Here is my interview with Steve Lemke:

Art Michalski: You’re almost done with the Papa Roach tour, how has it been for you?

Steve Lemke: It has been an awesome time, and I’m happy at how the crowd has gone over for us.

AM: With Papa Roach, you guys recently played Harpos ? Any comments?

SL: It’s pretty all right… (Laughs). It’s a little shady, but hey, we play in places like that all the time.

AM: You guys toured with Shadows Fall last summer. Which fans relate more to your music? The Shadows Fall fans or Papa Roach fans?

SL: I would have to think the Shadows Fall crowd is probably more into us. Our band started out in the hardcore scene and I think the heavier tours bring out the more intense fans.

AM: You guys worked with producer Garth Richardson (Rage Against the Machine) on the “Sirens” record, did he have any expectations of the band?

SL: We didn’t feel a need to impress him. We had always been a fan, so it was cool when he approached us and said how much of a fan of the band he was. It made things easier. We were stoked as all hell to have worked with him.

AM: On the new record, did the melodic sound come from a organic spot, or did you force yourself to write with melody?

SL: I think it just came out of Mike (Hatalak-guitarist), and Nick (Brooks- now ex-lead singer) jamming together. What came out of the session was great.

AM: How has new lead singer Jason Wood worked out so far? And where did you find him?

SL: It’s worked out well from the beginning. He’s been the singer for about 2 months and the band and the crowds have welcomed him with open arms. We met him while on tour with Still Remains a while back and in Grand Rapids, when he played in a band (The Orphans) that played with us. We figure anybody who is still talking s--- about the change haven’t seen us with Jason yet. Once they do, they’ll shut up real quick.

AM: Are things pretty civil with original lead singer Nick Brooks?

SL: Yeah, he’s a big part of what this band has become. So, we still talk with him and things are o.k. between us and Nick. (ed. Brooks went to front his own band called Queen City Station).

AM: In a few weeks, you guys are touring with Comeback Kid, a hardcore band with crazy fans. Are you looking at this tour in a different light?

SL: Comeback Kid are one of my favorite groups, and one of my biggest influences. So, I am really stoked and its going to be a good tour. This Is Hell is another favorite of mine, and they’ll be on the bill too.

AM: All right, you guys are major hockey and Buffalo Sabres’ fans. Here’s a hypothetical question: If the Sabres and Red Wings make the Stanley Cup Finals, who wins and in how many games?

SL: I gotta go with the Sabres in 7. The only reason I am saying the Wings go 7 games with the Sabres is because Dominic Hasek is on fire again and will be tough.

It Dies Today will be co-headlining with Comeback Kid at the Majestic Theatre on Friday, March 23^rd. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.