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Almost two decades since the release of its self-titled album on TVT Records, Sevendust has been one of the top American metal bands for well over a decade. Beyond placing over two dozen singles on the rock radio charts, the Atlanta-rooted quintet has three RIAA-certified gold titles to its credit. Beyond the group’s long-term success, Sevendust has often been lauded for its DIY ethic, as its latest studio album –- 2015’s Kill The Flaw -– was yet another self-produced full-length released via the band’s Warner-affiliated 7Bros. record label.
Sevendust – which includes vocalist Lajon Witherspoon, guitarists Clint Lowery and John Connolly, bassist Vince Hornsby and drummer Morgan Rose – returns to the New York area with a May 3 performance at The Playstation Theater. John, who has some New York City roots, spoke to Downtown about the Times Square gig and what else is coming up for Sevendust. Within our Q&A, he made a good point about the “normal stuff” he likes to do with his family.
On Twitter, Sevendust can be followed via @Sevendust, while John himself is @jconnolly1119. For more info on Sevendust, you can also click on over here.
You’re originally from New Jersey. How did you wind up in an Atlanta-based band?
John Connolly: My father got a job transfer when I was about eight years old, so our family relocated to Atlanta.
What do you remember about the first gig you ever played in New York City? Was that with Piece Dogs? Or Sevendust?
J: First gig was with the Piece Dogs. We actually played L’Amours, Limelight and a few other places, and for me, I remember it feeling kinda like going back home since my family was from New York City originally. Always feels like a homecoming.
For the folks coming to see you at Playstation Theater in New York, what should be expected?
J: Old songs we haven’t played in a while. We changed up the setlist a good bit over the past few months, and will again before we hit the road again in the States. Kinda cool when you have 140 or so songs. (laughs)
You played drums before you joined Sevendust as a guitarist. Which instrument did you start on first? Do you play piano or any instruments that Sevendust fans may be surprised about?
J: Piano first, saxophone second, marimba third. I was a percussion major in college, but always on a keyboard-based instrument. Drums/percussion was always my first love and I kinda still play drums…I just do it on the guitar. I also played flute, clarinet, french horn, baritone and sing a good bit.
Sevendust’s 11th studio album, Kill The Flaw, came out last year. It’s the third album that the band self-produced. What do you like most about making your albums that way?
J: It’s actually the sixth we self-produced. Next, Alpha, Hope & Sorrow, Black Out The Sun, Time Travellers & Bonfires, and Kill The Flaw. We kinda know what we do best and a few of us produce on the side, so it’s a natural process for us these days. We can mediate ourselves pretty well.
Kill The Flaw was made in Butler, New Jersey. Of all places, how did Butler get chosen as the place to make three of your albums?
J: Clint found the studio [while] buying a set of studio monitors. Saw there was a studio, started a friendship with the owners and the rest is history. (laughs)
When Sevendust worked with Butch Walker — who I know worked on Crawlspace demos — and produced such an accessible album back in 2003, was that something that the band had wanted to do? Or was that an example of a label trying to force Sevendust in a certain direction?
J: Both. We wanted to work with Ben Grosse again and TVT said no, they wanted a songwriter-based producer. Butch helped us get our deal in the first place, was a good friend and we knew would get what we were trying to do so it was an easy fit.
Is there a band accomplishment that you’re most proud of?
J: Surviving 20 years and getting nominated for a Grammy. The Grammy nomination was on a few parents’ bucket lists, so it’s a special thing in that regards.
Do you feel that there are any misconceptions about Sevendust?
J: Not really, other than back in the day, a lot of folks thought we were put together by TVT. Couldn’t be farther from the truth. Just a bunch of friends that wanted to make music together
Once this tour has wrapped, what’s ahead for Sevendust?
J: Honestly, no idea. A break for sure, a new record deal or not. (laughs) South America and Europe for sure, just not sure when or how.
Was your band with Vinnie, Projected, a one-off? Or is there a chance of more side projects from you?
J: Nope, we have 23 songs ready to go. Gonna record two records this summer between Sevendust tours. No other side projects, though. This keeps us busy enough.
When you’re not busy with Sevendust, how do you like spending your free time?
J: Family and friends. We spend a lot of time doing the normal things non-touring folks do. Disney, Universal [Studios], spending time at the beach. Normal stuff.
Finally, John, any last words for the kids?
J: Stay in school and don’t use drugs! (laughs)
Honestly, in many ways, we feel like we are just getting started. Lots more to come from Sevendust and we greatly appreciate all the love and support over the last 20+ years. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts!
-by Darren Paltrowitz