Interview: Chris Henderson From ‘3 Doors Down’
3 Doors Down first took the world by storm with the Grammy nominated hit Krytonite in 2000. Since then the Mississippi rockers have become a household name in mainstream music with their gritty brand of post-grunge influenced rock. Now the boys are back with bold new single In The Dark and their 6th album ‘Us And The Night,’ set to release Friday 11th March. We caught up with rhythm guitarist Chris Henderson to take us through the new record.
The last couple of years you’ve been busy touring. What was it like back in the studio, working on new material?
It was exciting and a lot of fun. It’s been a long time since we’ve hunkered down and done some writing and recording. It was a good feeling.
Were there any specific goals in mind?
We wanted to make a record people would like of course, but would reintroduce us back to the fans. A lot of people gave up on us. We needed to make a record to show we were still here. For those who didn’t, we wanted to show that man you’ve stuck around and here’s the record you’ve been waiting for.
What new treats do you have in store this time round?
Well there are two new members that weren’t there last time and the music is different. It’s kind of a cross between all of our records mixed together. That being said we weren’t afraid to take chances. People are going to get a new version of 3 Doors Down.
What made you choose ‘Us And The Night’ for your album title?
It was a snapshot of where we were at the time. We had lost members so the band was in a weird spot. We didn’t know what was going to happen. We didn’t know what the future held. We didn’t know if there was going to be another record at one point. It was us and the night and we were trying to fight our way through it.
Your new single ‘In The Dark’ is edgier than past material. How did it come about?
It started with an idea on GarageBand. Chetter (guitarist) was programming all these things mixed into one little spot. No one could really interpret it at first but it had that infectious rift we all gravitated towards. It inspired Brad and the lyrics. That was the catalyst. Once that happened it took on its own life.
Fell From The Moon is a great analogy! Where did you come up with the concept?
It comes from past tragedies of other people. Without saying any names, everyone has someone who has fallen from the moon, someone you’ve put on a pedestal over the years and they let you down.
Am I correct in saying different genres were experimented in I Don’t Wanna Know?
Absolutely. The rhythm and solos were Flamingo, a Latin vibe, but it was done by accident. The song was written to a bongo loop and the timing was dictating what the guitar needed to do. Instead of fighting it and saying we’re not that kind of band, we embraced it.
Yes, it shows when a song is forced in a certain direction.
Yeah, people who listen to music like it’s a way of life can tell. You know how it is, I mean when I was a teenager that was all I ever did. It was a part of who I was. If you write music like that people are not going to care about it. It’s offensive to listen to. It’s definitely something we take seriously.
Do you have a favourite track on the album you especially connect with?
Us And The Night is a good one. Just enjoying the ride is important and a lot of people miss that. They forget life is short and we only go around one time. That’s true with everything I’ve done in my life and it’s how the song connects with me.
Are there any celebrations planned for the album’s official release date?
We’re just gonna let it happen. It’s not about introducing the record to our friends at some restaurant somewhere. It’s about the people who’ve supported us over the years. That’s gonna be the party and everyone gets to be a part of it.
Where do you hope to take your music in the future?
Whatever happens happens. You take the good with the bad, the ups with the downs. Isn’t that the true spirit of music?
Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
I think the most important thing in this day and age is to listen to the business and what the wolves tell you. Go out and play as much as you can, meet people and become friends because the same people listening to you now will be listening 25 years from now.
When do you hope to be back in Australia?
Everything is up in the air right now but hopefully sooner rather than later.
