Today marks the release of No Trigger’s new album Tycoon, and here at Under the Gun we decided we wanted to have a talk with the band about the new record, what they have been up to, and plans for the future. Check out this exclusive interview after the jump, and let UTG know what you think of the new album which is available via No Sleep Records. Under the Gun reviewed the album here, but in an abridged version: it kills.

• Could you state your name, and what you do in the band.

My name is Jon and I play guitar with No Trigger.

• It’s been 5 years since we’ve gotten a big chunk of material from you guys [other than 2010’s Be Honest 7inch], what has the band been up to?

Well, let’s see. . One of us sells houses, one of us owns SJC Drums, I work there, we’ve got a major finance guy in Boston, and an on site construction manager.. We are very busy with workflow.

• Was there a certain moment where you guys decided, alright it’s time to make some music again?

We honestly have been trying to nail down some new material for quite some time. Tom (singer) and I met up at a local bar to discuss the fate of NT about two years ago. I was living in San Diego and it only made sense to complete this record with me coming back home and getting our original guys back in. Our former members Bean and Perkins were full time with Outbreak and other projects. We just wanted to record some music and put out that “sophomore” release. It just made sense this way.

Tycoon is very much a continuation of your previous sound, however I think that it sounds a lot more focused and tighter musically. Can you elaborate on the approach you guys took during the writing stages?

With almost 7 years gone by since we were laying down the foundations of ‘Canyoneer’, our musical tastes, style, and comfort with our instruments had matured to the point where we knew what we wanted to accomplish for this record. I honestly had certain visions of tones, structure, and creativity that I couldn’t wait to lay down. Tom’s vocal and lyric approach this time was very meaningful and matured as well. We’ve gone through a lot since that last record.

Were there any clear goals that you all had when you first started on the record?

Yeah definitely. To actually finish it. Haha.

From the studio video you posted recently it seems to me that you guys still stuck with your punk roots and took a very DIY approach to recording, how was the overall experience of writing the new record [how was the space, producer, etc].

We recorded with Jay Maas (Defeater) at Getaway Studios in Mass. We did our ‘Be Honest’ 7” with him and he emphasized really wanting to work with us on the record. We knew it had to be with Jay. It was close to home and that’s what we all needed. We were still all working during the recording process. It made it way less stressful and Jay is honestly one of the best up and coming engineer/producers out there. Everything we wanted for the record he made happen. The sounds, tones, vocals, everything is raw and real. The experience couldn’t have been any better. And this was done in his basement/garage on lots of Starbucks.

One of the major themes I found to be quite relatable was the fact that you talked a lot about doing what you love and makes you happy, and that’s what should really matter. Was there a certain event where you realized that was the kind of record you needed to write, or was it just a reaction from being away from music for so long?

I think it was a little bit of both. Because that’s how No Trigger is. It’s what No Trigger does. We don’t have managers or big labels breathing down our necks. We make music and tour the world because there’s honestly nothing better than that. We have all known each other for basically half our lives. We’re best friends that get to make music we love. That’s happiness.

I mentioned in my review that this record has a very positive vibe to it that sounds like you’re hanging out with your friends on late summer nights. What kinds of records were like that for you when you were growing up?

That’s what we love to do. That’s a great analogy. We can all relate to that with records like Millencolin’s ‘Pennybridge Pioneers’, Descendents ‘Cool To Be You’, Hot Water Music’s ‘Caution’, those are just some staple records you’ll always hear in the NT van.

What are you guys most excited about in the coming months now that you have a new record behind you?

Right now we are gearing up for our Record Release weekend in March. We’ve got Polar Bear Club, Banquets, and many other friends tapped in for the shows. After that, we have plans to head back to the UK and Europe this May/June. We’re bringing a very special guest. A band we all love and just put out an amazing record. We’ll be announcing soon.

What are your favorite tracks on the record?

Personally the opening track ‘Maple Boy’ is a solid one for me. This was the first song Mike (drummer) and I started getting into when I came back from CA. ‘Insider’ is very, very special to all of us and I can speak for Tom (singer) that ‘Permanent’ hits home for its importance.

Which songs are you most excited about playing live?

All of em! It is not an understatement that we are extremely pumped to be playing new material. It has been long overdue. I’ll say ‘Department of the Interior’ is one of those crowd jams that we are anxious to slip into the set.

What band should listeners and our readers be on the lookout for this coming year?

Our boys in Such Gold will be releasing their first full length this year. Be on the watch for that. Make sure you check out Heartsounds from CA. They just released Drifter. It was my record of last year and could have something to do with a previous question.

Any words for fans and readers?

Thanks for the ever growing support over the years. It’s why we made this record. And keep tuning into Under The Gun. You guys do it right. Check out: www.nosleeprecords.com  Follow us : www.facebook.com/notrigger 

Written and conducted by: Tyler Osborne

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Tyler Osborne

Live in DC, grew up in PA. I specialize in writing, filming and taking pictures about punk, pop-punk, and hardcore music, and I also have a huge background in film as well. When not on the site, i'm running my own internet radio show, ToZ's Edge Radio (www.facebook.com/tozedgeradio). I also love stage diving and goldfish.

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