe: A year or year and half between releases is pretty common for bands, so although we waited a little longer, we think it was worth it. We were touring a lot and waiting allowed us to record when we were ready as a band. It may have hurt us a little, but at the same time, it may have fueled anticipation. bst: What do you think is the biggest difference between And Don’t Forget to Breathe and Faso Latido? What do you attribute to this change? Joe: People can expect whatever they want, but they should expect to hear A Static Lullaby after two years of changing and maturing. The songs are full of emotion, there are some pissed off lyrics, but it’s still us just more mature. bst: How has the tour been? Do you like touring with a variety of bands? Or do you get a better reception at any particular types of shows? Do you think that diverse shows help or hurt the music community? Joe: This tour is great. It is a new experience for us. Before this we wouldn’t have really known what to say, but now we have an understanding of what a bigger tour is about. It’s kind of nice to see the same fifty faces a day instead of just ten or fifteen. We headlined for a year, so we got used to that, so it’s nice to see new faces and a new crowd. We have gotten a great response thus far, and we honestly don’t care who we play for as long there is someone out there who wants to see us. bst: With more and more bands signing to larger labels, the resurgence of Headbanger’s Ball, and the success of big tours like the Warped Tour, do you see the quality of music being sacrificed to get into the limelight? Joe: I really think music went downhill for a couple of years. There was a lot of cookie-cutter shit out there. The way that I see it though is that as long as you have something behind your music, I have to give you respect. The music industry really flooded the world with trash, but things are getting better. Bands like Unearth and those metal bands are doing great things with Headbanger’s Ball and what not. bst: I’m not sure how big of Pantera fans you are, but even just as musicians, what are you thoughts on the tragic death of Dimebag Darrell? Has it affected your comfort level playing on stage? Do you think it was just an isolated incident, or do you think larger measures need to be implemented to prevent it from happening to someone else? Joe: (Impersonates Phil Anselmo singing). I watch Pantera every time before I go on stage. I have all of their videos. The whole thing really fucks with my head. Dimebag was a great guy that loved to drink, shred, and make music. I feel I relate to that. It freaked me out. That band had so much integrity and for a fan to latch on to all of their greatness and then do something like that is crazy. I wish that he was still alive. I wish Pantera was still together. bst: What has been the biggest obstacle that you have overcome as a band? What would you consider the band’s greatest achievement to this point? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? Joe: When our drummer, Brett, left the band, it led to a lot of personal shit while we were touring. When he came back, it was a huge relief on us all. I’m the type of person that sets goals for myself, so three years ago when we played Hellfest, that was great. Then we released a record. Now I can go to any state and there are people that show to see us play. Those are all great things, but if I say that we’ve had our greatest achievement, then I think we’re done. I’d have to set down my mic and say it’s over. In five years… probably dead from cirrhosis of the liver… no really, I hope I’m sitting around with my friends having a good time, enjoying life. bst: What are your plans at the conclusion of this tour? More touring? R&R? Joe: We get three weeks to rest before we go back out on tour. We are hitting the road with Sum 41. Then Europe with Funeral for a Friend. We are staying very busy. bst: How do you guys feel about the internet and mp3’s? Do you feel that it is an asset to bands (specifically up-and-coming ones), or do you see it as a problem? Joe: When our band began, word of mouth was the biggest thing that helped us and we can attribute some of that to the internet. I mean, I handed out demo CD’s when I went out on tour with Finch selling merch to try and get the word out, so anything like that really helps. Sure it can be bad when people download your album early, but as long as people have our music and come see us, there’s nothing more we can ask. bst: Anything else you would like to add? Joe: No man, thanks a lot, take care. bst: Thanks so much for sitting down with us and answering the questions. a static lullaby official site