As I have surely said before, I am not always excited to do interviews. The people always call at weird times and there is usually a tight time schedule so you barely get into the questioning before another writer is calling in. Also, song-writers aren't always the most talkative people. Sure, they write lyrics, but they have no idea how to carry on a conversation. Frank Zappa put it best: "Rock journalism is people who can't write, interviewing people who can't talk, in order to provide articles for people who can't read." That being said, I make no attempt whatsoever to 'spin' this band Three into the stratosphere of popular music. I am not going to tell you what to think about this band or that band...this topic or that topic. What I present to you here is one of the more fascinating conversations I have had in quite some time with one of the most talented artists I've ever had the pleasure of seeing in person. What started as a typical band Q & A became something entirely different as one topic led to another and we freely let our nerd lights shine in this interesting exchange, free of time restraints. Unfortunately, and I apologize sincerely, I wasn't able to transcribe the ENTIRE conversation, but consider these the highlights.
Here is their video for 'All That Remains,' which should also be playing on your local rock station. Multiple listens advised.
AJ: I have a million things I want to ask you and I am not totally sure where to begin. Let's get the softball out of the way. What is the new album The End Is Begun all about?
JE: The way I write, I don't really write from a logical standpoint. I hear a melody in my head and then I'll hear some words and just chisel away at them and create this meaning in my subconscious. So, I sit back and take a look at what's there and decide for myself what I think it means. I encourage others to do the same. People interpret the songs differently and I respect their different opinions.
AJ: So much for that being a softball! Was recording this album different from your previous recording experiences?
JE: Oh, definitely. We took a completely new approach this time around. Bands really get comfortable in a rehearsal situation and I wanted the band to be comfortable recording, so we set up our practice space like a mini studio. We all wore headphones and listened back to everything. So, when it was all said and done, we were ready to go into the studio and it was very comfortable. We got natural performances with very little editing. It's important to me to get an organic feel on the songs and I think we got that.
AJ: Do you like being in the studio?
JE: I love it, yeah! What I don't like is watching the clock. Every minute is money, you know, but I love creating in the studio. I have a little home studio set up. I love recording and have definitely worked production into my writing style.
AJ: Have you produced other bands? Is that something you'd like to pursue further?
JE: I have done a little. I would love to do more, there just isn't time right now. All of my attention is on 3 and touring and getting it out there. I have done things here and there. It is definitely something I could see myself doing when there is more time.
AJ: When you play, people are captivated. I mean, I was on the edge of my seat! But it's not just the music that gets people there...I think people are waiting for your guitar to vaporize. I mean you're a ****ing sick guitar player and it would not be at all surprising to see your guitar just disintegrate in your hands...
JE: [laughs] It kind of has. It's mostly duct tape at this point.
AJ: [laughs] Really?! That's hilarious...and not surprising. I am wondering though, if you had to guess, how many strings do you think you have broken just in 2007?
JE: Oh wow. Well, I average 4 or 5 strings per show, and on some songs I lose all 6. I guess I would say about 500? 500 to 600, somewhere in there.
AJ: You should have your fans bring you strings. Get that fanbase active!
JE: Hey, that's not a bad idea.
AJ: I'm full of them. You can have that one.
JE: Thanks! [laughs]
AJ: Let's say a string bomb went off and there were no more strings left on the planet. By some miracle, you have the absolute LAST set of strings in the world. What would you play?
JE: Well, I definitely wouldn't play 'Amazing Disgrace', since that's the one I break all the strings on. I think I would play a sad song since it was the last set of strings in the world...and I'd probably make it up on the spot. But yeah, it would be a very sad tune.
AJ: Shortly after I saw you play for the first time (and my whole world was flipped upside down), I did an interview with Travis from Coheed. We ended up talking about you guys for a solid 20 minutes. I don't like repeating questions, but I asked them something I would also like to ask you... Do you see a 3 laser light show in your future?
JE: Laser lights?! I'd like to get to that point where we could expand the media we incorporate into our show. I don't know if it would be lasers...but I am a visual artist too so I would love to work that in somehow.
AJ: Guitar virtuoso, amazing vocalist, killer frontman and now visual artist?? Is there anything you have always wanted to do but haven't had the chance? Or are you content with your current plethora of talents?
JE: I want to be a martial arts master.
AJ: NOW WE'RE TALKIN! What style do you want to learn?
JE: I have always liked Aikido.
AJ: Aikido is rad! I want to learn something with knives or swords or something.
JE: I have a couple swords.
AJ: I knew I liked you...what do you have?
JE: I got a katana blade when I was in Japan in 2005. They didn't sharpen it, though, so I would be able to take it on the plane. I also have this massive broadsword a friend gave me. It's a little beat up because he tried to cut down a tree with it, but I like having it handy.
AJ: For the zombie uprising?
JE: Exactly.
AJ: I have to ask... are you into D&D?
