Joe on Reddit
[question was deleted, but I liked the response as I've seen OMG WHERE ARE THE GUITARS HOW IS ROCK AND ROLL?!!?!?! so many times I could scream]
joetrohman
That's a way to ask a question. Alrighty guy. Lemme break it down:
There is guitar all over every single song on this record. Literally. It's not buried. It's just not 8 tracks of square wave guitar. Some of the guitar is heavily effected. These were my choices. I also wrote a whole lot of music, programmed, played synths and more on this thing.
And as for drums, where aren't there drums? Even the programmed drums are layered with Andy playing. Andy also sings a lot on this record. He really stretched his wings in that regard. And his drumming always shapes how everything is laid out, even how the programmed drums are constructed.
It's too bad you look at the record as a two man project, but this was the most collaborative, band-made record in the history of FOB.
Sometimes I'm confused as to what people are listening for when they are hearing this album.
And at the same time, I get it. Perhaps some are too stuck on what once was.
They are used to an idea of what FOB was, not what we are, and coping with those changes can be hard.
I also think rock music is progressing, changing, and it's not going to survive based on the notion that it can only be this one thing.
TheFallingUpThe
First and foremost, I want to say how much I love Save Rock and Roll. I swear, I must have listened to it over thirty times since last week. I have never been more pleased with a musical "comeback" or, really, album in general.
Now, I heard a lot about songs being not included in the album because they "didn't deserve to be there". Could you expand on that? What didn't they have that made them undeserving?
Again, I cannot praise this album enough. I hope there's a lot more to come! :)
joetrohman
Hmm, I'm not sure songs didn't "deserve" to be on the record. There was some cool stuff that didn't end up on the record. But it just wasn't ready. They were ideas that weren't finished, and just didn't speak to us the way the others did.
martynheraty
In an interview pre-release, Pete was asked about the track list and said that there was going to be "10 or 11 tracks" on the final list, depending on whether you decided to put one track on or not. Do you know which track was up for consideration here?
joetrohman
Young Volcanoes
martynheraty
Love the record! Was there any demo songs/scrapped material/b-sides/etc that might be released at some stage, in some way, during this album cycle?
joetrohman
We'll have to see. I think some of that stuff might end up working its way into a new record, but it's hard to say. It just has to work.
greenlep
What do you think the release schedule will be like for new stuff? Quicker? Slower?
joetrohman
Dude, this record just came out! Take it easy haha.
No idea though.
Defconpi
Hey man so with the "my songs know what you did" and "the Phoenix" videos, there seems to be a plot going on. Any hints as to what song might be the next video and maybe tell us what is supposed to be the story? But also the album is AMAZING. Being able to shuffle your entire discography is a momentous event in my life. The middle school inside me is content. Hearing the change on your sound, the improvements, but also keeping the deep, double entendre style lyrics is so beautiful. Thank you so much for being a great band that makes great music!
joetrohman
Where's the fun in divulging all the info yet to come? All I can say is there is a narrative going on.
And thank you. Means a lot.
I_PISS_HAIR
Rat a tat tat has been on repeat since I first heard it. You guys outdid yourselves with this album.
joetrohman
Thank you! One of my favorite tracks.
agentgroovy
Which song did you contribute most to?
joetrohman
Many songs
Afez
Why did you guys decide to leak the album early?
joetrohman
There was a broken pipe at FOB manor and some pertinent information leaked out. A little urine, some spittle and a record apparently. Must inquire about getting a contractor in here! - sincerely, Tom Tomsly, Senior Valet
signposthead
Awesome album, congrats to you and the band as a whole. My question is: during the recording process, did you all make more songs than just the 11 on the album, and if so, do you have any plans on what to do with them?
Also: what exactly is meant by the lyrics "Let's put the D in Dirt now baby" in Death Valley? Is it meant to sound like a euphemism?
joetrohman
We worked on more, but didn't make more. There were a few that we started, but didn't really get far into. They're just unfinished ideas, not actual songs.
I'll leave the lyrics up to you to decide what they mean. It's more fun that way.
supchaoticim
the album's AMAZING! which song do you think will be the most fun to perform?
joetrohman
I think Rat a Tat will be fun. A fast guy.
FOBfan27
Before you decided on naming the album SRAR what other names where you considering? Love it by the way.
joetrohman
Surprisingly that was the only one that really was put out there. No one could top it.
ryeosomniadear
I really love the new album. It's so different and honestly my favorite so far. You guys always are changing your sound and pushing boundries, no two albums sound exactly the same. Do you guys make a conscious decision to do that, or does it kind of happen on it's own?
joetrohman
Thank you.
I think we like to make conscious decisions to push ourselves creatively. We don't want to sit there, and gestate until we find ourselves rotting out. We want to keep moving, try to be the freshest versions of ourselves.
martynheraty
You guys released the stems for America's Suitehearts back in the Folie days for a remix competition or something, do you think there's any chance of this happening in the near future for anything on the new record?
joetrohman
No plans yet, but that could change. We'll let everyone know if that happens.
