New Jersey’s Socratic are gearing up for the release of their sophomore album ‘Spread The Rumors’ on Drive Thru Records on May 6th. Altsounds caught up with Lead Singer Duane Okun to discuss making records, winning over fans, touring, what the future holds and above all the importance of enjoying what you do over everything else. Here’s what he had to say for themselves.
Altsounds: The new album is out on May 6th, what are you most looking forward to about the release?
Duane Okun: I am looking the most forward to playing new songs in front of people and hopefully them really liking them. Putting out a new record is always fun ‘cause it let's you tell your fans and everyone where you have been for awhile. What you been thinking about.
AS: Do you think the album will push you out further to new audiences?
DO: I guess you can never really say for sure but i'd hope so. This record is a shorter record compared to " Lunch for the Sky." We had some long songs on there. This record is 12 songs and most have no fat on them. Maybe we will get some more fans with ADD.
AS: Are you happy with how the album has turned out?
DO: I am super happy about it. We really busted our ass in the summer to get it done. There was not too much time to sit and think for a long period of time about what we were trying to make. It is just us playing our instruments and singing our songs.
AS: Were there many songs which didn't make the final cut?
DO: There were a few. We had a song Her Show which we decided not to put on. It is a darker song and we didn't want such a dark record. It's not how we feel as a whole. We had demos for a ton of songs but I'm sure we will get to them one day and release something.
AS: How was the recording experience?
DO: We worked Monday - Friday from 10 to about 5. It was non stop recording. Mark's studio was really nice though. It was a chill atmosphere. Had a nice little outside area where we'd smoke. It was nice to relax out there after laying down a part of singing. Mark also bought us food on many occasions which was really sweet of him.
AS: Was there anything different about making a second album compared to your first?
DO: We had less time . Which isn't bad. The first record we had alot of the songs worked out with the entire band for months before actually recording the record. This time we had a couple. The majority of the songs were worked out in LA right before going into the studio.
AS: Is there anything you'd do differently next time?
DO: It was fun and exciting doing a record in such a short period but next time around we want to take more time. Not necessarily to beat things to death but to add more instruments and fill it up.
AS: Do you think the new album represents a different approach or sound?
DO: I have been told it does. I never really can tell ‘cause I always feel it is us no matter what it sounds like. People will tell you what they think. Lyrically I've been told there is some sort of underlining regret feeling. I guess I can see that. I hate conflict and bad vibes. The record for me is a way of saying don't let regret get you. You can see it in the album and it never gets you anywhere. Forgive and forget. You will feel better. Trust me.
AS: Will you be venturing outside of the U.S. any time soon to promote the album?
DO: I would love to. We were in Australia for a bit which would be nice to go back. Also UK would be fine.
AS: Where do you see the band being in the next few years?
DO: We would like to have many friends and still having a great time. And everyone around us having a good time as well.
Socratic’s ‘Spread The Rumors’ is released on May 6th through Drive Thru Records.
Click the link below to read the review of the album:
http://hangout.altsounds.com/reviews...html#post99290 
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Socratic - Spread The Rumors
| Reviews 
Socratic interview 17/4/2008
