Solace: The H.o.S. Interview
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UD: Being so groove-based in form, I'm sure Solace often gets tagged with the "stoner rock" label. How do you feel about that--is it something you shun or embrace? What are your feelings on that "scene"?
TS: The term is not really something I either shun or embrace. I'm not down with labels but I do understand the need to call music something so people can get an idea about what something sounds like. The danger comes from people taking those labels and using them as absolutes in determining what music they should buy or not buy or like or not like. I've heard that we were too metal from some folks that were into "stoner rock" and that we were too "stoner" to be a doom or metal band. It all gets a bit silly. We're just a band that plays heavy music--be it "stoner," doom, metal, or punk. Who cares what you call it? Either like it or don't but don't base the fact on liking it or not on a label.
UD: Label-wise, you've seen it from both sides--being on major label Atlantic during your time with Godspeed, and now on solid indie MeteorCity with Solace. What are the pros and cons of each setup? What advice would you give other bands in choosing a label?
TS: The only difference for us is that Atlantic has A LOT more money, but you have to be careful because all of that money has to be paid back. It looks good up front but in the end you pay. It's not like we had to bow down to what Atlantic wanted us to do, though. We made the music that we wanted.
UD: What were the factors that contributed to Godspeed's demise, all those years ago? How much of a blow to you was that when things ended for the band?
TS: I could not have cared less. I moved out to Los Angeles and joined a band right after it broke up and, as soon as I came back to Jersey, I had Slaprocket and then Solace. I have done a lot of other things between the cracks, as well. At the time, I welcomed the break up. The only thing that makes me a bit sad is that I wish Solace was the band to have toured with Sabbath. I think we would have gone over better since we are a better band than Godspeed.
UD: Solace is set to hit the road, shortly. Any specific info or thoughts you'd like to share about the upcoming tour?
TS: It's been a long time since I've been on the road. I'm just looking forward to getting out there and having a good time--meeting new people and playing as well as we can. The Rubes are a great band and we're playing with some other great bands along the way--Hidden Hand, Tummler, and Volume, to name a few. It should be a good time.
UD: Related to going on tour, you're a father and husband. How much of a strain is it being away from your family for such an extended period of time? Does the conflict between family and band commitments cause any damage or tension for you on either end?
TS: Part of the reason I have not been on the road in such a long time has been because of my children. They are just getting big enough to where, if I'm gone for a while, I won't missing something like taking the first step and such. I even have turned down joining a few bands because I couldn't stand the fact that I would be away from my boys. As much as I love music, my boys come first. Everyone in the band knows that and everyone is cool with it. So, there is no tension on that end. After the tour is over, I will tell you what kind of tension it causes on the home front!
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