What follows is a brief email chat conducted between Pivotal Rage and Wayne Static.  Enjoy!  (And see the review of Cannibal on our reviews page.)

 

First things first.  Congrats on the new CD!  It’s fantastic!  How does it feel to have a new CD done and ready to hit the shelves?

 

This is always an exciting time.  I can’t wait for the world to hear Cannibal.

 

What was the experience like making the new CD?  And in particular, why was it time to add guitar solos?  The solos rip, by the way.

 

I’ve always wanted to add guitar solos, but we never had the guitarist to do it until now.  And yes, Koichi shreds.

 

With its slower tempo and mellower chorus (relatively speaking), “Destroyer” sounds like a logical choice for a first single.  Was it designed with that possibility in mind?

 

Yes, “Destroyer” was the obvious choice for radio.  I didn’t write the song with that in mind.  It just turned out that way.

 

Why did the band decide to try someone different than Ulrich Wild in the producer’s chair?  What part does a producer play in the studio with Static X?

 

Sometimes it’s good to work with other people.  Everyone has different ideas and different ways of doing things.  This opens up new pathways to explore.  The band is always very prepared before we go in to the studio, so for us the producer’s role is to make the songs sound the best they can and get the best performances out of the band.

 

How would you describe your sound?  Would you say that it has evolved over the years?  Do you dislike the “nu-metal” label that some have stuck you with?

 

I would describe our sound as evil disco, of course!  Our sound is always evolving as we challenge ourselves with every new CD.  Anyone who calls us nu-metal has never really listened to us.  We share very little with that genre.

 

Do current musical fashions ever influence your approach, either positively or negatively?  For example, the public seems much more receptive to extreme music right now.  Do you think that, even subconsciously, that had anything to do with the extra heavy approach on the new CD?

 

I don’t listen to any new bands.  I still draw inspiration from late 80’s and early 90’s bands like Ministry, Prong, Pantera, and Skinny Puppy.

 

Is metal today more influenced by Black Sabbath or Metallica?  Given the success you’ve had, for example, I’m inclined to say the answer is Metallica.

 

I can’t speak for other bands, but I’m probably influenced more by Metallica than Sabbath.

 

Why did Koichi decide to return at this point?  Is a band like family or more like a job?

 

Koichi was burned out when he quit the band in 2000.  After taking some time off, he was quite thrilled to rejoin in 2005.  A band is like a family and like a job.  You have to balance all aspects of it.

 

I haven’t found any lyrics yet posted online, but I think I read that “Cannibal” has something to do with vegetarianism.  Is that true?

 

The song “Cannibal” jokingly compares meat eaters to cannibals.  I’m not trying to preach vegetarianism, but it does make for a good song.

 

There’s no “Otsego” song this time around.  What was that whole thing about?  Was it just a kind of running joke?  What’s the word mean?

 

I think “Otsego” is played out.  I’m bored with it all.  Otsego is a small town in Michigan.  In the beginning I just liked the word, so I started using it.

 

Are there any more general sources of lyrical inspiration toward which Static X tends to gravitate?  What about politics?  That’s a hot-button issue right now with the war in Iraq and all.

 

I prefer to keep politics away from my music.  I want people to have a good time listening to our music.  I never want anyone to like or dislike us because of political views.

 

What’s on your current playlist?  Anything you can recommend?  Any non-metal favorites?

 

Journey’s Frontiers.

 

What do you think about Slayer winning a Grammy?  Do you think awards like this are something to aspire to?  Certainly, they at least help album sales.

 

It’s great for Slayer.  They deserve it.  I have no aspirations of winning such an award.

 

You guys have performed on Ozzfest.  What do you think about the new “for free” format?  Think it will work?

 

The free Ozzfest is great for the kids but will make it difficult for the bands financially.  I have no idea if it will work.

 

This band has been around for about thirteen years now.  Reflecting back over the years, what’s the most gratifying experience you’ve had in this band?  Are there any “I told you so” moments when it comes to the band’s critics?

 

The most gratifying thing is that we’re still around, making music, touring.  I never had to get a day job!  I don’t listen to critics.  They mostly just dislike everyone.

 

Does touring get harder with the years?  People get families, partying all night doesn’t have the same appeal anymore, etc.

 

Touring gets easier for us because now we can afford a nice bus and good food.  And I still love partying all night.

 

What are the future plans for Static X?  Will another album be made in the next couple of years?  Or will the band take a break after the tour?

 

I feel we’re on a roll right now.  There are no breaks planned.  We’ll keep pushing forward with touring and recording.

 

Thanks so much for the interview!  Best of luck on the upcoming tour!  (Wish you were coming through Salt Lake City )