Interview Shaun Glass SOiL

 

Lineup: AJ Cavalier - Vocals Adam Zadel - Guitar/Back vocals Shaun Glass - Guitar Tim King - Bass Tom Schofield - Drums

4/20/05 Email interview Interviewer: Karma E. Omowale

SOiL, a band that has been a mainstay and representing the Chicago metal scene for 5+ years now. Members of this ever present band can always be found in the rafters and/or amongst the crowd of most metal shows throughout the area (House of Blues, Joe's, Silvie's...) You name it, they are there, to give their undying support to the scene. Guitarist, Shaun Glass, and well loved, local hero took some time out of his busy schedule to catch us up to speed via email about the band's future plans, what ever happened to Ryan McCombs, how the band's new singer, AJ Cavalier was introduced to the band, and the occurrence with J Records. He even offers some insight on what in meant to be a part of the Dimebag Darrell Benefit concert. Read on...

Where did the name SOiL originate?

I was driving and had a CD on by the band Entombed, the song "Rot In Soil" came on and it hit me, the word SOiL fits our music/sound etc. and the rest agreed let's go with it.

How did you hook up with the band?

I knew Tim, Adam, and Tom from their former band; we all wanted to do something new and fresh, from where we already were with our old bands.

What was the deciding factor that led to Ryan McCombs departure?

He became very distant and unsure of himself and never happy, so it was time to move on. He really never was in it for the music.

Was transition period easy for both parties?

Yes it was a blessing to forge ahead and it really made us write our asses off for the next album.

How did AJ come to join SOiL?

We had demos of a lot of singers and none really blew us away, but Pat Lachman and Wayne Static both called up and said, "Check out AJ!" and we did. He came out jammed with us and it fit like a glove!

Where does that dirty, funky soulful sound emanate from? I also find it rather interesting that AJ [Cavalier] has the same feel in his vocals.

Haha ya we like to groove and still keep it heavy I never hear it as funky but that's cool to hear. We are SOiL always have been and always will be and AJ knows what works best with our sound.

What happened with J-Records?

It ended and it was for the best. They were very much an urban label and had no real hard music so we never got worked in the hard music world the right way by our former label. Luckily we wrote songs that stood out and we will continue to do so on whatever label we call home next.

How's new label hunting coming along?

We have just begun talking to various people and hope to pick the right one.

How did your songwriting differ from early days of El Chupacabra / Throttle Junkies to Re.de.fine?

Not really sure...we just kept growing on our sound. I think [the] MIA [Records] era was a more raw rock feel and Ryan really still had a lot more of that shitkicker feel but on Scars. WE really tried to move away from that as we never thought of SOiL as a stoner rock band etc. etc.

How is writing process different now with AJ being in the band?

Has not really changed much we write the music and then pass it on to him and he takes it from there. The music is always done first.

How was it working with Johnny K? Steve Albini? Who would you like to work with in the future?

Johnny K is killer. I think 2 albums with the same guy is enough and were all still close with him. Steve Albini is a good guy but was the WRONG pick for that album [Throttle Junkies]. He really made it even less aggressive than the songs were live and he just didn't know to get that onto tape.

Black Sabbath, Metallica, Mötley Crüe, and Slayer any current musical influences?

Sure we all listen to sooo much music but I do think our fave bands will always be the real influences but new music does sneak in there.

Inspiration for your new song "Give It Up"?

We actually did a real low key jam room video for the song and it looks damn cool and we will use it on our site soon, AJ's said the words are about anyone who tries to hold you back from being yourself and doing what you want, if you have goals go for it.

What draws you to new music?

Well, I do like heavy guitar riffs and MELODY [it] is important too. So many new bands don't have real singers and it's a shame because that will just make them a trend, a part of an era, instead of a statement in music.

How instrumental was MTV-X to your career?

All video outlets help and MTV-X was killer when "Halo" broke in 2001-02.

Has there been a big impact without a video on constant rotation on Headbangers Ball?

I don't know. I think the video for "Re.de.fine" sucked ass and it was a sign of a label wishing we were a pop act. Not what we really are and that is a BAND, not just one guy. We had no say in that piece of shit video.

You constantly network, and then there was the Dimebag Tribute, how do you keep the name of SOiL burning into the minds of the public?

We make sure we let our fans feel at home with us. We go out, hang check out shows, use the net to let all know the updates on our, etc.

Must have been awesome being a part of the Dimebag Tribute considering you were friends with Dime, please elaborate.
All I can say is in all honesty that show never happened but what all four bands [Anthrax, Disturbed, Drowning Pool, SOiL] did for our lost bro was amazing. David [Draiman of Disturbed] did have his heart in the right place when he came up with the idea to do something special, in Chicago, the metal capitol!!!! Also it was great to see/hear how much the fans embraced AJ as the singer of SOiL. We're so glad to have him aboard.
 

Do you foresee the support for local bands here in Chicago getting better?

I hope so, because this city has a lot to offer in all realms of hard music; Chicago is looked at as a great scene.

Any near future touring plans?

I know we have a short Midwest tour end of may nothing too extensive 'til we do the new album.

What is SOiL listening to these days? Whom are you a fan of?

I like Trivium, new Helmet I think is underrated, and an amazing band from west coast called Re:Ignition they are like Audioslave with balls!

What mark do you want to leave on the fans?

That we didn't follow any fucking trends and still sound as modern and fresh as any of the new jack emo dork shit.

What can SOiL fans expect from the band in the future?

Riffs, melodies, and a live show that will kick you in the teeth.

Speed Round Questions
Spiritual or religious? Neither.
What's your mantra? Live your life for you.
What was the weirdest autograph you have been asked to sign? Tits is the usual.
Wildest backstage occurrence? Fucking a girl while her sister was fucking in the bus near by with someone else.
Do you possess a special talent? Not sure I got a lot of killer riffs and good @ oral hahaha
What's underneath your bed? Nothing @ the moment, sorry.
Who's your hero? My father he is the shit!
Favorite smells? I like the smell of really good herb.
Sounds? Silence or the ocean.
Color? Red.

Place? California.
First job? I think it was a busboy at some restaurant.
CD? Skindred Babylon is on now.
TV kid's show? I think Speed Racer was cool when I was young fucker!
If you could be a cartoon character, which one would you be? Hmmn, maybe Cartman
Guilty pleasure CD/song/artist? I love The Cure and U2.
If you could commission a band to do a SOiL cover tune, which song would it be and who would do it? "Cross My Heart" done by Metallica.

Cake or pie? Cake.
Things I cannot live without? Music, Sex, Guitar.

What's your favorite SOiL song? Of the old stuff > "My Own", "Redefine", "Love", "Hate Game" New> "Jaded", "Forever Dead", "Let Go".
If you could take a bath with anyone, who would be you perfect bathmate? Carmen Electra.
5 CD's to make your Bubble Bath Soundtrack? Slayer, Kiss, Thin Lizzy and The Cure.
Whom would you ask these Speed Round of Questions of, someone you'd like to know more about? Ozzy!

I'd like to thank Shaun for doing this interview and to the rest of the SOiL camp!

Click here to see pix of SOiL at the Dimebag Benefit Concert