Forgive Durden Interview

"It’s always been my vision, and that wouldn’t be changing!"

October 21, 2008, 11:47 PM

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Altsounds: How would you describe your sound?
Forgive Durden: Our sound is a tough one to pigeon hole. On 'Wonderland', our last record, I would call it quirky pop rock. But our new record, 'Razia’s Shadow', is a musical. So there’s no more rock aspect really. No more guitars. All orchestration. I really enjoy pop music and enjoy creating pop songs, but I strive to make them clever; to push the imaginary boundaries of songwriting.

Altsounds: What is the meaning of 'Forgive Durden'?
Forgive Durden: The band name references the book/movie Fight Club. The meaning behind the name, to me at least, represents the idea that you should forgive your inner demons. The little voices in your head telling you to follow your dreams. It’s okay to listen.

Altsounds: How did you come to join the Fueled By Ramen family?
Forgive Durden: A good friend of mine Bobby Darling, from the band Gatsbys American Dream, had a good relationship with the label and he slid them some tracks we recorded with Casey Bates and they liked them enough to sign us and let us record 'Wonderland'.


Altsounds: What made you carry on with the band by yourself after the other 3 members left?
Forgive Durden: I started the band in high school, with completely different people. I was very happy with our line-up though and didn’t expect it to dissolve by any means. The reason I decided to stick with the moniker is because it’s always been my vision, and that wouldn’t be changing!

Altsounds: Why did you choose to do a concept album and how well do you think it would transform into a real musical?

Forgive Durden: 'Wonderland' is actually a concept record, also. So I’ve yet to do a non-concept record, oddly enough. I always have very grand ideas floating in my head, and I definitely knew creating this record was attainable but it really is a dream come true to have it finally done and ready for the world.

Altsounds: What's your favourite musical?

Forgive Durden: I grew up on movie musicals, as opposed to Broadway musicals. My favorite growing up was Aladdin and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The one I listen to most these days is Moulin Rouge.

Altsounds: You co-wrote the album with your brother Paul, did you guys ever fall out over artistic differences?

Forgive Durden: We’re brothers so we bicker over everything little thing. He likes it this way. I like it that way. Most of the time we meet somewhere in the middle.

Altsounds: Why does Paul not join the band as an actual member?

Forgive Durden: Paul has a year left to finish his music composition degree, so he wanted to knock that out. If the musical does well though I’d love to have him join permanently.

Altsounds: Will drummer Rudy also ever become a permanent member of the band?

Forgive Durden: Rudy is married and enjoying his ‘real life’ in Seattle. As much as I’d love to have him as my drummer, I don’t think it’s in the cards.

Altsounds: How does the new album differ from your previous release Wonderland?

Forgive Durden: Besides the obvious differences stated before, I think the story line is more interesting and comes across more clearly. I’m a huge fan of star-crossed lover stories, and the inclusion of chosen ones, so I think the musical has a more intriguing story arc.

Altsounds: You recently put out an ad on your website looking for a female vocalist for the fall tour, why have you particularly decided to recruit a female vocalist and will she be a permanent fixture?
Forgive Durden: I wanted to bring the musical to life in the live setting, so I recruited two other singers to help voice all the characters’ parts. I’m not sure where everyone will be needed or want to be once this record’s cycle comes to an end.

Altsounds: How do you think the addition of female vocals will affect the original Forgive Durden sound?

Forgive Durden: The Forgive Durden sound is full-forced musical right now, so it’s great. I have no idea where we’ll be a year or two down the line, but for now it’s perfect.

How is it touring with Steel Train and do you have any crazy tour stories thus far?

Forgive Durden: We’re on day two. Maeby Funke was at our NJ show.

What are your plans for the coming year?

Tourtourtourtourtourtour.


Forgive Durden's two albums are available now via Fueled by Ramen Records. Why not check out the band yourself by listening to some songs on the attached Myspace player? You know you want to!


http://www.myspace.com/forgivedurden

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