Simple Plan: 'It Was Something We Had Never Done Before'

For Montreal-based pop-rock quintet Simple Plan, their recently released third album is not just an album, but a statement of artistic ambition and growth from the group. As you'd expect from any group that would call its debut album No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls, the new self-titled release is a fearless, without-a-net excursion into dynamic music-making, taking what we love best about Simple Plan - the unbridled energy, the ripping guitars, the hook-filled melodic sensibility - and incorporating a slew of inventive sonic approaches informed by new collaborators such as Nate "Danja" Hills and pop wizard, Max Martin. Since the album’s release back in February of this year, the band have been on an extensive world tour in support of the new album. Recently, the band made their way to Australia where Joe Matera was invited backstage to interview the band exclusively for Ultimate-Guitar.

UG: With this, your third album to date, it is a much more mature effort and one where you manage to successfully, forge a new sound in the process.

Jeff: The reason was that we just wanted to try new things, and we wanted to experiment. And we were inspired to do so by the music we were hearing around us. I think as musicians, you can’t help but take everything in and then mix it up and make it your own. It is like making a big stew of all your musical influences. At the time we were really excited with what the producer Danja was doing with artists such as Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado. And we were like, “well, we find that cool, but how do you make it rock at the same time?’, because for us, it needs to rock, to stay exciting. So we thought, ‘let’s blend those sounds and make something unique and something that is our own sound’. And that’s what we did. So we really worked hard in the studio to make the two sounds mesh in a natural way. We didn’t just want the sound of a rock band with a few electro elements. It had to be something where it really blended nicely together. And that’s why the record took a little longer than usual. Truthfully there was almost like, two records written before we actually started making this one. There was a lot of material that got left over, a real lot of songs. Not that they were not good enough, but because, they were too similar to what we were doing in the past, and too similar to what we were doing on the second record. And though that was cool, we felt we had already done it. So out of our desire to be challenged and to stay excited about the music, we got all this fresh stuff going on.

The underlining philosophy of the band has always been a love of pop music and pop music structure though?

Jeff: Yeah I’ve always been a sucker for a pop song. It is something that has always been attractive to me. Even though I listen to tons of music, everything from metal, country, and a lot of different things, what always attracts me, is a great hook. For me the concept of making a song is about making it more melodic and catchy and with a meaning. Yet, making it deep enough so you don’t get bored with hearing it after one or two times. It’s a fine balance and quite an art form to it. For example, if you hear a song like I Kissed A Girl, its like ‘I’m so fucking tired of hearing that song!’ But truthfully man, it is brilliant. As it’s got this great hook that just grabs you and won’t let you go.

"This record was basically like having a music store available to us."

You mentioned working with producer Nate "Danja" Hills on this album. You also worked with two other producers, Max Martin, and Dave Fortman. Obviously each had a different approach?

Sébastien: Yes. Danja definitely got some of the beats going. It was very interesting to start a song in the songwriting process with a beat or a loop. It was something we had never done before. We usually start with a guitar and a melody. And he got excited when we played guitar and we got excited whenever he was doing some beats. So that was inspiring. As for Max, we just did the song Generation with him. Though the song was already written, Max helped us out in the way of shaping it to how it is now.

Jeff: A lot of people use him as a songwriter and producer but on that song, it was more about, ‘okay the song is written but its not quite 100% there. I think it’s got more potential, so let’s bring it to another level’. So he helped us to push it and kind of synthesize some of the hooks as that song had too many hooks. He helped us figure out which ones were good, and which ones, weren’t. Being songwriters we were too close to the song, so having that outside perspective from him was very important.

Sébastien: But Dave Fortman was the guy who oversaw the whole project. Even if we did try to put in some beats and some loops, some keyboards and stuff, Dave still made it sound like rock as he’s a rock guy having obviously worked with a lot of the harder rocking acts such as Evanescence, and Mudvayne.

