Interview with Jeremy Wooden(bass)

UN: Putting the new record back to back with Day of Reckoning shows a very big progression for the band. Would you say this is what you’ve had in mind for the band all along? I read that certain sacrifices always had to be made to keep band members happy. Does the songwriting seem more natural now?

Jeremy: Definitely. We became less concerned with trying to write a "hardcore" song or a "metal" song and instead started writing songs that felt right. We've got the process down and I think the songs have become a lot more complete and "songy" than in the past.

UN: Was it hard to find a singer to replace Colin? How did you guys find Paul? Was it a long auditioning period? Were there certain qualities you had in mind for the vocalist of the band?

Jeremy: Colin left some big shoes to fill but Paul has added a whole new dynamic to the bands sound I’d say. It was very hard to replace Colin. He had a great voice that was very unique. The only problem we had was live. A lot of times his voice was not where it was supposed to be and we would have to take out alot of the singing songs from the set. Paul was actually our first choice but when we asked him he thought it was for a side project so he said no. We got a ton of great submissions and most kids could scream well but and couldn't sing. When Paul heard it was for Diecast, he came to practice and blew us all away. Paul's voice is amazing live and his new energy is awesome.

UN: I’ve been noticing a lot of references to Killswitch Engage in the reviews of the new disc. And while the disc is definitely more melodic then Day of Reckoning was, the melody was still there. Do you feel like the Killswitch comparison cuts you guys short at all? After all you guys Have been around for awhile and melodic elements have always been a part of Diecast.

Jeremy: Killswitch is actually one of my favorite bands so I'm flattered at the comparison. However, it's nice to know that you and many others still remember that we have always had melody in our songs. I definitely think we have our own sound but when you play heavy music, there will always be comparison's to other bands.

UN: Where would you say the extra emphasis on melody came from? Do you Think Paul's voice itself is what made the songwriting move to a more Melodic path? Or was the songwriting moving this way before you found a newvocalist?

Jeremy: We were looking for a little bit more melody in the songs and Paul's voice really allowed us to run with that. People always get in an uproar when you include more singing but the funny thing is, the same happened when we first came out with "singled out" and now it gets the best response out of our whole set. Once more people get the new record I'm sure it will be the same thing. It's almost like some people are scared of anything catchy which is the silliest thing I've ever heard.

UN: I was wondering if you could possibly explain the meaning behind the album name. Does it have any lyrical connections?

Jeremy: There are a lot of shitty people in this world and we've been through a lot of shit. Many people have wronged us and I would like nothing more than to see them in an eternity of darkness. Yes I'm bitter.

UN: While the rhythm section of the band has never changed, there has been a surprising amount of line-up changes in the guitarist department. I think I read in your bio that you’d had something like 17 guitar players filling the second guitar player slot. Has it been tough to find someone or do people just keep leaving the band? Kirk has been in the band for 3 years now though, so is it safe to say that there is finally a stable line-up for Diecast?

Jeremy: Yes, we do have a stable line-up, finally. The reason for so many guitarist's is that it is so hard to find musician's who are dedicated to being in a band and who are willing to tour. A lot of people just plain sucked or didn't show up to a show so we threw them out. A few others who are still great friends of ours, moved on to start families or careers.

UN: During the time that Now or Never was having problems and being bought out by Century Media, were there thoughts of giving it all up going through your minds? Did you guys know for certain that Century Media would be picking up the band? I’m pretty sure they haven’t signed all of the Now or Never bands.

Jeremy: They have actually helped all of the bands out in some way which is awesome. We only thought of possibly throwing in the towel when we couldn't find a singer we were all happy with. Once Paul walked through the door all doubts were out of our mind.

UN: Sort of along with the last question, how have things been working out with Century Media? They are definitely the biggest label you’ve had behind you and I’m definitely seeing the name around more then I ever did around when Day of Reckoning was released. Do you guys feel like the label is behind you guys 100%?

Jeremy: Definitely. They are treating us like a priority and opening up so many doors for us. We have video out, are about to shoot a second video and are finally going to Europe. They have been awesome to us so far.

UN: Coming up in January you guys will be out on the road with Hatebreed and Agnostic Front. I have to say that this is one hell of a package tour. Are you guys excited about the tour? It must be excited to get the chance to go out with Agnostic Front, after all they are one of the bands that started hardcore.

Jeremy: We've toured with Hatebreed before and have had some of our best shows ever. They always treat us like family. I've listened to AF for many years and am honored to be sharing the stage with them in the US as well as in Europe. I've heard a few songs from Love is Red and The Autumn Offering as well and they are sick. This tour will be amazing.

UN: Following those dates you’ll be heading to the UK with Terror and AF once again. I know that you guys have toured quite a bit, but have you Guys played many overseas shows? It’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll be playing for packed houses crossing the ocean with Terror and AF!

Jeremy: We've never been overseas before. For our first tour to be with such amazing bands is overwhelming. We can't wait to go over there and play in front of all new fans.

UN: Would you say that there has been a big change in the hardcore scene since Day of Reckoning was released? Heavy music is becoming huge these days and more and more bands seem to be really breaking out of having exclusively hardcore based fans. Do you think the current musical climate works out to Diecast’s advantage

Jeremy: I think that bands like Hatebreed, Killswitch Engage, Lamb of God, Shadows Fall and Unearth have blown the doors open for heavy music. People are finally realizing how much talent and power is available in what used to be underground bands. I can't even imagine how great it would be to write heavy music and pay your bills at the same time. I've got my fingers crossed.