Posted: April 17th, 2008
Contributed By: Nick

TuneLab Music: The book on Hinder’s debut album ‘Extreme Behavior‘ has, hypothetically, been shut, after being certified platinum more than three times and making the group a household name in mainstream music. Heading into the next phase of your careers, what parts of the ‘Extreme Behavior‘ cycle will you miss the most?

Mark King: The whole experience has been amazing. I don’t know where to start. From sharing the stage with some of my favorite bands to traveling the world, it’s been pretty surreal. I’d say my best memory was when we opened for Aerosmith. I still haven’t come down from that high. I guess I’ll pretty much miss the whole thing.

TL: Hinder spent more than two years on the road in support of ‘Extreme Behavior‘, and took only one month off before going to work on your sophomore album. Was the transition from nonstop touring to the studio a smooth one?

MK: I think we were all ready to get into the studio. The hardest thing was the time off. When you’re used to being in a different city everyday, it’s pretty weird being in the same spot for a while. You don’t know what to do with your time. Now that we’re back in the studio, all is well again.

TL: The band performed several new and unreleased tracks on the Bad Boys of Rock Tour last year, including “Running in the Rain”, “Thing For You”, and “Heaven Lost You” among others. Are any of the aforementioned songs being considered for the upcoming album and how much writing did Hinder do while on the road?

MK: All three songs are being recorded for the album. Which ones make it and which ones will be B-Sides has yet to be determined. Well actually “Running” was recorded for ‘Extreme Behaviour’, but we pulled it because we didn’t think it fit with the rest of the album. We are going to change the production of the piano ditty and see how it turns out. As far as writing goes, we did write a bit while on tour. It always starts with an acoustic guitar, then melody and lyrics follow.

TL: Hinder has a penchant for flawlessly covering songs, such as Eddie Money’s “Take Me Home Tonight”, Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild”, and ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man” to name a few. Have you guys toyed with any new cover possibilities for the new album and what is the most outrageous song Hinder has ever attempted to cover?

MK: Ha. I wouldn’t say we flawlessly cover songs, but thanks for the compliment. We are tossing a few ideas around for a new cover, but I don’t want to release that just yet. You’ll just have to come to a show and see for yourself what we’re cooking up. The song that we covered back in the day that I loved the most was Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name”. We played it at the last two shows before we got signed. Everyone loves the Jove. We might have to jam that one some more.

TL: The band is once again working with Brian Howes, whose efforts on ‘Extreme Behavior‘ helped the band mold and shape the album into the success it became. What makes H squared such a powerful tandem?

MK: “H squared”, I like it. First of all, he’s just a wicked guy. That goes a long way with us Oklahoma boys. If we get along well and can chill and have a beer together, we’re going to have a good relationship. He’s taught us a lot about songwriting. I don’t think you can measure what he’s meant for our band.

TL: While many believe ‘Extreme Behavior‘ was Hinder’s first album, the band’s true debut was the 2003 independent release, ‘Far From Close’. Have you guys ever considered reworking any of the material from ‘Far From Close’ for possible use and how do you guys feel about fans shelling out nearly a thousand dollars for a copy on eBay?

MK: I feel sorry for the fans that pay that much. The sound on that album is nothing like it is today. Those songs were all recorded before Cody and Austin started writing together. There are good parts and what not, but overall it’s empty in my opinion. We might end up rehashing some of those old riffs, but there’s no telling. If you’re thinking about getting a copy on eBay, save your money.

TL: What approach does Hinder take when first entering the studio and what are some of the differences in tackling the recording process this time around as compared to tracking ‘Extreme Behavior‘?

MK: We’re definitely more comfortable in the studio this time around. The first time around we recorded with engineer Mike Fraser, who has recorded Aersomith, Def Lep, Bon Jovi, etc… His list goes on and on. It was pretty weird for this small town boy to be in his presence. We were very prepared to record this time around due to the preproduction we did. We nailed the structures to each song then. We were able to start on drums immediately, then on to bass, followed by guitars and keys, then vocals.

TL: How many songs has Hinder completed so far for the upcoming album and how many tracks are you guys hoping will make the final cut?

MK: We plan on recording 15 songs and the best 11 will make the album. At least that’s the plan for now. Things tend to change in this biz though.

TL: Hinder spent most of 2007 packing amphitheaters and stadiums across the globe as the headlining act. I remember the first time I saw the band in August 2005, opening for Theory of a Deadman on your very first tour. Describe what it was like to be on each extreme and what was each tour’s best and worst attribute?

MK: In the words of Dewey Cox, it’s been a “Beautiful Ride”. Sorry, I just watched ‘Walk Hard’ on the plane. It’s funny, I really miss that first tour with Theory. We were playing in front of anywhere between 7 to 500 people a night, maybe more. (There really was a show in South Florida that only 7 people came to.) Those were the days of the RV where no one had a clue who we were. The best thing about the small tours is that you’re not out of reach from the audience. You can go watch the other bands and have a beer with the concert-goers. The worst thing is probably that your rider is smaller so you have less booze to drink. The big shows are amazing because it’s what every rocker dreams of; performing in front of thousands of screaming fans. The bad thing is the separation from the crowd. So far the ride has been amazing and all of us can’t wait to get out on the road again.

TL: Has writing for the new album been more or less difficult than working on ‘Extreme Behavior‘ and does the band feel any added pressure to try and match or outdo the success of your debut with the next record?

MK: I think writing for this album has been easier than it was for ‘Extreme Behaviour’. We were writing in the studio for several songs on that album. It was pretty stressful at times. As far as the pressure goes, all you can do is hope for the best. You never know what’s going to happen to the music industry. As long as we still have fans coming out to shows, all will be well.

TL: Although it might be too early to ask, but has Hinder juggled any possible touring plans or one-off shows for 2008?

MK: We will be touring with 3 Doors Down starting in July. That’s all that is certain at this point. I’m sure we’ll be on the road from July till the end of the year and beyond.

TL: Congratulations to Austin on his engagement! Which member of Hinder do you think will the be next to pop the question to his significant other?

MK: Haha. No comment.

TL: With what aspect of the new album are you most excited for Hinder fans to hear and when can we expect audio samples or a single from the upcoming record to reach the public?

MK: I just can’t wait for the whole thing to come out. I guess I’m most anxious to see what our fans say about the album versions of the new songs we played live out on the road. The first single should be out sometime in May or June.

TL: That’s all I got man, but if you’d like to add anything else go for it!

MK: Hopefully our tour dates will be on our website soon. www.hinderonline.com. Hope to see ya on the road.