Interview with Digital Summer guitarist, Jon Stephenson!
DS Army member Trevor Miller was fortunate enough to be able to arrange an interview with Digital Summer lead guitarist, Jon Stephenson!
The DS Army welcomes guitarist Jon Stephenson in for an interview today. Jon, thank you so much for providing time and a little insight into the happenings of DS right now.
No problem! Thank you guys for all the support and added promotion you do for us!
Anytime! First of all, Breaking Point is over a year old now. Reflecting back, how far do you think this album and touring cycle has taken you guys professionally? I mean, DS has certainly gained a good deal of recognition over the past year, with rave reviews from fans and critics alike for both the album and the live shows. Are you guys in a comfortable place, or is it still a bit of a struggle getting your name out there?
Breaking Point definitely helped us leave a footprint in the active rock world. People know our name and our tunes, and we're constantly getting fan questions asking when we are going to play their city, etc...so to answer the question, it's definitely been a beneficial album, but we are still an independent band, which can suck when it comes to financing a tour. We tour strategically: we tour when it's a beneficial time of year, and with a band that can complement our sound, as well as pack a room for potential new fans
So the touring financing aspect can be a struggle at times
Understandable. Being a 100% fan-funded or otherwise independently financial entity is difficult, but it brings forth the most respect in the end.
You guys have a new acoustic album coming out in October. After recording and touring for Breaking Point with the full set-up, how different is the vibe going into the studio to lay down versions of these songs that are stripped down?
To be honest, it took a lot of work transposing the "full band" versions. A lot of people have this misconception that you just play the same electric riffs on an acoustic, and you're done....but not me. I love alternate tunings!! I used alternate tunings on about 80% of After Hours. It definitely gave it a totally different feel and vibe. Power chords on an acoustic guitar can get boring!
Something else that was a new addition to the band’s studio element this time around was the addition of Austin Rios on drums. How much of a difference did it make having someone so young in the studio with you guys, learning the ropes of recording in a professional manner?
Austin played on 4 songs on After Hours. I was working when he tracks, but I've seen him in a studio before. He's super familiar with playing to a click, so he was literally in and out in 2 days time. The kid really is amazing, and we don't just say that because we have a good relationship with him and his family. He truly is a freak of nature!
His drum videos are excellent. I've seen the videos on youtube of him performing live with you guys, so I was extremely excited to see that he was tracking with you guys for the album.
Haha, his other talent is acting more mature than we are.
I guess somebody has to keep you and Guido in line. Hahaha.
What aspect of the new album did you have more fun with; the new songs coming along, or reworking existing songs into acoustic arrangements?
Probably watching the new songs come to life. There's elements on the new tracks that we've never done before. You'll hear some blues licks/solos, some production beats, dark piano progression arrangements, and some djembe/percussion instruments
Sounds pretty great. I'm personally a sucker for deep, rich productions with unusual instrument choices. It's always nice to see bands experiment with some new methods.
We definitely experimented with some stuff on this record!
We’ve already heard a glimpse of the band’s acoustic side with the ‘Hollow EP’. Will ‘After Hours’ follow that EP stylistically, or are there newer elements that take the songs a step further?
There's a few songs off Hollow we re-tracked & remixed/mastered, but overall, After Hours was a pretty different direction than Hollow
It'll be pretty refreshing to hear how that direction turned out for you guys.
Earlier this year, you guys partnered up with the Headbanger Wine company. Besides free booze, what has the partnership meant for the band in terms of benefitting the Digital Summer name?
Headbanger is owned by one of our good friends, Paul Hoffman. Paul is more than just a wine-o. He's got a business plan and model just like ours. He was essentially like us, just in the alcohol world. Teaming up with Headbanger allowed us to rebrand ourselves and enter a new niche market that we never knew existed: wine lovers who also happen to love rock music!
It's a step away from the cliche Jäger-sponsored band, who only gets promotional materials, not actual promotion. Headbanger actually promotes us and our product. We have a great partnership going with them!
Great to know that some brands are still passionate about promoting things that really deserve it.
2013 has seen a lot of great rock albums so far. We know the acoustic album is going to be one of our favorites, but what albums have you been listening to this year? Any upcoming albums you’re particularly excited about?
Ben Burnley & Breaking Benjamin! That's another one I'm anxious to hear. I love anything Ben touches, so to tour with them and have Ben collaborate on something would be amazing
One of my absolute favorites. Digital Summer reminds me a lot of a cross between Breaking Benjamin and Sevendust. I would love to see Ben collaborate with you guys as well.
Well Jon, thanks for answering our questions today. If there's anything we can count on, it's that you guys will consistently put out good music, and you treat your fans better than anyone else in the industry.
Thanks a lot! You guys & girls are awesome!
--Trevor Miller conducted this interview on behalf of the DS Army, the official Digital Summer fan community. You can join the DS Army at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DigitalSummerArmy
Also, be sure to check out Headbanger Wine: https://www.facebook.com/HeadbangerWine
