If you’ve gotten your copy of the latest work by this band, you already know that Fueled By Ignorance are a force to be reckoned with. I finally found the time to ask the band about a few things, and got my response from vocalist Simon Springer. He replied promptly, with well thought out answers. UnEarthed. com even discovered that Simon’s a damn good typist in the process – no copyediting necessary here! Have a look at this interview that I emailed to the very cool Simon Springer of Fueled By Ignorance…
What have been the biggest changes for the band over the last year or so?
Probably just really coming into our own and finding our own sound. With “Widow” we really just wanted to do our own thing, and we tried to distance ourselves from what other bands in this genre were doing. I think the originality shines through on this album, a lot more so than our first album “Tears”. I think that it has a lot to do with just being together as a band for a very long time, and having the group cohesion and enough faith in each other to really drive this band to the next level.
How long (studio hours) did it take to record this new cd?
We actually didn’t have very much time to record it at all. I think in total we had about 30 hours, and that includes both tracking and mixing. It would be nice to be able to spend a lot more time in the studio but unfortunately it is just so expensive and that’s all we could afford at that time. I think the album turned out really really well for how much time we had though.
Where does everyone live? Where’s home base?
We all live in Prince George, British Columbia. Which is about half way up to Alaska on the west coast of Canada.
Were vocals your first choice when you decided you wanted to play? Was it difficult for you to learn?
Yeah that was my only choice because I couldn’t play any instruments and I really wanted to be in a band, so I had no other options! ha ha. I think everyone has some ability to sing, but it is difficult sometimes when we are playing live and jumping around to be able hit the right notes and get the right pitch. I’m still learning new things all the time, and I’m not even close to where I want to be as a vocalist, but the more we play the more I improve so with any hope I’ll get to where I want to be someday. I’ve never taken any kind of voice instruction, and that is something I would really like to do if I could find the time.
What is your favorite track to play live out of all of your songs?
Probably “Told You Twice” because it’s got lots of great groove parts where all four of us can just go off. The song is really explosive and it all comes to the forefront when we play it live.
How do you combat nervousness before going on-stage?
I don’t really ever get nervous right before we go on-stage because I try not to think about it. I really just clear my mind and go blank. It’s almost like I become a different person or something because I usually can’t remember much of the show after either. I do get a bit nervous earlier in the day of a show or the night before, but I have a lot of confidence in my band members so I never really worry to much at all.
What’s in your pockets right now?
Six thousand dollars and a big gold money clip! ha ha. Yeah right!
Do the members of the band hang out other than being in the band? Who else do you hang out with? Anyone we might know?
Yeah we all hang out and try to piss each other off. We all know how to push each others buttons really well, so we spend a lot of time doing that! ha ha. But were all good friends and usually if someone starts pouting they get out of it pretty quick. We live way up north in Canada so I doubt you would know any of the people we hang out with.
How do you spend your down time on the road?
Sleeping, reading, eating, listening to music and fighting! ha ha.
What’s the best way for a girl to get your phone number?
Buy me a nice dinner, tell me I’m beautiful, and take me to a sappy movie. I love to be romanced! ha ha… Are you puking yet?
Who would you like to meet that you haven’t?
Iron Maiden… They just played in Vancouver and I missed it. I’m so bummed out about that, but if I ever have the chance to meet those dudes that would kick ass! Maiden rules!
Name 3 important people you would like to perform for.
Tipper Gore, Queen Elizabeth II, and Ozzy Osbourne. I think Tipper and the Queen would really like Fueled By Ignorance! ha ha. But Yeah I would want them all at the same show so Ozzy could mingle with these two fine ladies! ha ha.
What was the last dream you had about?
I was in Sydney at the Olympics and I was wrestling this giant Panda Bear, you know the one from the video game Tekken 3? That’s the one… I guess because I was playing that game before I went to sleep. Anyway it bit me on the leg, and then turned into one of my old high school teachers who looks just like a Panda! ha ha. Sounds stupid I know, but I really didn’t like this teacher very much, and that inspired me to win the match and take home the gold medal! I know I deserve a pat on the back! ha ha.
How do you get past conflicts with band members?
Well they’re all gonna hate me for saying this but I think they’ll agree because they know exactly how I am. Anyway there is one rule to always follow… Simon is always right, so don’t even bother arguing about it! ha ha.
First record you ever bought?
Never bought a record in my life, but the first tape I bought was “Ratt – Out Of The Cellar”, and the first CD I bought was “Metallica – And Justice For All”.
Who wears the pants in your relationship?
Me unless I’m sleeping, then I just wear boxers.
Is anyone in the band into comics? What about video games? (Game? High score?)
Yeah we all love video games. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is the best Playstation game ever made, and although Adrian (our guitar player) thinks he’s the best at it, I’ve proven myself to be the Tony Hawk God!
Do you still have a day job?
No, when we’re not touring I go to University. I’m a third year History major, so between school and the band I don’t really have time to work… which is OK by me!
If one person has helped or inspired you the most in your career as a musician, who would it be?
That’s a hard question because there are so many great musicians out there. I’d probably say Max Cavalera from Soulfly though. The first concert I ever went to was a Sepultura concert way back when Max was still in the band. I just worshiped them growing up, and that was like a dream come true getting to see them live. It was amazing and Max even gave we a guitar pick because I was in the front row going crazy the whole time! Anyway I just really admire his strengths a person and his vision as an artist, and I think him more than anyone really made me want to become a singer in a band.
Thanks again!
Thanks Lesa, we really appreciate your support. Keep up the great work with UnEarthed!
