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IN THIS ISSUE:
Mardi Gras! Who's That Girl? Fan Profile News & Links Map of Ezra TTPY Hall of Fame Archives
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GRAHAM COLTON BAND - The Graham Colton Band is scheduled to release its first major label disc on Universal Records in May. In this interview, Graham chats with the Serenade about the forthcoming CD and the past year on the road. The band has been working on the CD with legendary producer Brendan O’Brien, whose previous production credits include working with such bands as Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine, Stone Temple Pilots and Train (check out his extensive list of credits here). This is Graham’s second Serenade interview. His first was after the band opened for BTE at the 2002 Christmas shows in New Orleans (review, interview). The November 2003 edition also had a review of a recent live show.
Hi Graham, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions from the Serenade. This must be the "calm before the storm" for the band. Can you describe how you're feeling as you await the CD release? Obviously I'm really excited. Most of all I think I'm just anxious and ready to have an album out that is a total representation of our band at this place in time. What was it like working with such a well-known producer? Are we going to hear a big difference in the band's sound compared to your independent release? Brendan is a legend, so we all were a little nervous about recording with him. We didn't know what to expect and what his vision would be, but soon found out that he wanted us to create that vision on our own. We wanted to work with Brendan because of his ability to bring out the best in rock bands. Taking our live sound and getting it on tape.
We've heard there's likely to be several tracks co-written with Kevin Griffin in addition to "Cigarette." What can you tell us about the writing process for "Cut" and "Morning Light?" Turtle and I made several trips to New Orleans and wrote several songs (even a few that didn't end up on the record). I think the songs we crafted in New Orleans were a major factor in how we wanted the album to sound. We had such a good time in New Orleans, just hanging out, that the songs just started flowing with a great consistency. "Cut" (lyrics) seems to give off the same sort of senior prom vibe as "At the Stars." Do you feel it too? Well, I can't lie... I wanted my own version of "At the Stars." Who better to go to than Kevin to do that! I just think that it's an honest song that takes me back to a beautiful time in my life. It's a song about high school and friends, but means so much to me now at this time in my life with my band on the road. How would you describe "Morning Light?" (lyrics) "Morning Light" is a song that is really connecting with people in so many different ways. I think that it goes way beyond a lost love song. The feeling of passing the one who went away on the street. Whether it’s a girl or a loved one who is gone... It connects on so many levels. |
Maybe I'm wrong, but the last time I saw the band live it seemed several songs were "rocked-up," including "Cigarette" (lyrics). Was this a conscious decision on your part? We are evolving and finding our sound. Brendan was a huge part in the instrumentation of the group which has even carried over into the old songs as well. I think that the new songs were written with the electric guitar in mind instead of the acoustic being the focal point. For you personally, which of the new songs do you most enjoy playing live? I think "Cut" is one of my current favorites because Ryan plays the B-3 organ and Drew plays bass on it. I’m lucky to have such versatile musicians who can play multiple instruments well. It gives us a new dynamic that we didn't have with the first batch of songs. Both Graham Colton Band and BTE have just played at Houston's Superbash. What’s it like playing an incredible event like that ? It was very cold and very hectic. But, we had a lot of fun.
We see you've already announced new tour dates. Are there any particular areas of the country you expect to hit in the coming months? Once we get rolling... We will be everywhere. So if we're not coming to your neck of the woods, just wait and we'll be there. Best of luck Graham. UPCOMING TOUR DATES Graham Colton tour dates are available on the band's website, but here's the current short of cities and dates (and don't forget to check out the band's message board for more as well): 03.20.04 Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN
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