The_Who_is_in
Thanks for this a lot man! Welll I was wondering how you guys genuinely felt about the (IMO drastic) change? FOB to me was always the band I listened to when i wanted to hhear something clever/deep/metaphorical aand now it seems to take on a new direction I cant quite place.
Again, thank you for this! I've been a huge fan since From Under the Cork Tree and you guys have become a huge part of my life!
joetrohman
I feel great about the change. If we didn't change, progress, move forward...I wouldn't do it. I can't abide by anything stale. Be it music or food.
VivaRonaldo
Love the album, Joe. It really helped me power through my 2000 word assignment today! My question is: so many bands have come back from hiatus for one last hurrah, is this the case with FOB? I'm hoping not because I love you guys, I guess there's a little part of me that worries that this isn't a continuation of recording albums.
So basically I hope to be buying your albums for the next 50 years.
joetrohman
Not the case. We're back.
Katiedemetria
What was it like to work with Courtney Love?
joetrohman
She was great. We just floated her the song and some words, she filled in the blanks and just did her thing. It was seamless, easy and fun.
martynheraty
Can I request you do acoustic versions of every song on the album eventually? They'd all be pretty awesome changed up like that, I think!
joetrohman
You can request a lot of things. Whether or not we do them is another story.
tiffferr
Why dis you guys release the album early on sound cloud?
joetrohman
So you could hear it
patrickstumph
What was the hardest part about this making this album?
joetrohman
I think just re-learning how to do things as a band, collaboratively (and with a new producer) was a slight learning curve. But it wasn't really that hard overall.
JoshuaGr33n
I'm so glad that you're doing this!
Let me just say that I can totally understand what you guys are doing with this record. I've been trying to explain to my friends how you have to adapt to the music of today, to today's "rock and roll attitude."
My question to you is, where did you all draw inspiration for this album from? What artists influenced the sound, if any at all?
joetrohman
I think we all drew inspiration from a lot of places. To start, we drew it from each other. I think we pushed each other a lot creatively this time around.
I personally just get my ideas from things in my head that came from hearing some song or something musical in the past. It'll just rattle around in my brain and turn into something else.
Also, just creating sounds, whether it be from a guitar, synths, drums, can really influence an idea and drive a song in a direction.
I listen to so much stuff, it's hard to pin down what specifically influenced me during the record. Just everything I suppose.
ameeface
When will you guys be back to do a proper tour in the UK? My sister and I didn't luck out with the London show tickets (sucks but oh well), she's now heavily pregnant and can't make it to Leeds fest. We're both pretty bummed but haven't seen you for such a long time :(
Please make it a priority to come back as soon as you can manage! Edit: we've both seen you upwards of a dozen times, but are dying to hear the songs off Save Rock and Roll played live! I still can't choose a favourite.
joetrohman
We'll be back! Just keep scoping the site, sign up on the mailing list for updates, be patient, and help your sister with that baby. That's what's really important.
tsimmons1986
How would you respond to critics who say the album isn't "rock" enough to be called "Save Rock and Roll" or that it's too "over produced," "dance-y," etc.?
joetrohman
I think the title isn't to be taken entirely too literally. As well, if it's too be taken seriously, it's based on the idea that rock needs to become more exciting again to thrive, and that we can't be so stuck on it having all of these rules and regulations to exist as ROCK. Otherwise it will surely die.
Critics write about music. That's almost like dancing about art. It's mostly pointless. Led Zeppelin got nothing but bad reviews and hate from the press back in their day. It clearly didn't mean anything.
Yoxxy
All right Joe, I'm shoot a few questions. If that's okay with you.
How was the process of the recording, since this was done in secret. Like how secret agent did you guys go to meet up and jam out?
I'm curious to why your brought Courtney Love onto the album, she just feels like an odd choice personally and I'm curious for the reasons behind it.
What song on the album was the biggest hassle to get done, for whatever the reason may be.
This album has a very different sound which isn't going to be for all fans, myself included* and I'm curious if that thought ever crossed your minds during this whole thing.
My following questions aren't directly related to the new album, feel free to ignore them if you want.
The other projects you all have done, such as Patrick's Soul Punk and your work with The Damned Things and With Knives. Will we still see things from those creations ever again?
Where is the grave where Andy's hair was buried? I need to leave a flower there.
Thank you very much Joe for coming over to this subreddit, this is kinda exciting.
*Disclaimer: It's a great record, I can easily recommend to someone, it just doesn't do it for me all that much. I do love The Phoenix a lot though. Who knows, it just might take some time to grow on me. Overall though it's great to see you guys together again. Have a great night/day/sleepwalk.
joetrohman
1) We started just writing and demoing. Pete would write lyrics, Patrick and I would send demos back and forth and we (as a band) would start whittling down what songs were the best of the best. We were able to do a lot of that from our respective homes.
