They are metal as fuck and enjoying it: RED FANG delivered a pretty cool album with their latest release "Whales And Leeches". Having been impressed by the band's down-to-earth-attitude and their honesty, I took the chance to speak with Bryan (guit./ voc.). He revealed the touring motto of RED FANG and insight into the band's working. Interview "Whales And Leeche" has been released a few weeks ago - how's the feebdack you receive from media and fans?
It seems positive from what I've heard. What they're saying behind my back I'll never know.
Does the album title include a deeper meaning/ hidden message? How is it related to the cover artwork?
NATAS!! We took the title from a song on our first album. I think it evokes a darkness that I hear in the songs.
Who did the cover artwork? Did he work on his own interpretation of album title and lyrics or did you give specifications?
Orion Landau, who did the artwork on "Murder The Mountains", listened to W&L before doing the artwork for it. We let him have free reign with it except that wanted it to have a look that had elements of our home in the Pacific Northwest. I love it! He's a badass.
How long did you need to write and record the album? Did you discard songs during that process?
We had three months to write before our studio time in May of this year. We try not to throw anything out. Some riffs may not inspire us at the time, but we try and record our ideas and revisit them down the road to see if our perspective has changed.
What is your standard for a proper a RED FANG-song?
It's only a RED FANG-song if all four of us like it. No parents, no rules!
You'll embark on a very long european tour next year - what do you expect from it?
The EU is a really fun touring experience. Being exposed to different cultures and ideas is really great. I'm hoping fans continue to support us and be awesome!
Do you experienc differences between touring the US and europe?
It is very different. The drives are generally shorter there than in the States. Food is generally better, from the club all the way to the gas stations. Europe has such a long history compared to modern US civilization. It is really humbling to stand on a street that has existed for hundreds of years. US is home though, so there's something special here nothing can compare to.
How do you fight the boredom that occurs on tour?
I read books and play Scrabble with the dudes. Having a laptop with movies is good too.
How much of the "sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll" cliché is true with RED FANG?
Our motto is "snacks, hugs, and rock'n'roll"! We're not as wild and crazy as we were in our younger days.
Do you spend much time with your bandmates when you're back home?
We see each other quite a bit rehearsing, but we don't hang out a whole lot socially. I just went for beers with John (dr.) and we decided we needed to do it more, but spending so much time away from home really makes us want to focus our energy reconnecting with family and friends we don't see enough.
Do you enjoy still touring? How long does it take before you want to get back on tour when you're home?
I still enjoy it! It's usually about a month or so before I'm ready and excited to hit the road.
The last words are yours.
See y'all this winter! Don't eat the yellow snow.
