Interview with Josh Smith from Halestorm at Rock On The Range 2015

How has the response to Into the Wild Life been?

It’s been really amazing… I mean, the best response to an album yet. Even in terms of not only positive feedback, but just response in general. There’s negative feedback, but it’s fun to read all the comments and what people think, why they think it, and their interpretations of the music. It’s been really cool. I enjoy it and we’re having such a great time playing all the new stuff live and having more stuff to fit in the catalogue and mess with the setlist every night. It’s been a blast. And I’m not sick of the album yet, I’ve been listening to it!

I’m not either! [laughs]

I have to listen to it still just to fine tune and see what else I can make work live. In listening to it still, I enjoy it.

You talked about the setlist, what goes into y’all picking the songs that get played and don’t get played? I know festivals are a little different, but when I saw you in Birmingham a few weeks ago and I noticed that each set has the same songs, but in a different order.

It’s kind of just being aware on stage of how everything’s working, the flow of the set, and also paying attention to the crowd and seeing if they’re enjoying themselves or if there’s any dead air, “Oh, that was really awkward,” you know? And when you have an awkward moment on stage, it’s probably about five seconds but it feels like an eternity. So it’s just kinda keeping that in mind and constantly seeing how you can improve on song placement or what songs are played. We’re early on in this album cycle so we have to be careful with how much new stuff we play because you have to think that essentially not everyone has heard the album yet so you have to keep the old stuff active and alive. Sort of put a new song in, and then maybe an old song, then a new song, then two old songs, and just sprinkle it in accordingly. I think the coolest part is now that we have thirteen more songs to throw in, it gives us the flexibility to change it up every night and say “Let’s try this here” or “Let’s try this there”. That’s like the dream to write the setlist right before you go on stage and do it like Pearl Jam does.

That’s my band! That’s what I was thinking of, but I wasn’t gonna say anything. Besides Hanson, that is my other band! I have 13 favorite bands and y’all are in the top 13.

Oh my god, that’s awesome.

My mom and I follow Pearl Jam, so that’s our band.

So do we, they are a true rock band.

Have you seen Pearl Jam?

I, shoot me now, have not seen Pearl Jam live.

My mom has seen Pearl Jam almost 80 times. Not exaggerating. I’ve seen them nine times.

That’s so cool. I’ve gotten tickets for my brothers to see them.

Well that’s not fair!

It’s not!

Where did they see them?

They saw them in Philadelphia at the Made in America concert. My friends went to the last Spectrum concerts, which was cool, but I’m just waiting for the day I get to see them. It can’t come soon enough.

We make travel plans around Pearl Jam tours, like “Oh, we’re going on vacation but we’re seeing Pearl Jam while we’re there.” My first Pearl Jam show was in Hawaii in 2006. It was the first time I had flown anywhere, and I flew to Hawaii, not for vacation, but to see Pearl Jam and then we plan the vacation around seeing Pearl Jam.

Perfect. Sounds like a great trip.

I was in the sixth grade when that happened, oh my god I feel old now.

I doubt you’re older than me.

No, I’m not. I’m a baby. I’m probably the youngest one in this room.

You’re an old baby.

Yeah, looking around, I think I’m the youngest one here.

I’d say that’s accurate.

I mean I’m not even old enough to drink.

Wow! [laughs] you are young.

What do you think about the current state of music? It can be your type of music or music in general.

I think the current state of music is at an exciting time. For the last few years, it seems like rock music or just real music with people playing instruments sort of took a back seat to electronic, poppy sounding stuff which is fine, that’s just the evident flow, sort of the pendulum swing-

Pearl Jam reference!

Yeah!

I hope you caught that.

I just dropped a little easter egg there and she found it.

Did you do that on purpose?

Yes! [laughs] but I have a feeling that it’s swinging back in our direction though and you know, you’re seeing rock bands up on the charts again and you’re seeing some of the best turnouts at festivals that we’ve ever seen so this is amazing and it’s a good time to be a rock fan. I think it’s a damn good time in music and I think you’re gonna hear some stuff in the next few years that you’ll hear for the rest of your time.

Is there anything else you wanna add?

No, thanks for taking the time and hanging out and I can’t wait to get back down to Alabama soon.

Interview with Spencer Sotelo from Periphery at Rock On The Range May 2015

How has the response to the Juggernaut albums been?

It’s been going really well. That’s something that’s really cool for us because when we’re writing records, we’re not writing for other people or thinking “What’s this person going to like? We should write for this type of audience.” We normally just write for ourselves and the response to the record has been awesome so we’re just going to keep doing that.

Why did you do it as a double album? What was the inspiration behind that?

Well first off, with how much music it is, it won’t fit onto one disc so we had to split them up. Aside from that, everything on the record is based on this story, this whole narrative that happens throughout the record.

So it’s like a concept album?

It’s a concept album through and through. On both records, it’s like one half and the other half. They both go together. We didn’t want to sell it short in any way. We could have chopped pieces here and there to make it fit, but we didn’t want to sell any of our artistic side short.

What exactly is a Juggernaut? I don’t even know what that is.

