Brand New Sin Interview

Good old fashioned, shit kicking rock 'n' roll is what Syracuse's Brand New Sin bring to the table. Back with their superb sophomore effort, RECIPE FOR DISASTER, we caught up with lead throat Joe Alteri and got his thoughts on his new label Century Media, his take on the new album, and a whole lot more.

Grab your favorite beverage (the BNS boys prefer cheap ass vodka and whiskey), and read on.


The Gauntlet: How did Brand New Sin form?

Joe Alteri: Brand New Sin was formed out of the ashes of a band called Godbelow. We formed in September 2001. Godbelow was looking to change and began a vocalist search. They tried out like 17 guys before I came in. Once I came in, the search was over and here we are today.


The Gauntlet: What sets Brand New Sin apart from other metal bands?

Joe Alteri: I think what sets us apart is that we are in the land between rock and metal. We are a bunch of headbangers who play rock 'n' roll. We are a rock band at heart with heavy metal influences.


The Gauntlet: Tell us how you guys wound up on Century Media and how the relationship has been thus far?

Joe Alteri: Man, this is one long ass story and neither of us have the time. To make it short, first label goes bankrupt, next label puts us through hell and tries to make BNS something they are not. We never record a CD for them, and ask for our release, and Century Media is there waiting with smiles. So far, it's been a pleasure, and we are looking forward to a long and successful run with them. Their track record speaks for itself.


The Gauntlet: Describe the process of recording RECIPE FOR DISASTER. Where did you guys record and with who? Any funny recording stories you'd like to share?

Joe Alteri: Well the writing took us a year and a half (not by choice), but the process of recording was amazing. We don't waste time in the studio. We record all the drums, bass and rhythm guitars live. The only overdubs that are done are vocals and guitar solos, and we are pretty quick. We had a vision of this record and busted ass to get it done. We recorded, mixed this record in four weeks. We recorded here in Syracuse at the same studio as the first CD and with the same guy helming the knobs, Pete Walker. I guess the two funniest things about the studio is how much cheap ass vodka we drank. We must have gone through a gallon a day. The plastic gallons just kept piling up. And the last song we recorded was the acoustic song "Runnin' Alone". We recorded it Guns 'n' Roses LIES style, with me singing, three acoustic guitars, one kick drum, and two bottles of Early Times whiskey. We wanted that dirty, back woods porch feeling and the best way to do that is to get hopped up on whiskey.


The Gauntlet: Which song was the easiest to record? Hardest? One you feel came out the best?

Joe Alteri: The easiest were a few. We had been playing quite a few live already for a few months so there were like five of those. The hardest was probably either "Once In A Lifetime" or "Another Reason". The one I was most surprised at how it sounded from start to finish of recording it was "Vicious Cycles".


The Gauntlet: How is RECIPE FOR DISASTER different than your previous release?

Joe Alteri: I think we have matured more as a band and it shows in all the songs. I think we have found the BNS sound. And lastly, we recorded this on better studio equipment and had more time to prepare.


The Gauntlet: How has growing up in New York shaped your music?

Joe Alteri: We from blue-collar families, blue collar neighborhoods, blue collar towns, blue collar jobs and a blue collar city. Does that explain it?


The Gauntlet: What's your take on the current state of metal?

Joe Alteri: I love it. We can never have enough.


The Gauntlet: How does a Brand New Sin song get written?

Joe Alteri: 90% of all BNS songs start with a riff. Then a groove, then we interject some melodies, then some lyrics and wham�BNS.


The Gauntlet: Who are some of your musical influences? Any we wouldn't be able to pick up on by listening to you?

Joe Alteri: Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Metallica, Danzig, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, COC, Pantera, Down, Black Label Society, Megadeth, and many, many more. Basically if it's good, it influenced us. I guess some of my off the wall influences would be Garth Brooks, Otis Redding and The Eagles.


The Gauntlet: Where is your favorite place to play and why?

Joe Alteri: Another tough one but I think I speak for all my boys when I say The Machine Shop in Flint, Michigan. Kevin and Craig Zink are the two most badass club owners and promoters in the country. They know how to take care of a band and the fans. Plus, Flint just plain rocks.


The Gauntlet: How would you explain your music to someone who never heard you before?

Joe Alteri: AC/DC meets Metallica meets Lynyrd Skynyrd meets pure rock and roll.


The Gauntlet: When I'm not in Brand New Sin, I'm...?

Joe Alteri: At a local watering hole, listening to bands, and getting my drink on.


The Gauntlet: Do you prefer the studio or a gig and why?

Joe Alteri: I like both for certain reasons, but playing live is by far my favorite. I played football for 12 years, and the only other time I have felt the same rush is on stage with Brand New Sin.


The Gauntlet: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

Joe Alteri: Be careful. Be very, very careful. Follow your heart, and never compromise your band or its music for anyone. Be yourself.


The Gauntlet: What's the best and worst part about touring?

Joe Alteri: The best is playing everyday, seeing the country/world and meeting new people. The worst, never getting enough sleep.


The Gauntlet: Whom would you guys like to tour with that you haven't yet?

Joe Alteri: My top three are Metallica, Iron Maiden and Ozzfest.


The Gauntlet: What can we expect from brand new sin for the rest of 2005?

Joe Alteri: Tour, tour, tour, video, radio, tour, tour, European tour, video, radio, tour, tour, tour.


The Gauntlet: Any final words for the fans?

Joe Alteri: Buy our album and see you on the road.


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Tags:  Brand New Sin  , Joe Alteri, interviews

Mike SOS    October 14, 2005