Pete Murray interview

Special thanks to Pete Murray for answering these and if you haven't already be sure to pick up Lo-Pro's The Beautiful Sounds of Revenge. They're an awesome band and Pete is an excellent songwriter and performer and just a good guy. Check out the interview and enjoy.

Q: Is there any different style of sound we can expect with this album, or perhaps makes this a rebirth of you guys from the 2003 release?

PM: We continue to push ourselves as musicians and songwriters. All I can really tell you is that this record is honest. It's all us. No label or producer got their hands in it.

Q: Are there any tracks that stand out to you this time around or one you enjoy playing more than others?

PM: I love them all. We just played Ingenious and Early Morning Anger live for the first time. It was a blast. We definitely have an even heavier set we can play now.

Q: Did anyone provide guest vocals on any of the tracks? And if not, anyone you'd like to work with in the future?

PM: No guest vocals on this one. Our friend Angus played Cello on a couple of tracks. He actually played some crazy cello on an Ultraspank song way back. He's insanely talented. I'm always down to collaborate. I'd love to sing with Lacey from Flyleaf for example.

Q: Is Aaron Lewis still your executive producer and A&R guy? and did he have much influence on how this new album turned out?

PM: Aaron has always been there for us. We definitely bounce new songs off him to get his feedback. His label isn't active at the moment though so we're now on Rocket Science.

Q: Anything in particular inspire you and the guys this time in terms of lyrics and writing?

PM: We've obviously been through a lot. We've had really bad luck with the music "business." It's easy to tell which songs are a direct response to that. Being pissed off get tiring though so I think the real breakthrough on this album was coming out of that phase and into a more introspective phase with songs like "A Life That's Just Begun."

Q: With enough support think we could see "Texas" or "Sunday" or any other track on an upcoming Rock Band or Guitar Hero game?

PM: Oh man. That would be sick.

Q: Is there any live DVD or new video works from you guys we can see soon?

PM: We've got a live acoustic DVD that's been done for a long time. We're just waiting for the right time to release it.

Q: Besides Staind, is there another band you guys would enjoy touring with?

PM: We're big Seether fans. That would rule. Filter would be insane.

Q: Also, is there any chance of a UK tour as well? You guys have a lot of fans there. Please keep us informed of any new tour dates that come up.

PM: I've been wanting to go to the UK forever. That would be a dream come true.

Q: When you're not touring, what do you like to do for free time fun?

PM: When I'm not on tour, I'm in the water surfing.

Q: Any particular venue you've always wanted to play at but haven't had the opportunity just yet?

PM: uh, Madison Square Garden?

Q: A lot of bands I don't want to say sell-out but sometimes seem to forget how they got where they are, we can never expect that with you guys right?

PM: Well look, we're always pushing ourselves to grow and try new things. I don't know where that will take us but I never want to crank out the same old shit just to be "safe." If we go off in some new direction in that pursuit, I suppose it could be misinterpreted as selling out by someone looking for a rehashed version of Texas.

Q: What kind of equipment do you enjoy playing on and do you have any advice for those in bands already starting out?

PM: We just got dialed in with Blackstar Amps. They're beastly! As far as advice :Don't quit your day job. There's no money in the rock racket anymore. Just be true to yourself, make real music and whatever happens, happens.

Q: Finally, do you think bands have to have a particular look to portray like labels and the media put on them to be successful?

PM: Sadly, yes. I clearly don't have the secret though. Ha