I got the chance to talk to Brian Vodinh, drummer for 10 Years and ask him some questions about the band and their new release The Autumn Effect (in stores Aug. 16).

Conducted by AJ, VP of Altsounds.com

First of all, The Autumn Effect is ****ing incredible. I just want to get that out of the way. I was really surprised, actually, since when great bands get picked up and have big label involvement, they usually end up sounding really watered down and shitty. The Autumn Effect, though, is very much a 10 Years record. How involved was the label in your recording? Josh Abraham produced; did he play a big part in the direction of the record?

There were a lot of factors that played a part in shaping this record, but all in all it really is a 10 Years record in the most true of forms. Working with Josh Abraham and Ryan Williams was an amazing experience. Those guys really gave us the opportunity to create the record we wanted to make. They definitely would throw in their two cents when they felt necessary, but between them and out label, everyone was on the same page as far as letting us just do our thing and really making it ‘our’ record.

What was the best part of making the record? How was it different from making your self-released album Killing All That Holds You?

I would say the best part was the fact that we had time and didn’t really have to worry about deadlines or budgets. Killing All That Holds You was made really quickly and was done independently, so we are happy with what it is, but it’s obviously not the record that we were able to create like The Autumn Effect.



'Wasteland' was the big single off your first record and you re-recorded it for this release. Why did you decide to do that?

We felt that the original version was great, but if we threw it in with the rest of the record, the sonic quality of it would be much different than the rest of the album, and we really wanted the whole album to have the same sonic vive. We also had a few new ideas for the song, like little guitar things to add and a vocal to add at the end, so we felt the song would be better if we re-recorded it.

Do you have a favorite song on the new album? I know that's kind of like choosing which one of your children you like best, but is there a song you really enjoy playing live more than the others or one on the record that you think came out brilliantly?

That’s a tough one. My favorite song changes day to day. As far as playing live, I love to play “Waking Up” a whole lot. From a drummer’s stand point, it’s a really fun song to play and I get to kind of venture into a different style of playing with the beat than I do in the verses. I also really love playing “Prey” and “The Autumn Effect.”

What does the hummingbird symbolize to you? Who did your artwork?

The hummingbird symbolizes a lot to me. It’s something that is natural and beautiful and I like to think that our music comes across that way as well. Our artwork was done by a genius art director by the name of Travis Stevens.

Upon first listen, a lot of people think you sound like Tool. After listening more, the differences are very evident, although the influence is clear. Does the comparison make you crazy? Or do you agree? Who would you prefer to be compared to?

I would honestly rather never be compared to any other band. I know that the comparisons will be there, but of all the bands to be compared to, Tool is definitely a complimentary comparison.

Your music has always been very deep and personal. I remember reading a blog last year where a kid said the song Silhouette of a Life actually saved his. How do you feel about the extremely deep connection fans have with your music? Does it freak you out that people feel like they know you because they have heard your record?

It’s truly amazing to have people form such a deep connection to our music. We write about real life issues and people tend to cling onto songs that they can relate to. If we can help people with what we do, then god bless them.

Looking at your show schedule, it looks as though you plan on touring pretty extensively. So far, where has been your favorite place to play?

So far I think it’s safe to say that we don’t really have 1 place in particular that’s a favorite, but we have had a ton of amazing shows in a ton of different places. Maybe a year from now we will have a better answer for this question.



You guys were pretty much local celebrities before you got the deal, but are the home gigs different now that you're signed?

Yes they are. We recently played our first show back home since December of last year and it was absolutely amazing. I can’t begin to describe the love that Knoxville has shown us in the past and continues to show us. The audiences keep growing and the fans are getting even more hardcore. We love it.

So far, you've been the 'lighter band' on the tours. Touring with Drowning Pool and Disturbed and bands like that with a very specific fan base with very specific tastes, what's the audience response been like?

I feel like we have opened people’s eyes to our style and our music. Certain markets have taken more of a liking to us than others, but all in all we have been blessed to have bands such as Drowning Pool, Static-X and Disturbed take us under their wing and give us the opportunity to share a stage with them.

Radio seems to love you! Are you going to be playing the radio festival shows?

Oh yeah. We have already done a ton of those shows. We love doing the festivals. We have done those with the likes of Seether, Static-X, Mudvayne and a list of other great bands.

I heard Chris Simms is going to do your Wasteland video. When are you doing it? Are you excited? Can you tell me anything about what it will be like?

We shot our video at the beginning of August, right before we kicked off the Disturbed tour. Chris had an amazing vision for the piece and it’s really coming together. The imagery is dark in the video, lots of grey and blue. I feel that it really fits the mood of the song.


This is probably a ridiculous question since The Autumn Effect is so new, but I have to hear more. Have you been thinking at all about your next record?

Of course! We have already been writing for it. No matter where we are or what we are doing, we will always be writing. So, by the time we get done with this album’s cycle of touring, I’m sure we will have more than enough material for the next undertaking.


That's about it. Thanks a lot you guys! I am totally in love with all of you and I hope the record is a smash worldwide.

Get your copy of The Autumn Effect in stores August 16th (today).. and keep your eyes peeled for 10 Years coming to your area!

10 Years on Altsounds.com