Exclusive Interview with Decyfer Down
The roots of Decyfer Down go back to 1999 and at that time they were more of an acoustic outfit than a rock band. When Drummer Josh Oliver and guitarist Brandon Mills started the band they simply needed to renew their life in God. Now, almost 10 years later they’re ready to put out their next project “Crash” and we wanted to find out what we could expect to hear so guitarist Chris Clonts brings us up to speed.
ST.net: Who’s checking in with StereoTruth.net and what do you do in the band?
This is Chris and I play guitar in Decyfer Down.
ST.net: Where are you and what are you doing today?
Chris: I’m at home working on new songs.
ST.net: What’s your favorite thing about playing music?
Chris: Playing music is such a release for me and I feel blessed that God has given me the ability to do it. Just being able to create music is such an amazing and rewarding thing. It comes from the soul and no one can take it away. Now touring on the other hand…that’s a different story…haha.
ST.net: What one artist or speaker has had a big impact on you?
Chris: I have always been a fan of Aaron Lewis from Staind. I first heard them when I was probably 15 and was blown away. At the time Staind had such a different style and Aaron had a very unique voice that I was
captured by. He sang with such emotion and his lyrics were about real issues that people have dealt with. I actually met Aaron and the rest of the guys in the band at a show once and a couple of people were in tears talking to him because they were relating to his songs in a way that made them feel hopeful… like there was someone there with them in their personal struggle. I thought it was a very cool thing and way more
meaningful than a lot of the cookie cutter bands out at the time. As a Christian, I was inspired to create music that deals with REAL issues people can grab a hold of and feel some sort of hopefulness and love.
ST.net: What are you listening to these days?
Chris: On my cd player at home right now is Nat King Cole, Nora Jones and the new Shinedown.
ST.net: Your new project “Crash” will be out early next year so what can all the Decyferites expect to hear and feel from this project?
Chris: I think they can expect.. a solid Decyfer Down record. It’s more mature in every way I think. The subject matter is very meaningful and relatable. Fans can expect our classic riff driven songs like “Crash” with a blend of more intimate songs such as “Best I Can”. Overall I think people will be happy with it.
ST.net: You were out on The Comatose tour with Skillet & TFK earlier this year. How was this tour different from some of your tours in the past?
Chris: The Comatose tour was amazing for us. It was different because it was by far the biggest tour we have ever done. It’s not every day we walk out on stage in front of 2000 people. Haha. One other great thing about the tour is that it was like one big family. All 3 bands are very close, so going out on tour together is much like one giant summer camp with your friends and a little music in between.
ST.net: If you could have any other artist, Christian or mainstream on tour with you, who would it be and why?
Chris: I would have to say a Nickelback tour would be pretty ridiculous. 17,000 people a night…? C’mon who wouldn’t want to experience that? Haha.
ST.net: What’s the one thing you “Must Have” on the road?
Chris: Vitamins. And Psyllium husk…don’t ask. Ha.
ST.net: Have you ever checked Googled your band?
Chris: Believe it or not I actually haven’t. My dad has though, and he has shown me some pretty cool things he found. It’s pretty crazy. Honestly with me, I think it’s because being on the road all of the time the last
thing that I want to do when I get home, is sit down in front of the computer and exhaust my brain even more by checking out every little thing that my band just did for the last 3 months. Haha. I need some wife
time first…and maybe a few “Seinfeld” episodes to de-stress for a few. I plan on doing it soon though.
ST.net: Hey your Dad and Jenny Simmon’s (Addison Road) Dad should get togehter and compare notes. He too checks out their Google news. Maybe they could start a “Dad’s Of Rock Stars” blog to get the facts straight on Google.
ST.net: Is there any other news or tours coming up that you’d like to share?
Chris: Just keep an eye on our myspace and website. There is talk of a possible 2 song EP release on Itunes this fall but nothing has been confirmed yet. We are also doing a few shows here and there but not too
many. We are trying to rest up for the new year for when “Crash” is being released, because once it’s out, we will begin the touring sessions again!!
ST.net: Thanks for your time Chris and we look forward to hearing the new project!
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