By: SindyThe band with the funniest name in the biz has set out to prove they're serious about rock music. Hoobastank's Chris Hesse sat down with me, Sindy, to chat it up about the new album, life after Crawling in the Dark and the rocky road to celebrity.
Sindy: What is different about your new album, The Reason?
Chris: I like to think that the new album has matured a little bit from the last album. We expanded a little bit - in the first one it's pretty much straight-ahead rock. You know, the whole way through, there was only one slow song on it. On this record, I think we have a couple of songs that are a little bit heavier than what was on the first one, and we also have a couple that are a little bit lighter. We just kind of broadened the horizon a little bit.Sindy: Did you feel more pressure recording this album?
Chris: Not really, definitely not from any outside sources. If there was any pressure it was just from ourselves. We just wanted to make sure that what we were doing was right. But, you know, when you're dealing with any kind of art, I think pressure really doesn't help at all. All you can do is give what comes out of you - and that's what we did.Sindy: Do people still think of you as the Crawling in the Dark guys?
Chris: No, definitely not. I think, if anything, the first single has got a lot more play on MTV - it seems - than Crawling in the Dark did. I think we're doing really good. I don't think anyone's forgotten who we are - or if they did, they're being reminded, at least.Sindy: So if you weren't a rock star, what would you be doing?
Chris: I'd probably be trying to be a rock star. I'd have some sort of crummy day job and be playing music on the side. You know, before we got signed - obviously - my parents weren't really concerned. They knew I was doing what I wanted to do but everybody's families were like, "Maybe you should have a back-up plan," but none of us had a back-up plan. There's nothing that any of us would rather do. It's fun - I can't imagine something else I would rather do full-time to make a living.Sindy: What is it about rock music that appeals to you as an artistic outlet?
Chris: I think everything about it. Just the experience, but mainly performing live for people. I think if it wasn't for playing in front of audiences, I don't think that anyone would want to play music. That's where you get all your gratification. It's just something else to be up on stage, playing music that you wrote and having people enjoy it - and have it mean something to them also.
Sindy: So you prefer playing live to playing in the studio?
Chris: I like them both. I really like being in the studio because it's kinda where your chops come together. It brings out the musician in you, where playing on stage brings out the showman - if that makes sense.For more of Sindy's interview with Chris Hesse click here.
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