After that, we jammed in LA a little, then started working with Butch outside of LA. As long as we didn't spill the beans, it was a safe secret. The key to keeping it secret was to not tell the whole world. It turned out to be kind of easy, especially since people thought we weren't making music whatsoever.
2) We wanted a strong female voice for that song. It was the fastest, most "punk rock" tune on the record. We knew Courtney, thought she'd nail it if she wanted to do it. She did, and she did.
3) I think Young Volcanoes was the toughest, just because we didn't know if we were going to do it at all. It was a last minute addition sort of. And we went through a lot of iterations of the song before going with this version. I think we were all confused as to whether or not it was gonna happen.
4) We respect our fans and believe they will be/are open to change and growth. We just have to make good music for them to dig on.
We always have our fans in mind. I think if someone wants the old us, they can find that on our old records, or hear us joyfully play those songs live.
As a musician and a fan of music, it pains me to see bands try to recapture their original sound, versus progressing and moving forward. It usually ends up contrived.
5) I can't speak for others, but I will get back to TDT and WK one day. It's all about FOB right now.
6) Huh?
I appreciate your honesty. We made a record. You like our band. However, that doesn't mean you have to like our record. No matter what we do, we won't please everyone.
Nonetheless, I love hearing your opinion, and I think it's cool you can appreciate what we are doing right now, even if it's not your cup at the moment.
TylerSilvestri
Any deluxe edition in the works? Will we be hearing any b-sides/demos/acoustic versions? And when will we know who the May tour openers are?
joetrohman
People really like acoustic versions eh?
No plans on a deluxe edition. We didn't really record b-sides this time. No acoustic version. Nada. What you see a what you get.
Good news though, we will make more records, with more songs. Some will even be written as acoustic songs maybe. Who knows.
lhevi
Hi Joe! Really loving the album, I think it's all sorts of amazing. It's literally the first thing I listen to when I wake up, and before I go to bed. Every hour is awkward dance party hour.
I just wanna ask, if you guys are planning on playing Rat A Tat live, who'll be doing Courtney Love's part?
See you guys in June! So stoked :)
joetrohman
Thank you!
No idea, but we'll figure it out. One of us will do it, or we'll leave it out. Either way, the song will still rock.
Marchingants
How did you go about choosing who to feature on the album? I am really impressed with the variety of artists and how each person represents a different type of rock and roll.
joetrohman
We choose everyone from artists we admire from afar, to artists we admire who are friends, to artists we admire that contact us. We know no genre boundaries.
zmoney682
What is your favorite guitar part to play on the album? What is most challenging for you?
joetrohman
I just had fun messing with effects and sounds as it pertains to the guitar.
The most challenging aspect was a) restraint and b) serving the song. It's easy to shred. It's harder to know when not to.
abby_8725
Is there a story behind the album cover? any reason why you guys chose it? thanks! SRAR is a wonderful album!
joetrohman
It's a photo that depicts two brothers in Burma who couldn't be more different.
That's sort of FOB. 4 very different guys who still come together as bros.
xxJadeJones
I love the record! Did you guys have full control over the album artwork? Did you enjoy the TRIPLE PACK of Toffee Crisp I gave you in London? I travelled from Wales to see yooou :)
joetrohman
Full control.
Toffee crisps were great! Thank you.
ryzllxd
thank you so much for coming back joe! still can't forget the tweet where you said the rumors weren't true, haha. it broke our hearts but you took one for the team to make your comeback more intense.
save rock and roll wasn't what i expected, but it turned out to be wayyy better. i love it so much and i can't wait for watch you play live again. fall out boy has change my life, and i hope i can finally meet you when you come back here in the Philippines.
keep rocking joe!
joetrohman
Well, I tweeted a lot that the rumors weren't true for years. Because they weren't.
We didn't intend to hurt anyone with our break. We still all made cool, worthwhile music outside of FOB during that tenure.
You have to look at it from our perspective: we needed that time off from the band. And so did you, whether you realize it or not. Otherwise we would have imploded, and probably on some pretty bad music.
Thanks for all the support! See you in the future.
AdamC91
Are there any lyrics that you really love on this one?
joetrohman
My heart is like a stallion/ you love it more when it's broke in
misskittyfantastico
In Butch Walker's book, he said that he turned down producing From Under The Cork Tree due to being burnt out on being the pop-punk production guy. What brought you guys together for Save Rock and Roll though?
joetrohman
I haven't read his book, but no one wanted to work with us on FUCT. I don't even remember asking Butch, I assume our managment did. Neal was the only one willing to give us a shot. Glad he did.
We're all in different places now. We have different perspectives. We get Butch on a different level and he gets us. Time will change much. Plus, he dug the songs.
Butch rules. I respect every decision he makes.
