Protest The Hero will release thier new album ‘Volition‘ this coming Friday November 1st through Spinefarm / Caroline. The band recently took the time to answer our On The Record questions to tell us a little more about the release. Expand this post to take a read of their answers. Pre-orders are available [Here]. You can stream the entire album [Here].
Tell us about the release title.
We threw around a ton of names before we found Volition. Nothing was really sticking, but when Volition came up we knew that was the one. Volition is the decision to commit any particular action. A lot of the songs on this record are questioning the decisions of others and myself.. All of which were acts of volition.
Tell us about the artwork.
The artwork was done by Jeff Jordan. He just sort of did it after we had a brief discussion regarding some of the subject matter on the record. It’s loosely based on the story of Leda and the Swan.
What format/s will it be released on and how will it be packaged?
It will be released on CD, Digital and Vinyl. The CD will be digipak with an O-card. I would also one day love to release all our records on cassette, I know it seems kind of stupid, but I fuckin’ love tapes.
Who will it be released through, and when?
In Canada it’s happening through Sony, in the States through Razor & Tie, and mostly everywhere else will be Spinefarm. It will be released in Australia & NZ November 1 through Spinefarm/Caroline
Tell us about the studio and why you chose to record there?
We recorded the album at Revolution Recording Studio in Toronto. We selected this studio mostly because of location; it was the first time we’ve ever been able to sleep in our own beds while in the studio. I thought that was going to be awesome but to be quite honest, I prefer traveling to a studio and staying in a hotel. There are no regular life distractions, and it’s kind of like camping. The studio was fantastic, but I just didn’t like how convenient it was, and yes I realize that is ridiculous.
Tell us about the producer / engineer and why you chose to record with them?
It was produced by our long time friend Cameron Mclellen. Strangely enough he was once our lighting technician on tour, however he went back to school and learned how to produce records. We were all very impressed with his ability, though not surprised as he’s always had a knack for shit like this. We chose him, because he is our friend.
Were you listening to anything in particular during the writing / recording process that influenced the songs at all?
I think if there was any band that influenced this record it would be Propagandhi, they are the only band that we can all agree on, and in my eyes there is no other band that has been so consistent throughout the years.
Were there any albums you were referencing to aim for a certain type of sound production wise?
You would have to ask the producers that question. I personally am not the biggest fan of contemporary production, however in the same I don’t know enough about it to really piss and moan.
How long did you spend in the studio recording?
I believe it was two months
Tell us a little about the recording process the band used?
It was a pretty standard recording process – first drums, then bass, then guitar and finally vocals.
Was this any different to previous processes you have used?
Not in any way!
Any guests involved? if so, who.. and what did they do?
We had a bunch of special guests on the record: Jadea Kelly, Kayla Howran, Todd Kowalski, Ron Jarzombek and of course Mr Chris Adler.
Any particular equipment outside your usual live gear used in the process?
Not that I know of.
Any memorable studio moments?
I got food poisoning one day, and I was throwing up and shitting my brains out in between vocal takes. Eventually my girlfriend Cage came and picked me up, so that I could throw up and shit in the privacy of my own home. It was both hilarious and terrible.
Any additional tracks recorded that didn’t make the cut but may see the light of day sometime?
None, we put all 11 tracks we wrote on the record.
What track/s are you most looking forward to playing live?
Probably both ‘Mist’ and ‘Skies’. They’re strange and wonderful and I’m an excite bike.
How would you compare the final product to previous releases?
It’s much faster than our previous releases, and has a lot better song writing on it.
Anything else you want to say or about the release?
Rumspringa stars soon, and I’m excited to party with electricity, while mingling with the English.
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PROTEST THE HERO – ‘Volition‘
Available Friday November 1st on Spinefarm / Caroline.
Pre-order on CD [Here] or iTunes [Here].
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