MusicInterviewsNow.com

Scott and Randy of MusicInterviewsNow had a chance to sit down with Todd from 3 Doors Down, and here is what he had to say about his band, their new album, and the upcoming tour.

Todd: We're getting back out there next week starting in Philadelphia, and I'm really looking forward to it.

Scott: How long has it been since you all have been on the road?

Todd: It's been a couple weeks. We toured the first part of the year, took a little time off, and now we're going back out. We're all anxious to get out there and do it up!

Scott: Let's start with a little history, where did you get the name 3 Doors Down?

Todd: The name actually came from a sign on an old building that we passed one night, and we threw some names around. I suggested 3 Doors Down, and it just kind of stuck. It got catchy over time, it really don't mean nothing.(laughs)

Randy: It's been awesome growing up with 3 Doors Down.

Todd: Thank you man, we've had a good run, we are still here making music, doing what we love to do, thank God for the fans who let us go out there and do what we love to do.

Randy: 15 million albums sold..when did that first sink in?

Todd: It feels good and at times overwhelming, times are good.

Randy: You also have 2 consecutive #1 albums.

Todd: Yeah, it's a dream come true doing what we love to do. We are very fortunate to be able to do this over ten years now, and it's a lot of fun. We are gonna keep doin' it as long as we can.

Scott: 3 Doors Down is known for supporting our Troops; how did that come along?

Todd: You know, it's just one of those things that kind of happened. It actually happened over a period of time. A lot of family members, military wives for example, latched onto ours songs that they can relate to. We write songs about being away from our families, and they can relate, and they get the point. The military has done a lot of great things for this band. I actually spent a little time with "The Guard", and they actually sponsored this tour.

Randy: With that being said, can you talk about Hurricane Katrina, and your foundation that has helped with the aftermath?

Todd: Yeah, man we got hit hard back home. We have the Better Life Foundation for us to give back to the community. They got our foot in the door, and this was our way to give back. These people were in such desperate need down there.

Randy: Did the storm affect you or your families?

Todd: Oh God yes. Chris lost his house, his whole house was underwater. My family lost almost everything they had. I also had one Uncle that passed away in the storm, it simply took a toll on everybody down there.

Scott: Did that affect your writing at all?

Todd: No, we tried to put that behind us. It's in the past, and we hope we never have to deal with anything like that again.

Scott: On a brighter note, how does your new album compare to all of your previous albums?

Todd: As far as I'm concerned in writing songs, this is our best record yet.

Scott: Do you have a personal favorite song off this album?

Todd: I love "Let me be Myself", I like the rockers more than the slower songs.

Randy: I was able to catch up with you down in Peoria in 2005. It was awesome, by the way, but I was just wondering what your favorite city to play in is?

Todd: You know, I would have to say its up that way in that area. It seems like the towns up there where you all are from are more of a rock town. They seem to grab a hold of Rock a little more than others.

Randy: In 2005, you had this huge stage, pyrotechnics, this big turning wheel; are you gonna bring this stuff with you on this tour?

Todd: For the first part of it we're gonna tone it down. But by the summer we are gonna be doin' it again.

Randy: I wanna go back in time a little bit; on the first album, did Brad lay down the drum tracks as well as the vocals?

Todd: Yeah, all the way up to the second record. Then we got Josh for the second record, and by the third we had Daniel, and we have Greg now. He's our guy and he's great. In the beginning, Brad did do all the drumming, yeah.

Scott: How is it doing around 300 shows a year?

Todd: We've toned it back a bit the last year or so. We used to do 250 plus shows a year. You don't have a personal life, and as far as family, you just try to juggle it.

Scott: What's your daily routine?

Todd: We have sound check at 3, then we do our meet and greets, we go in at about 9 or so, then after the show its back on the road. Its fun man, I enjoy it. We get to see the country and meet some great people.

Scott: Who does the lyrics?

Todd: Brad does the lyrics and we all gang up on the music.

Scott: Is there any personal story to this album?

Todd: (laughs) There's all kind of stories!

Scott: Has anybody messed up or had to adlib on stage?

Todd: There was one night, I can't remember where we were, but down the road from where we were playing, a car ran into a power station. All the power to the venue was lost and we had just come on. Brad came on stage, and we all just sang into a flash light. That night stands out more than anything. You could look that up and find it somewhere for sure!

Randy: As we wind down tonight, what do you have lined up looking into the future?

Todd: We gonna be out here touring, I'm sure we get in and make another album and do it over again.

Randy: For our famous question, where do you see your self in 7 years?

Todd: Ah man, we ain't getting. old or nothin'! (laughs) We're still gonna be making music and putting out albums.

Scott: What's one last thing you want to tell your fans?

Todd: Thank you for playing us, thank you for listening to us, and thank you for all your support! .

Click here to view pictures and purchase music from 3 Doors Down
or tickets to upcoming shows.

Scott: Tell us about starting your tour to promote your new self-titled album.