Interview With Freddy Herrera of The Exies
Posted: 10 March 2007
Contributed By: Nick
 |
The
Exies are: Scott Stevens (Vocals) Freddy Herrera (Bass) Chris Skane (Guitar) Hoss Wright (Drums) |
TuneLab Music: Your new album
'Modern Way of Living With the Truth'
will be released next month. What's going
to set this record apart from your previous
releases?
Freddy Herrera: We'll, besides two
members leaving, I think this is the most
cohesive, focused set of songs we've ever
had. This CD is really Scott's vision, not
to say that Chris and I didn't contribute,
but Scott really went to a new place as a
writer and vocalist and I think that it really
shows in the finished product.
TL: What was it that prompted The Exies
to sign with indie label Eleven Seven Music
and how has it been working with them?
FH: It was mostly because Virgin didn't
pick up our option! No, seriously, we had
run our course there. I was really hoping
that they wouldn't because I didn't feel like
they really wanted us anyway, so why not make
a change? Working with Eleven Seven has been
a great breath of fresh air! Everyone there
has a real sense of what we're working towards
and for.
TL: How has bringing back original guitarist
Chris Skane affected the band's approach to
songwriting?
FH: A lot and a litttle. Chris is great
to write with because of his sense of melody
is really different. David is a great guitarist
and writer as is Chris, but he's perfect for
what we needed on this CD and as a band.
TL: Scott Stevens has been quoted as saying
the band's intention was to write heavier
and faster songs for 'Head to the Door'. Should
we expect more of the same from 'Modern
Way of Living With the Truth'?
FH: Yes and no. The songs are heavy
but we also have some really great mid-tempo
and ballads as well. H.F.T.D. was born mostly
from our touring on "Inertia", not to say
the new CD wasn't inspired by that too but
it also came from the experiences of trying
to keep the band together through all the
changes.
TL: The Exies hit it big with two different
singles, "My Goddess" in 2003 and "Ugly" in
2005. Which of the new tracks does the band
feel will take them to the next level?
FH: My favorites are "Different Than
You", "These Are The Days", "This Is The Sound",
"Stray" and our cover of "Once in a Lifetime"
TL: Let's say The Exies sold-out and started
to play Top 40 radio pop along the lines of
JoJo and Beyonce. What would be your group's
new name and who would you want to tour with?
FH: We could call it "N' da Money"!
And we could tour with whoever we want.
TL: The Exies' former label Virgin Records
has signed a slew of new rock acts since the
band's departure, and several have made large
splashes on the charts (30 Seconds to Mars,
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus). Even after the band
sold a solid number of records, do you guys
feel somewhat slighted by your former label?
FH: Not really. It wasn't meant to
be and we're happy where we're at.
TL: The summer of 2005 saw The Exies touring
alongside legends Motley Crue on a major arena
tour. What was the experience like playing
those shows?
FH: Amazing! There was a great vibe
from everyone, including the crews, so that
made it great. It was a really a great learning
experience trying to connect with such a huge
audience.
TL: How did the band decide upon covering
the Talking Heads' tune "Once In a Lifetime"
and were there any other songs the band considered
covering?
FH: That was all Scott. We actually
rehearsed the song for the last tour but it
never really got off the ground, so we shelved
it. It wasn't until he reworked into the way
it is now that he brought it back that we
knew it would work. No, we never considered
any other songs.
TL: The new album was produced by James
Michael. How has he helped you guys capture
the sound you wanted for the new record?
FH: James is an AMAZING producer! Not
to mention an excellent musician/songwriter
which was great for us to bounce around ideas
off of. As a producer, he has a great way
of working you really hard to get the right
performance but making it feel like fun at
the same time... not an easy thing to do.
TL: If a genie granted The Exies three
wishes, what would they be?
FH: World peace, stopping global warming
and more wishes! HA!
TL: What does 2007 hold in store for The
Exies and when can we expect to see you guys
back on the road?
FH: Global domination and hitting the
road with Smile Empty Soul beginning in mid-March
but we'll be out for the rest of the year.....
TL: That about does it. Any final comments
or self-promotion you guys would like to add?
FH: The CD comes out on April 10th!
Go out and get it!!!!!