One of the bands in the alt-rock world with the biggest buzz this year is Michigan’s own D.R.U.G.S.. Known famously in these circles as former Chiodos lead singer Craig Owens’ first band since he left Chiodos late in 2009, amid personal issues [...]]]>

D.R.U.G.S. will intoxicate on the Warped Tour through mid-August.

One of the bands in the alt-rock world with the biggest buzz this year is Michigan’s own D.R.U.G.S.. Known famously in these circles as former Chiodos lead singer Craig Owens’ first band since he left Chiodos late in 2009, amid personal issues at the time.

In that time, Owens and the rest of the guys- coming from groups like From First to Last and Story of the Year- put together D.R.U.G.S. (Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows) and started work on songs right away.

The band built some buzz locally with some small, intimate shows before heading out on their first major tour this past spring, when D.R.U.G.S. played as part of the AP Tour. With the band’s self-titled debut reaching the Top 30 on the Billboard Album Charts during the late winter months, D.R.U.G.S. is having a nice start to their newly forged band.

The guys from D.R.U.G.S. are currently playing to huge crowds on the 2011 Warped Tour, and two of the guys from the band- former From First to Last frontman Matt Good and former Underminded guitarist Nick Martin- took time out of their busy day to chat with me about the development of the band and the unbelievable number of songs the band has kicking around.

Here’s my interview with Matt & Nick of D.R.U.G.S.:

AM: With the AP Tour behind the band, how have the crowds on the Warped Tour been for the band?
NM: I think the main difference is just the sheer capacity of the crowds. During the AP Tour, we played some pretty big venues during that time, but everything about Warped Tour is different. You have to bring a different mentality to shows like this, knowing that the crowds are much bigger, knowing that it’s like 100 degrees out here most days. But even with that, you still gotta bring forth that crazy energy every day and give the best set you can and keep raising the bar every day.

AM: With the band forming not all that long ago, how did everyone meet up to form the band?
MG: Basically, when Craig departed from Chiodos and immediately, he was looking to form a new band. I think he reached out to Aaron (Stern- drummer) first and then to Nick, who played on one of the songs for the Chiodos’ album “Bone Palace Ballet”. I had known Craig from being on tour with him in the past, and I hit him up on the internet, seeing what sort of projects he was working on. He wanted me to try out and it all came together pretty fast. After our producer found Adam (Russell), we started really working on this material.

AM: How long did the writing and recording process take for the band?
NM: The first album probably took about four months for everything to come together. But actually, it’s always a constant process for the band. If you were to take a look at our ITunes Library, that has to be probably 100 or so songs that are either done, or in some state of completion. There’s always new ideas coming out and we’re working on them, so it’s kinda hard to say how long it takes a usual song to be completed.

AM: What sort of outlet does this band provide you guys versus your former bands?
MG: I think the outlet is pretty similar actually, just with a different group of guys. But the energy we have on stage with each other and the way that we work in the studio is something that I haven’t felt with any bands that I’ve ever played with.

AM: Is there a song on the album as when you were recording it felt like a standout track?
NM: I think for me, it was “My Swagger Has a First Name”. It was the first track that we wrote and performed as a band, and as we were recording it, we all said this was exactly how we wanted this band to sound. I think that song captured the band as a whole.

AM: What were your earliest Warped Tour experiences?
NM: Looking back at it, it was probably like 11 years ago or so. Seeing old school punk bands like Rancid and NOFX at those tours back in the day, plus the whole Warped Tour experience helped shape the person who I am today.

D.R.U.G.S. continues to play on the Vans Warped Tour, check out www.warpedtour.com for additional dates. Make sure to check out www.thisisdrugs.com for more band info and tour dates.

This year’s installment of the Vans Warped Tour is now over with, and with a good sunny and breezy day behind us, I didn’t see as many people burnt out early as I have with Warped Tours in the past. The [...]]]>

Warped Tour brought the teenage masses to Comerica this past Monday.

This year’s installment of the Vans Warped Tour is now over with, and with a good sunny and breezy day behind us, I didn’t see as many people burnt out early as I have with Warped Tours in the past. The overall crowd (always hard to estimate) looked to be about on par with last year’s crowd, but it seemed far easier to navigate through the crowds this year for some reason.

With the earlier than usual date for Warped (July 8^th versus generally sometime later in July), this year’s festival snuck up on a lot of people this year. But for those in attendance, there was plenty to talk about as always. So, instead of filling up dead space in the article with describing Warped Tour- let’s just start to give out the awards for the scenes that took place at the 2011 edition of the Warped Tour:

Scariest Moment of the Day: During the Acacia Strain’s noontime rager of a set, the pits were on fire as the band launched into what was mostly an old school set and was well on it’s way to the show of the day until some tragedy struck. Midway through the set, a fan was severely injured during the set and even as the ambulances arrived, the fan was still not moving at all. It was a scary moment that cut the band’s set short, but we’re hoping the fan ends up all right in the end.