And no one here was making a pop-punk record this time around. We just made a record of...music. Maybe that helped haha.
Capt_Thunderbolt
He produced a bit from Infinity on High, by the way. They've had a bit of experience working together prior to SRAR.
joetrohman
He did one song (check the credits). And it wasn't anything like this experience.
misskittyfantastico
I know that. I screamed my head off when I saw his name on Infinity On High when I was 17. I'm just curious as to how it ended up being a whole album this time versus a few tracks.
joetrohman
Because we needed a change and he was what we needed. Simple as that.
ChristianYolo
This is your first album that is decently heavy on collabs. Was there a specific reason for this? And what do you think collabs bring to the CD that a few of your previous CDs lacked?
joetrohman
That's totally not true. We've had tons of collaborations with other artists ever since TTTYG. Every record has had guests.
However, this is the first time we allowed the guests to have more creative control over the parts we have them to riff over.
Chezwickcheese
Was there a song you second guessed yourselves with?- and it turned out the finished product-perfect -as in: good thing it was left alone ? Or was it smooth sailing start to finish?
joetrohman
More than one song went through its trials. But you learn, with making more and more records, not to let that bog you down.
You have the see the song through if you believed in it in the first place. Usually it has a Jim Morrison moment and breaks on through to the other side.
falloutshar
'Say yeah! Lets be alone together, we can stay young forever'.
Alone Together has to be one of the most perfect songs off the album. Besides the obvious answer 'all of them' do you have a particular favourite song off the album?
joetrohman
I gravitate more towards that song actually
thehandsomelyraven
Loving the record. What songs are you really excited to integrate into the set list for live shows?
joetrohman
Thank you. Alone Together, Rat a Tat, Miss Missing You and Death Valley are ones I'm specifically excited to play.
ice_p23
Will any of the featured artists be with you guys on your spring or fall tours? If not is there any word on who will be there?:)
joetrohman
No words at all on this. Except those words. And these. And every word I type.
But no, no news.
cannibalsrus
Can you tell us if there are any hidden tracks on SRAR?
joetrohman
None, zip, zilch. What you see is what you get this time around.
Alykatt
Which song did you enjoy recording the most? And do you have a favorite song on the album? I love every single song on the album and I'm so thankful to have you guys back!
joetrohman
I think it's hard to have a favorite to record. I'd say recording the whole album was just a blast. No one song was more enjoyable than the other to make.
I have a hard time picking my favorites off the record, but I really like Alone Together a lot. Just hits me a certain way.
martynheraty
Have you started work on the setlist for the upcoming tour yet? If so, any idea whether Thriller will be staying on as the opener or whether it'll be replaced? (maybe a new track instead) Excited to see you again.
joetrohman
Haven't started on the set list, it's quite early still.
Thriller will stay on there I'm sure, but not sure if it'll open the set still. A lot more new stuff off SRR will get in the mix!
ameeface
What is your personal favourite song off Save Rock and Roll to play live?
joetrohman
Haven't had much of a chance to play the record. We just started playing The Phoenix, and it's super fun!
vivereloud
What was it like being more involved in the writing process this time around? Are there any songs on the album that are more "your" lyrics?
How do you guys view your musical progression? When I listen to your albums from 'Evening Out With Your Girlfriend' to 'Save Rock and Roll' I almost feel like I'm listening to you grow up, in both a musical sense and subject matter sense. Do you guys view it the same way?
SRAR is a fantastic album, you guys really gave us a piece of art. Thank you, can't wait to see you in Vancouver!
joetrohman
It was great. It's nice to have FOB as a proper writing outlet versus it being something I would contribute to sporadically. I like being fully part of the process.
I don't write lyrics in the band, just music, and perhaps a rogue vocal melody here or there on this record. Pete is the lyrics guy. Patrick and I took the brunt of the music writing on SRR.
I could say what music is more "mine", but that doesn't matter. It's all ours at the end of the day. I'm proud of it all.
I think our progression as a band has been pretty natural. I've always felt like there was an obvious bridge between each album. I can even hear elements of old FOB in SRR.
I guess as you grow older, the music you make will change and grow with you. It's not surprising that you'd be able to chart our growth as people through the records we have made.
Much appreciated. See you there!
ryzllxd
how did you guys decide that it's time to come back? i mean, did you just call each other up and went like, "hey, i think the world needs fall out boy"?
joetrohman
I don't know what the world needs, haha.
However, we had started discussing it over the course or some days, and began writing. Once the songs were speaking to us, we decided that perhaps doing the band again might be a good ideaZ
andrewshiamone
Hi, Joe. My question is that do you do any backing vocals on Save Rock and Roll? I could've sworn that I heard you and Andy singing at a couple of points in the album like in The Phoenix & Young Volcanoes.
joetrohman
Yes, Andy and I both do backing vocals on the record
Siminivitch
Hey joe. What happened to all the classic, long and interesting song titles?
joetrohman
They got left at the pool
source
joetrohman
That's a way to ask a question. Alrighty guy. Lemme break it down:
There is guitar all over every single song on this record. Literally. It's not buried. It's just not 8 tracks of square wave guitar. Some of the guitar is heavily effected. These were my choices. I also wrote a whole lot of music, programmed, played synths and more on this thing.