Jeff: All three producers were involved at different stages of the recording. But Fortman was really the producer of the record. He sat down with us and he let us be crazy in the studio, allowing us to experiment. And when something sucked, he had the balls strong and big enough to actually tell us so.

So when it came to gear, did you also experiment with it too?

Jeff: Because what works in the studio doesn’t necessary work live, I kind of mixed it up a bit. This record was basically like having a music store available to us. It was nuts.

Sébastien: In the studio we used everything and we blended every type of amp you can think of with every different type of guitar too.

Jeff: For the basic tracks, I mainly used a Bogner quite a lot and a modified Marshall. The thing about a Marshall is that it has got no bass and so is tricky to record in the studio. Because of that, you have to use some tricks. You need to find a way to tweak the front end in a way that brings some of that bass out. And it also suffers from a harshness of the highs.

Sébastien: So because of that, it is always a good amp to blend if you’ve got some other tones available to you.

Jeff: Another thing too is we also used less amount of distortion than we have in the past. We kind of learned that less is more, so the sound is bigger. We also used tons of delays, chorus pedals and some distortion pedals, pretty basic stuff that everybody uses, really. And we wanted to use it in a creative way that would make a difference. Guitar wise, I normally would use Gibson guitars, but I had a lot of tuning problems with them so I had to rely mainly on a guitar that Sébastien got me, a Framus. All the rhythm tracks, about 75% of the record, were done with the Framus. And when it came to all the lead stuff, I used a Fender Tele.

Sébastien: Those Framus guitars are very straight and good sounding guitars…

What about when it comes to the live stage?

Sébastien: Live, I play Framus guitars and Framus Dragon amps.

Jeff: And I use Gibson Les Paul Customs and Mesa-Boogie amps.

"I think the live thing doesn’t get as old as the studio thing does."

Do you prefer working in the studio or performing live?

Sébastien: I really love both but after two months in the studio, I’ve usually had enough! While you’re in there, it is a lot of fun and you get to try out a lot of things. But if I was in a band that took a year to record an album, I’d probably shoot myself! (laughs) I think the live thing doesn’t get as old as the studio thing does.

Jeff: To me, I need both. I think with this band, we have tendency to go really deep in the studio. We discuss everything at every point of the process. I just wish maybe the process was a little faster and a little more efficient. But that is alright as we have a democracy, and so we need to hear everybody out. The live thing is awesome but after awhile I need new songs. I am capable of playing the old songs, as long as I have got some new stuff within the set to look forward to, because I do get bored. Some of the songs on the first record, I can’t help it but I’m not that same person that I was when I recorded that album. But we’ve managed to bring a freshness to them by rearranging some parts of them to make them sound a little different. And it is just enough to make them current and for them to fit perfectly with what we’re doing now.

Are the distractions on the road such as the groupies, any less prevalent today than they were in the band’s earlier days?

Jeff: It’s definitely not as wild as it used to be as the fans that come to our shows now, actually come to meet us. So it is not the usual typical clichés of rock and roll. I mean it’s available to you if you want it. But it’s available to anybody really. I have friends back home who aren’t in bands yet they get laid more often than I do! The truth is when you’re starting out you do get thrown in it so you get all that attention. And because you’re in a different city everyday, it becomes so easy.

Sébastien: Also when you’re 21 and the girls are like 19, it is definitely still better than when you’re 27 and the girls are 19! (laughs)

Jeff: I think with time, you just try and balance it out. And truthfully, unless you’re Motley Crue every night, there is no way you could put on a good show each night and be productive.

So what has been the most important lesson have you learned from being in this industry?

Sébastien: To wear a rubber all the time! (laughs)

Jeff: Yeah like I’m doing right now, I’m wearing a rubber! (laughs)

Sébastien: Yes all the time. (both burst out in laughter) But to seriously answer your question, it is to accept that you’re not going to be successful at the same level all the time. You will have you ups and downs but you’ve got to learn to have it not affect you. You have to accept that it is very much outside of your powers. And the same goes with the critics.