I think it just means something massive or big.

I probably could have Googled it, but you know. [Laughs] I saw y'all back in 2010 or 2011 with Deftones. I don’t even remember what city it was, I went to so many shows that year!

That was a fun tour.

Whichever tour that was… Mobile, that’s where it was! I wanted to come see you in Birmingham a few weeks ago, but it was finals week and I couldn’t get there.

Aw, that’s a bummer. Are you going to get to see us play today?

Yes! I usually try to shoot all the bands I interview.

Awesome. I’ll be wearing a pink kitten shirt on stage today so make sure you get some good shots of that!

That’s so cool! I started the first part about the tour with Deftones to ask how have you evolved as musicians and how has your sound evolved since then, if it’s evolved at all?

It has, but it’s been like a subconscious thing. It’s a thing where we set out a goal to make every record that we write sound a little bit different. Not in any certain style, it’s just like “let’s do something different this time!” We kinda just go with it, it’s not like we’re thinking about it too much, but I think there is a clear evolution between every record for sure.

I’m going to show my ignorance for a second, but what’s the name of the album with the red and black cover?

Periphery II? Is that the one?

I think so. I have that album in my car.

Yeah, that was more of a like a songwritey, like every song has its own kinda thing record. On Juggernaut, it’s like every song is working together.

I love albums like that. Some of the best albums are concept albums. So in your mind, what do you think makes you stand out as a band?

I think it’s the clear progressive aspect that we have as a band. We can write catchy songs that I guess could be played on the radio, but at the same time-

“Alpha” is pretty damn catchy! I’m not even going to lie.

It’s a catchy track, but what a lot of people don’t realize is in that song, the time signature is like in ⅞ mostly. I can’t remember the last time a song that was in ⅞ was played on the radio. It was probably like a Led Zeppelin song or something.

What do you think about the current state of music?

I think, like how I was talking about earlier that we write for ourselves, I think more people should do that. I think that’s the way it used to be in the 70s, 80’s, and the early 90’s, ya know? A lot of the biggest artists of all time, that’s how they wrote. I feel like a lot of people nowadays are putting themselves into this cookie cutter mold and writing music for other people to get ahead or make more money and things like that. I think it’s tasteless to be honest. It’s art, so it should be treated as art.

Is there anything else you wanna add?

For anyone that hasn’t picked up our Juggernaut double disc record yet, go pick it up!

Rock On The Range Mapfre Stadium May 15-17 2015 Columbus, Ohio

I have wanted to attend Rock on the Range since it started in 2007. I was 11 years old. It was also the same year I wrote my first story ever, on Linkin Park. To be able to cover my dream festival and to have the first band I ever wrote about close out the festival, well, everything just came full circle. It was definitely one of the best experiences of my life so far.

So here it is: Rock On The Range Content!

Friday started out with the bands Islander and Highly Suspect.

I'd heard a good bit about Islander's live set so I made sure to check them out.

The main problem arose when I realized Islander and Highly Suspect were at the same time. But have no fear, I made it back just in time to hear Highly Suspect play their current single, Lydia that is buzzing the airwaves.

Following that block of time, were We Are Harlot and Apocalyptica on the main stage.

We Are Harlot played

Denial

Easier to Leave

Someday

Never Turn Back

Dancing on Nails

Tie Your Mother Down (Queen Cover)

One More Night

Apocalyptica played

I-III-V Seed of Chaos

Cold Blood

Grace

Inquisition Symphony (Sepultura Cover)

Shadowmaker

I Don't Care

In the Hall of the Mountain King (Edvard Grieg Cover)

I ran back to the Ernie Ball Stage to shoot Young Guns.

I expect them to be the next big Rock Band. They are from England and are starting to catch a wave here in the U.S.

Beartooth. Oh Em Gee. This band is one to watch. All of the guys are members from other bigger bands in "the scene" who came together to form this beautiful super-group. If you haven't heard their song "In Between", I highly recommend it. What a jam.

Breaking Benjamin was not great. They played for their audience, which is fine, but they sounded terrible. 

However, their set was pretty spot on:

So Cold

Blow Me Away

Failure

Breath

Covers Medley: Star Wars Imperial March, Schism by Tool, Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana, and Walk by Pantera

Polyamorous

I Will Not Bow

Until The End

Intro

The Diary of Jane

I love Myles Kennedy. I have been fortunate enough to see him previously with Alter Bridge and this time I saw him with Slash and The Conspirators.

The setlist was one of the best sets I've ever heard at a festival.

The group played

You're a Lie

Nightrain (Guns N' Roses Cover)

Back From Cali (Slash Original)

You Could Be Mine (Guns N' Roses Cover)

Bent To Fly

World On Fire

Anastasia

Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns N' Roses Cover)

Slither (Velvet Revolver Cover) (AHHH!!!)

Paradise City (Guns N' Roses Cover)

Closing out my evening were Hatebreed and Falling In Reverse.

Hatebreed is scary and Falling In Reverse put on too much of a "production."

