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Interview

Interview With Downset Drummer Chris Lee

Band Photo: Downset (?)

I recently had the chance to interview Downset via email. It took quite some time to get the response, but that's to be expected when a band is on tour constantly. In the end, drummer Chris Lee, responded to my questions. So without further delay, here is how the interview shaped up:

Mike(corrosivemind): What are the differences with songwriting/recording on the new album as compared to your previous albums?

Chris(downset's drummer): This album gave us more freedom than even on the first album, as we were able to steer everything in the directions we wanted with no compromises. What you hear on this album as the others is pure unadulterated Downset. Kyle and Hawino have been great to us, and we are ever grateful for that.

Mike: How do you feel about the lineup for Projekt Revolution this year, and why did you choose to do this tour?

Chris: This tour is very high profile and Downset needs that opportunity at this point in our career. Linkin Park and Korn are in our genre of music. And Snoop, well he's Snoop, who wouldn't want to tour with him?(big smile) We hope to obtain new fans on this tour as LP brings a very diverse audience, and maybe spark some new opportunities as well.

Mike: What are the main reasons you decided to become a musician?

Chris: Love of music especially drums and percussion, an inner drive as an artist and well, fate!

Mike: What would you be doing right now if you weren't in downset?

Chris: What I do already (laughs) I own a consulting business, and play in other bands!

Mike: What are your feelings on the nearly complete disappearance of rap in metal music today?

Chris: I say to each his own. I like some of it and on the flipside, I think some is terrible. We all know music will go where the people want it. I'm not too worried bout it!

Mike: On that same note, what are your feelings on the metal scene today? Is it getting better, worse or staying the same in your eyes?

Chris: I think it's on an ever going teeter-totter. Good bands come and go, as well as fad acts. I think there is some great new talent out there as well as veterans that still put it down. I hope that the fans stay more true as they used to be. It seems that now the bandwagon is the cool thing to hop on. I would like to see that change, unless of course its on our bandwagon(wink)

Mike: What band/bands would you want to tour with the most, and why?

Chris: Beastie Boys, just because. P.O.D., 'cause it would be a great bill! Also, Bad Brains just because I want to see them tour some more!(with Darryl and Earl though!)

Mike: What is your favorite album of all time? and why?

Chris: Hmmm, that's a tough one. I have got to say, Operation Ivy - Energy.

Mike: Probably the most asked question right about now, but I still feel the need to ask it...what is your opinion on the internet downloading/piracy of music?

Chris: Guilty!, aren't we all? I think it is imperative to find a medium within the consortium. Think back to when you were a kid, no PC's, no CD's. But, you were making copies on to cassettes remember? Piracy will never change it's just a matter of how do we still get our music out to the masses and still get paid without making it a mess to make a copy of something. Hey, just my 2 cents!

Mike: What is the number one thing you'd like to achieve through downset? is it wanting to learn to write the best possible songs? is it to learn to play your instrument better?

Chris: The constant quest to be an all around better musician in all aspects. A few platinum records on the wall never hurt anyone either!(wink)