Jeff: Man, you could make the best fuckin’ record in the world and if its not the right time to put it out, then it is not going to do anything. But if you put it out at the right time and even if the critics hate it, it will garner success. Also when it comes to the music industry, you need to not believe the hype. That is very important. In this music industry, you’re only as good as your last single. So as a human being and a musician, I know it is super hard, but you can’t let your confidence be affected by all of that.

Interview by Joe Matera
Ultimate-Guitar.Com © 2008

Check out an audio of the band greeting the Ultimate-Guitar.com users at this location.

Simple Plan Music

Comments

[badfish2829]

These guys aren't bad. Too bad they get lumped in with other crap pop bands.

[chriskhng]

In my opinion,

A majority of simple plan fans are Kids, Girls or people that doesn't know how to play guitar or drums.

I knew I was.

[sohwa]

These guys aren't bad at all. Infact, they're ****ing awesome. But i agree with badfish2829, they do get lumped with other really crappy pop bands. Sad

[shyalicia]

i don't really like their new album. the old stuff was fun.

[Aceroth]

Their sound is good. Their lyrics... whiny, pity seeking teenage angst. Haven't heard the new album, but if the lyrics are anything like before, I won't be able to stand it. If they have grown out of their bitchy "my life sucks" phase, then maybe I'll give it a shot.

[trendkill-]

badfish2829 wrote:

These guys aren't bad. Too bad they get lumped in with other crap pop bands.

thats cus they aren't that good, i've heard all the albums and they all are the same type of whinny lyrcs.

the ripping guitars

when some one actual find that please tell me XD

[thesecondman]

I was impressed by the lack of hating on Simple Plan. Fortunately, you guys reminded me that the earth did not stop, and UG'ers will always hate on every band. It's not the most difficult guitar stuff by far, but they are good at what they do.
Anyway. I, personally wasn't very impressed by the latest effort by them, but maybe that's just me.

[awesomeness]

chriskhng wrote:

In my opinion,

A majority of simple plan fans are Kids, Girls or people that doesn't know how to play guitar or drums.

I knew I was.

hahahaha. i was a fan as well...

[YetAnotherMuso]

s-g man wrote:

thesecondman wrote:

...but they are good at what they do.


If you mean good at being extremely terrible, then yes, i agree with you.

+1

[Joey Radical]

Meh... I just can't stand the music. Dunno why... think it's the singer.

[xJuan91x]

The only song i like is "Me Against The World" if this album sounds like that song i might like it

[st.stephen]

They're not bad, I don't listen to them really. Sweet that they gave an exclusive interview to UG though

[HoldingOn]

If you don't like Simple Plan, then why the **** are you commenting this?
That's more immature than what you call "whiny" lyrics... Have you thought that?
But seriously. What's your point? by commenting this? Being idiots?
Music is an art to express yourself, not to see what a bunch of annoying people who think they are better than other people, think.
I dont know any of you, but the impression you gave here was childish and stupid.
Just what my opinion, I dont mean to offened any of you, I just find your comments annoying.

About the interview, it is awsome. Simple Plan is amazing; Jeff and Seb are great guitarists, not only that, but musicians!

[reaper_x]

I've always loved simple plan.
I don't see why people bring them down so much?
It's the same thing with every band. They all have 'haters'.
But honestly, why on earth are you wasting YOUR time
reading about a band YOU hate?
Oh, and to those saying they are crappy guitarist,
simple plan will always be better than you, for the simple fact that they are famous.

Grow up.

[Ironpriest]

Simple Plan are by no means 'amazing' or 'original' but i do believe people should back down on negativity. do these pop rocker fans go on your opeth threads and diss them?...