If you are playing a festival and you are not the major headliner, or on the main stage, why do you have to cover the stage to set up everything? That did not make a lot of sense to me, but to each their own.

They played

Chemical Prisoner

God, If You Are Above...

Sexy Drug

Guillotine IV (The Final Chapter)

Rolling Stone

I'm Not a Vampire

Alone

The Drug In Me Is You

Just Like You

Day one was absolutely everything I wanted it to be.

Day two started with New Zealand group Like A Storm.

They played

Chemical Infatuation

Never Surrender

Become the Enemy

Didgeridoo and Drums Jam

Wish You Hell

TNT (AC/DC Cover)

Love the Way You Hate Me

Saint Asonia is a new supergroup, that consists of Adam Gontier, formerly of Three Days Grace, Mike Mushok of Staind, Corey Lowery of Eye Empire, and Rich Beddoe, formerly of Finger Eleven.

It was their first performance ever and I can think of no better place to than Rock On The Range, am I right?

Their set:

Better Place (their first/current single)

Fairytale

I Hate Everything About You (Three Days Grace Cover)

Dying Slowly

Mudshovel (Staind Cover)

Let Me Live My Life

They are definitely a band to watch.

Of Mice & Men always has my vote for one of the best live bands. I've seen them more times than I can count and they always bring it. I talked to several people who came to the festival just to see the band and they left immediately after.

They played

Public Service Announcement

Broken Generation

Feels Like Forever

Bones Exposed

Would You Still Be There

Never Giving Up

You're Not Alone

The Depths

Bless Scott Weilands heart. He sounded terrible again today.

He played

Crackerman (Stone Temple Pilots)

Meatplow (Stone Temple Pilots)

Amethyst

The Way She Moves

Big Bang Baby (Stone Temple Pilots)

White Lightning

Vasoline (Stone Temple Pilots)

Dead & Bloated (Stone Temple Pilots)

Unglued (Stone Temple Pilots)

Babymetal is something I cannot un-see. Everyone at the festival attended this performance. They are the biggest gimmick, I've seen in a long time. But hey, it works for them.

They played

Catch Me If You Can

Megitsune

Road of Resistance

Give Me Choco!!

Ijime, Dame, Zettai

The Devil Wears Prada is always fun to shoot.

They played

Assistant to the Regional Manager

Sailor's Prayer

Escape

Outnumbered

Mammoth

Reptar, King of the Ozone

Danger: Wildman

Papa Roach was definitely in my Top 5 list of favorite performances of the weekend. They had one of the biggest crowds of the entire festival. There were more crowd surfers for them than any other act. People in wheelchairs even participated in the activity. The band is currently celebrating the 15 Year Anniversary of their debut album, Infest. That was definitely a crowd pleaser.

They played

Face Everything and Rise (FEAR)

Getting Away with Murder

Between Angels and Insects

Where Did the Angels Go?

Broken Home (Eminem's Lose Yourself Tag)

Forever

Gravity

Kick in the Teeth

Lifeline

Warriors

Scars

Last Resort

...To Be Loved

Ministry was loud and scary.

They played

Hail to His Majesty (Peasants)

Punch in the Face

PermaWar

Rio Grande Blood

LiesLiesLies

N.W.O.

Just One Fix

Thieves

And now we are onward to Day 3...

It started with a band called Unlocking The Truth.

They are a band of kids, who really know how to rock. (So many puns could be made, but I shall refrain.)

They rose to fame by being young and signing a record deal with Sony that they are already trying to get out of. There is even a documentary on them that is about to be released or was just recently.

They deserve much more credit than they get.

Following them, my day consisted of shooting Art of Dying, Periphery, Marmozets, and Halestorm.

I interviewed Josh from Halestorm and Spencer from Periphery right before their sets, and they are both classy individuals. That made me happy.

Halestorm put on one of the best shows of the weekend.

Their set consisted of

Love Bites (So Do I)

Freak Like Me

It’s Not You

Amen

Scream

I Am The Fire

I Like It Heavy

Mayhem

I Get Off

Apocalyptic

I Miss The Misery

Rise Against is always a treat. My running joke is that I always miss the last song, which is usually Savior. Luckily, I heard it this go round.

They played

Ready To Fall

Give It All

Re-Education (Through Labor)

Help Is On The Way

Chamber The Cartridge

Prayer Of The Refugee

Ohio (Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young Cover) (Tim Solo Acoustic)

I Don’t Want To Be Here Anymore

Savior

Linkin Park’s set was a memorable one, but it was different. Brad Delson, lead guitarist, was absent from the show and their guitar tech took his place.

They played

Papercut

Rebellion

Given Up

One Step Closer

A Line In The Sand

From The Inside

Runaway

Wastelands

Castle of Glass

Leave Out All The Rest/Shadow Of The Day/Iridescent

Robot Boy

Joe Hahn Solo

New Divide

Breaking The Habit

Darker Than Blood (Steve Aoki Cover)

Burn It Down

Wretches and Kings/Remember The Name/Skin To Bone

Numb

In The End

Faint

Waiting For The End

What I’ve Done

Bleed It Out