Alien Ant Farm plays the Whiskey A Go Go Oct. 17
Photo by: Dimitry Mac
SoCal hard rock group Alien Ant Farm who are best known for songs like their 2001 Michael Jackson cover “Smooth Criminal” and “These Days” (2003) are hitting the road after a long hiatus armed with new tunes. Three of the original bandmates, Dryden Mitchell (vocalist), Terry Corso (guitarist), and Mike Cosgrove (drummer), and new comer Tim Peugh (bassist) will be kicking off a national tour of select cities in Hollywood at the Whiskey A Go Go Fri, Oct. 17.
Over the course of their four studio albums, cumulative sales have surpassed the five million mark, which has earned the band a Grammy nomination and four Top-10 singles. The group released a new single “Homage” in earlier October 2014 and fans anticipate a new full-length recording by the beginning of 2015.
With a massive following on the road, Alien Ant Farm continues to stretch their tour legs across the country on their ANTarchy tour this fall. The OC Concert Guide spoke with the group’s vocalist, Dryden Mitchell, about their new recordings and getting back on tour.
OCCG: Do you feel growing up in Southern California contributes to the groups sound and the groups you started performing and touring with in the 90s?
DM: I’d have to say yes. A little at least. Our surroundings affect everything we do, but I can’t say that we are this sunny/feel good band either. There’s a lot of angst in there, which will come no matter where you live, I suppose
OCCG: The group just released a new single after a long break. Why has it been so long to get back in the studio and why did the group release just a single at this time?
DM: We were in the studio a couple years ago. We’ve just been dealing with ridiculous legalities surrounding singing with someone we shouldn’t have signed a deal with. It’s sad really. To just be sitting on your livelihood
OCCG: Can we expect a full album soon?
DM: Album Will be here at the very beginning of 2015
OCCG: What are some of the different influences in the music the group is making now compared to in the past?
DM: I would just say that we are open to anything, and I feel like we always have been. Influences come in weird ways. A conversation seems to spark my influence most easily. I steal from great things said to me, Not played to me.
OCCG: There have been some lineup changes in the group. How has that affected the music? Tell us about the group’s process for finding new members.
DM: We have a new bass player who didn’t record the record with us. He’s done a lot of touring with us in the past as a tech and he knew most of the songs right out of the gate, so that helps. Just getting along with somebody is huge, Right?
OCCG: Alien Ant Farm is the only hard rock band to have paid tribute to Michael Jackson although Michael liked to play harder rock music, why do you think that is and how has that been for the group?
DM: Maybe some folks wanna cover what is more their band’s style. I don’t really know. There certainly is a lot of Bitchen stuff of his to pick from. In fact… I’m covering ABC in my Bathtub as I type this…
OCCG: What is the group’s favorite song to jam out live?
DM: I can only speak for myself… I love a song that we have called Attitude. It’s mellow and if the vibe in the room is right, it’s just a perfect moment. Real Shit
OCCG: Who has the most eclectic musical taste in the band?
DM: I’d have to say Mike Cosgrove, Our drummer. He’s always introducing me to interesting stuff. Of course, Latin rhythms are a big thing… you know… California
OCCG: What is the craziest experience (good or bad) the group has had on tour?
DM: I Bit My Drum Techs Dick Once… Only Once