[tomahass]

I don't listen to this band anymore but being a good band doesn't mean they have to have the fastest or hardest guitar solos because being a band isn't about the guitarist. A band is about co-operation and friendship, something these guys have had since 1999. Guitars are there to be catchy melody makers, not for a guitarist to show off.

[Flexxus]

I've always loved simple plan.
I don't see why people bring them down so much?
It's the same thing with every band. They all have 'haters'.
But honestly, why on earth are you wasting YOUR time
reading about a band YOU hate?
Oh, and to those saying they are crappy guitarist,
simple plan will always be better than you, for the simple fact that they are famous.

Grow up.

I didn't read it. I just read the title. It's fun to make fun of bad bands. And you know what. Some day maybe i will grow up

[dark_falco3000]

Flexxus wrote:

I've always loved simple plan.
I don't see why people bring them down so much?
It's the same thing with every band. They all have 'haters'.
But honestly, why on earth are you wasting YOUR time
reading about a band YOU hate?
Oh, and to those saying they are crappy guitarist,
simple plan will always be better than you, for the simple fact that they are famous.

Grow up.

I didn't read it. I just read the title. It's fun to make fun of bad bands. And you know what. Some day maybe i will grow up

Haha, I'm with you there. Sure, call me immature all you want. In the end I don't really care, because I can admit that in some ways it is quite true!

Ironpriest wrote:

Simple Plan are by no means 'amazing' or 'original' but i do believe people should back down on negativity. do these pop rocker fans go on your opeth threads and diss them?...

They couldn't if they tried. I mean, they could try, but what could they say to insult Opeth without insulting their own music? Opeth is incredibly original and they know what music should actually sound like.

Simple plan have no talent whatsoever in any of their musicians (and I'm using that word loosely there), either in their ability to play or compose music. Also, their lyrics are merely whiney crap.

And fame doesn't make a band better than another band. If that were the case, Dream Theater would be one of the most famous bands ever. Since that hasn't happened yet, I'm going to assume that crap still dominates the market.

[Zell182]

Their latest album was awful...give me No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls any day. There wasn't one bad song on that album

[Perpetual Burn]

badfish2829 wrote:

These guys aren't bad. Too bad they get lumped in with other crap pop bands.

I'll lump em' in.

[GrayFoxz]

taking what we love best about Simple Plan - the unbridled energy, the ripping guitars, the hook-filled melodic sensibility -

what "we" love? this is practically the opposite of a simple plan fan site.

IncubusMan999 wrote:

Honestly, I have, and probably will never liek anything these guys have put out, bunch of no-talent losers in my eyes. They got sick of their own re-hashed sound so they tried to diversify beyond their style and when bad musicians try to diversify, it goes to crap. Normally, a band would be entitled to do that, but for them to tell me that their latest album is original is dirty great lie and leads me to believe they should be shot.

you're almost right, its just that they tend to change from one music style to another, E string to A string.
They're only commerically good, we don't see them getting any better in any aspect save getting richer.
I don't mean to be mean, but it's kinda like an article that asks people to flame it. UG and simple plan simply don't mix. its not how the world was planned out.

[GrayFoxz]

HoldingOn wrote:

If you don't like Simple Plan, then why the **** are you commenting this?
That's more immature than what you call "whiny" lyrics... Have you thought that?
But seriously. What's your point? by commenting this? Being idiots?
Music is an art to express yourself, not to see what a bunch of annoying people who think they are better than other people, think.
I dont know any of you, but the impression you gave here was childish and stupid.
Just what my opinion, I dont mean to offened any of you, I just find your comments annoying.

About the interview, it is awsome. Simple Plan is amazing; Jeff and Seb are great guitarists, not only that, but musicians!

sorry for the double post, and about this, we're are commenting because we are the users of this site. And as a faithful user, we tend to read almost everything posted here. we comment because there are two types of comments however powerful it may be :negative and positive. And if everyone here were to give only positive comments, what the use of having a comment box/place/thingy? We comment to give output, for wherever the band can improve on. And if some of us here think that they can't improve/change/build on their work, its not wrong.

