Chiodos – Life on the Road

So, as far as I can understand, tour life involves eating, sleeping, performing and being bored but a part that probably shouldn’t be overlooked is the time spent meeting fans. I wanted to get Derrick’s opinion on what it was like having fans come out to shows to support Chiodos and here’s what he had to say: “We definitely appreciate it because it’s better than playing for no one obviously.”

“Just anyone coming to the show and saying ‘good show, I had a great time!’ [is great].”

As I mentioned previously, Chiodos has deep lyrics‘; their songs are very emotional so their music is bound to touch a lot of people. When I asked Derrick how he feels when people say his band has changed their life, he answered: “Well, I mean it’s always a cool thing to hear; but I mean you don’t know how to respond really. It’s just so breathtaking and so much to handle at one time. It’s awesome that you can help people. It’s like we write music to help ourselves, you know what I mean? So that’s what we love to do.”

“It must be awesome that something you do that helps you, helps others as well.” I pointed out.

“It’s nice to be able to connect with people and have that common bond”. He agreed.

While doing research for this interview, I decided to spend some time on Chiodos’ message board, where I was already a member, in order to talk to my fellow fans and see if they had any questions they wanted me to ask the band. One of the questions posed was ‘what was the weirdest things he’s heard fans say’.

“I don’t know, I haven’t really heard a lot of weird things. I mean, I just overhear people saying things to other dudes in the band like ‘You’re so hot!’ or ‘Oh will you have sex with me?’ I mean, here and there, girls will be pretty forward… saying whatever weird stuff they say…” he replied, adding: “It’s fun to talk to fans, but they just got to realize that we’re just as normal as them so they shouldn’t make it any different, you know what I mean?”

Picture yourself a musician; touring for months at a time, playing shows every single night. Yeah, it does sound like fun. And as Derrick made clear, despite a little boredom, it is fun for musicians as well. But have you ever wondered what it’s like for these bands when they finally get some time off and get to spend a little time at home, off tour? I’ve always wondered if artists go to concerts that aren’t their own or if they are so sick of the loud music and crowds that they just can’t be bothered. “In San Antonio when I went to see my friends in [the band Scary Kids, Scaring Kids] to hang out with them and chill, I went to the bar for a minute and then I just kind of went outside because I’m at shows so often, I don’t really enjoy going anymore.”

“It’s got to be a band that I really, really like. Most of the time it’s just a friend’s band swinging through town and I’ll come at the end just to say hello.”

We had been chatting for about half an hour when our time together came to a close. I thanked Derrick for a great first interview, thankful that my first experience was with a band I admired. We said our goodbyes and later that night I attended their show.

I must say, it was the best show I have ever been to. I know I am a fan and therefore that kind of precludes the conclusion, but in all unbiased seriousness, they gave such an incredible show. I will never forget the intimacy shared between Chiodos and their crowd that night; it was mesmerizing.

I had the opportunity to take some photos for CONFRONT during the band’s set; make sure to check them out along with the full transcript of our interview, in the Library of Content.

I also had the opportunity to shot during From First to Last, Protest the Hero and Lights’ set. They can also be found in the Library of Content.

And make sure to join the CONFRONT Community. I would love the opportunity talk to all of you and hear what you thought of the article and the interview itself.

To join the discussion directly click here

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