James: You
recently finished recording the new album "Custodians of Light". Can
you tell me a little about the process and what we can expect from the new
album?
Ryan: The
actual recording process was a one-day thing. After the tour and a few shows
here and there we put our full attention to the writing of the record. There’s
like 5 songs on this record that were
songs that actually pushed us to do a record. We used thee songs almost
as guidelines to how we wanted the record to sound and the addition we wanted
to bring to the record. On this record we wanted it to have a dark feel. Also,
we wanted to keep it catchy like songs in the past. I think you hear
everyone’s specific influences in
every song. Going into this record we didn’t want to follow just one style.
It’s got a bit of everything. Best thing we’ve done yet.
James: "Custodian
of Lights" is a pretty epic title. I don't know why but it somehow makes
me think of the Foo Fighters "Wasting Light". What's behind the name?
Ryan: The
title reflects on the idea that the Custodians of Light are those who deal with
the bullshit and garbage life has to offer and somehow make the best of it.
Were there are the people that have everything in life handed to them and take
things for granted. The Custodians of Light feel that one man’s trash is
another man treasure. That’s how I see it. To get the perfect answer you would
have to ask Chris. “Wasting Light”? Never heard it. Is it a good record? Other than the word Light I don’t think
they have anything in common.
James: The
band was taking pre-orders on the record before it was even recorded. You also
didn't have label support. Was that somewhat of a risk for you? How did you
feel about that decision?
Ryan: It
was not a risk at all. There was a part of us that didn’t even think the record
would happen. Because we were so passionate about the songs and felt they
needed to be heard we needed to do anything and everything to get this record
out there. Not having a label backing you is one of the hardest parts of doing
a record. We never had a label back us before so it is something we are really
use to. The pre-orders are just a way to help speed the process. Also, we
planed to give the people that did do preorders a little extra. I like to think
we are treating them good. We never ruled out
putting it out ourselves. It’s the way we do things. Even if someone were
willing to put the record out for us it may not have felt right. All of us like
to have the control of the band. I wouldn’t want just anybody putting out our
record for us because we may risk losing
control.
James: Did
you reach out to any labels during the process or was this planned as a self
financed release from the beginning?
Ryan: We
did send it out to a few labels but again we always go into it thinking we are
going to press it ourselves. Having someone back us would be awesome, but it’s
got to be right. We just knew we had to go into it thinking it would be self
released. It’s better that way. Never get your hopes up.
 |
| Jeff in action at Kearny Irish |
James: I've
just heard that Jeff is leaving the band. This honestly came as a major surprise
to me. What was the reasoning behind his departure?
Ryan: Jeff has other things in
his life he needs to focus on. He really wants to work on his film. It’s not
easy being in Four Fingers. (Laughs) With everything going on in his life right
now, staying in the band would just be too much. We are cool with it and wish
him the best. Love you Jeff!
James: Not
too long ago you were the new guy in the band. I'm not sure if I ever told you
this but I really felt that, in a sense you felt like the missing piece the band
needed to take things to the next level. What was the transition like?
Ryan: Joe
is a great guitar player. I pushed for this really hard. We played in Shakedown
together and we’ve been jamming together for about seven years now; whether it
was just jamming or in bands. I know Joe’s style better
than anyone else. So this was easy for me. He fits into this band very well and
brings a lot of energy. Also, we’ve been playing and writing together for so
long it makes him very easy to work with. After the very first jam with him we
knew he was the guy. He had everything down. Also, his attitude shows that he
wants in for the long haul. Hope everyone digs him as much as we do. Yes, I get
the missing piece thing a lot, but don’t see it. To be honest, I didn’t feel like
there was much of a transition. The guys always made me feel equal in
everything we do we do as a group. I mean sure, there where times when they would talk about shows they
played that were badass; but I never really felt like the new guy, even though
I was. Joe won’t have a problem at all. Now I can rub my awesome shows in his
face.
James: What
advice would you give Joe that would help him in both filling Jeff's rather
large shoes all while dealing with the energy that is Tohm and Chris?
Ryan: I
would just say be you. We don’t want him to wear Jeff’s shoes or fill them. We
just want him to have fun and learn to love what we do. I know this is what
he’s dreamed of. Joe’s the type of guy to feed off of others energy. That’s why
I really think it’s going to work. I promise you the next couple shows we got
coming up will be intense! I think fans of Four Fingers will be very pleased
with what we accomplished this year.
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