[shelovemyguitar]

Yeah go Quebec!!!!! I did like those guys but since I play guitar I don't really like them... Anyway I'm jsut proud they are from Quebec...

[CelestialChaos]

There's no bass in Marshall amps? Haha, apparently he can't set one up.

And he had tuning issues with his Les Paul CUSTOMS?

....

Good interview though.

[strat0blaster]

'It Was Something We Had Never Done Before'

I know! I know!
....

What is "Write a good album?" Alex.

Nah I'm f*ckin around. I don't have anything against these guys. It was just too good to pass up.

[Adarsh]

"the new self-titled release is a fearless, without-a-net excursion into dynamic music-making, taking what we love best about Simple Plan - the unbridled energy, the ripping guitars, the hook-filled melodic sensibility"


Am I the only one who thinks this article was really sarcastic in points?

[inferi596]

they're still alive?

[Numero80]

Omg... Lack in musical tast...

[Numero80]

Omg... Lack in musical taste*...

[Jesus_Rev]

I used to like there stuff when i was like 10 but I don't know anymore, they ain't as good now as they used to be :S

[AlexC15]

reaper_x wrote:

I've always loved simple plan.
I don't see why people bring them down so much?
It's the same thing with every band. They all have 'haters'.
But honestly, why on earth are you wasting YOUR time
reading about a band YOU hate?
Oh, and to those saying they are crappy guitarist,
simple plan will always be better than you, for the simple fact that they are famous.

Grow up.

Right so being famous makes you a better guitarist than the unsigned guitarists. No it doesnt simple plan are signed because their music is radio friendly.

[Jbar]

I don't really like Simple Plan at all, as far as their music goes, but these guys seem pretty cool and down to Earth.

Checked.

Keep comments clean.

[keysandnotes]

ha..simple plan used to be one of my favorite bands. their latest album wasn't as good as i expected- it was alright. i like their old albums better.

[Ironpriest]

Opeth is incredibly original and they know what music should actually sound like.

so music sounds like metal?
im sorry but i just cant take their vocals seriously.

[HoldingOn]

GrayFoxz wrote:

HoldingOn wrote:

If you don't like Simple Plan, then why the **** are you commenting this?
That's more immature than what you call "whiny" lyrics... Have you thought that?
But seriously. What's your point? by commenting this? Being idiots?
Music is an art to express yourself, not to see what a bunch of annoying people who think they are better than other people, think.
I dont know any of you, but the impression you gave here was childish and stupid.
Just what my opinion, I dont mean to offened any of you, I just find your comments annoying.

About the interview, it is awsome. Simple Plan is amazing; Jeff and Seb are great guitarists, not only that, but musicians!

sorry for the double post, and about this, we're are commenting because we are the users of this site. And as a faithful user, we tend to read almost everything posted here. we comment because there are two types of comments however powerful it may be :negative and positive. And if everyone here were to give only positive comments, what the use of having a comment box/place/thingy? We comment to give output, for wherever the band can improve on. And if some of us here think that they can't improve/change/build on their work, its not wrong.

I totally agree with you, but one thing is to put your opinions, and the other is to insult the band or the fans, that's what I think isnt fair, intelligent.
Thanks for the reply, anyway.

[restless_thrash]

the band doesnt have bad music, and they do a wicked live show. they toured with a bunch of crap, though.

and comments can be negative ones, but they should at least be intelligent ones. the same goes for positive ones as well.

[restless_thrash]

AlexC15 wrote:

reaper_x wrote:

I've always loved simple plan.
I don't see why people bring them down so much?
It's the same thing with every band. They all have 'haters'.
But honestly, why on earth are you wasting YOUR time
reading about a band YOU hate?
Oh, and to those saying they are crappy guitarist,
simple plan will always be better than you, for the simple fact that they are famous.

Grow up.