And as for drums, where aren't there drums? Even the programmed drums are layered with Andy playing. Andy also sings a lot on this record. He really stretched his wings in that regard. And his drumming always shapes how everything is laid out, even how the programmed drums are constructed.
It's too bad you look at the record as a two man project, but this was the most collaborative, band-made record in the history of FOB.
Sometimes I'm confused as to what people are listening for when they are hearing this album.
And at the same time, I get it. Perhaps some are too stuck on what once was.
They are used to an idea of what FOB was, not what we are, and coping with those changes can be hard.
I also think rock music is progressing, changing, and it's not going to survive based on the notion that it can only be this one thing.
TheFallingUpThe
First and foremost, I want to say how much I love Save Rock and Roll. I swear, I must have listened to it over thirty times since last week. I have never been more pleased with a musical "comeback" or, really, album in general.
Now, I heard a lot about songs being not included in the album because they "didn't deserve to be there". Could you expand on that? What didn't they have that made them undeserving?
Again, I cannot praise this album enough. I hope there's a lot more to come! :)
joetrohman
Hmm, I'm not sure songs didn't "deserve" to be on the record. There was some cool stuff that didn't end up on the record. But it just wasn't ready. They were ideas that weren't finished, and just didn't speak to us the way the others did.
martynheraty
In an interview pre-release, Pete was asked about the track list and said that there was going to be "10 or 11 tracks" on the final list, depending on whether you decided to put one track on or not. Do you know which track was up for consideration here?
joetrohman
Young Volcanoes
martynheraty
Love the record! Was there any demo songs/scrapped material/b-sides/etc that might be released at some stage, in some way, during this album cycle?
joetrohman
We'll have to see. I think some of that stuff might end up working its way into a new record, but it's hard to say. It just has to work.
greenlep
What do you think the release schedule will be like for new stuff? Quicker? Slower?
joetrohman
Dude, this record just came out! Take it easy haha.
No idea though.
Defconpi
Hey man so with the "my songs know what you did" and "the Phoenix" videos, there seems to be a plot going on. Any hints as to what song might be the next video and maybe tell us what is supposed to be the story? But also the album is AMAZING. Being able to shuffle your entire discography is a momentous event in my life. The middle school inside me is content. Hearing the change on your sound, the improvements, but also keeping the deep, double entendre style lyrics is so beautiful. Thank you so much for being a great band that makes great music!
joetrohman
Where's the fun in divulging all the info yet to come? All I can say is there is a narrative going on.
And thank you. Means a lot.
I_PISS_HAIR
Rat a tat tat has been on repeat since I first heard it. You guys outdid yourselves with this album.
joetrohman
Thank you! One of my favorite tracks.
agentgroovy
Which song did you contribute most to?
joetrohman
Many songs
Afez
Why did you guys decide to leak the album early?
joetrohman
There was a broken pipe at FOB manor and some pertinent information leaked out. A little urine, some spittle and a record apparently. Must inquire about getting a contractor in here! - sincerely, Tom Tomsly, Senior Valet
signposthead
Awesome album, congrats to you and the band as a whole. My question is: during the recording process, did you all make more songs than just the 11 on the album, and if so, do you have any plans on what to do with them?
Also: what exactly is meant by the lyrics "Let's put the D in Dirt now baby" in Death Valley? Is it meant to sound like a euphemism?
joetrohman
We worked on more, but didn't make more. There were a few that we started, but didn't really get far into. They're just unfinished ideas, not actual songs.
I'll leave the lyrics up to you to decide what they mean. It's more fun that way.
supchaoticim
the album's AMAZING! which song do you think will be the most fun to perform?
joetrohman
I think Rat a Tat will be fun. A fast guy.
FOBfan27
Before you decided on naming the album SRAR what other names where you considering? Love it by the way.
joetrohman
Surprisingly that was the only one that really was put out there. No one could top it.
ryeosomniadear
I really love the new album. It's so different and honestly my favorite so far. You guys always are changing your sound and pushing boundries, no two albums sound exactly the same. Do you guys make a conscious decision to do that, or does it kind of happen on it's own?
joetrohman
Thank you.
I think we like to make conscious decisions to push ourselves creatively. We don't want to sit there, and gestate until we find ourselves rotting out. We want to keep moving, try to be the freshest versions of ourselves.
martynheraty
You guys released the stems for America's Suitehearts back in the Folie days for a remix competition or something, do you think there's any chance of this happening in the near future for anything on the new record?
joetrohman
No plans yet, but that could change. We'll let everyone know if that happens.
