More from AC Weekly’s interview with Shinedown’s lead singer. A member of one of hard rock’s most tireless bands, Smith talks about the vinyl re-issue of Shinedown’s last studio album, going to Iraq and the importance of Fleetwood Mac.
Smith (in friont) with Shinedown.
Tell me about the vinyl version of the deluxe re-issue of The Sound of Madness.
Yeah, the vinyl is a really cool thing we got to do very, very last minute. And the only thing was, we said that if we were gonna do a vinyl [issue] we had to make it really, really super cool and really something that — we only made 600 of them and they were gone in no time [so] I think they actually have a couple Christmas specials that we’re gonna be running in the next probably three weeks for the vinyl. We’re gonna re-issue a couple thousand for Christmas time. And, yeah, for next year everyone’s asking, “Are we gonna get a DVD?” Your actually gonna get two official DVDs next year. We filmed the last show from the Carnival of Madness tour with full on pyro and everything. It was an amazing show. I just finished the editing on it when I was in Los Angeles [before the current tour kicked off] and I just finished the audio for it. It just looks and sounds absolutely spectacular.
So what will the other DVD be?
Yeah, and then this tour that we’re doing now is the first time we’ve ever done a full-band acoustic tour. It is called “Anything & Everything.” We’re gonna be filming a DVD for it; we just need to figure out exactly which city we’re gonna film it [in] and then next year we’re gonna release two DVDs at the same time and they’re gonna be packaged together so you’re gonna get the electric show of Carnival of Madness and you’ll get the acoustic show. And like I said I don’t know exactly which city we’re gonna film it in yet, but that will be coming out late February of next year while were writing the fourth record.
Where did the idea of an acoustic tour come from?
It really came form the audience, from the fans. Just over the two-and-a-half years of touring madness. When we were on Carnival of Madness we kept getting asked, “Would you ever consider doing a full-band acoustic tour, because we do a lot of acoustic performances, but it’s normally just me, Eric and Zach. …So, the thing was, we said if we’re gonna do this tour we have to make it completely different and we have to do something that we’ve never done before. So Anything & Everything was born from this. This is the very first time that Shinedown has officially gone out on an official tour with an acoustic set with a full band.
I know you’re serious about your songwriting and you’ll be writing songs for the next record in February. Who are some of the songwriters who are your heroes or inspirations?
For me, the biggest songwriter is Chris Cornell. He is a huge influence [on me] as a songwriter. Jim Croce was a big deal to me, just lyrically. In general, I’d have to think about the ones that really stood out. That’s actually a really good question; no one’s ever asked me about the lyrical side of things.
You started writing lyrics when you were in school?
I started writing lyrics when I was 10 years old and I started writing poems and what have you. Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks was a big influence lyrically. Lindsey Buckingham, he’s a brilliant guitar player. All of Fleetwood Mac, even Christine McVie, great lyrics. I would be lying and a fool if I didn’t tell you that John Fogerty wasn’t in my Top 10 — great vocals and just great lyrics. So those are some of them.
How did it feel when you guys first hit No. 1 with “Save Me” in 2005?
That was the very first song that went No. 1 across the board on all of the alternative and the active and the mainstream charts. It was right in the middle of Christmas and it was a great Christmas present, you know? Now we have released 12 singles, all of which have all gone into the Top 5 of active rock and alternative rock, mainstream. And every single one of all five of the singles we released off Sound of Madness all went to No. 1 across the board, on every rock format. Also, “Second Chance,” which went No. 1 across the boards stayed there forever on all the charts, and even went to No. 2 on the Billboard Top 40.
You sound pretty well informed and acclimated to the music business. Do you think being as informed as you are and knowing what is actually going on in the music industry is one of the secrets to Shinedown’s success? We have a lot of labels struggling and artists struggling to communicate their messages and promote themselves, stuff like that. You’re telling me that so many songs of yours — with your label, Atlantic, supporting them — have been tearing up the charts. What do you think one of the secrets is to the success of Shinedown in today’s sluggish music industry?
