Live life to the fullest, and focus on the positive.
No matter how much success you're having, you can't continue working together if you can't communicate.
I think every band is a little cautious when the drummer starts to write tunes.
So, I just kind of played the way I played and then eventually we kind of figured out what worked best for the band. So, I definitely changed my stuff up and I think we're playing really tight now.
Ben was more improvisational, and relied less on methodology, and basically is a guitarist who switched to bass, whereas Jeff has a more traditional approach to playing bass in a band, and has a great sense of what his band sounds like, and we lock up nicely.
Little things can make such a big difference during recording.
I show up ready to play, so I normally try and fit the situation.
I'm always going to get more of a charge playing Chicago than I will Duluth or some place like that. Just because of the history and the people there are way more knowledgeable than a lot of other cities. It's an amazing music scene with some great bands and great musicians.
For me, I just try to make sure I eat enough and drink enough water and that's about it.
When I first went on tour with PJ in '98, I was still in shock having gone through the Soundgarden break up.
In my last band, Soundgarden, I had a couple of different drummers sit in on some stuff and it was fun for me to kind of take a break and watch the band.
Like I'm in San Diego today and this is my hometown so I've got a lot of my friends coming and I definitely want to put on the best show that I can.
I would never want to live in L.A., and I made that decision years ago, so I never chose that path for myself, although I have much respect for those that do it at a high level.
Joining another big time rock band was the last thing I was looking for, but as the tour went on, I really dug playing to a lot of people, the band sounded great, and just being out there again, got me over my depression and so I decided to hop on board.
Whenever Elvin Jones comes to Seattle I try to go catch him.
My recording career has luckily run the gamut of recording environments.
If PJ Harvey ever came to town I'd definitely go try to go see her.
I guess by taking lessons early on, and really trying to play all the rudimentary stuff, and try to have it sound as good as my teacher. It took a lot of practice, which I enjoyed, and still do.
I love the way Pharell is laying down great drum tracks. He is a great drummer.
I've talked to some drummers who seem to have a very hard time staying in shape on the road, including some drummers touring with high-profile acts that don't have to live on fast food every night.
