Anthony Green, the former vocalist, had initially suggested the name "Saosin" (pronounced as "say-o-shin") for the band. After he quit, Saosin changed the pronunciation to "say-o-sin." What does it actually mean? Saosin means “small heart” as well as "be careful" in Chinese (xiao xin). The word comes from a 15th century proverb about fathers telling their sons who are being married off for money not to get emotionally involved with their wives, (who could die at any time). The meaning behind this with regards to the use as a band name was a reference to the fact that nothing is eternal, and that it is a mistake to become overly attached to any one thing, because that thing will eventually be lost. Xiao xin is generally used in Chinese as a means to express caution.

Altsounds.com was lucky enough to sit down with Beau Burchell of Saosin to talk to him about all things music. The guys have just released their new album "In Search Of Solid Ground" and are readying themselves to tour this across the world.

Altsounds: How are you guys doing today?
Beau Burchell: Excellent, we just played here in Canada MTV live. It was awesome.

Altsounds: The main focus for you guys right now is the release of your latest album ‘In Search of Solid Ground, released this month. A very exciting time for any band I’m sure. How do you feel about the final result?
Beau Burchell: We are all really proud of the record. It's a great sign of growth as people and musicians. Chris and I produced a handful of songs on the record and I mixed the entire record.

Altsounds: So you guys have worked with two world-class and legendary producers on this album, Butch Walker and John Feldman, Both of who have worked on some of the best albums of modern times. Why did you decide on working with these guys? What were they like to work with?
Beau Burchell: John Feldman has been a fan of our band ever since the beginning, so it just made sense to work with him. Butch Walker had worked with some friends of mine called The Bronx, so he came highly recommended by them. And as soon as I met him we clicked right away. We both look at music very similarly.

Altsounds: You guys have got a number of releases under your belts to date, and I imagine that most have a message or a general theme to them. What was the theme or message you were aiming for with ‘In Search Of Solid Ground’?
Beau Burchell: I think the one constant theme in all of our songs is hope. A lot of bands just talk about how crappy things are. We try to ensure the theme of hope is always there.

Altsounds: Fans have had a taste of the new album with the release of the 1st single ‘Changing’. Can fans expect more of the same from the other songs on the album?
Beau Burchell: The record has lots of different types of songs. I really think it has something for everyone. It's nice that a lot of people all have different favorite songs on the record.

Altsounds: To promote the release, you guys got a tour lined up in November and January. I imagine you’re pretty excited about this?
Beau Burchell: Yes we are excited about the tour. It's us, Innerpartysystem, POS, Eye Alaska. We are getting ready to start rehearsals soon.

Altsounds: As with most bands, when it comes to new albums fans and occasional listeners tend to be kind of sceptical and un-open to new songs and ideas, often criticizing them. How do you think your latest album has gone down with the fans?
Beau Burchell: So far people seem to be pretty stoked on it. We keep getting emails about how much people are loving the record. People are saying that the more you listen to it the more it grows on you.


Altsounds: When bands premier their new work at a show, it can go either way in terms of how it is received. Do you think the songs off the new album have been received well at the shows?
Beau Burchell: So far we have only played 3 new songs at Warped tour. So we are looking forward to playing more on our upcoming tours.

Altsounds: To promote the release of the album you have also teamed up with the brand PacSun. What brought this about?
Beau Burchell: They sponsor a tour called the PAC sun tour. And we were lucky enough that they asked us to be the head-liners. We are all really excited about the tour.

Altsounds: In a recent Blog on your website, you posted that one lucky store would be getting a secret acoustic show from you guys. This must have been a great treat for both your fans and yourselves? This was all set to go down on Sept 7th. How did it turn out?
Beau Burchell: All of the in-store performances have been going very well. It's a really different and cool experience for everyone.

Altsounds: As mentioned, you guys have got a tour lined up and you seem to be sticking to the US for the meantime. Any plans to hit Europe and the rest of the world at some point next year?
Beau Burchell: Oh ya. We are already planning a world tour. We are really looking to get back overseas.

Altsounds: Over the years you have accomplished so much as a band, I’m sure there must be something that each of you (or the band in general) has wanted to do. What do you hope to accomplish next?
Beau Burchell: I'd like to break through in the UK. We haven't really broken through over there yet.

Altsounds: One final question. I always find it great when artists who have had great success offer advice for the next generation when it comes to starting bands. Seeing as you guys have had a number of line up changes in the past, and you have definitely had an influence on your performers, what advice would you give them that you feel would help them start a musical career?Beau Burchell: Be true to yourself. Don't copy other bands.

Altsounds: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, really appreciate it. Have you got any thing you may wish to add to say to the fans and readers out there?
Beau Burchell: Thanks again to everyone for their support and go get the new record if you haven't yet.