JE: [laughs] Not really. I played a few times back in the day, but I'm certainly not obsessed. Although, I do watch Lord of the Rings a lot...hmmm...
AJ: I'm not trying to ride the nerdy train to the end of the line, but I was watching your video for All That Remains... Really dude? Shredding in front of a castle? [laughs]
JE: Oh yeah! There is a castle not too far from here and for a long time it was inaccessible. It's in the Hudson River. The director of our video made some calls and talked to the right people and we got in there. The guy who built it, it was his dream to have a castle... he also had a lot of explosives. Someone tossed a cigarette and blew it up. Now it's like ruins. We wanted something that had that epic feel to it, and that location was perfect.
AJ: And it was right in your own back yard! That's a lucky break. Let's see...What's it like on the bus with you guys?
JE: We don't have a bus.
AJ: Ok, what's it like in your mom's station wagon with you guys?
JE: [laughs] We have a van. We're not quite at bus level yet. It's like a microcosm of politics. Basically, each person is their own country with their own territory, their own government, their own laws. It's pretty heavy. Everyone has their own sense of logic and we debate things for fun. Just to pass the time.
AJ: I was reading up on you yesterday and came across a pretty interesting story about you seeing a UFO when you were a kid? What happened?
JE: It was a long time ago. I was 6 years old at the time. It's the only time I've ever seen one. I was rolling back from an outing with my grandparents. We pulled into the driveway, the sun had gone down just below the tree line so it was still light out. We all got out and my grandparents just stopped in their tracks. We looked up in the sky and saw this huge...I don't know what. People called it a floating city. It was so big, I remember thinking I could hit it with a rock. But, then I also remember thinking that was probably an inappropriate gesture.
AJ: [laughs] After I read that, I did a little poking around on the interweb to find out more. (Google: Indian Point Nuclear Reactor 1984 or Hudson Valley UFO). Apparently thousands of people saw this thing! There were some really interesting stories from the people at the nuclear reactor who claim to have seen actual alien beings. What's even freakier is that every sketch and every account seems to match up perfectly. The only people with a conflicting story seem to work for the government.
JE: Oh yeah, in the paper the next day they released a story saying it was 14 planes flying in formation. We just laughed. I mean, there was no way that's what happened. I am one of the few people who saw it in the light. Solid massive object. If you just saw the lights, then maybe, but even then it doesn't all add up. Ever since then I have thought that there is something going on and factions of people trying to cover that up. I think it opened my mind up at a really young age... question what you hear. It's probably not the whole truth.
AJ: Is the truth out there?
JE: It's out there...it's probably in there too. There were a lot of sightings in Hudson Valley between 1983 into the 90s. They would constantly use the 'stunt pilot' explanations, but those of us who saw it knew that wasn't what happened. I mean there probably were planes after the fact to make people question... but there was something. I certainly didn't see any beings, but there was something. There is this book called Night Siege that covers a lot of the sightings between 83 and 90. I wish I could have had my account in there. No one in the book saw it in the light.
AJ: That's so freaky!!! You gotta get your story out there!
JE: [laughs] Isn't that what we're doing?
AJ: Touche. So, you've been on this search to find out why they're lying to us...any conclusions?
JE: I try to keep an open mind about why they would hold back. Maybe it really is in our best interest not to know. It's all run by a handful of people. Lots of power in the hands of few. I like to question what I am told. I don't necessarily believe the history taught in schools is how it happened. I don't know why people won't tell the truth, but I guess it's about power. People who are negative want to horde power. I'm all about sharing it with people.
AJ: Speaking of the government, I wrote a paper about modern censorship in high school and referenced the free speech battle involving your uncle, John the Baker. Honestly, I see this as a sign that we are meant to be friends. [laughs] Musical talent clearly runs in the family, but how about the passion for activism?
JE: I definitely believe one of the most powerful ways to change things is to sort of find that balance in yourself first. Purify your own mind and your own actions before you start trying to change other people. I am trying to be the best that I can be. Making art and making music has always been a great way to reach people and go beyond. For me, music has always been that catalyst that raises the consciousness. That thing that gets you thinking in a different way. Music can change the way people think about things. I believe in environmentalism. We have had such a big impact on the planet and it's hard to know what the full impact is. The title of the album, The End Is Begun...some might think there is a negative connotation to it, but I see it as the end of an era and a new opportunity that we are ready to embrace.
AJ: I am endlessly fascinated by the potential of music. You know, many believe that musical genius holds the secrets of mankind's evolution. Ok, that was a dramatic way to put it, but basically it's the idea that the further you progress as a musician... well... alright there is no short way to talk about this. You should read up on Scriabin though, he's an interesting cat. Classical musician from way back in the day. He included light shows in his performances because he didn't think one artistic medium would ever be enough to tell the whole story. He dedicated his life to creating his masterpiece which he honestly believed would bring about the end of the world. Unfortunately he died before it was finished, but what an awesome concept!