Mainly the success comes from the audience. Ultimately they’re the ones that are going to decide whether you’re going to stay or go. We’ve always said we only have one boss; it just happens to be everyone in the audience. The communication we have at Atlantic Records has a huge part to play in it. We were one of the first platinum artists to sign a 360 deal. That ultimately solidified a solid and very upfront partnership between the record label and the band — announcing to the world and industry that we are 100-percent full-time partners together. A lot of people like the labels. And I’m not going to voice my opinion upon people that bash record labels, but I have always thought that our label, which is Atlantic, was founded upon many many great artists. It was founded by Ahmet Ertegun who still has a massive massive presence at Atlantic Records even though he’s passed on. There’s definitely a tradition at this record label. I’ve dreamed about being on Atlantic Records since I was 10 years old. My biggest influences [are some of the acts] Atlantic has signed.
To answer your question, I think that it’s communication and I think that we write really good songs and I think that people identify with them and, ultimately, we don’t write songs to just make money, we understand what we do and we’re very proud of it. Yes, we won a lot of exposure because we have a lot to say. We’re not ever going to be a band that’s ever satisfied. We played in front of five people before, and we’ve played in front of 500,000. For us, you have to keep outdoing what you’ve already done. You want to push yourself further than what you actually think you’re capable of doing, and prove it to yourself.
(The new deluxe CD/DVD version of The Sound of Madness)
It’s been a couple years since the last studio record.
Yeah, The Sound of Madness took 18 months. There was never any “hurry, hurry, hurry, we have to have it now.” Why do you want to rush something and turn it in and have maybe a life of three or four months on radio and then the album dies? Why did it die? Because it sucked.
You can’t rush it.
That’s not the way we are. We don’t make records fast.
Let me ask you about Iraq where Shinedown has played for the troops. What’s one of your memories from that experience that will stick with you forever?
I was in [a small town in Iraq] talking to a gentle man. We just happened to be chatting one day; we had a lot in common and we were talking for a good hour and a half. He had mentioned that he had a three-year-old daughter — and I have a soon-to-be little three-year-old boy; you have to remember this was a while ago and I didn’t have a son at that point — and I was like, “Dude, that’s awesome. I bet she’s the light of your life.” And he was like, “Well she is, there’s only one thing. I have a three-year-old daughter I’ve never even physically seen because I’ve been here [as a soldier in Iraq] for three years.” I remember these men and women who haven’t been back home to see their families in forever. There’s not a selfish bone in any of these individuals’ bodies. They’re there because they want to protect us and keep us safe. They’re there because they want to be there, and ultimately they have a job to do. We’re not a political band, we’re never going to be a political band, but one thing that we are is very upfront about and supportive of the soldiers and what they do for us. No disrespect to the rest of the world; the thing is that these are our soldiers. This is our family.
They’re sacrificing a lot for us.
You have to support them, and you shouldn’t have to, you should want to. That’s ultimately the way we are. We’re always going to support them because they keep us safe. They’ve allowed us to keep our freedom.
Coming back to Atlantic City, this will be your third appearance in Atlantic City this year, could that be right?
Yeah, we just can’t get away from the casinos. They make really, really, really, really stout Kettle One drinks, too. Those are always really nice.
The kind of relentless touring that Smith describes — “We’ve played the House of Blues at least 15 times,” he says — is what it takes for many a young band to make it in the music biz these days.
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1. Jim said... on Nov 18, 2010 at 09:41AM
“Fraud.
Brent lipsyncs. Lipsanc half the concert everynight of the the Carnival tour...including his stupid DVD.
Fake ass sellout.”
2. Valerie said... on Nov 18, 2010 at 12:24PM
“Jim, you are wrong. Brent has never lipsynced and will never lipsync. And he's neither a fraud nor fake nor a sellout. He has worked hard for his and his band's success and deserves every bit of it. He's also one of the most genuine and amazing people in this world. Period.
I, as a huge fan of Shinedown, can't wait to get the CD/DVD and for the DVD(s) to be released. This is a great interview, by the way. Thanks, Jeff Schwachter, good job.”
3. Anonymous said... on Nov 18, 2010 at 05:55PM
“who is the new guitar player? Is he in another band? no pics of him or the drummer???
Do you think you will continue the acoustic tour to other states? It's really awesome, I must say!”
