Interview With Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge
Posted: 12 October 2007
Contributed By: Chris
TuneLab Music: How would you say the new album 'Blackbird' differs from 'One Day Remains'?
Myles Kennedy: I think it really feels like our first band record. With 'One Day Remains' I was really new to the whole thing. I had been apart of it for about four months. We toured extensively and we've been through a lot together and we just really got to know one other so there was a certain amount of trust and respect that developed. It really helped creatively and writing wise.
TL: Since you were around for the entire writing process this time, how would you say it differs lyrically?
MK: Lyrically... most of its mine. A lot of times it would be me just watching what was going on around the band and personal experience. I used to be strictly almost like a journal entry type writer back in the Mayfield Four days so it was very autobiographical so to speak. This stuff is more looking at other peoples lives and what's going on in the world around us and trying to tell stories. It was real challenging, I spent a lot of time trying to make sure it was captured the way it should be to fit the music. Its something we don't take lightly, lyrics are a big part of it. For us, we gotta have a strong melody and the story better be good as well. A lot of times what I think captures peoples attention is the music and melody and when they get to know the song they want to know what its about. When they get the story its something that's universal and something they can relate to it makes the song stronger.
TL: "One By One" has been interpreted as an anti-war song, what was the inspiration behind that song?
MK: Wow...its definitely not anti-war. Someone told me that and I was shocked. Its definitely a tribute to soldiers, anyone who's given their life. There's a line that says "for every hero born, from every family torn, we will honor you forever more" and that sums it up. Its for anyone who has lost their life whether it be this war or any previous war that's the biggest thing that someone can give to their country. Its unfortunate that people are totally misunderstanding it... it breaks my heart.
TL: Which track on 'Blackbird' do you feel is the strongest and why?
MK: I think we all really like the title track, "Blackbird". That's the song we're proudest of. It was a real challenge to put that song together, it took a really long time. We beat our heads against the wall for months so when it finally came together it was a good moment.
TL: What was the hardest part of writing and recording the album?
MK: Probably just... initially we were going through a difficult circumstance with the label we were on at the time. When we got off that we were free agents essentially so I think it was difficult and kinda strange to know that you suddenly had nothing you know? We didn't have a label and didn't really have anything but just us. It was liberating but at the same time it was nerve racking cause you're always wondering "gosh, what if someone doesn't want to put this out, are we going to do it all ourselves?". And we talked about all that and everything, but the reality is that in 2007 you can release a record yourself, but its definitely something that at this stage its nice to have that machine behind you to help get it to the masses.
TL: For the album release you've signed with Universal/Republic Records, how did you decide on them?
MK: We talked with a few labels, but it just seemed like out of everyone we talked to they got it more than anyone else. They saw what we wanted to do and what our strengths are and they knew how to tap into that and break the band.
TL: Everything was recorded before the record deal was signed, what was it like not having a label urging to sound like this or that?
MK: It was nice! It was actually really nice! Just from previous things that I've been apart of you've always got someone looking over your shoulder. Sometimes that's good, I mean if you really trust peoples instincts. Its that way if you're collaborating with a song writer, or a producer or A&R guy... when you have people who's opinions are apart of the process you really have to trust their judgment. I will say that coming into this, even though he was late in the process cause we pretty basically signed with Universal officially as the record was being completed, our A&R guy Tom [Mackay].. he's got good ears. I think when we do another record it should be a good experience cause he knows what he's doing. I can't say that for everybody out there, but he does.
TL: What was it like dealing with a whole new group of people for 'Blackbird' label-wise?
MK: Its pretty obvious they don't have any ulterior motives. It felt like with Wind-Up the hidden agenda was they really wanted to get Creed back together, and I understand that. It was a huge money making machine and if I was a business man, its all about the dollar at the end of the day, not artistic integrity or vision. With Universal, obviously they want this to happen, they are putting a lot of eggs in one basket and we're happy to see that they have that much faith in us.
TL: With a lot of bands deciding to sign with indie labels, why you guys decided to leave an indie for a major label?
MK: I think for what we do, the kind of band we are it made more sense. Our forte is radio songs, anthems so to speak and major labels typically understand how that works. A major label tends to be a better home for bands like us.
