The recent debates between U.S. President Barack Obama and the Republican Party’s nominee for President in the 2012 election, Mitt Romney, has been one of the main topics of discussion in the media. And while Venrez’s song, “Sell the Lie,” was written prior to the debates, the group’s singer, Steven Berez, couldn’t help but realize the aforementioned song tied in with his feelings about what he witnessed on television.

As Berez explains, “When I began watching the current 2012 election debates, the art of selling lies became so crystal clear that I felt it was absolutely necessary to re-edit the video off our current album, which is also the title track, ‘Sell the Lie.’”

It is Venrez’s hope that more artists and citizens in general will start to demand more from their leaders. And with the new single/video, “Sell the Lie,” the group is making their voice heard – loud and clear.

We recently caught up with Berez to discuss the current political climate – just in time for Election Day 2012.

First off, please tell me about the original inspiration for “Sell The Lie” and how it translates into your current views on this year’s election.

I wrote the song in the first part of 2011. I was feeling angry about our men and women in the armed forces being killed fighting wars in Afghanistan & Iraq. The horrifying collateral damage resulting in the deaths of innocent men, women and children. All, in my opinion, over oil for blood and high level corporate greed. And the American people were sold a bill of goods by our leaders, starting at the top. I realized, while watching the Presidential debates as well as the slam ad campaign by both candidates, that they are both perpetuating this MO of telling the people what they want to hear, whether true or false, to achieve a goal. In this case to get their party in office.

It’s obvious you have issues with both Presidential candidates. Are you to the point that you are unsure if you will vote or will you definitely vote? Why is your decision important to you?

I do not support either candidate but, I would never take my right to vote lightly. I think its important that all citizens of our great country vote and participate somehow in determining who and how the government will run. I will be voting this election day as I always have. It pains me that we don’t have better choices.

This election has created more divisiveness between friends and families than any in recent memory. Why do you think emotions are so high during this campaign?

I believe its a multitude of reasons, but mostly, there is a great deal at stake. Our country has suffered a lot over the past 4 years. I think it is difficult for a President to solve all issues in two terms let alone one. But I feel Americans are very tired with the current situation and the decision to give the current President another term or make a change is divisive and causing lots of debate. Has our current president proven himself a good leader and capable of improving our state? I don’t think so. Has his challenger offered up feasible solutions? I haven’t heard any.

News outlets have turned into biased, tabloid-style reporting. Do you think they are being used to help “sell the lie”?

Without question. That is simply corporate greed and one of several subjects that inspired me to write the song. The media is happy to facilitate the mud slinging and dodging of real issues. People have to read more papers and watch more TV shows to try and wade through the muck to try to find the truth. If the politicians just addressed the issues with black and white answers instead of using the issues as a springboard to pontificate about their own agenda, we would spend less time wallowing in the grey area.

Is America’s obsession with reality stars and celebrity skewing perceptions of what is really important during an election?

I think the worse things get, the more people want to escape the painful and difficult reality of their lives. They go to the movies more, watch TV shows that assist in that escape. I am not so sure that celebrities really do effect decision making. I give a lot of credence to the intelligence of the citizens of our country.

It seems as if each Presidential election is always about the lesser of two evils. When was the last election you were completely comfortable with your choice?

I am never quite comfortable with my choice as my vote may lead to the putting in office of a person who may not get the job done. Who may do great things or may do things that cause pain. But I always try to make the most informed and best choice I can, and I take the time to do the research to do so.

What’s the latest in the world of Venrez? I heard a new song at a gig in LA this summer. Is there a new record coming soon? Are you excited about touring with Trapt?

We are currently recording our new album. I am very excited about the new songs and feel that this new album is a natural progression of the band. I am loving testing the songs out live for our fans and the Trapt tour will be more of that. My band mates and I love to tour. To me, that is what its all about. And I am thrilled to have the opportunity to tour with Trapt. I think they are a great band. Venrez & Trapt should be a great rock show for the fans.