Rock
ONE-ON-ONE WITH HOOBASTANK
By Michael Montroy |
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 Multi-platinum rock band Hoobastank is currently on tour in support of its fourth studio album For(n)ever, performing at Club Nokia on Mon., May 18. Along with the band’s past hits, like “The Reason,” the California rockers will be showcasing some of their new songs on the tour, including “My Turn” and “So Close, So Far.”
Produced by longtime collaborator Howard Benson, For(n)ever sees a rejuvenated Hoobastank (lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Doug Robb, guitarist Dan Estrin and drummer Chris Hesse) returning to the amped rock roots of their first two major studio releases: 2001’s platinum-plus-selling self-titled debut album and 2003’s double platinum-plus-selling follow-up, The Reason. The latter was a blockbuster that earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album, and its mega-huge title track garnered Grammy nods for Song of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group. The track was also an international smash that rocketed to No. 1 on the Modern Rock, Adult Top 40 and Top 40 Mainstream charts and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“We fought Howard tooth and nail on [The Reason],” laughed Robb. “I’m glad we did. They wound up being positive, creative arguments that ultimately made the songs better.”
Given the success of their previous collaboration, the band asked Benson to come back and helm the boards for For(n)ever. The result is a monolithic album of dynamic hard rock.
“It was a really long process,” Robb stated in regards to writing the album’s 11 songs. “Nothing sounded or felt right at first. We wanted to be on top of our music and we wanted Howard to police us more, be more opinionated and force us to come up with our best stuff, which he did. It helped in getting us to deliver our best stuff. At least, I think it is.”
Taking almost 18 months off, Hoobastank went through a pair of management changes and a few false starts before starting work on For(n)ever.
 “When we went back into the recording studio, though, it was like we never left. Everything fell into place and we picked up where we left off,” Robb said. “It was like we found the same passion we had when we made the very first album.”
“We went in without any egos,” Robb continued. “In fact, we’ve never had any. We’ve avoided the fantasies and arrogance. I think that’s why our fans are still with us…and I hope it’s also because they like our music.”
The time between recordings has paid dividends for the band.
“We had that fire again,” Robb stated. “I like to think that the new album has seen us mature from the last album. You always want to grow and mature. You want to expand. The first [album] was pure rock, with only one slow song. On For(n)ever, we have a nice mix. We just kind of expanded the field a bit more.”
For(n)ever introduces itself with the band’s first single off the album, the anthemic "My Turn," which was inspired by a poem written by Doug’s older brother. The track is an ode to every man or woman, and deals with someone who has worked all their life and is just looking to get the rewards they deserve.
“It was a love poem, and it became a song about the little guy who is always getting stepped on, which has happened to me” Robb said. “I think it happens to a lot of people--it really does. I think that’s why the song came together quickly. It fell into place quite nicely.”
 As for the overall album, Robb described it as being “about the best aspects of relationships…or the worst.” Among its many highlights is “Tears of Yesterday,” which features a catchy string arrangement by David Campbell (Beck’s father) and is based on a piano riff inspired by Estrin’s love of what he called, “Those quirky, cheesy ’80s TV sitcom themes like ‘Bosom Buddies.’” "I Don't Think I Love You" starts with Estrin’s piercing blues riffs, as Robb paints a portrait of a couple growing apart because one partner suddenly realizes the other has changed beyond recognition.
“The back and forth drum beat, which adds a lot [to the song], came much later,” Robb stated.
The band’s latest single, "So Close, So Far," was inspired by news coverage of the war in Iraq and imagining the anguish of being separated from your loved one, fighting in a foreign country.
“If I’m not watching ESPN, I’ll catch CNN,” Robb said. “Yeah, I know, it’s not the typical thing a musician watches, so I guess our fans might be a bit surprised. However, the song is about separation, and separation can be found everywhere--even on CNN.”
“You’re the One,” a song Robb wrote about proposing to his now-wife, started with a never-before-used chord fingering and was inspired by some of Estrin’s favorite artists, such as U2, The Police and Portishead. Early musical influences in Robb’s life included Van Halen (with David Lee Roth) and Faith No More.
 “However,” Robb said, “I’m not currently influenced by anyone. It’s important for me to look inside of myself for the originality. It’s all about making music that’s important to me and the band. If I wasn’t making original music, I’d probably be a teacher because I love working with kids; but, right now, I’m just making music. I find the joy in the music’s creation.”
Hoobastank’s current tour is in full swing and will eventually lead the band to China, Japan, Australia and other oversea venues starting in July.
“I enjoy both touring and recording,” Robb stated. “However, I see it differently whenever I’ve been in the recording studio too long--then I can’t wait to tour. And when I’ve been touring too much, then I can’t wait to get back into the studio. Right now, though, I’m enjoying the tour and can’t wait to get back home [to Los Angeles] and perform where it all started.”
The band has played more shows in Los Angeles than anywhere else.
“It’s always special to play at home,” Robb concluded. “We’re looking forward to it and seeing people we know.”
Hoobastank opens for Staind at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Fri., May 18. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are just $39. For more information, visit Ticketmaster.com.
Hoobastank’s For(n)ever is currently available in stores everywhere.
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