Four Year Strong (Interview) – Josh Lyford

TheInterlude:

Where was Enemy of the World recorded?

Josh Lyford:

At the machine shop in Weehawken, NJ.

TheInterlude:

Who produced the record, and what did they bring to the table?

Josh Lyford:

Gene the Machine produced it. He brought the power of a lion and the brains of a dolphin, and the sack tickler of a menace to society.

TheInterlude:

What was the recording process like?

Josh Lyford:

It was a blast, machine is alot of fun and we had a good time eating fresh mozzarella and getting gnarly.

TheInterlude:

You guys have classic song titles. Can you explain how you come up with some
of the names?

Josh Lyford:

I wish we had a cooler process, but honestly we sit around and whichever ones make us laugh the most. “Flannel Is The Color Of Our Energy” and “Dolphins Are Just Sharks With Smiles” are some of our favorites

TheInterlude:

You guys always have great artwork for your albums, explain how the masterpiece that graces the cover of Enemy of The World came about.

Josh Lyford:

We literally have had this idea since rod. We sat around and thought how hilarious it would be and what each of us should look like.

TheInterlude:

What is your favorite song off the new record, and which is your favorite to
play live ?

Josh Lyford:

Tough to say, I really enjoy wasting time though and its alot of fun to play live. I can’t wait until people know it a little better.

TheInterlude:

What gave you the idea to do a 7-inch single?

Josh Lyford:

We have always loved 7 inches (har har) and it’s just a cool thing to put out and have as a collectible. They are always pretty rare which is cool.

TheInterlude:

Are there any more b-sides other than Cavalier and the upcoming iTunes bonus track?

Josh Lyford:

We have a few aces up our sleeve, we will see what happens with them though I suppose.

TheInterlude:

What was it like doing the cover album? Do you plan on doing any more cover
songs, or was that like a one time deal?

Josh Lyford:

We actually do alot of covers randomly, we cover the suicide file live sometime and always mix up little parts to play during “Beatdown In The Key of Happy” we never know, we try not to overthink it. We just like to do random things from time to time to make things more individual and personal.

TheInterlude:

How did the deal come together with Universal Motown Records?

Josh Lyford:

Well, we met with alot of people and basically when we met Universal, they were real people who were actually interested in our band. We trust them, which says alot in this day and age. We still have help from Decaydance and Rob, we know we’re in good hands. Some of the other labels we met with, just seemed downright sketchy, and manipulative. Universal were actually real people with good intentions.

TheInterlude:

How did such a diverse lineup come together for your next tour with Every
Time I Die, Polar Bear Club, and Trapped Under Ice?

Josh Lyford:

Good question. We do kind of pride ourselves in the diverse line-up of bands we’ve toured with over the years though and would like to continue with that.

TheInterlude:

What are your favorite albums in 2010 so far?

Josh Lyford:

Mountain Man – One. It wasn’t released in 2010 but I just got turned onto the Title Fight record and it’s unbelievable.

TheInterlude:

What was the first song you wrote that made “Enemy of the World”? What was
the last you wrote?

I really really wish I could answer this but to be honest, I really don’t remember, the last song though was “On A Saturday”  i’m pretty sure.

TheInterlude:

What has been your most enjoyable tour?

Josh Lyford:

All of them, their have really only ever been one or two bands we haven’t gotten along with, for the most part, we love all of the bands and friends we get to spend time with!

TheInterlude:

If you could write a song with any songwriter/musician past or present, who
would it be and why?

Josh Lyford:

Johnny Cash. The Ballad Of Ira Hayes is the best song ever written.

TheInterlude:

Do you tone down the guitar parts for live shows so that it’s easier to play
and sing, or can listeners expect to hear all of the intricacies from the
record?

Josh Lyford:

No way! We’d rather sound like shit and deliver the real thing than act like assholes all the time.

TheInterlude:

Why did the band decide to have two lead vocalists switch off singing
duties, and how did the particular quick trade off style used by the band
come into being?

Josh Lyford:

I think it was just a pretty fluent thing, they both sing, and they’re both one-uppers so it has to be fast to get that back and forth.

TheInterlude:

What are some of your favorite things to do while on tour to pass the time?

Josh Lyford:

Reading and writing in the van definitely. When the vans stopped, exploring the city on my bike and doing 180s.

TheInterlude:

What can we expect from Four Year Strong during the rest of the year?

Josh Lyford:

TOUR TOUR TOUR. We’re always on the road, and that won’t change this year!

TheInterlude:

Anything to say in closing?

Josh Lyford:

I hope everyone enjoys the new record and comes out to a show or two, if not thanks for giving it a fair shake!

Four Year Strong “Enemy Of The World” drops March 9th into stores. Pick it up, and tell your friends! You can also read our review of “Enemy Of The World” right HERE.