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Patrick McBride Interview

By Chad Bowar, About.com

Chad Bowar: Do you have any time frame for the next album?
Patrick McBride: We are already working on the new record. All of us are always writing and gathering material. We also have songs that we did not have room for on State of Disgrace that are waiting to see the light of day. But we will be touring heavy in 2007 trying to spread the word about this band. I think you can look for a new record sometime at the tail end of 2007, but you never know .

How did you get started in music?
When I was in school, I spent most of my academic career planning to go to the Air Force Academy and become a fighter pilot. I went through the whole preparation and planning. At the same time, a buddy of mine in choir class asked me to come sing at a party with his band. That night sealed my fate. Once I got a taste of that feeling it changed my path forever. At that point, I had Air Force guys coming to my house saying "Well you know son, we have an Air Force Band too!" My response was "Sir, I don't think that's the same band experience I'm looking for." I went back a few years ago and got my pilot's license. There's a good future headline for you."Rock singer kills entire band in fiery plane crash." No, I wont take those guys with me, it's just tempting rock and roll fate.

How did you hook up with the guys in Hourcast?
It's a very unique story and band experience. The band found me over the internet. I was living in Kansas City at the time and I had a profile up on a now defunct site called Tonos. There were some pics and some songs I had worked on in the past with my other bands. I got a call from the label telling me that they liked what they heard and saw and were looking for a singer for this project. They flew me out to Boston for a week to meet and write with the guys. Immediately we started laying down songs and ideas. We hung out and picked each others brains. I flew back to my job in Kansas City and almost 2 months went by without a word. I thought to myself "Oh well..they must have picked someone else." You get used to the disappointment in this business. Next thing I know, they are faxing a contract. I walked into my boss and said "Thanks for everything but I got a deal. Bye bye now." That alone was a milestone moment for me.

Who were your musical inspirations?
I have a very diverse taste, from Deftones to Prince. I also love electronic music: Portishead, Depeche Mode, Massive Attack. Big, dark and epic songs are what flip my switch.

Who are some current artists you admire?
I love the voices and diversity of guys like Maynard James Keenan and Mike Patton.

What are your top 5 all time favorite albums?
Depeche Mode - {i]Violator
Guns and Roses - Appetite for Destruction
Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral
Massive Attack - Mezzanine
Jeff Buckley - Grace

What CD is playing in your version of hell? How about heaven?
Hell - Ace Frehley solo record
Heaven - Jeff Buckley jammin live in a smoky cafe.

Who are the most overrated/underrated bands?
Underrated - Failure and all of Ken Andrew's bands (On and Year of the Rabbit)
Overrated - Creed

Have you ever been arrested?
I was arrested and jailed on Christmas one year when I was visiting home in Minnesota. I went and hung out with a bunch of high school buddies and was drinking some green shots of some kind. I ran into some jackass who was still pissed about me hooking up with his ex girlfriend and holding a grudge. He kept giving me the stink eye all night and I just chilled and smiled. Next thing I know, I see these eyes closing in on me from across a packed bar. Before I could do anything he grabbed me and threw me back into the bar. What he did not know is that I was surrounded by 6 of my friends. Before I hit the floor he was getting punched from every direction. Then it spun out of control. People were scrapping everywhere, getting hit with chairs and bottles. It was mayhem. People were screaming and running out of the place. We got thrown out and jumped in a truck and ended up getting pulled over by the highway patrol and thrown in jail across state lines. Had to call my mom to come get us out on Christmas. They were so proud.

What do you hate?
Betrayal.

What are your best and worst personal characteristics?
Best - I love people and relationships. I can usually find something in common with just about everyone.
Worst - I'm really insecure and worried about losing the things and people that I love.

What's your biggest fear?
The loss of loved ones.

What's your worst habit?
Smoking.

What's the best movie or DVD you've seen lately?
My girl and I just saw Talledega Nights and quote it daily. We love Will.

What's the biggest misconception your fans or friends have about you?
That I am unapproachable.

What's the best advice someone gave you?
"If you want to be successful in any business, you must find people to work with that are as dedicated as you are."

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