Highest Decibel Level of Young Girls Shrieking: No question- of all the bands I saw- this award goes to the Black Veil Brides. The music, as with their AP Tour performance, is a mixture of H.I.M. and hair metal (not always a bad combo), but a lot of it was drowned out by young teenage girls screaming every time they saw some guy in kabuki makeup. In the line for the signing,-check, during the set- check, on the way home in mom’s minivan- well hopefully for the mom’s sake, not.

The “I Know We Were Here in 1997, but Maybe We’re Getting Too Old For This” Award: Even though this reviewer would probably finish a close second, the guys in Less Than Jake played to a smaller crowd later in the day, and chatted during the set as to just how out of place they seemed with the rest of the bands on the bill. If Warped ever had a senior circuit, Less Than Jake would one of the forefathers of it and that’s not mean to be insulting because I’d be right there with them.

The “I Thought They’re be More People In Your Crowd” Award: It’s a tie between Dance Gavin Dance and Winds of Plague. The combo of August Burns Red and hometowners We Came As Romans might have taken away from Jonny Craig’s band set, which was still good, but it looked a little sparse. And even though Winds of Plague tore things up during their set, it was obvious a lot of the fans wanted their Jesus Metal as The Devil Wears Prada played at the same time. It’s a shame, because most fans missed a couple pretty solid sets.

Biggest Buzz: Fans were beyond psyched to see the final band of the evening, Asking Alexandria- who most likely won the tshirt sales of the day and hype of the day. Even though this reviewer missed their set, it was sure to be one of the bangers of the day.

Largest Crowds of the Day: Take your pick between Craig Owens’ new band D.R.U.G.S. and A Day To Remember. As was expected, both bands played the Main Stage to crowds that made it almost impossible to see, unless you hopped on top of a porta-potty or a view with binoculars. But both bands brought it and did a damn fine job in their 40 minute sets.

Well, those were the highlights of this year’s Vans Warped Tour. An interview with August Burns Red fell through, but I was able to interview Matt and Nick from D.R.U.G.S.- check for that interview to be posted within the next few days. Until next Warped Tour, whether it’s the senior circuit or not, later!

Forget OzzFest, forget any other major traveling festival- because the Vans Warped Tour is rolling into its 16th year and is now becoming a cross-generational event for rock fans young and old (but mostly young). The 2010 edition brings an entertaining mix [...]]]>

The Warped Tour takes over Comerica Park's parking lots this Friday.

Forget OzzFest, forget any other major traveling festival- because the Vans Warped Tour is rolling into its 16^th year and is now becoming a cross-generational event for rock fans young and old (but mostly young). The 2010 edition brings an entertaining mix of emo, old school punk and metal bands for what will most likely be a scorching day on the blacktop of the parking lots around Comerica Park.
But instead of discussing every band on the bill, here are a few intriguing prospects to check out this year at the Vans Warped Tour 2010:

Andrew W.K: If there’s one thing we can say about Andrew Wilkes-Krier- its that he likes to diversify. He finally released his long shelved album earlier this year, as well as a EP of new age piano numbers called “Cadillac 55” late last year. With hosting the Revolver Golden Gods Awards and running a nightclub- does Andrew have time to tour? I am sure he’ll be just fine.

Bring Me The Horizon: The best thing about the final Taste of Chaos tour in 2009, the great Brit hope for metal is gearing up to release their next album, out this fall. But for now, get sweaty and crazy to their debut, “Suicide Season”.

Every Time I Die: Hey guys, Detroit misses you…don’t be such a stranger to this town next time you release an album.

Mike Posner: This guy’s got a song on MTV Hits called “Cooler Than Me”- sounds like it ought to be on” Jersey Shore”.  This year’s Warped tour equivalent to Katy Perry, who played the festival in 2008. Even though he was born right here in Southfield, he’s a graduate from Duke- not exactly the hotbed of hip-hop activity.

Iwrestledabearonce: All the rage with the 15 year old metal crowd right now. The band themselves is quite talented, but needs to find a way to find cohesive songs next time around.

Pennywise & Reel Big Fish: Ok, this isn’t a double act- but this will be the extent of the “heritage” bands on Warped Tour this year and for older fans to recall seeing these bands played Warped back in the Phoenix Plaza days (ok, I’m included it that group). Pennywise has a brand new singer, and hopefully- the band doesn’t miss a beat.

Versaemerge: The band played the small Ernie Ball stage last year, and seemed to command a bigger than expected audience. This could be a breakout band in the next year and playing the main stage come Warped 2011.

The Dillinger Escape Plan: Just go see them, they’re all over the map, they’re awesome.

Over 70 bands hit the stages at Warped Tour this year, for a full listing of the bands playing in Detroit, check out www.warpedtour.com. Make sure to drink plenty of water and make sure to stay away from the sweaty guy with the “Free Hugs” shirts (because you know there will be plenty of them).

Warped Tour plays Comerica Park on Friday, July 30^th. Tickets are $33 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com. For additional dates and info, check out www.warpedtour.com.