Prior to entering the studio to record their follow-up to Road Maps And Heart Attacks, This Time Next Year’s Brad Wisemen took some time to answer a few questions for UTG. We’d like to thank TTNY for taking the time to speak with us, as well as Equal Vision Records for setting up this opportunity.

Enjoy.

UTG Interview: This Time Next Year’s Brad Wisemen

UTG: You enter the studio in the near future with Chad Gilbert. What made you choose to go with him as your producer? Is there something specific you look for when seeking a producer?

TTNY: A producer oversees the making of the record and contributes his or her ideas to make the record its absolute best. We always look for someone who understands what we’re trying to do with our music and can give us constructive criticism on the songs. Chad has been doing a lot of records lately that have turned out great. We sent him demos and were fortunate enough to get him on board for this record. Chad knows our genre of music inside and out and as a band we feel very confident in what we can do with him and the songs we have written.

UTG: How would you compare the writing process for this release to the past ones? What type of lyrical themes can we expect on the record?

TTNY: Most of the time, Denis will start out with a song on guitar and he will play it out with Pete or myself and we work off it from that point on. We all bring different ideas to the table and build off them quickly and easily. Our band’s lyrical content has always been about our lives at home, on tour, or a subject we feel strongly about and we take pride in that. Don’t expect that to change with this new record.

UTG: As bands move on in releases, it seems to go more from “giving them what they want” to “doing something different because it’s what we want.” What can fans expect from the overall sound of the album? (Please try to refrain from using the word “mature”)

TTNY: We are never going to be a band that will write a record just to “give them what they want.” We write and record these songs because we like them. This record is another TTNY record, but we’re showing off more of our roots and what we enjoy listening to. One track you might say “this reminds me of Green Day” then the next track “this sounds like something from a Foo Fighters’ record.” The only way to fully understand what’s going on with the new record is to listen to it when it comes out.

UTG: How many songs make up the record? Can we expect b-sides/bonus tracks?

TTNY: We’re hoping to record 14 songs and a cover. Ten or eleven would go on the record and the other tracks are going to be used for something else down the road.

UTG: Will there be any featured artist on the new album?

TTNY: We’re not sure yet, we’ve tossed around a few ideas. You’ll just have to hear the record and find out!

UTG: You seem to have found success selling your album on a “pay what you want” basis. Will you be using this tactic for the new record as well? While on the topic, do you think the old industry model of $12-15 albums has come and gone? Is there an upside to pay what you want (beyond the ability for fans on the fence to hear your album without risking finances)?

TTNY: The 12-15 dollar CD period has been dead for a while. I’m really not sure if were going to do “pay as you want” for the new record, we haven’t discussed what the plan is yet. I thought it was a great idea for our last record. When you are a young band the most important thing is people hearing your music, not how many records you’ve sold.

UTG: Outside of the album, you’re obviously going to be on the road for the better part of the year. Do you prefer the studio time or would you rather be on the road?

TTNY: It’s hard to say right now. We’ve been home, for the most part, since the end of August. I am itching to tour again on a good 4-6 week run, but at the same time I like being in the studio and can’t wait to record these songs and hear the new record.

UTG: What can fans expect from This Time Next Year’s live show in 2011?

TTNY: Expect the new record early summer and a lot of touring after that. This year is going to be very busy for TTNY.

Questions by: James Shotwell and Matt “Hurricane” Haines

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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