On Buckcherry’s seventh full-length album, Rock N’ Roll, the Los Angeles quintet – Josh Todd [vocals], Nelson, Stevie D. [guitar], Xavier Muriel [drums], and Kelly LeMieux [bass] – staunchly uphold the commandments of rock music with an arsenal of new anthems primed to explode on impact and teeming with riotous energy, sexy swagger, and primal chops. It’s something that the boys have done since day one, but it’s more necessary now than ever.
“Buckcherry fills a void,” explains Todd. “There aren’t any other records like this in the genre. I hope it can capture a certain time for people. That’s the goal.”
In anticipation of the August 21 release date, Rock Confidential caught up with frontman Josh Todd to talk about Buckcherry’s new album Rock N’ Roll.
I remember the mainstream music press had declared rock n’ roll a thing of the past just in time for your debut album to come along to prove them wrong. Sixteen years later we’re still hearing someone declare rock n’ roll dead every other day. Do you understand that point of view?
Yes, they have been saying that since our first record. That’s why we titled our upcoming LP Rock N’ Roll, dropping August 21st, because we have been making rock records for two decades. This is our 7th LP. My point of view is I don’t give a shit.
The new tunes have a killer live feel to them and it sounds like you had a blast in the studio – especially on a track like “Tight Pants”. With several records under your belt, has the recording experience changed much?
We have changed as song writers and musicians, and we are constantly creating so I feel we have gotten better at being Buckcherry and that makes me happy.
I understand there’s a video coming for “Tight Pants,” too – I already had a few visuals just from using my imagination the first time I heard it. Can you tell me more about the video?
The video is a day in the life of a girl’s ass. It’s fantastic. I went through another huge James Brown phase during the writing process and “Tight Pants” is one of those songs that just came out great.
For some reason, bands today are afraid to say women inspire them. You guys sound just as horny as ever. What’s more rock n’ roll than loud tunes and hot chicks?
That’s the problem with new rock, it’s pretty “A” sexual and there’s no guitar heroes and very few great frontmen/singers. Less tracks, more sex cause sex always sells, and more soul. You’re finding all that in pop music right now which is what I listen to most at the moment because the singers are great and the melodies you can remember.
Pledge Music is a really cool way for fans to interact and be a part of their favorite bands. What do you think is the biggest advantage and disadvantage of releasing an album this way?
The advantage is you get to be creative on how you interact with your fans on a more personal level. The disadvantage is the mystery is gone. The Internet has made everyone so accessible. You can get so much information about someone before actually seeing them that I think it takes away from the mystique.
Are you more inspired to write songs when you’re on the road or does having time off help?
My philosophy is you are the best when you are practicing your craft all the time – not part time.
You’re a big racing fan – that’s the inspiration for “Bring It On Back,” right?
“Bring It On Back” is about Kyle and Kurt Busch because they are the outlaws of NASCAR and I like their driving styles. They are great for the sport. Most of these drivers are so G-rated. I personally want my race car drivers to be wild and crazy.
The Fuck EP was the first release on your own label. Now that you’re making all the rules is it less stressful or does it add pressure because of the extra responsibility?
It’s challenging sometimes but at the end of the day we get to do what we want and that’s the best thing for this band.
To music fans, certain songs capture a moment in time and make a memory that lasts forever. Do you do the same as an artist when you’re recording a song or album?
Yes, I try to write lyrics and melodies that a lot of people will remember. That’s what it’s all about.
What do you listen to when you have a chance to get in your car and just drive?
Well I just bought the MC Ren EP Kizz My Black Azz and I’m enjoying that. It makes me feel like I’m bullet proof and I dig that.
Music festivals really seem to be suffering this year. Is it overkill, too many acts on the same bill, shitty bands or are people content watching tiny, wobbly out-of-focus live videos from a smartphone?
Man, we have to find a way to scramble cell phone service at live events because it’s so out of hand. It’s a bunch of insecure people getting footage to update their Facebook page. Just have a good time and watch the show. Take it all in and remember it with your mind.
Keith said the new record should “make you want to drive fast, fuck, and dance.” Did he leave anything out?
Those are all fantastic things, so I’ll go with that.
Is there anything about Buckcherry’s history that still inspires you to be in the band?
Yes, we have a unique sound that’s all our own. We have survived playing rock n’ roll when throughout our almost 20 year career it was never mainstream. We have overcome a lot of adversity and succeeded when everyone told us we couldn’t and this band would make my 15 year old self really happy and that means we are badass.
Thanks, Josh – what would you like to say to wrap things up?
Buckcherry is radical. Go get our new record Rock N’ Roll coming out August 21st. It’s one of our best. See you at the rock show.
