The multi-platinum rockers Candlebox have been touring in support of their recently released album, Disappearing In Airports. We were able to catch them when they made a stop in San Francisco at Slim’s. It was a packed house and the crowd was filled with long time fans as well as a slew of new ones. They were amazing and their sound was timeless as many longtime fans found themselves back in the ’90s singing all of their favorites. What was quite impressive was the warm reception that their new songs received. Many fans already knew all of the words of the new songs, and were rocking out. Their album has been well received and it completely rocks. We had the chance to chat with Kevin Martin about the new album and the music scene today. We are pleased to bring that interview to you here:
* * * * * * *
Music Junkie Press: Thank you for taking the time to talk with us here at Music Junkie Press. We have been very excited for the upcoming release of your new album, Disappearing In Airports. This album definitely is garnering high praise as it brings back the signature Candlebox sound with fresh new energy.
Can you tell us about the recording of the album since it really brings songs that not only rock but display the exceptional lyrical content. Was it an emotional process as well during recording?
Kevin: Yeah, very emotional. We knew we had limited time and that forced us to be incredibly creative. It forced us to listen and share which is not easy in a band. We put our egos aside and discussed what was best for the band and the songs rather than “I really want this guitar part in here” or “I think this is a better drum beat, lyric etc.” That pressure made us better players, friends, musicians. We wanted to make the best record Candlebox had ever made, I think we just may have done that!
Music Junkie Press: I’ve Got a Gun is a great track that definitely is a commentary to today’s times. Can you tell us about the story behind the track?
Kevin: I had had it with the constant bullshit headlines of “child killed by handgun” or “mass shooting today in…” and of course the 2nd amendment rights argument that kept popping up everywhere. I wanted to write a song from the perspective of that rights holder that thinks we are trying to take their guns away from them, which is simply not the case, with a hint of sarcasm while still being poignant. I find it a childish and uneducated argument and I wanted to write that song to say your rights are no more important than mine and I choose NOT to have a gun so why can’t I tell you that without you getting your fucking back up?
Music Junkie Press: This album also brings probably the greatest diversity in your music style and yet you have successfully claimed the sound as Candlebox. Did you find it a challenging process to bring in such growth into the diversity?
Kevin: No, I did not. I knew what I was looking for, I knew where to find it and I knew how I was going to get it, I just needed the right band to help me get there!
Music Junkie Press: Can you tell us about your track I Want it Back?
Kevin: This is a song about great heartbreak. We’ve all hurt someone we love, we’re human, that’s what we do but sometimes we go too far. I was that person, I went too far and almost lost everything that means anything to me and I needed to get back to where it was that it went wrong and try to repair it. Music is the only way I could think of to do that and it’s the best way that I know how to communicate sometimes with the ones we love.
Music Junkie Press: We are excited that you are touring in support of the new album. Which songs are you most looking forward to off the new album to play for your fans?
Kevin: God, I wish we could play them all, we all so proud of this record and hopefully it becomes as popular as the debut so we can play them all!
Music Junkie Press: The exciting thing has been to see a whole new generation become new fans of Candlebox with the new music. Even more so, it has brought a resurgence of them picking the full Candlebox discography. Have you had a chance to meet some of the new fans at these shows?
Kevin: Several, it’s been so refreshing to meet them all and hear their stories about their parents playing us to them in the car on the way to school etc. It’s a great feeling to know we’ve reached so many amazing people over these 25 years!
Music Junkie Press: The tour continues on into May, what is next after this tour for Candlebox?
Kevin: Hopefully Europe, Japan, Australia and South America, fingers crossed!
Music Junkie Press: With the music scene undergoing such dramatic changes in the past 20 years, what is something that you would most like to see change?
Kevin: A shit ton less of the safe rock and a shit ton more danger. The world needs another Clash, Ramones, Aerosmith, Nirvana etc. I wish bands would stop trying to write HIT songs and just write GREAT songs.
Music Junkie Press: Lastly, is there anything else you would like to share with our audience and your fans?
Kevin: Thanks so much for allowing us to do what we love, we wouldn’t be here without you ALL.
* * * * * * *
Make sure you have your copy of Disappearing In Airports by heading over to iTunes here or Amazon here. Need more Candlebox, check out our photos by our Rockin Ryan of their show in SF:
Make sure to check out their video for their track Vexatious. Kevin Martin explains about the song,
“‘Vexatious’ is about the social networking-obsessed, unlimited bragging rights society we live in, where people come off as entitled yet so insecure. Whether it’s a pop star feuding senselessly with another pop star, or people who can’t help but to take 50 different selfies in under a minute missing everything that’s happening around them, it’s a sad commentary on life that we can’t escape. Dating apps, bitching apps, secret sharing apps, apps, apps, apps-they all operate outside of any real or authentic human connection. It’s disconnect everywhere and it’s destroying us. No one cares what anyone else thinks or feels. It’s all ‘me, me, me’ and, if you ask me, it’s fucking sad.”
6/12 – South Bend, IN @ St. Joseph County Fairgrounds
~ Marisol
Leave a Reply