TL: What do you feel that a major label can offer that an indie can't?
MK: It generally it seems like its easier to get songs on the radio and distribution is a lot stronger. I think the only thing that's scary about being on a major label is its fantastic when the label has their eyes on you and are pushing the buttons for your project, but eventually that can shift really quick because they have so many artists. When your suddenly not the priority you get lost in the shuffle. So the trick is to make sure that you're on top or waving the flag making sure they remember you're on their roster and not just a tax write off.
TL: There was talk of a DVD to be released following the last album, do you think you'll put one out anytime soon?
MK: I hope so. I was surprised we didn't end up doing that for the last one. We have so much footage. Mark's brother has taped shows every night and we had professional crews come out at a show in London. We have loads and loads of stuff so hopefully sometime it'll get out there. Some of it filters out to YouTube. YouTube has almost made to where DVD's aren't really relevant anymore. And its unfortunate cause there's some stuff that I've seen, especially when we first started out there is some footage of us... where for me personally cause it was the first time that I had ever fronted a band without a guitar and I looked like a fish out of water. It was uncomfortable to watch because I really had a chance to really develop side of my performance. YouTube is a blessing and a curse at the same time, but its here to stay.
TL: What kind of impact do you think YouTube and MySpace will have on the band this time?
MK: I think what it does is... its a big part of how people discover artists and its a good thing. The only thing I don't like about YouTube is that Mark and I both love to watch guitar players. Its real unfortunate because you'll get a great guitar player in a video clip then you get some guy ripping on him in the comments and it makes you realize that there are people who have nothing better to do but sit there and be critical of other people and their gifts. I mean constructive criticism is great, but when its just people saying "this guitar player sucks", its like dude lets see your video. For everyone that rips they should have to put up a video to prove that they have the goods.
TL: Do you think that Alter Bridge will ever out grow the Creed comparisons and what would you tell someone who refers to Alter Bridge as "Creed with a new singer"?
MK: I could see that on the last record because the sound at times had elements of that. For this record, I certainly don't hear it and I've heard from a lot of people that it sounds like a new entity. That was at the top of our list as far as goals to forge our own identity and voice. I think if people still feel that its just Creed with a new singer, they haven't really listened to it. Give the album a chance and if you still feel that way, I can't say that I agree but...
TL: The band is a few dates into the tour. How have things gone so far?
MK: The first few dates have been good. Speaking for myself I'm so busy up there. Between playing guitar, switching patches, changing effects singing... its crazy like I'm patting my head, rubbing my belly, juggling all at the same time. In another couple weeks and I think it'll start to be really instantaneous. Its great to get out and play the new stuff. That's the thing we are most excited about cause its a more aggressive record. There aren't a lot of valleys dynamically its pretty much just in your face, but we might change that cause its wearing us out [laughs]!
TL: How are the fans reacting to the new songs?
MK: Good! I think a lot of its because of the Internet cause so many fans have heard the songs, either they've leaked or MySpace. Its hard coming to a rock show when you're playing 100 decibels plus volume wise. Some of the material is pretty technical so its pretty quick so if you don't know what's going on prior it could sound like just a big wall of sound. I think the die-hards have heard some stuff cause their out their singing along to the stuff that hasn't been released. Some of them are just mouthing what looks to be the consents... they don't really know the actual lyrics but they are attempting it [laughs].
TL: You've done quite a bit of touring in Europe, how do fans react there compared to in the states?
MK: Fans in Europe are very... rabid. They are very intense fans, not in all markets but in some they just have a lot of pent up energy and its great. But whether its our fans in London or Chattanooga, we're grateful to have people that care enough to come out to the shows and buy the records.
TL: The current tour runs through November, then your off the UK in January. Do you have any other US tour plans in the works?
MK: I think we're going to do some more in December. Maybe April or so, I'm not real sure I've heard all sorts of rumblings... who knows where we'll end up. We'll do a tour of the Antarctic before we know it [laughs]!
TL: That about does it, anything you'd like to throw in?
MK: I think thats it..we're looking forward to coming to a town near you!