Discussion: Taproot Written by Steven Kowalski    Monday, 12 January 2009 15:54 Many souls have been crushed by the weight of the music industry.  Whether it's the long periods of time on the road, the record label politics, or the constant pressure to find a way to stick out from crowd, the industry has perfected its craft of eating careers by the dozen.  And while the business of music has been slowly drowning from its greed, bands such as Taproot -- the Michigan-based quartet whose explosive energy has allowed them endure everything the industry has thrown their way -- are more than happy to let the bitch die and pave their own road.  Talking with Taproot's guitarist Mike DeWolf, Swigged! discusses their latest album Our Long Road Home, how the band has come full-circle, and their move away from a major label.  You guys just finished up with a US tour - how did that go? We have had a lot of fun. So far it has been pretty much east coast/mid west, but we are looking forward to spreading out west as soon as possible. I think it is a hard time to be doing what we are trying to do right now (for anybody) with the hard economic times and all. But we are making the best of it.   How has the new material been received by your fans? I think the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Shockingly even. We always assume there will be people who will have a negative slant on things but this time we didn't come across a lot of that. For the most part, our fans appreciate what we are trying to do.   I know that you had the opportunity to actually write lyrics for this album - have you written lyrics before? I am always writing. Pretty much everyday. I am  very critical of myself, I guess. I am so proud of Steve and I tell him often. It's a damn hard thing to put yourself out there for the world to look at. This was the first time that I really felt like I had something that I thought deserved to be heard.   What did the experience teach you? That the English language is not easy to master, haha. Just as I said, it's a hard thing to do.   And I heard Steve played drums on several tracks. What led you guys to decide and shift roles? Steve has played drums from the start. That's how he and I write alot of the music. To be honest, I think it was just a thing where Steve or Tim had an idea in the studio and Jarrod wasn't in that day so Steve stepped in and put it down.   You guys chose to record this album at The Loft so that you can be closer to your families - do you think the record turned out better as a result? I wouldn't say better. It's just different. I think each album represents a different time in our lives. I would say that I am partial to this time in my life.  But, i wouldn't change a thing, haha.   How was it working with Tim Patalan? Tim is amazing. We could not have been more blessed. He is a great person, a damn fine musician, and his mom makes some delicious cookies.   The new album is titled "Our Long Road Home." Now that you're home, is it time to settle in? Haha, only time will tell i guess. As I said, I am partial to this moment in my life. But no one  can say what tomorrow will bring.   What's the album's greatest achievement? Are there any regrets? No regrets.  Achievement? Hmmm, not sure. I think it is an achievement to still be doing this after what? 11 years? We are very grateful.   After being signed on with Atlantic Records for 3 albums, you guys decided to release your latest record independently through your management company. Care to get into any details as to what led to the shift? It just made sense. I mean, we kind of looked at all the possible ways to get it out there and this was the way that made the most sense.   Given all the drama within the business, do you guys think you've lost focus at any part of your careers? Yes, I think the moment you tell yourself "these people MUST know what they are doing", then you have let go of something. And I think that something is important because no matter what anyone says, nobody knows what they are doing. It's a crap shoot to some extent. Nobody will ever have as much passion for what you do as you do.   You guys spend an incredible amount of time on the road. Is it still fun?  It's tricky. When you are on the road, all you want to do is get home or write. And so, of course, when you are at home, all you want to do is get back out on the road.   Jarrod Montague decided to forgo participating in this round of touring - why's that? Wife, two children and another on the way. It just didn't make sense right now and we understand that.   I'm sure this has been beaten to death, but what exactly is the story between the band and Fred Durst. What exactly happened? Who?   Ha - fair enough. So, what's next for the band? More touring, more writing, more music and who knows what else.   To find out more on Taproot, visit www.myspace.com/taproot.  Their latest video off Our Long Road Home entitled "Wherever I Stand."     Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 January 2009 15:52 )   13 Comments Feed loans bc makes this comment Wednesday, 01 September 2010 yswoluipjrdzseiurumeysnaoqufvduracf online payday loans makes this comment Tuesday, 24 August 2010 Your web site is excellent. Give thanks to you greatly for giving a great deal of useful help and advice. I am going to bookmark your blog and will be without a doubt coming back. Yet again, I admire your work not to mention delivering lots of valuable info to the followers. mr payday review makes this comment Wednesday, 18 August 2010 www.swigged.net is great! I loved reading it. Thank you for all your work. toronto payday loans makes this comment Sunday, 11 July 2010 www.swigged.net is great! Easy payday loans are a smart way of getting small financial help for your imperative and unepected needs So if you are facing cash problem in the mid of a month and unable to sort your problem because of inadequate finances then easy payday loans will help you to get rid of them payday loans canada makes this comment Monday, 28 June 2010 www.swigged.net is very interesting. I loved your blog a lot. Thank you. glorydaysdesign makes this comment Tuesday, 13 January 2009 a great read and one of their best interviews over the 10 years i have religiously listened to them... i sometimes wonder how long an incredible band like this will be around, and an interview like this gives me some confidence... this band deserves even more success than they have already accomplished. Buy their new album "our long road home", and also "blue sky research"... you won't regret it. glorydaysdesign makes this comment Tuesday, 13 January 2009 a great read and one of their best interviews over the 10 years i have religiously listened to them... i sometimes wonder how long an incredible band like this will be around, and an interview like this gives me some confidence... this band deserves even more success than they have already accomplished. Buy their new album "our long road home", and also "blue sky research"... you won't regret it. rachel(root) makes this comment Tuesday, 13 January 2009 i still cant believe i got to meet you guys three times in a row how fucking awesome was that! wish you guys the best, hope u will come back to the east coast. not one song that yall have came out with even the first ep's like something more than nothing....love all that shit....keep up the good work FU makes this comment Tuesday, 13 January 2009 You suck. The Green Monster makes this comment Tuesday, 13 January 2009 Seem like a pretty laid back band to me... good read. Playa makes this comment Tuesday, 13 January 2009 Haha - Fred Durst Who? Classy! MellyJelly makes this comment Monday, 12 January 2009 Nice video - decent song. Did they just finish a tour, or what? ERAKE makes this comment Monday, 12 January 2009 Shit - these guys are still around? Hah, who would have thought? Sounds pretty good, though. 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