PRP: Since the last time we talked the band has secured a major label record deal and you guys will be releasing your debut album in October, how does it feel to finally achieve this goal?
Robb: Well it came at a time when we were at our lowest. The people we were working with prior to MCA never took the time to develop our band onto the scene. We always had to be on top of things so they would get done. It was one thing after the other. Now with MCA everything has been smooth and to know your label is behind you it makes a big difference. We are more than grateful and excited.
PRP: You guys recorded with your manager Jason Bieler formerly of
Saigon Kick producing, and Jason also had a good hand in getting you guys signed, how is your guys relationship with him, and what was it like having him as a producer?
Robb: As a producer he makes you feel totally comfortable and tries to make the atmosphere how you want it to be. When Elias did his vocal tracks he lit candles all over the studio just so he could get the vibe that he wanted and in turn it made Elias seek the best in himself and he put an amazing performance on tape.
PRP: Why did you guys choose to work with Jason as opposed to a more big name producer?
Robb: Well we were working with him for 7 months and when it came time to choose producers it was a no brainer. He knew the songs. as opposed to start working with a new guy and him have to learn where we come from and maybe not being able to study the songs right.
PRP: Awhile back you guys would have somewhat fit into the rapcore genre, but with the new album, there's a more metal approach put on the tracks that come from previous releases, was this a conscious decision or evolution of the sound?
Robb: I never considered us a rapcore band. When they called us that it was okay with. We have been called groovecore, melocore, nu metal, rage on steroids, compared to many bands within that scene and it never bothered us. For this record we wanted a more melodic and focused approach. Elias grew above and beyond as a vocalist and all of us just grew musically.
PRP: There's been a few times in the past when you guys have performed on or for extreme sports shows, are any of the band fans of such activities?
Robb: Well back in the day I used to skate a lot. I sucked at it but always found it entertaining. Tony Hawk and Christian Hosoi are my heroes. All I do is watch as many competitions that I can. Everybody pick Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 and watch out for Matt Hoffmans Pro BMX.
PRP: The groups beginning to play more dates out of state and will no doubt be embarking on your first national tour soon, are there any fears or hopes about how new audiences will react after you guys have been comfortably playing shows for so long in your native Florida scene?
Robb: There is always that little bit of fear but we have all decided since we finally got the opportunity to show the rest of the world what we are about that every show we do we think we are in South Florida. No slackers here. We will give that 100% no matter how many people are there. Check us out on tour with Mudvayne and Ultraspank.
PRP: If Elias farted out real chunky peanut butter and you were stuck in the middle of nowhere starving and only had bread, would you take a wipe and eat it?
Robb: I can live on bread alone.
PRP: With an album title like "Statement", is there any direct message or theme behind the album?
Robb: This record represents our three years being a band. This is our statement to the music world. What you see is what you get. As far as a message, there is none. All the songs deal with personal experiences that we needed to get out of our systems. If you get something out of it then I could not ask for more. That's better than a gold record. Knowing that you touched someone.
PRP: During the recording process for the album you guys covered the Santana track, "Evil Ways", what was your motivation to cover it and will it show up on the final album?
Robb: All of us are fans of different styles of music. We were talking about cover songs and someone suggested Santana. We got the greatest hits album and did a cool rocked out version of it. It will not be on the album. We are saving it for a b-side or a Soundtrack. Santana is an artist with an amazing amount credibility.
PRP: A few of the tracks from your guys indie release "Separate Yourself" have showed up reworked on this album and seem to be a bit more melodic than their previous incarnations, any exact reason for this?
Robb: We all grew as musicians, Its not constant beating you over the head. We wanted things more focused and we feel we have done justice to all the old material.
PRP: You guys had a seemingly foul parting of ways with your last label Conquest Music, would you like to shed some light on what went down with that?
Robb: We learned what not to do, that's all I'll say.
PRP: How did the track "Tribute" which covers various artists like Method Man, Slick Rick and Busta Rhymes come about?
Robb: We are all hip hop fans. When we first started Elias wanted to do a cover that would represent his musical roots. So he brought the idea of "Tribute". We worked on it and for the last three years it's been a favorite in our live set.
PRP: "Tribute" will also be showing up on the upcoming "Take A Bite Outta Rhyme" compilation which features various rock artists putting their spin on hip hop tracks, how do you feel about the whole recent rush to cover rap songs?
Robb: Anything that you can crossover and make it sound good, you have my approval. I think before you cover a track from a different genre outside of your own, study the culture before you get into it. That's how you can do justice to the track and the artist.
PRP: You've pretty much been singled out as the driving force behind Nonpoint, do you find that being in this position you take on more stress and such than the rest of the band?
Robb: Well before Elias, Andy and Ken were in the band and Jason being our manager I wrote 80% of the music and lyrics on top of booking shows, press etc... I was the go to guy. Now I play with people that can actually play and write and have an awesome manager. I've been stress free ever since.
PRP: If you were dying of thirst and the Kool-Aid man busted through your wall, would you be ecstatic that he had brought you liquid refreshments or more pissed that he just essentially caused 1000's of dollars of damage?
Robb: Fuck the wall, I'm all about the kool aid.
PRP: The band seemingly come from a Latin background, but don't exploit it like groups like Puya and such, have you ever feared nationality would get in the way of the music?
Robb: I like the fact the bands like Puya, System Of A Down and Soulfly/Sepultura add their culture to their music. It adds freshness to an already saturated scene and to the artist.
PRP: The Florida scene isn't known to be the most friendly climate to crossover music and with a lot of the bigger name local acts getting signed, do you think the local scene will continue to blossom?
Robb: Four bands from our area have gotten signed within 6 months. That says something. Its been a long time coming for our scene to be noticed. Also Headway and OBC are being looked at. So its not only our scene it's the whole state. If the bands stay focused and work on their sound there is no reason why they should be overlooked. There is a lot of talent down here.
PRP: Your good friends Darwin's Waiting Room were also recently signed to
MCA and will be recording their debut album with Jason Bieler, did you guys have a hand in this?
Robb: I pushed them to our manager Jason and he did the rest. Yeah I guess we did have some influence on it.
PRP: If you froze a can of Coca Cola, would you still consider it a soft drink?
Robb: Coca Cola will always be a soft drink.
PRP: Have their been any plans as far as videos, radio singles and such as of yet?
Robb: We are looking at "What A Day" to be the single, at the moment "Mindtrip" is the single submitted to college and metal radio. A video for "What A Day" will be shot in January sometime.
PRP: What direction would you prefer the band took to establishing a fanbase, like say MTV or constant touring and such?
Robb: Touring, touring, touring. MTV also would be cool. but as of now the plan is to tour as much as possible.
PRP: What member of the band would have most likely been sporting a Michael Jackson coat back in the 80's?
Robb: Elias, no doubt.
PRP: What can we expect from the band in the coming months?
Robb: To be on the road for a long time.
PRP: That's about it, any shoutouts or shameless self promotion?
Robb: Thank you wook for all your support and the interview. Props to Lost, Groovenics, DWR, Sinister Id, Al Is Well, Switchmode, Beno and Streetwise, Glassjaw, Earth Crisis and Papa Roach. All the people reading this check out www.nonpoint.com, peace.
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