Interview
With Justin Furstenfeld of Blue October Posted: 22 February 2006
Contributed By: Chris
Photo by Lauren Vonepher
Blue
October is: Justin
Furstenfeld - Lead Vocals; Guitar Ryan Delahoussaye - Violin;
Mandolin; Keys Jeremy Furstenfeld
- Drums CB Hudson
- Guitar Matt Noveskey
- Bass
Blue October isn’t just your average,
everyday rock band from Texas. Formed in Houston
in the late ‘90s by lead singer/songwriter/guitarist
Justin Furstenfeld, his brother, drummer Jeremy,
and devil-horned, multi-instrumentalist Ryan
Delahoussaye, the group’s epic live shows
and exploration of subjects like mental depression,
drug use, love, betrayal, forgiveness and cathartic
transcendence have helped them amass a strong,
loyal following through four albums. Blue October
will release their fourth studio album titled
'Foiled' on April 4th. Thanks to Justin
for answering the following questions.
TuneLab Music: It's been three years
since 'History for Sale' was released,
what have you guys been up too since then?
Justin Furstenfeld: Writing
and recording 'Foiled'.
TL: With your new album, 'Foiled',
still a month away from being released and the
first single "Hate Me" currently one
of the most added song to Alternative Radio,
does that give you guys an added sense of accomplishment?
JF: Yes, but younever should
expect anything. We're grateful for what we
have ....we're blessed ...ya know.
TL: What sets 'Foiled' apart from your
previous albums?
JF: There were specific rules
given from the beginning that a vibe would not
be disturbed, and if it was we were honest and
upfront. Making a sound that we always were,
just never been given the chance. It was like
driving a 65 Lincoln top down on a highway.
TL: What went into writing the new album?
JF: Me going to LA and camping
out at my dear friends pad for three months.
He had an amazing studio and it was pure freedom
and Imean pure freedom...beautiful....
TL: You originally signed to Universal
in 2000 before getting dropped, then eventually
getting re-signed. What's it like to have been
dropped and re-signed by the same label?
JF: Well we werent selling
...I would have dropped us too.... then we were
selling and they wanted us back. You know its
a business. I've got nothing but respect for
Universal Records.
TL: What made Universal stand apart
from other labels that were interested in signing
the band?
JF: Their attention to the
right things. Their attendance at the showcase
was a mindblowing 60 someodd people where everyone
else it seemed like another three person meeting.
It was family coming to break bread and get
back in business.
TL: As a band, what do you hope to accomplish?
JF: I've accomplished all my
musical goals. Everything else is a blessing
and a miracle from God.
TL: In the past you've toured with Socialburn
and Default. Are there any bands that you'd
like to tour with?
JF: Peter Gabriel ....Morrisey...
The Cure..... Elbow....Radiohead...Coldplay,
U2... the list goes on and on...
TL: You're scheduled to play at South
by Southwest, how do the large festival shows
compare to the small venue shows?
JF: Stress factor, all stage
equipment is throw and go....no time for any
sound check ...its going into war blind.
TL: Are there any tour plans in the works for
the coming months?
JF: Anything I can get a sound
check at!
TL: That's all I have. Anything you
would like to add?
JF: Thank you for caring enough
to ask me some questions
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