Seether

Tue 4th Nov, 2008 in Features

“We haven’t been there in a while, so we’re due to make a trip,” says bassist Dale Stewart ahead of the band’s fast-approaching Australian tour. Seether have a steady and loyal fan-base here in Oz, with Stewart admitting that the band have enjoyed decent record sales and concert turnouts.

The South African foursome, who have adopted LA as their new home, are touring to promote their album Finding Beauty In Negative Spaces, which was released approximately this time last year. There is even talk of the release of a new album next year, but Stewart claims that nothing is set in stone. “Next year will be the 10th anniversary of the band, so we are toying with the idea of maybe releasing some demos we have or B-sides that didn’t make it onto the album.”

If you are yearning to hear some new material from the band, then you need not worry. Stewart reveals the band plans to record a new album in either late 2009 or early 2010.

It’s quite a feat for a band to remain together after a decade, but for Seether the past ten years haven’t been easy. There have been an astronomical amount of band member changes, which Stewart blames on unfamiliarity. The members weren’t given the advantage of growing up together or really getting to know each other before touring.

When they required a new guitarist, for example, they would hold auditions and choose whoever they thought was the best, without giving the band time to adjust or develop a proper relationship with the new band member. Stewart is adamant though that the current members are in it for the long haul. “I think finally we’ve got that combination right. Everyone’s really happy and in a good place.”

The constant alterations have kept the guys grounded, as they have become aware that each member change could deter fans. “We’ve worked really hard to get where we are. We’ve paid our dues,” Stewart says. “We appreciate where we are at and it could all be taken away tomorrow. I think we’re pretty down-to-earth guys who are grateful to be playing for a living.”

Just recently guitarist Troy McLawhorn was brought into the mix and the band given the opportunity to record with him for the first time on their iTunes originals album. The iTunes exclusive release featured various cover songs that one wouldn’t expect from a rock/metal band. “We jumped at the chance to do it – œcause we got to do some cover songs,” Stewart enthuses. “We did a Beatles cover and we even got to do a Frank Sinatra cover, which they ended up holding back for a Frank Sinatra tribute album which comes out later on in the year.”

How have die-hard fans reacted to hearing their favourite hardcore band cover the Beatles? “The response so far has been good. I think we put our Seether stamp on it. It definitely sounds like us,” assures Stewart.

With the band kicking off their three date tour in Melbourne on Tuesday, Stewart explains what fans can expect from a Seether live show. “A lot of beer drinking. We all have fun, we like playing, we try to show as much energy and enthusiasm as we can. We might throw in a cover song. It’s a cool job.”

Seether has landed in Australia for three shows this week.

Tues 4 – The Hi-Fi Bar, Melbourne
Wed 5 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
Thurs 6 – The Arena, Brisbane