4. perri :) said... on Nov 18, 2010 at 07:08PM
“Omg I absolutely LOVE Shinedown! By far the best band on the planet! Brent is such an inspiration and it truely an amazing man. And hell no he does not lipsync!”
5. Taylor said... on Nov 18, 2010 at 07:27PM
“I saw Brent lip-sync a lot on the COM tour. He's no better than Britney Spears.
He's a self-righteous punk just like his little replacement guitarist who thinks he owns the band.”
6. Heidi said... on Nov 18, 2010 at 07:44PM
“I am a recent fan of Shinedown. My daughter got the Madness CD for Christmas last year, and well, I haven't stopped listening and following them since. I love them and am going to see them for the 3rd time next week for the Anything and Everything tour. Great interview!”
7. lynn said... on Nov 18, 2010 at 08:34PM
“I can't believe some people think Brent lip-sync's. Don't these guys know what an amazing voice Brent has? I think Taylor and Jim are just jealous!”
8. Gary said... on Nov 18, 2010 at 10:25PM
“Best Band since Queen. Great guys, great live. Lip Sync? Not a chance.The man has pipes like no other!!!!!!!!!!!!”
9. Bonnie said... on Nov 18, 2010 at 11:17PM
“I know Brent not Lipsanc have been really close to the stage .to see thst he is not lipsancing .”
10. kathi said... on Nov 19, 2010 at 08:16AM
“omg dont you people have anything to do than just be haters? this band puts everything they have into each show they do, and more and if you have ever been lucky enough to be in one of thier meet and greets you would know how genuine and kind they are, they are a very special group of guys that love what they do and apprecaiate thier audiences”
11. BWittsy said... on Nov 19, 2010 at 03:16PM
“Jim, you are definitely wrong. I've been to two shows this year. They are definitely NOT lipsynced!! You have no idea what you are talking about. Shinedown is great live!! They are also wicked nice guys in person. I met them. Very nice.”
12. Nora said... on Nov 19, 2010 at 04:18PM
“they just mad because they dont sing as good as him =] best why to put it”
13. Asa Gaston said... on Nov 19, 2010 at 08:12PM
“I've been to 5 Shinedown concerts, all of which took place at different types of venues (Amphitheatre, Ballroom, State Fair, Arena and a Pavillion). You could see Brent spitting in the mic and his lunges flexed like none other and you could hear this guys soul... He does NOT lipsync! Shinedown hasn't sold out to anyone but where they are at, everyone works for them! Why must there be so many arrogant people in this world? :P they are some cool dudes as well, I met em in Texas this last September where at their merc stand the first 200 cds sold could be autographed at the end of the show where you could meet the band as well... As big as they are, does that get any better?!”
14. Rhonda said... on Nov 19, 2010 at 10:47PM
“For those who think Brent lipsyncs, I've seen Shinedown over a dozen times, including the COM tour. I've been on the front row for most of those concerts and I've never ever seen Brent lipsync. If ya'll think so little of Brent and the band, why are you wasting your time reading articles about Shinedown? Just to post your obviously flawed opinion? Do something more useful with your time and stop wasting ours.”
15. Lynda said... on Nov 20, 2010 at 12:18PM
“OMG freaks... Brent does NOT lip sync! I have seen this band 5 time...3 this year.. listen to his voice he hits notes different live than he does on the album..and yeah I have been right up front too. get a clue! They kick ass each show and give their all! Seriously if thats what u think get off their website.. They Rock and they appreciate their true fans too much to pull a britney!”
16. Anonymous said... on Nov 20, 2010 at 12:53PM
“Shinedown does not lip sync. Brent would never in a million years lip sync. Guys get your facts straight really they are great musicians. Don't be jealous just because you cant be that good.”
17. Anonymous said... on Nov 20, 2010 at 02:55PM
“I am in my 50's and for those of you that think someone could stand on stage and literally testify as to where these lyrics came from and sing with a voice such as Brents, you need to grow up, get over the fact that they are for real, are gifted and nothing fake about any of them. Even the new guitar player is quite awesome. This acoustic tour is truly a CLASS ACT!
great interview, by the way!!!”
