Page 10 - ISSUE 20

PAGE 10 ROCKNATION ISSUE 20

Taz: On “Tapped” I tried to keep the epic type song writing play and write, and I
the band is known for and add some edge, new loved a lot of those
dynamics, and a narrower focus that they hadn’t experienced bands.
yet. “Tapped” has great songs that Drought fans are Taz: Austin is
expecting from the band, but there’s a few surprises for saturated with either
them as well. indi, eclectic, and
ROCKNATION: Your debut release “Untapped” received cover bands. As far
the album of the year inClassic Rock/AOR Magazine as new and upcom-
followed up by rave reviews in Fireworks, Uber Rock, ing original rock
and RockNation Magazine. That is veryhard to do now bands coming out
days with so many bands out there. Did having the of Austin, the city
publicist TSM promotionsin the U.K. on board really make doesn’t have much to
the difference in getting your music heard by the press offer. Austin is known
and radio? as the live music
Shannon: Yeah, that was a first for us. The album was well capital of the world
received. We didn’t really know what to expect with the first which still could be
album…obviously, we had high hopes…hell, I think every true, you just don’t
band does. We were fortunate enough to get with the right know what you’re
individuals…the song quality, the direction down the right going to get when
path. A lot of bands don’t get that chance…to be able to work you walk into a venue
with the right people and to get it out there. these days, it seems
Mike: The first review we got wasn’t that great. They made to be a crap shoot
a point to say that the tempo of some of the songs were the on whoever’s willing
same. We actually took that to heart on this album. I must to work for tips that
say though that it was really cool to receive the album of the night.
year accolade. I had absolutely no idea. I got the message to ROCKNATION: What is some of the music you listen to
take a look at the mag for the newest issue and there I was… now?
my face taken from a still shot from the Born of Stone video. Mike: I’ve been listening to the new Sick Puppies
After that was published, we saw a huge uptick in the views album. Hell, we almost had a song put on by one of the
for that video…very awesome. songwriters for that album. It’s a long story, but we had it
Taz: Nicky at TSM really gave the band the exposure recorded and ready to go. Sometimes those things just
overseas that they needed. It really boosted sales, don’t work out. I’ve been listening to a lot of old Fates
solidified “Untapped’s” creditability as one of the best Warning here lately, and the new Arch Matheos.
releases in 2011, and gave drought a great introduction to Shannon: I’ve been jamming to some Seether. I pulled out
the global scene. some Shinedown and Stone Sour…all the S’s. Foo Fighters,
ROCKNATION: You live in Austin, Texas. What is the music too.
scene like there? ROCKNATION: What plans do you have for 2013?
Shannon: It sucks. The music scene is geared for the Shannon: We are going to be working on a couple of videos
college listeners now…very indie. There’s still a big blues real quick…really pushing the album on social media. We
scene there…very Stevie Ray Vaughn influenced. Hard rock really go all out on the videos. We did on the last album and
in Austin these days seems to be a dying breed…it’s just not this one will be no exception.
supported any longer. Taz: The next step is supporting the album by getting out
ROCKNATION: Your band has been described as hard rock. and playing shows. We’re currently looking into possible
Please name bands or artist that influenced you. tours for 2014.
Shannon: Growing up, I’ve listened to all kinds of music and ROCKNATION:
artists. With that be- Thank you for taking time for this interview and last words
ing said, some of the to the fans?
artists that have influ- Mike: Yes, please buy the album. You will not be
enced me is Jim Croce disappointed. If you liked the first album, you are going to
and his song writing. love the second. Also, I wanted to say thanks a million for
The Beatles…in fact, all the support. I’ve always hated the word fans. There’s got
if you listen to Back to to be a better word that doesn’t sound so pretentious. If
Me on the album, the you support us and listen to our music and come out to the
bridge is such a Beat- shows, you are a friend of mine…I will buy you a beer.
les influence. Other Taz: Keep up with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/
artists that kind of grew droughtrocks and Twitter: http://twitter.com/DroughtRocks.
on me is the old Nick- We are going to be putting updates on where we are going
elback…I don’t know to be at and when we are going to release the first video. I
if I should say that… believe we’ve slated Monster to be the first video release.
Theory of a Deadman, We are working with Jeff Adair again, and he’s got a treat-
Mother Love Bone. ment already written.
Mike: Shannon and I Shannon: I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has
are brothers, so he just supported the 1st album, and I promise you that you won’t
took a lot of the things I be disappointed in the 2nd album, Tapped. We’ve reached
was going to say. I can down deep and wanted to bring more to the table for every-
say that I really cut my one to rock out and connect with. With that being said grab
teeth in the 90’s. It’s a beer, turn on the stereo, put in the cd,and turn up the
when I really started to volume!! Post on our page and let us know what ya think.