Adam Gontier Talks Saint Asonia’s Debut Album, His ‘Best Vocal Performance’ to Date + More
Adam Gontier was a recent guest on Loudwire Nights. Full Metal Jackie caught up with the Saint Asonia frontman to talk about the group’s debut album, how the band has changed him as a singer and a lot more. Check out the interview below.
While making the album, were you conscious about limiting any similarities to Three Days Grace and Staind that might naturally bleed in?
No, I don't think so. When we were making this record, we definitely weren't really conscious about any of that stuff. There's definitely some, obviously just because the way that Mike [Mushok] and I write. There are elements of our old projects in there, but it wasn't something that we were really focused on. Mike had a bunch of music and I brought a bunch of lyrics and melodies to the table. It just all happened pretty naturally, there was no real conscious effort to sound like anything or not sound like anything.
What was the moment that kind of solidified in your mind, the potential of this group of musicians playing together?
Rich [Beddoe], our drummer had always been a part of any project that I was working on when I left my old band. When we got into the studio to record this record, it was a given that Rich was a part of the project. Corey [Lowery] didn't join the band until the record was done. I had my uncle play some bass on the record. There was definitely some [moments], when Mike and I finished our first three-song demo, then got into the studio and decided to record a good chunk of songs. At that point, the only real option was "let's put this band together, let's hit the road, make a record and see how it goes."
How is the eagerness that comes with starting a band different when you've already been in another successful band?
Well, actually it's not a whole heck of a lot different really. It's still pretty exciting, and like you said, it's a new band. We're just really excited to get back out on the road and play live shows. That's why we're all in this business, we love doing it. The anticipation of getting on the road and all that stuff is the same as it was 10 years ago. It's something that we're really excited and stoked about.
How has Saint Asonia changed you as a singer?
When Mike and I got to writing these songs, he brought a lot of great stuff to the table, a lot of great music. I think working with Mike has definitely raised the bar for me, musicality wise and as a musician. I'd like to think that I am always progressing and evolving as a singer and I really believe that this Saint Asonia record is my best vocal performance of any record that I've ever put out. I am really proud of it.
Saint Asonia's first headlining tour is coming up. What are you most looking forward to about taking this band on the road?
The crowd reaction and response is going to be the one thing. So far the reaction has been amazing. People love the band and are really involved. I'm just looking forward to getting into these clubs, playing the shows and just being in that intimate setting again. The live club where everyone is just right there in your face. It just makes for a great tour. There's a lot of clubs, a few festivals and I'm just looking forward to every part of it, really.
Many thanks to Adam Gontier for the interview. Saint Asonia will release their self-titled debut album on July 31 via RCA Records, with pre-orders available here. Tune in to Loudwire Nights With Full Metal Jackie and Tony LaBrie Monday through Friday at 7PM through midnight online or on the radio. To see which stations and websites air ‘Loudwire Nights,’ click here.