As this year’s Warped Tour gets close to descending on Detroit on tomorrow (July 18^th), we got a chance to talk to the punk group The Briggs. From Southern California, the band recently put out their new album Come All You Madmen back on June 17^th. The band is playing their fourth Warped Tour this year, making them seasoned pros on the circuit. We had a chance to talk with guitarist Jason LaRocca about the album, and Warped over the years:

On the thought process behind the new record: “On this one, we tried not to get too carried away, and throwing in all sorts of instruments and going over the top. We just wanted to make a punk record, and in some parts, it's actually stripped down with some acoustic guitars. With that approach, most of the parts on the record were done live to keep a spontaneous feel to it.”

On new topics for this record: “This album reflects the life of being on the road and the hardships that go with it. It also deals with a lot of family and personal turmoil about being gone and away from people, as well as a good friend of ours going to war. Songs like “Ship Of Fools” and “Bloody Minds” talk about the complete destruction of the music industry and how this current system that has been in place for so long has just collapsed for obvious reasons.”

On unusual influences for the record: “I listened to a bunch of Arcade Fire when making the record. I think the orchestral arrangements are amazing with what they did on this last record (Neon Bible). At some point, I would love to be backed by a 90 piece orchestra for the Briggs.”

On the makeup of Warped Tour bands over the years: “It is definitely different this year, there aren’t that many punk bands on the bill. In the past, it was way different- so we feel we have to stick together with those groups. It’s something we’ve taken for granted in the past, but we’re having a great time as always. The cool camaraderie between bands is still there. You can't predict what Kevin Lyman (Warped Tour creator) is gonna put on the Warped Tour lineup from year to year. He can put unknown bands on the lineup and has such an ear for bands, that these bands can still manage to become huge.”

On his favorite Warped Tour: “Definitely last year, the energy of the show was great. We got to meet groups like Bad Religion and Tiger Army and just check out of a lot of the classic punk bands. We got to go on tour with Bad Religion after Warped Tour, and that was a great experience as well.”

Discussing the Warped Tour survival tips: “Definitely wear sunscreen. I learned the hard way in the past. If you leave one part of your body, the tip of your nose or whatever, it will show and it will hurt. Once you’re on the road, you’ll realize how important it really is. Also, sunglasses and plenty of sleep are things that we are necessities on the road as well.”

The Briggs are one of the bands at the Vans Warped Tour, hitting Comerica Park in Detroit on Friday, July 18^th. Tickets are $32 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com. The Briggs’ new record “Come All You Madmen” is now available. Additional dates can be found at www.thebriggs.com or www.warpedtour.com.