Despite displaying overwhelming confidence singing on stage, when it comes to putting out new musicSomething Corporate’s Andrew McMahon is a pretty nervous guy. Last week saw the release of his band’s sophomore full-length, North, and the singer/pianist admits that he’s already fretting about how the album will fare with the general public.
“I’m scared as shit to release a new record,” he says. “I’m super insecure about the whole thing. I can’t sleep. I haven’t slept in months because I want it to do well. I want it to do better than the last album. It’s my dream that people will continue to be into what we’re doing.”
Judging by the amount of success the band has had over the last two years, he has little to worry about. Since releasing their Audioboxer EP in late 2001, the Californian quintet has been steadily building a strong fan base. Word of mouth, coupled with their fantastic, energetic live show helped gain them early exposure. Last year’s Leaving Through The Window album further cemented the band as one to watch for in the alternative rock genre. Building upon their already strong songwriting and power pop abilities, North should help take Something Corporate to the next level. Early reviews of the record have been good, and it’s first single, “Space,” is currently garnering airplay on radio and video stations across North America.
Having spent the bulk of this year opening for the likes of 311, New Found Glory and Good Charlotte, the group is preparing to set out on their own headlining tour. Guitarist William Tell says that the band is getting psyched to play their own shows. Although they love the challenge of playing to new audiences, the group is looking forward to the comfort that comes with hanging in a room full of your own fans.
“We’re really excited and have been talking about it a lot lately,” he says. “We love meeting new bands and playing to new people, but it’s so great to go and be with our family. Everyone’s there to see us and that’s a really cool feeling. It’s kind of like hanging out with your friends, as opposed to going out and making new friends. It’s always fun to meet new friends, but it’s so much better just chilling out with your buddies.”
The tour will last until December and will see the band playing clubs around North America. Included in the dates are two Canadian shows in Vancouver and Toronto. After breaking for Christmas, the group will be hitting the road again, this time for shows in Japan and Europe and possibly for a rumored week-long Canadian tour.
“Any time you put out a CD, people will go listen to the record. In my opinion it takes that live show to really connect with the audience who bought the album to really understand what you’re all about,” says McMahon.