The_Who_is_in
Thanks for this a lot man! Welll I was wondering how you guys genuinely felt about the (IMO drastic) change? FOB to me was always the band I listened to when i wanted to hhear something clever/deep/metaphorical aand now it seems to take on a new direction I cant quite place.
Again, thank you for this! I've been a huge fan since From Under the Cork Tree and you guys have become a huge part of my life!
joetrohman
I feel great about the change. If we didn't change, progress, move forward...I wouldn't do it. I can't abide by anything stale. Be it music or food.
VivaRonaldo
Love the album, Joe. It really helped me power through my 2000 word assignment today! My question is: so many bands have come back from hiatus for one last hurrah, is this the case with FOB? I'm hoping not because I love you guys, I guess there's a little part of me that worries that this isn't a continuation of recording albums.
So basically I hope to be buying your albums for the next 50 years.
joetrohman
Not the case. We're back.
Katiedemetria
What was it like to work with Courtney Love?
joetrohman
She was great. We just floated her the song and some words, she filled in the blanks and just did her thing. It was seamless, easy and fun.
martynheraty
Can I request you do acoustic versions of every song on the album eventually? They'd all be pretty awesome changed up like that, I think!
joetrohman
You can request a lot of things. Whether or not we do them is another story.
tiffferr
Why dis you guys release the album early on sound cloud?
joetrohman
So you could hear it
patrickstumph
What was the hardest part about this making this album?
joetrohman
I think just re-learning how to do things as a band, collaboratively (and with a new producer) was a slight learning curve. But it wasn't really that hard overall.
JoshuaGr33n
I'm so glad that you're doing this!
Let me just say that I can totally understand what you guys are doing with this record. I've been trying to explain to my friends how you have to adapt to the music of today, to today's "rock and roll attitude."
My question to you is, where did you all draw inspiration for this album from? What artists influenced the sound, if any at all?
joetrohman
I think we all drew inspiration from a lot of places. To start, we drew it from each other. I think we pushed each other a lot creatively this time around.
I personally just get my ideas from things in my head that came from hearing some song or something musical in the past. It'll just rattle around in my brain and turn into something else.
Also, just creating sounds, whether it be from a guitar, synths, drums, can really influence an idea and drive a song in a direction.
I listen to so much stuff, it's hard to pin down what specifically influenced me during the record. Just everything I suppose.
ameeface
When will you guys be back to do a proper tour in the UK? My sister and I didn't luck out with the London show tickets (sucks but oh well), she's now heavily pregnant and can't make it to Leeds fest. We're both pretty bummed but haven't seen you for such a long time :(
Please make it a priority to come back as soon as you can manage! Edit: we've both seen you upwards of a dozen times, but are dying to hear the songs off Save Rock and Roll played live! I still can't choose a favourite.
joetrohman
We'll be back! Just keep scoping the site, sign up on the mailing list for updates, be patient, and help your sister with that baby. That's what's really important.
tsimmons1986
How would you respond to critics who say the album isn't "rock" enough to be called "Save Rock and Roll" or that it's too "over produced," "dance-y," etc.?
joetrohman
I think the title isn't to be taken entirely too literally. As well, if it's too be taken seriously, it's based on the idea that rock needs to become more exciting again to thrive, and that we can't be so stuck on it having all of these rules and regulations to exist as ROCK. Otherwise it will surely die.
Critics write about music. That's almost like dancing about art. It's mostly pointless. Led Zeppelin got nothing but bad reviews and hate from the press back in their day. It clearly didn't mean anything.
Yoxxy
All right Joe, I'm shoot a few questions. If that's okay with you.
How was the process of the recording, since this was done in secret. Like how secret agent did you guys go to meet up and jam out?
I'm curious to why your brought Courtney Love onto the album, she just feels like an odd choice personally and I'm curious for the reasons behind it.
What song on the album was the biggest hassle to get done, for whatever the reason may be.
This album has a very different sound which isn't going to be for all fans, myself included* and I'm curious if that thought ever crossed your minds during this whole thing.
My following questions aren't directly related to the new album, feel free to ignore them if you want.
The other projects you all have done, such as Patrick's Soul Punk and your work with The Damned Things and With Knives. Will we still see things from those creations ever again?
Where is the grave where Andy's hair was buried? I need to leave a flower there.
Thank you very much Joe for coming over to this subreddit, this is kinda exciting.
*Disclaimer: It's a great record, I can easily recommend to someone, it just doesn't do it for me all that much. I do love The Phoenix a lot though. Who knows, it just might take some time to grow on me. Overall though it's great to see you guys together again. Have a great night/day/sleepwalk.
joetrohman
1) We started just writing and demoing. Pete would write lyrics, Patrick and I would send demos back and forth and we (as a band) would start whittling down what songs were the best of the best. We were able to do a lot of that from our respective homes.