Right so being famous makes you a better guitarist than the unsigned guitarists. No it doesnt simple plan are signed because their music is radio friendly.

good point. just because someone is famous it doesn't necessarily mean that they are good. it works both ways: unsigned musicians can be some of the best, but they can also be some of the worst.

[pyritmann]

i think every canadian my age (17) has liked these guys at one point, but lets face it, they are sooooo whiny it drives me insane.

[Felty666]

I read the title of the article "It Was Something We Had Never Done Before." This article could have been summed up in one sentence: Record a good album.

[stke]

I like "I'd Do Anything" and the rest of "...Just Balls". I also love their Reset stuff. After that, I lumped them with Good Charlotte and knew they were past their creative and commercial peak. Let's face it: Simple Plan has become even worse than just simple.

[algemar]

reaper_x wrote:

I've always loved simple plan.
I don't see why people bring them down so much?
It's the same thing with every band. They all have 'haters'.
But honestly, why on earth are you wasting YOUR time
reading about a band YOU hate?
Oh, and to those saying they are crappy guitarist,
simple plan will always be better than you, for the simple fact that they are famous.

Grow up.

"I don't wanna be told to grow Up
I don't wanna be told
I just wanna have fun....."

Wow that brought back memories.

[namphi.rose]

reaper_x wrote:

I've always loved simple plan.
I don't see why people bring them down so much?
It's the same thing with every band. They all have 'haters'.
But honestly, why on earth are you wasting YOUR time
reading about a band YOU hate?
Oh, and to those saying they are crappy guitarist,
simple plan will always be better than you, for the simple fact that they are famous.

Grow up.

I TOTALLY AGREE

[DeAd-RiP]

once again i find myself agreeing with yetanothermuso and sgman

[Deep*Kick]

namphi.rose wrote:

reaper_x wrote:
Oh, and to those saying they are crappy guitarist,
simple plan will always be better than you, for the simple fact that they are famous.

Just cause they are 'famous' doesn't make them better than anyone.

Checked.

[tamotots]

Deep*Kick wrote:

namphi.rose wrote:

reaper_x wrote:
Oh, and to those saying they are crappy guitarist,
simple plan will always be better than you, for the simple fact that they are famous.

Just cause they are 'famous' doesn't make them better than anyone.

Agreed. If all good bands were famous, many underground bands would be famous by now and simple plan would be underground

[HavokStrife]

I really can't believe you actually bothered to interview these guys... especially with like, the Deftones and the Slash interviews and stuff lately..

[TylerAOH&A7X]

i love Opeth, my fave band in the world is Between the Buried & Me and Dream Theater, and i LOOOVE technical shit like Necrophagist, Arsis, Steve Vai, Yngwie, Impelliteri, and i even love Muse....i dont really like these guys anymore, cuz my musical ear has developed since 7th grade, and im a senior in high school now....but ill start talking shit about them when i actually accomplish more in my musical career than they do

i advise you ALL do the same

[Ironpriest]

Yngwie IS NOT technical! he just shreds and is a pain in the arse. there is no doubt it my mind that he is talented and is one of the fastest guitarists, but the man is a dick.

shredding does not always = good.
i saw him at G3 with Satriani and Vai, can you guess who looked like the most pathetic out of all 3? (Answer is Yngwie)

[RUSTDOGG666]

their new album was good. they made us wait what 3 and a half years for it though? I really hope that they don't make us wait that long for their next album cause they do write good songs. I hope their next cd comes out in 2010.

