Although four years have technically passed since Godsmack released its last studio record IV, the Massachusetts natives haven’t remained idle. While drummer Shannon Larkin, guitarist Tony Rombola, and bassist Robbie Merrill teamed up with Whitfield Crane (Ugly Kid Joe) to form Another Animal, frontman Sully Erna still maintained a heavy presence in the music scene by launching a solo acoustic tour back in 2008. There has been heavy buzz since that time about a possible corresponding solo album, and it appears that 2010 is indeed year for its release.
Before Erna’s solo record hits shelves and/or iTunes charts, however, Godsmack has once again proven its staying power with a fifth studio album titled
The Oracle. The record, which was released on May 4, found itself in a comfortable #1 spot on both the U.S. and Canadian iTunes charts. Of course, don’t expect the oft-played single "
Whiskey Hangover" to be featured on the traditional 10-track CD. The band felt that the song was not particularly the most inspired offering from the band’s material and opted to make "Whiskey Hangover" available only on the limited/deluxe editions of The Oracle.
Erna recently took time to chat with Ultimate-Guitar via email to provide a bit more detail about his latest undertakings. It was a short-and-sweet chat, and we opted not to change Erna’s language style in the emailed responses because it allows the singer’s personal voice to come through a bit more accurately. And if there is one thing that Sully Erna won’t do, it’s sugarcoat any of his answers. In a world where many rock stars deliver stock responses that the press wants to hear, Erna will give you the absolute truth.
UG: After four years, fans were thrilled to hear that Godsmack’s fifth studio album The Oracle had been released this past May. Have you been working on songs on and off over the past four years?
Sully: Not four years. Some of the material was left over from the 4 record that we revisited on this cycle... but most was written last year.
Was there ever a point in the songwriting process where you might have bumped heads with the other members?
Not one time. It was a pleasure working together on this record. I hope they all go this smooth.
"It was a pleasure working together on this record. I hope they all go this smooth."
I am not a fan of the track. It was lazy and uncreative to me. And I know we are better than that song. And ultimately it didn't fit the vibe of this record.
The band has consistently worked with new producers for pretty much every record. Is that to keep a fresh approach? Also, what made you decide on Dave Fortman?
Well, it's just because it's always good to have new people and talent to bounce your ideas off of. And as far as Dave goes... Everyone should have a chance to work with that dude. He's great! And really fucking fun!!
You share in the production credit. Would you consider yourself a perfectionist in the recording process?
Perfectionist because I also produce? Ummm. Yea. Whatever you want to call it. It's my art so of course I want it perfect. Would you want someone else painting your picture?
You’re obviously well-known as Godsmack’s vocalist, but you also are an accomplished drummer and guitarist. Did you break out any instruments while recording The Oracle? If so, what guitars did you use in the process?
I played some guitar tracks, some percussion, and harmonica. And I exclusively play Gibson Les Pauls.
There has been talk about you releasing a solo record for a few years. What is the status of that project?
Well, it's being strategically pushed around to find the best moment for releasing it. I know it's taken awhile, but I promise you it's worth the wait. Hopefully June-July it should be out. But for sure this year!!
Did any of the solo ideas end up on the new Godsmack record?
No! Completely different style of music. The solo record is not a rock record. It's more of a World Music vibe.
You filmed webisodes via Rockpit.com. Had you always intended to chronicle the recording/writing process?
We just wanted to welcome people back into our world and let them feel a part of the creative process as we get back into the swing of things.
Godsmack has been quite successful in such a fickle music industry. What advice would you give to up-and-comers who are leery about the business side?
Just don't give up. You will all get your chance if you work hard and stick with it. But nothing, and I mean NOTHING comes easy. So prepare yourself for a very VERY long journey if you want to do this for a living. It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock n roll!!
"“Whiskey Hangover” was lazy and uncreative to me. And I know we are better than that song."
Never!
Can you think of one or two instances during your career that stand out as being your proudest moments?
Singing “Heaven and Hell” with Black Sabbath, meeting Neil Peart and playing to 250,000 people at Woodstock ‘99.
I understand that you partnered with others in the music industry to aid the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Who spearheaded the idea and do you have an updates for that mission?
I cannot take credit for that. My friend Dan Catullo had the idea. We just endorsed it and did what we could to help them get thousands of wheel chairs sent over on a jumbo jet.
What kind of touring schedule do you have lined up for the coming year?
Right now we're just doing some radio festivals in May and in August. We will start discussing touring soon. Probably Fall.
Thank you very much!
Welcome!!
Interview by Amy Kelly
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