44Mag Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?

Jared Mondell (Vocals):Shortly after the release of the album we went through a lineup change. We parted ways with our guitar player due to creative differences which slowed our momentum a little bit. We ended up bringing Drew Lomison back into the fold, who was the guitar player on Past Sins. He was in the band for about 10 years, but had to move away for work. He moved back to town and was showing interest in playing again so the timing worked in our favor.  We spent the holidays getting Drew back up to speed and re working our sets. Currently we are working on new material and booking out the rest of 2014. We hope to be recording an EP before the year is out.

2.A few months back you put out a new album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction it has taken and also how does it differ from the album you put out in 2007?

JM:44MAG has really grown as a band over the past 3 to 4 years. We didn't really "set a course" when writing Outlaw Psychosis, we just started writing. MAG obviously isn't the same band as it was in 2007, but all of the core elements are still there, the thrash, the aggression, the passion. I really think the "sound" of Outlaw Psychosis was the result of the new line up bringing all of their individual influences to the table and writing together.

3.The band has been around since 1998 but so far there has only been 2 albums released, what has been the cause of the gap?

JM: (laughing) We party far too hard to be productive all the time. No, there were a lot of different reasons for the gap of time. I'd say the three big ones were time, money, and lineup changes.

Jesse Roedts (Drums): We did a few demos and ep releases in the years between the two albums. It all just came down to money, we are an independent band. We fund all our albums and  tours ourselves. Just didn’t have the funds to make it happen.

4.I have seen the band labeled as backwoods party metal, can you tell us a little bit more about this tag?

JM: We have never really "fit" into a metal/rock genre. The band is pretty much a mutt due to all of our influences, so we figured we should make our own genre. We call it backwoods party metal because it's the best description of who we are and what we do. Almost all of us grew up in the backwoods of PA, hunting, fishing, camping, partying, burn runs, you name it. We joked with the name for awhile, and it ended up sticking.

JR: Like Jared said, it all comes down to where we come from. Most of us are backwoods rednecks (laughing) Where we grew up it is partys at the river and bon fires all night. Getting drunk shooting guns, fishing hunting all that good shit you can’t do in the city. Where we come from had molded our sound.

5.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

JM: A lot of the tunes we write come from our experiences, either personal or as a band. Brain Douche is about Jesse and Pat at the Bonnaroo festival a few years back, DUI is obviously about run ins with the law, and getting behind the wheel when you probably shouldn't. The writing process, especially lyrically, is pretty organic. Before we know it, we have a song about fake ass musicians who have more money than talent like Mr. Rock N Roll.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

JM: Our stage performance varies upon our level of intoxication.

JR: We love playing festivals. We had some good times playing with all the other bands this past summer and we are looking forward to it again. They always seem to me more fun, harder partying and crazier !

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

JR: We are currently setting up our spring/summer run in support of the new cd. We are hoping to get to Europe and play for all the crazy metal heads across the pond.

8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

JR: We are looking, We have had interest in the past. Its just a matter of finding the right label that doesn’t want to fuck you over or rape you in the wallet.

9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

JR: We have been writing for the past couple of months and the shit is sounding killer ! Thrashy, groovy, heavy fucking riffs ! Im excited for everyone to hear it.

JM: Again, the stuff we write just kinda happens. If it sound cool to us, it stays.

10.What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

JR: I would have to say as a band our main influences are Pantera, Slayer and Metallica. Currently I can’t stop listening to Hank 3. I’m a huge fan and a hellbilly from back in the day. We listen to alot of Clutch and C.O.C also.

JM: The thing that is cool about this band is there are common influences like Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, like Jesse said, but we all listen to different stuff as well which definitely comes out in our writing.

11.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of metal?

JR: It has been killer ! That is part of the reason why we have been so anxious to go overseas and play. We have been getting emails from all over the world. I would have to say the ones we have been getting from Indonesia have been the coolest !

JM: It’s been great, we love the fact that we have the opportunity to reach fans overseas who really dig on what we do! The internet is a beautiful thing.

12.Do you have any non musical interests?

JR: Hell yea, I’m an avid outdoorsman. In the summer if we are not on the road i’m in the woods. Fishing is my main passion after drumming. I spend alot of time in May kayak fishing in the ocean and taking multi day fishing and float trips all over Pennsylvania. We can’t forget the guns! Shooting sports are huge where we live.

JM: My Playstation 4 takes up a lot of free time...

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

JR: We love feedback, check out our songs let us know what you think !

JM: If you like what we do, let us know... and 25 of your friends...at least!