Carolina Rebellion 2017: Exclusive Three Days Grace Interview + Photos
Before Three Days Grace hit the studio to record the follow-up to 2015's Human, they are playing some U.S. festivals and then heading to eastern Europe for some dates in June and July. One of the festivals they played is Carolina Rebellion, and that's where we caught the band this past weekend.
With a setlist limited to seven songs and having more than twice that number of top 10 singles, the band couldn't play them all, but the ones they did play the fans loved. Kicking off with "Human Race," Three Days Grace played both older songs ("I Hate Everything About You") and newer ones like "Painkiller." The set-closing "Riot" ended the show on a high note. Check out photos of their set above.
While at Carolina Rebellion, Loudwire caught up with 3DG vocalist Matt Walst for the lowdown on a new album and other topics. Read the interview below:
What's the status of your next album?
We have all the songs done. We go into the studio at the end of July, into August.
Who's producing?
Same producer as Human and the first Three Days Grace record. His name's Gavin Brown. He's been a friend of the band and kind of the fifth member forever.
Do you think you're going to be lot more comfortable in the studio this time around, being album No. 2 for you?
I think so. Vocally, I've had a lot of practice since the last album. I feel way more comfortable on stage and in the studio. Being with Gavin man, it just feels right.
U.S. festivals like Carolina Rebellion have become increasingly popular over the past few years. Why do you think that is?
I just think that it's a big party. People hear about it. I'm from Canada. Toronto, Canada. I was talking to a dude that goes to Rock on the Range every year. He works at a garage in my hometown Norwood. He goes up because it's such a great party, and they pack the bill with great bands.
How would you compare U.S. festivals to European ones?
It's a little similar. I wouldn't say there's much of a difference really. They're pretty crazy too, in the mosh pits. It's pretty nuts over there.
When you're doing songs live, how do you approach singing the ones that you weren't on originally?
I just try to do the best I can, and I put my own spin on it. I'm my own person, I've got my own voice. Everybody has their own voice. Just try to sing them as best as I can.
The band has had more than 15 Top 10 singles, and more than a dozen number ones. How do you put together a set list?
It is hard sometimes. They've all got to be number ones, especially in these 40 minute sets. The thing is, we have so many songs that people know, and when we come on, everybody's singing, everybody's loving it, and everybody knows every word to every song. It makes my job a lot easier, too.
There's been a bunch of cover versions of Three Days Grace songs. Do you have a favorite that you've heard?
There was this Argentinian girl that sang “Fallen Angel.” It was really cool to see. I'd like to hear more electronic versions of the songs.
Music has become a digital world with fewer people buying albums and the rise of streaming services, but you're still more of an old school guy in that regard.
I like the days of records and actually having a physical copy of the music. I think that's why vinyl's coming back. Digitally, there's nothing to watch. There's a picture on the screen. I feel like people are becoming so disconnected, but being so connected. I think in the music we're really expressing that, with “I Am Machine” and even on this new record.
People don't communicate with each other anymore, they're just staring at their phones. It's a very strange time in the world. It's going to be weird to see how the technology makes humanity in the next couple of years, because we're becoming cell phones.
What kind of a dynamic do you and your brother Brad (bass) have offstage?
We're friends. When we were little I would always bug the s--t out of him. I was a really hyper kid. I'd poke, poke, poke, until the bear gets mad, and then I'd get beat up. Even then, when I was getting beat up I'd be laughing at him, which would get me beat even more. Now that doesn't happen.
Has your family been supportive of your musical careers?
Yes. They've always been supportive. They're super happy for both of us.
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