[TylerAOH&A7X]

Yngwie IS NOT technical! he just shreds and is a pain in the arse. there is no doubt it my mind that he is talented and is one of the fastest guitarists, but the man is a dick.

shredding does not always = good.
i saw him at G3 with Satriani and Vai, can you guess who looked like the most pathetic out of all 3? (Answer is Yngwie)

i kno, but you catch my point tho...Yngwie's first couple albums were GREAT and every guitarist should take a listen to that album at least once in their careers, and after that everything sounded the same, so i suggest just picking up a greatest hits from him, and yea he is a dick, but he's done quite a few things that alot of ppl cant, so he holds some rights there

but lets not make this thread about Yngwie, lets just stay on the topic....for Gods sake we're all human beings, we're all gonna die anyway, why bash on things you hate when you can love the things you love?? i think Simple Plan is alright, and i wouldnt KILL myself if i were forced to lock myself in a room and listen their 3 albums back to back...music is music, how many times do ppl have to say it??

i like Muse, Dream Theater, Opeth, etc. because in my opinion their melodies are hauntingly beautiful and stick in my head

and i like Nile, because they are brutal and heavy and headbangable, and when im angry, which is natural for all human beings, it can really help to listen to it, along with Benighted, Cannibal Corpse, Hatebreed, Chimaira, Pantera, Exhorder, even Slipknot....etc.

and i like Necrophagist, Arsis, Origin, the Aborted, Blotted Science, Cephalic Carnage, etc. because they are really technical and are challenging and cool to hear

i could go on all day about what i love...but the only thing i hate about music, is the fact that some music is an EXCUSE to be music, such as modern gansta rap and hip hop, which is ALL about rhythm, barely any melody thats not repeated 1252399579235709823478 times, and the lyrics arent so different, who agrees?? yea i thought so

so AT LEAST give these guys credit for having melodies, and playing real instruments, at least they aint talking about black hoes they slapped around and treated like shit, and at least their melodies are catchy, whether you want them to be or not...they still have DYNAMICS, whether they come closer to Muse or to Linkin Park, for Gods sake...why the hell would YOU bash on them, when youre not the ones being INTERVIEWED in ultimate-guitar.com??

[TylerAOH&A7X]

woops i mean "everyone should listen to 'those' albums, such as Rising Force, and...ah..watever came next!!

[Auals]

HoldingOn wrote:

If you don't like Simple Plan, then why the **** are you commenting this?
That's more immature than what you call "whiny" lyrics... Have you thought that?
But seriously. What's your point? by commenting this? Being idiots?
Music is an art to express yourself, not to see what a bunch of annoying people who think they are better than other people, think.
I dont know any of you, but the impression you gave here was childish and stupid.
Just what my opinion, I dont mean to offened any of you, I just find your comments annoying.

About the interview, it is awsome. Simple Plan is amazing; Jeff and Seb are great guitarists, not only that, but musicians!

It's a comment, as in, it's our opinion. The option for comments is here, so go blow it out your ass, you'er allowed your opinion, so are we.

Secondly, I liked their first album enough. Back when I was into Blink and Yellowcard etc etc, but after a while they just get boring. Their new "synth" album annoys me to no end.

I hope they change things up. I would like to see them try something really different, good luck to them.

[little_goth_kid]

meh, they are ok I guess

[jakexcore]

why is it, that people's "opinions" are just pretty much "Hey, these guys don't play music I like, so they suck!" statements? There's hardly any logic in them, apart from a few comments. If they're doing what they want and getting money and whatever, good for them. You don't HAVE to like them, but not liking the music isn't an excuse to bash them.

But to be honest, I didn't really like their new album. Their old stuff was good, though.

[GrayFoxz]

Ironpriest wrote:

Simple Plan are by no means 'amazing' or 'original' but i do believe people should back down on negativity. do these pop rocker fans go on your opeth threads and diss them?...

They probably don't, because they're unable to think of any dissing points and majority of simple plan fans has never heard of opeth or anything close. What could you insult about opeth, in any case? Their vocals? Now, that'll be the day, i see a username:simpleplanfan on an opeth post, dissing them. i'd laugh out loud.

[MonsterOfRock]

jakexcore wrote:

why is it, that people's "opinions" are just pretty much "Hey, these guys don't play music I like, so they suck!" statements? There's hardly any logic in them, apart from a few comments. If they're doing what they want and getting money and whatever, good for them. You don't HAVE to like them, but not liking the music isn't an excuse to bash them.