18. Kristen Michelle said... on Nov 21, 2010 at 03:35PM
“Brent 100% does not lipsync. The guys are all real and sweet and pour their hearts into every performance and care about every one of their fans. I have met them twice, been to 4 shows, and love them all! Anyone who thinks Zach "thinks he owns the band" is wrong. He's amazingly sweet and even asked me to message him after a flight because he hates flying. So stop hating and realize that there's some real talent from some amazing guys. ♥”
19. Anonymous said... on Nov 22, 2010 at 12:17AM
“To the dumbass who wants to kno who the new guy is...
1.) He's not new
2.) His name is Zach Myers
3.) He's been playing off and on with them for years until being made a permanent member,
4.) He's an accomplised guitarist who had his own band as a teenager named after him because he's that damn good.
5.) He still plays with his other band "the Fairwell" oh he can sing to!”
20. _Daphne_ said... on Nov 25, 2010 at 10:29AM
“Brent actually has an AMAZING voice,besides this guy is definately not the type to be lipsyncing,he has a gift and uses it well.”
21. Sarah6 said... on Nov 26, 2010 at 01:54PM
“I love you Brent!! We know you don't f-ing lip sync.”
22. eliteaxes said... on Nov 26, 2010 at 03:57PM
“Great interview with one of the hardest working bands in the industry. The hard work has paid off with huge success. I can't wait to hear the next album. I have been to 16 shows and Brent can sing his ass off and as for the guitar player who was signed when he was 15. He is an incredible talent as well. Eric and Barry you guy's kick ass too.”
23. Anonymous said... on Dec 5, 2010 at 04:27AM
“As a fan of Shinedown for more than ten years, I have been to over 12 Shinedown shows and assure you that Brent has never lipsynced? one time. As a fellow musician, it is quite easy for me to tell if he is actually singing or not. Lastly, for those still non believers, go to youtube and type in "Shinedown in my living room and decide for yourself." His vocals are absolutely amazing!”
24. Anonymous said... on Jan 23, 2011 at 11:52PM
“Anyone who truly believes Brent doesn't lip-sync is just plain fucking dumb. Of course when you have teenie-bopper fans who refuse to face the truth, it becomes more difficult to get through to them. If you want the best available example of Brent blatantly lip-syncing to a track played from the album, go watch their live performance of "Second Chance" on Jay Leno. Mysteriously, it sounds absolutely 100% identical to what's on the album. Then, go watch their other live performances of the song: Most sound completely "off."
Most of the time, Brent either sings the easier parts of songs, then lip-syncs the chorus to those with high notes (see: "I Dare You") or he changes it up and sings differently compared to the album so that he can safely navigate around those frightening high notes and perform the way he wants to rather than attempting something he knows he can't legitimately do.”
25. Anonymous said... on Dec 9, 2011 at 05:15PM
“brent smith does NOT lipsync. have you ever seen the brent smith in my house videos? any fucking musician would back me up. and the pitch changing? thats to keep you intrested, to mix things up a bit if you will. as a singer and a guitar player, it is a good idea to mix things up and sometimes even go off the albums pitch... like the other guy said you can tell if he lip syncs. now good day sir!”
26. Greg said... on Jan 12, 2012 at 03:49PM
“I saw Shinedown on the COM tour also. I am huge fan of their work. But let me tell you. He lip synched almost every single chorus that night. He sang the verses though.. but they sounded really bad and then all of a sudden miraculously the chorus would be spot on with the album... LIP SYNC!”
27. Anonymous said... on Jan 28, 2012 at 01:21PM
“I just watched a live show from Washington on Palladia. If you don't believe he's using a lead backing track using his own studio recordings on certain choruses you need to apply a bit of critical thinking. On songs like Fly from the Inside and Save Me he has the natural flubs that come with any live performance. He hangs back on some notes and cuts some short. Every single live rock singer does this. These two songs are ridiculously easier in range and vocal support than songs such as Second Chance and I Dare You. Yet the choruses of the latter were crystal clear and absolutely perfect with the album.
I'm not trying to be a hater or anything I have plenty of respect for Shinedown. I'm not really into newer rock these days it's all over processed and sounds the same to me (Theory of a Deadman/Seether/Shinesdown etc.). Anyway I've been a singer for 27 years, I don't blame him those are some impossibly tough songs to reproduce live, he does have one of the best voices in rock.”