MY YEAR - GYM CLASS HEROES

How did 2008 start off for you? 2008 started off with a bang (or should I say a whimper?). A few friends, my girlfriend, and I took a 4hr limo ride from Ithaca NY to New York City. The limo ended up breaking down and we ended up frantically running through crowded New York City streets in order to make it to MTV on time. I'd have to say the highlight was the next day when we ended up stopping at a small-town Mickey D's to grab some food. We rolled out of our limo in pajama pants and New Year's blazers. It was intense to say the least! What were you doing in January? For the first part of January I was in LA with the some of the guys working on the beginning stages of our new album "The Quilt". I spent the rest of the month in Hawaii experiencing the best vacation of my life! Can you say oceanside massages?! How has it ended? Honestly just waiting for my son to be born is my number one priority. I already wrote him and his mom a new song. What are you most proud of achieving this year? There were so many exciting and proud moments for me this year. We played a show at Cornell University where I used to attend school. I remember looking into the eyes of those kids and thinking to myself "just a few years ago I was literally one of you". I can't describe the feeling of playing to thousands of kids and including dozens who told me that music was a waste of time. That same day my girlfriend and I ended up closing on and showing my family our new home. But none of those moments really compare to finding out, on Warped Tour, that I am going to be a father! I remember my girlfriend got me on the phone and the first thing she said was "are you sitting down?". I thought to myself either we're having a baby or someone just died, and she sounds really happy so parenthood here we come! haha The fact that it wasn't even supposed to be possible makes that moment all the more proud and special to me. What's rocked? I would say "The Quilt" coming out! Of course as always making music every day has rocked. Getting to feel my baby's first kick on tour with my girlfriend. Getting to meet more of our amazing fans. All the baby gifts and showers we have received blows our minds along with the love people have for us. Also touring with The Roots and Estelle who are amazing musicians and were very supportive of my girl and our baby! What's sucked? Being away from my girlfriend when she needs me during her pregnancy but she is very supportive of my career. Also, it hurts to find out that some people you trusted don't have the same priorities. What's been your album of the year and what made it so? I'd have to say "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends" is my favorite release this year. "Violet Hill" is one of those few tracks that I heard and said to myself "damn I wish I wrote that!". You can definitely hear a little Phil Collins influence in there, which I love. Best Christmas you ever had and why? I'm really looking forward to next year because it will be my son's first with me and hopefully my new wife (ssshhh don't tell!) What are your New Year's plans? I was planning on hosting a New Year's party at my house with my lady, but I've since found out that I will probably be on tour so right now I'm not sure exactly where I'll be. Ah, the life of a rock star. Haha Who's your favourite new band? They definitely aren't new but my favorite bands as of late are Muse, John Brown's Body, and Mastodon. What's your favourite cheese? Mmmm... Cheeeese. Cheese makes me happy. If I had to choose one I'd go with Cheddar. That's a little broad but I really do love all types of cheddar, especially sharp. The only thing that I've ever really baked from scratch is macaroni and cheese. Really I've never harnessed such power!

 

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