JE: Absolutely! It's everything. Music is one of those things that is very universal. It really does connect all of us. My vision has always been reaching out to a big variety of people and bringing them together instead of this clique or that clique. We're definitely more about being inclusive. I have seen our fanbase growing and it's all different kinds of people. It's so inspiring.
AJ: What do you think about the dissolution of the mainstream? I mean it's nothing but niche audiences anymore. There is no ONE place where EVERYONE goes. We each have our own bubble of existence.
JE: I don't think there is anything wrong with having a niche for one type of thing, it's just not what I'm about or what I'm into. There are bands who have risen above that kind of thing. Like Led Zeppelin... they're doing a tour. Their records are really diverse, they do a lot of different kinds of things, but that's one of the few bands that would get me out and about...to see that. I think a lot of people feel that way. To each their own, but my vision is to appeal to what is common in all of us.
AJ: Interesting timing, but I guess it makes sense. As the business of music crumbles, the art will thrive. I suppose there is always a balance. Now is a good time for music. I am very excited! So...you're a shredder. Do you play Guitar Hero?
JE: I never have.
AJ: Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?! I suppose that's alright though. From what I hear, guitarists aren't so great at that game. Don't ask me why. I think Guitar Hero is more for drummers who are sick of sitting in the back.
JE: [laughs]
AJ: So, I just got a guitar. My mom gave me her 1973 Epiphone 12-string.
JE: Nice!
AJ: I know...but I have no idea how to play it yet. Is there any advice you can give me? I know I am not really a 'player' yet, but when I get there I want to be able to say 'Joey Eppard gave me this advice...' [laughs]
JE: [laughs] Well, then my advice is this- Always remember that there are only the rules that you make. Sometimes you can learn rules and benefit from them, but take your own approach and let your own voice work through the instrument. Then you have something unique to offer the world. Play from the heart. When you play from the heart there is no judgment. Everything is on an equal level.
AJ: You're rocking me right now. Ok, just a couple more questions, I promise! You said something earlier about purity and being clean...do you do drugs?
JE: I'm straight. Or 'straight edge' I guess. I just finished a 10 day master cleansing fast. All you drink is this lemonade drink. It does the body good. I'm feeling good and I'm feeling clear. I mean I have smoked a little before, but I've never needed that. I was always inspired and into music without it. I think a lot of people get into a thing where they have to do this or that before they can get in 'the zone.' It's a trap. For me, it's there. It's in my blood. So the clearer I am, the better I am.
AJ: Do you listen to much music?
JE: Honestly, I spend a lot of time making music, but I don't really listen. I don't have time. I don't listen as often as I should...
AJ: Should?
JE: Yeah, I think it's important to take it in, not just put it out. But, I will say this. One of my favorite bands is this band called Kiss Kiss. They're definitely a mold-breaking band. The music is really brilliant. I'm a fan. They are one of those bands where I can see the future of rock.
AJ: So, I saw you play at The House of Blues in Dallas...the crowd there was clearly a PROG crowd. What I really like about prog crowds is they are 100% there for the music. There aren't a lot of assholes going WOO during the solos or whatever. I have seen a bunch of your live videos on youtube...clearly your crowds aren't always like that. Which do you prefer? People screaming back at you? Or people listening?
JE: It depends. Every moment is different. The energy of the crowd is different. I guess if the song is dynamic and it comes down to a whisper, that's probably not the best time to start screaming. So long as you don't mess with other people or try to ruin it for them, I think it's alright.
AJ: What's up with Progressive Nation? [Dream Theater, Between The Buried And Me, OPETH and 3]
JE: We're still sitting here waiting to see when the dates are gonna be. It's supposed to start in April, but we don't know. We don't know how long the tour will be, either. It went from being a one month thing to a two month, and now it might be the whole summer. It's a great combination of artists. It's going to be a great show. We are really excited to be a part of it. Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater was a big part of putting this together and he wanted us to be involved. This will be a really big step for us. We can reach more people and hopefully get that bus with Guitar Hero on it! [laughs]
AJ: [laughs] Ok, I have taken up a ton of your time. Just one more... the hair. Dude, you're super cute! Why are you hiding behind all that hair??
JE: I feel naked without it! Hair is in. Hair is back! Actually, maybe that's a good reason to cut it. I'm not really that attached to it.
AJ: Don't get me wrong, I love the slow motion hair blowing in the wind while shredding in front of a castle as much as the next...girl?
JE: [laughs] You know Billy travels with a fan everywhere he goes. Even in the van. He has an overactive metabolism and he gets really hot, so he needs it. It's not just to look cool.
AJ: Yeah, but come on...it doesn't hurt.
JE: [laughs] True.
AJ: Well, that's it! I am sure I forgot something, but I'll just have to live with it.
JE: Well, this was really fun! I guess I'll see you at Progressive Nation!
AJ: You know it! Thanks for letting me burn up so much of your Friday! Take care Joey
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Joey Fat-one
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Three frontman Joey Eppard
