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| w/ JAY STAPLES |
| Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: What was it like working with legendary producer Anthony J. Resta (Megadeth, Collective Soul) again and what do you feel was the biggest difference between this recording process than previous ones?
Jay Staples: Anthony just makes it fun, intense and relaxed all at the same time. The biggest difference the second time around was that we all knew what each other was capable of. Having put out a solid first effort with Off The Hook, Anthony held us to the bar we had previously set. It was work, but rewarding in the aftermath. Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: Looking back, did the final product and reaction from fans/press exceed your expectations? Jay Staples: Actually, yes. We ended up going in a more commercial direction without really realizing it. It was not intentional. You write what you write at that given moment. For us, it became the EP We Are I. The fans and media have really latched on to it saying "We love the last album but this new stuff is just really, really good!" Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: What inspired you or what was your creative catalyst that brought together the tracks that makeup the album We Are I? Jay Staples: For good or bad, I tend to write a lot about relationships. Not the most original idea I know. (Laughs) Though I believe in love with every fiber of my being, I have enough bitterness to last me a lifetime. Hmm, lots of material to come. (Laughs) Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: Are there main songwriters in the group or is it more of a collaborative effort? Jay Staples: Well, Richie (guitarist) feeds me some rhythm and I'll ad lib some melody over it. The band now gets involved. Then the last thing I'll do is write the lyrics. Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: You were quoted on your website as saying, "The one constant in my life is, was, and always will be...music! It has literally saved my life, time and time again". How so? Jay Staples: On three separate occasions from the age of fifteen to twenty, I lost some of my closest friends each to drunk driving. I'm the king of shutting things out. Music was my only outlet to feelings! Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: I know the band is currently unsigned but has there been any label interest and if so, whom? Jay Staples: Ron Burman from Roadrunner Records has expressed interest, and Robbie Merrill of Godsmack is taking the disk to his label so we're pretty excited. Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: What’s in store for We Are I over the next few months? Jay Staples: Play, Play, Play. Just keep getting out there and bringing it to the people. Our lawyer and the Gods will see to the rest. Dawn/TheMetalWeb.com: Thanks for the interview and I’m glad I could give the band some much deserved exposure. With that said, do you have any final words for The Metal Web!? Jay Staples: Thank God, there are so many of us out there that get what the power of music brings to our lives. A song for every mood. Dawn, thanks for doing what you do. It's been a pleasure speaking with you. Keep living the music! OFFICIAL SITE "WE ARE I": http://www.wearei.com HOME |