After that, we jammed in LA a little, then started working with Butch outside of LA. As long as we didn't spill the beans, it was a safe secret. The key to keeping it secret was to not tell the whole world. It turned out to be kind of easy, especially since people thought we weren't making music whatsoever.
2) We wanted a strong female voice for that song. It was the fastest, most "punk rock" tune on the record. We knew Courtney, thought she'd nail it if she wanted to do it. She did, and she did.
3) I think Young Volcanoes was the toughest, just because we didn't know if we were going to do it at all. It was a last minute addition sort of. And we went through a lot of iterations of the song before going with this version. I think we were all confused as to whether or not it was gonna happen.
4) We respect our fans and believe they will be/are open to change and growth. We just have to make good music for them to dig on.
We always have our fans in mind. I think if someone wants the old us, they can find that on our old records, or hear us joyfully play those songs live.
As a musician and a fan of music, it pains me to see bands try to recapture their original sound, versus progressing and moving forward. It usually ends up contrived.
5) I can't speak for others, but I will get back to TDT and WK one day. It's all about FOB right now.
6) Huh?
I appreciate your honesty. We made a record. You like our band. However, that doesn't mean you have to like our record. No matter what we do, we won't please everyone.
Nonetheless, I love hearing your opinion, and I think it's cool you can appreciate what we are doing right now, even if it's not your cup at the moment.
TylerSilvestri
Any deluxe edition in the works? Will we be hearing any b-sides/demos/acoustic versions? And when will we know who the May tour openers are?
joetrohman
People really like acoustic versions eh?
No plans on a deluxe edition. We didn't really record b-sides this time. No acoustic version. Nada. What you see a what you get.
Good news though, we will make more records, with more songs. Some will even be written as acoustic songs maybe. Who knows.
lhevi
Hi Joe! Really loving the album, I think it's all sorts of amazing. It's literally the first thing I listen to when I wake up, and before I go to bed. Every hour is awkward dance party hour.
I just wanna ask, if you guys are planning on playing Rat A Tat live, who'll be doing Courtney Love's part?
See you guys in June! So stoked :)
joetrohman
Thank you!
No idea, but we'll figure it out. One of us will do it, or we'll leave it out. Either way, the song will still rock.
Marchingants
How did you go about choosing who to feature on the album? I am really impressed with the variety of artists and how each person represents a different type of rock and roll.
joetrohman
We choose everyone from artists we admire from afar, to artists we admire who are friends, to artists we admire that contact us. We know no genre boundaries.
zmoney682
What is your favorite guitar part to play on the album? What is most challenging for you?
joetrohman
I just had fun messing with effects and sounds as it pertains to the guitar.
The most challenging aspect was a) restraint and b) serving the song. It's easy to shred. It's harder to know when not to.
abby_8725
Is there a story behind the album cover? any reason why you guys chose it? thanks! SRAR is a wonderful album!
joetrohman
It's a photo that depicts two brothers in Burma who couldn't be more different.
That's sort of FOB. 4 very different guys who still come together as bros.
xxJadeJones
I love the record! Did you guys have full control over the album artwork? Did you enjoy the TRIPLE PACK of Toffee Crisp I gave you in London? I travelled from Wales to see yooou :)
joetrohman
Full control.
Toffee crisps were great! Thank you.
ryzllxd
thank you so much for coming back joe! still can't forget the tweet where you said the rumors weren't true, haha. it broke our hearts but you took one for the team to make your comeback more intense.
save rock and roll wasn't what i expected, but it turned out to be wayyy better. i love it so much and i can't wait for watch you play live again. fall out boy has change my life, and i hope i can finally meet you when you come back here in the Philippines.
keep rocking joe!
joetrohman
Well, I tweeted a lot that the rumors weren't true for years. Because they weren't.
We didn't intend to hurt anyone with our break. We still all made cool, worthwhile music outside of FOB during that tenure.
You have to look at it from our perspective: we needed that time off from the band. And so did you, whether you realize it or not. Otherwise we would have imploded, and probably on some pretty bad music.
Thanks for all the support! See you in the future.
AdamC91
Are there any lyrics that you really love on this one?
joetrohman
My heart is like a stallion/ you love it more when it's broke in
misskittyfantastico
In Butch Walker's book, he said that he turned down producing From Under The Cork Tree due to being burnt out on being the pop-punk production guy. What brought you guys together for Save Rock and Roll though?
joetrohman
I haven't read his book, but no one wanted to work with us on FUCT. I don't even remember asking Butch, I assume our managment did. Neal was the only one willing to give us a shot. Glad he did.
We're all in different places now. We have different perspectives. We get Butch on a different level and he gets us. Time will change much. Plus, he dug the songs.
Butch rules. I respect every decision he makes.
And no one here was making a pop-punk record this time around. We just made a record of...music. Maybe that helped haha.
