Taking Back Sunday are currently touring North America alongside fellow emo/ alt rock staples The Used in support of their spectacular new record Happiness Is. It’s arguably the strongest record of their career and the live show supports the fact that these guys are on a tear.
It’s as if they have something to prove to the droves of loyal fans who pack into the theaters to sing along with every single word, when in reality the original gang is back together—and the chemistry is explosive.
Instead of the traditional long form interview, I thought it would be fun to drop 6 questions in front of TBS bass player Shaun Cooper and get his unfiltered responses. Think of it as a lightning round that cuts right to the chase. Here we go…
Moving from a major label to an indie, do you think there is anything that a major label could do for you at this point in your career that you couldn’t do yourself?
Absolutely not. Rock music is dead on major labels. Hopeless Records understands our band better than any label out there. We are proud to be a part of the Hopeless family.
The new album has a bit more of the TBS signature pop sound. How do you choose between recording the harder edged stuff (“El Paso”) vs. something like “Stood a Chance?”
The five of us get together in a room and bounce ideas off of each other. Usually the riff that the song is written around dictates the direction of the song. We never consciously go out and try to write a certain style of song. It just sort of happens.
The new record is available on vinyl. Are you a big fan of vinyl and are there any prized pieces in your collection?
We are all fans of vinyl. One of my favorites is my copy of Abbey Road that I stole from my parents’ collection.
Where is the most unusual place you have heard your music over the years?
The radio.
Ever have a Spinal Tap moment on tour?
Constantly.
In the epic battle of The Clash vs. The Sex Pistols, who do you prefer and why?
I like both bands but The Clash has a fantastic catalog and The Sex Pistols have one record!
Thanks to Shaun for participating in our lightning round, six question interview. Taking Back Sunday continue to tour with the Used through October. Their new record Happiness Is, is spectacular. Go buy it on vinyl, now.
