Rock Kills Kid
I recently had the chance to catch up with Sean Stopnik, guitarist in the band Rock Kills Kid. The band just finished playing a New Year's Eve gig in San Francisco, and now prepares to go into the studio to work on their sophomore album, tentatively due for an August 2007 release.
Asif: You guys have been on a few tours this year. You opened up for Yellowcard, then Head Automatica, then for about a month you guys were part of the MTV $2 Bill tour with your friends from 30 Seconds To Mars. Which tour did you guys have the most fun on and find the most successful as far as getting more recognition?
Sean: This year has been amazing for us... we toured for the last 11 months straight, with so many different bands, and made so many amazing friendships! We have fun on every tour... that is the great thing about this band. We love to just get out there, play shows, and have a great time! All of the tours we did this year were great! The MTV $2 Bill Tour was amazing! 30 Secs has become huge, and it was such an awesome experience to be a part of it every night. It also doesn't hurt when every show is sold out and there is a line down the street to get it!
Asif: I had the privilege to see you guys on all three of those tours, and it just seemed from one tour to the next, you guys got more comfortable on stage. It almost seemed at first you guys were just playing on stage, but now it seems like you guys are performing and entertaining on stage. Was that something that was consciously worked on, or was that just evolution of the band?
Sean:
That sort of thing just comes from doing it night after night. We strive to be the best band that we can be… every night! We don't want to ever put on a ½ ass show... we try to make every show better then the night before, and if its not, then we do every thing we can to fix it. We just like to make every show a party… we want to have the most fun we can on stage, and hope that translates to the fans.
Asif: What is the most difficult song to play live? And why...is it an emotional thing or because of the technical aspect of the song?
Sean: I wouldn't say any of our songs are technically hard to play. We definitely aren't a technical band… we play rock songs. We like to keep things simple, makes things easier when you've had a few drinks!
Asif: "Paralyzed" was a big hit, even receiving airplay on TV programs. "Hide Away" was a success as well (which, for the record, is not just my favorite song on the album, but just one of my favorite songs period). Then you guys had "Hope Song" make the John Tucker Must Die movie soundtrack. Additionally, there was an iTunes exclusive acoustic EP and a track on The O.C. Mix 6 soundtrack for the long running hit show The O.C.. If you take a step back and reflect on all of that and compare it to when you guys were completely unknown…what's it feel like for you now knowing where you guys are as a group?
Sean: All of the success we have had has been amazing. It's been a whirlwind of emotions. But to be honest… all of that stuff doesn't mean as much to us as a band, then as being on tour and playing great shows. To us, that's the true satisfaction! Getting radio and tv play and all that is amazing… but nothing compares to getting on stage and playing in front of 3000 people and having the time of your life with your best friends!
Asif: Back to the movie soundtrack and The O.C. album for a moment. Were those albums that you guys tried to get on, or is that mostly the record label's doing, saying something like "hey guys, so and so wants you on this soundtrack" or "Hey guys, we want you to be on this album"?
Sean: Ya, that stuff never has anything to do with us… those are just opportunities that come our way. We have been so lucky with some of the radio success that we have had, that that has opened a lot of other doors for us. We just try to do what we do, and have fun along the way.
Asif: When you are not on the road, what do you like to do for fun? What is a typical day or night out for you?
Sean: W e all live in totally different areas, so when we are not on the road, we just spend time with loved ones, family, etc. I find just sitting around and watching TV to be the most fun when off tour... since its something I don't get to do while on tour. I love just to do nothing!
Asif: I know the plans now are to focus all the attention on making the second album. Compared to the process for the first album, what is going to be different – if anything – in the recording process for the next album?
Sean: With the last record, things were very different. The band only consisted of Jeff, Shawn, and myself. So when we were working on the record, it was really a full band experience. Jeff did the bulk of all the writing. He had a lot of material from the previous 2 years, and we just sort of weeded through it all and narrowed it down to the album tracks. With this new record, we are finally a band. Reed came along right after the last record was recorded, and Mike has been with us for a while now… we now are finally a solid lineup going into this record. We also will be lucky enough to have more pre-production time for this record…which will be great!
Asif: Have you noticed any general concepts or themes in any of the new songs you guys have been working on yet? I know as a whole the first album had an underlying theme or identity. Do all of the new songs share some kind of similar identity?
Sean: Well the new record is still in its infancy. There is no theme yet! We have stuff that's all over the place right now! We are very open to all of it, and don't want to limit ourselves in any possible way. Its just to early to say how things will turn out, but I will say that it will be our strongest effort. We all are pouring 100% of our hearts into this record, and want to make the best possible record we can! After that, back on the road to do what we love… tour, tour, tour!
Asif: Thanks for all your time. Next time we meet up, red headed sluts for everyone!
Sean: Sounds perfect!