Capt_Thunderbolt
He produced a bit from Infinity on High, by the way. They've had a bit of experience working together prior to SRAR.
joetrohman
He did one song (check the credits). And it wasn't anything like this experience.
misskittyfantastico
I know that. I screamed my head off when I saw his name on Infinity On High when I was 17. I'm just curious as to how it ended up being a whole album this time versus a few tracks.
joetrohman
Because we needed a change and he was what we needed. Simple as that.
ChristianYolo
This is your first album that is decently heavy on collabs. Was there a specific reason for this? And what do you think collabs bring to the CD that a few of your previous CDs lacked?
joetrohman
That's totally not true. We've had tons of collaborations with other artists ever since TTTYG. Every record has had guests.
However, this is the first time we allowed the guests to have more creative control over the parts we have them to riff over.
Chezwickcheese
Was there a song you second guessed yourselves with?- and it turned out the finished product-perfect -as in: good thing it was left alone ? Or was it smooth sailing start to finish?
joetrohman
More than one song went through its trials. But you learn, with making more and more records, not to let that bog you down.
You have the see the song through if you believed in it in the first place. Usually it has a Jim Morrison moment and breaks on through to the other side.
falloutshar
'Say yeah! Lets be alone together, we can stay young forever'.
Alone Together has to be one of the most perfect songs off the album. Besides the obvious answer 'all of them' do you have a particular favourite song off the album?
joetrohman
I gravitate more towards that song actually
thehandsomelyraven
Loving the record. What songs are you really excited to integrate into the set list for live shows?
joetrohman
Thank you. Alone Together, Rat a Tat, Miss Missing You and Death Valley are ones I'm specifically excited to play.
ice_p23
Will any of the featured artists be with you guys on your spring or fall tours? If not is there any word on who will be there?:)
joetrohman
No words at all on this. Except those words. And these. And every word I type.
But no, no news.
cannibalsrus
Can you tell us if there are any hidden tracks on SRAR?
joetrohman
None, zip, zilch. What you see is what you get this time around.
Alykatt
Which song did you enjoy recording the most? And do you have a favorite song on the album? I love every single song on the album and I'm so thankful to have you guys back!
joetrohman
I think it's hard to have a favorite to record. I'd say recording the whole album was just a blast. No one song was more enjoyable than the other to make.
I have a hard time picking my favorites off the record, but I really like Alone Together a lot. Just hits me a certain way.
martynheraty
Have you started work on the setlist for the upcoming tour yet? If so, any idea whether Thriller will be staying on as the opener or whether it'll be replaced? (maybe a new track instead) Excited to see you again.
joetrohman
Haven't started on the set list, it's quite early still.
Thriller will stay on there I'm sure, but not sure if it'll open the set still. A lot more new stuff off SRR will get in the mix!
ameeface
What is your personal favourite song off Save Rock and Roll to play live?
joetrohman
Haven't had much of a chance to play the record. We just started playing The Phoenix, and it's super fun!
vivereloud
What was it like being more involved in the writing process this time around? Are there any songs on the album that are more "your" lyrics?
How do you guys view your musical progression? When I listen to your albums from 'Evening Out With Your Girlfriend' to 'Save Rock and Roll' I almost feel like I'm listening to you grow up, in both a musical sense and subject matter sense. Do you guys view it the same way?
SRAR is a fantastic album, you guys really gave us a piece of art. Thank you, can't wait to see you in Vancouver!
joetrohman
It was great. It's nice to have FOB as a proper writing outlet versus it being something I would contribute to sporadically. I like being fully part of the process.
I don't write lyrics in the band, just music, and perhaps a rogue vocal melody here or there on this record. Pete is the lyrics guy. Patrick and I took the brunt of the music writing on SRR.
I could say what music is more "mine", but that doesn't matter. It's all ours at the end of the day. I'm proud of it all.
I think our progression as a band has been pretty natural. I've always felt like there was an obvious bridge between each album. I can even hear elements of old FOB in SRR.
I guess as you grow older, the music you make will change and grow with you. It's not surprising that you'd be able to chart our growth as people through the records we have made.
Much appreciated. See you there!
ryzllxd
how did you guys decide that it's time to come back? i mean, did you just call each other up and went like, "hey, i think the world needs fall out boy"?
joetrohman
I don't know what the world needs, haha.
However, we had started discussing it over the course or some days, and began writing. Once the songs were speaking to us, we decided that perhaps doing the band again might be a good ideaZ
andrewshiamone
Hi, Joe. My question is that do you do any backing vocals on Save Rock and Roll? I could've sworn that I heard you and Andy singing at a couple of points in the album like in The Phoenix & Young Volcanoes.
joetrohman
Yes, Andy and I both do backing vocals on the record
Siminivitch
Hey joe. What happened to all the classic, long and interesting song titles?
joetrohman
They got left at the pool
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