Four Year Strong: On the Taste of Chaos Tour
Suite101 Catches Up with the Band in This Exclusive Interview
Feb 26, 2009
Four Year Strong have been touring virtually non-stop since the release of 2007's "Rise Or Die Trying," a forceful blend of guitar strings, soaring choruses, and stage sweat. The band has built a dedicated fan base flowing outward from their roots in Worcester, MA playing shows along side Thursday, The Starting Line, Set Your Goals, among many others. Suite101 caught up with the band before their show in Cincinnati, OH at "Bogart's" on the Taste of Chaos tour and spoke with keyboardist Josh Lyford.
"The tour is kicking ass, " laughs Josh phoning in from the band's tour bus. Other voices (other guys from the band) shout their agreement among other choice phrases, all in fun, which is greeted by a large amount of cackling. The guys definitely don't take themselves too seriously and it's only served to endear themselves to a generation bored with rockstar pomp and preening.
The Effect of the Economy and a New Album
When asked if he's noticing less kid's coming out to the shows (due to the economic crisis facing the United States) Josh does not seem fazed. "I think it's an even mix, "he says, "We've done some off date shows from Taste of Chaos and there's a down side from [the larger shows] but it's good all in all." They would know, the band has barely had a day off since the release of "Rise or Die trying" in January of 2007. With a touring schedule so hectic it's a wonder they've had a moment to think about their next album.
"Oh yeah we've been writing. We're hoping to get in the studio after the tour is over...for an '09 release," Josh quickly adds with a bit of a chuckle, "No promises, but that is the goal." The record would be highly anticipated and an important one for Four Year Strong who would look to build on their current offerings peak spot of #33 On Billboard's Heatseekers Chart.
Causes, Beard Growth, and Being a Rockstar
Josh is a vegetarian and recently gave some of his time to do an interview for PETA. The band also has a an unreleased track on the "Take Action! compilation," which benefits Do Something, an organization seeking to inspire young people to volunteer and join causes they're passionate about.
"It wasn't a conscious thing...we know some guys in PETA and thought it would be a good thing for the kids...to inform them. We have [crap] hearts but they're wrapped in gold." Josh finishes his sentence to more voices in the background, the peanut gallery adding their own laughter and versions of the story.
And who has the best beard?
"Dan (guitar, vocals) hand's down. I won't even front. He's got that thick, bushy thing going. It was funny cause when I joined the band I already had a beard and we just combined our powers."
It is perhaps this anti-pop statement of full-on facial hair that keeps the guys rooted and not prone to other typical rockstar behavior,or just a disguise. They still don't get noticed when going to other shows or hanging out. "We're all such regular dudes that I don't think anyone would care," adds Josh in the midst of providing a small insider rumor, "Rumor is 'Reach the Sky' is getting back together. I'm excited to check that out...when we're home"
Four Year Strong will be wrapping up the Taste of Chaos Tour in late April in Canada. The show is high energy, and a lot of fun so catch the guys on the road while a passport is not a requirement to get to the venue.
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