Interviewed by: Brian Rademacher
Date: November 2007
Brian Rademacher: Hello Ryan and welcome to RockEyez.com.
DROWNING POOL has been a stepping stone with outspoken words. When writing material, does the band write from the heart or experience?
Ryan McCombs: Both! Experiences change the heart.
Brian Rademacher: Were you outspoken as a child?
Ryan McCombs: VERY MUCH SO. Most of the times I got into trouble as a kid were when I spoke up because I thought someone else was getting wronged.
Brian Rademacher: Were you more of a follower or a leader?
Ryan McCombs: Got along with everyone really. I was a long-haired nothing but black clothes- wearing sports fan that was in college-bound classes. So, I really had friends in every clique. Except for the pricks, bitches and assholes I was cool with everyone. I have always had a low tolerance for pricks, bitches and assholes.
Brian Rademacher: What kind of kid were you in school?
Ryan McCombs: Having a brain in my head and willing to think for myself. Otherwise you may sit around and make lasting decisions from something someone else tells you. Hell, we ended up with Bush somehow, didn’t we?
Brian Rademacher: I know you stand up for our troops, but do you feel they are there for the right reasons?
Ryan McCombs: Not my place to say. All we care about is the care our troops get there and back at home. We try to completely stay out of the political side of things. The way I see it, it doesn’t matter if you put a Republican or a Democrat in a paper bag, if you shake it up you’ll get the same pile of shit.
Brian Rademacher: When you went over to Iraq, what was it like, from the pleasures to the horrors? Does it look like we are making progress?
Ryan McCombs: You have to take everything that you see and read in the news and throw it out of your mind. The mainstream news sources out here in the States are complete crap- centered on the negative and making the positive sound as negative as possible. It was an awesome opportunity to sit and hear the stories firsthand from the troops that are over there doing all the good that they’re doing. The only horror was the heat, really. But, when you’re wearing shorts and a tee with the sleeves cut off, you aren’t gonna complain to a bunch of troops in full gear humping 50-60 pounds of gear.
Brian Rademacher: You did the song "Soldiers", and other amazing songs on “Full Circle”. How proud are you when singing some of those songs? And when you’re singing do you have thoughts in your head?
Ryan McCombs: I really tend to fall into the same moments or holes the lyrics came from when we perform live.
Brian Rademacher: You have two sons: if they were called on to serve, what would you tell them?
Ryan McCombs: Head down to bull through, chin up to see through. Also that I am very proud of them and to get their butts home so we can celebrate their return. And I do have two sons so I can answer honestly.
Brian Rademacher: Would you consider doing a solo album?
Ryan McCombs: Hands are full right now, don’t know.
Brian Rademacher: Were there songs recorded that were left off the release?
Ryan McCombs: Yes, we wrote more songs for “Full Circle” than DROWNING POOL ever has for any prior release. Was just easy writing together.
Brian Rademacher: If you could have a dream come true, what would that be for you?
Ryan McCombs: Healthy kids with long, successful and happy lives.
Brian Rademacher: How long will the current tour last and what’s in the cards after this tour?
Ryan McCombs: 6 months down so far with 10 – 12 months ahead of us. Another album.
Brian Rademacher: Do you have any other special projects in the works?
Ryan McCombs: Nope! Really consumed with the THISISFORTHESOLDIERS campaign.
Brian Rademacher: The recent single “Enemy” was directed to your former band mates in SOIL. Why did you decide to write a song directed at them, and how's your relationship with them?
Ryan McCombs: Sat back and let them bash me to fans, friends and business relations for years now. It’s time to set the story straight.
Brian Rademacher: Well Ryan it’s be a pleasure to learn some about some of the feelings about yourself. I wish you the best in life and with DROWNING POOL Would you like to say anything in conclusion?
Ryan McCombs: Thanks to you and everyone out there that allows us to do what we do. Everyone from manager, label peeps and artists have one person to thank and that’s those that give us the time of day by buying CD’s and going to shows. The music starts with the fans and it will end with the fans.
Special thanks Matt Marcheschi @Total Assault
|