But to be honest, I didn't really like their new album. Their old stuff was good, though.

I thought rock n' roll was about "sticking it to the man"... and here we are being judged because we don't like a band that serves as a pet for 'the man'.

We suffer from the Stikitudemaan Syndrome dude!!!

Seriously though, vulgar comments are unaccaptable, but I think we're allowed to comment on their sell-out status.

[korbhag]

To all those that keep saying Simple Plan sucks compared to Opeth or Dream Theater, just ask these bands to write a catchy pop song and they'll never be able to do it because it's definitely not the same thing as writing prog songs. There have to be some bands for kids to actually get into music at first!

[Izzy_Bryce]

HoldingOn wrote:

If you don't like Simple Plan, then why the **** are you commenting this?
That's more immature than what you call "whiny" lyrics... Have you thought that?
But seriously. What's your point? by commenting this? Being idiots?
Music is an art to express yourself, not to see what a bunch of annoying people who think they are better than other people, think.
I dont know any of you, but the impression you gave here was childish and stupid.
Just what my opinion, I dont mean to offened any of you, I just find your comments annoying.

About the interview, it is awsome. Simple Plan is amazing; Jeff and Seb are great guitarists, not only that, but musicians!

And that's the way the cookie crumbles ^_^

[smalRaptor]

I'd be one of the people who is like "These guys suck" but it's been over contested by the phrase that slipped from my lips "These guys make more money than me, @#*$"

[Secret7]

I think that thier latest album was the best, and I stand to that
Btw Simple Plan is on a European Tour and was in Sweden in recent days Very good concert

[nevetskl]

I don't really like this band they are decently good.

check.

[olp63]

*sigh* Simple Plan! What happened?! This band was one of my favorites until their recent release. Personally I think they've become so emo and pop-ish. They aren't punk in MY book anymore. It's too bad they changed, they were such a good band. But isn't that kind of the case with alot of bands now-a-days? Look at Linkin Park, Green Day, and now Simple Plan. They come out with a new album and it's SO different. Change is good, but it's nice when it's for the better.

[HoldingOn]

Auals wrote:

HoldingOn wrote:

If you don't like Simple Plan, then why the **** are you commenting this?
That's more immature than what you call "whiny" lyrics... Have you thought that?
But seriously. What's your point? by commenting this? Being idiots?
Music is an art to express yourself, not to see what a bunch of annoying people who think they are better than other people, think.
I dont know any of you, but the impression you gave here was childish and stupid.
Just what my opinion, I dont mean to offened any of you, I just find your comments annoying.

About the interview, it is awsome. Simple Plan is amazing; Jeff and Seb are great guitarists, not only that, but musicians!


It's a comment, as in, it's our opinion. The option for comments is here, so go blow it out your ass, you'er allowed your opinion, so are we.

Secondly, I liked their first album enough. Back when I was into Blink and Yellowcard etc etc, but after a while they just get boring. Their new "synth" album annoys me to no end.

I hope they change things up. I would like to see them try something really different, good luck to them.

As I said before... "but one thing is to put your opinions, and the other is to insult the band or the fans, that's what I think isnt fair, intelligent.
Thanks for the reply, anyway."

[Wesseem]

everyone is free to do what they want. if people want to insult the band then they should be able to. don't tell others what they can and cannot do. to say 'if you dont like it then leave' is just stupid. i don't like my primeminister so does that mean i should just leave the country? or if i don't like a class then i should not bother going to it? everyone is entitled not only to an opinion, but the right to say what they think, just as you are entitled to say what you think.

this is all directed at HoldingOn by the way

[Force Reaver]

olp63 wrote:

*sigh* Simple Plan! What happened?! This band was one of my favorites until their recent release. Personally I think they've become so emo and pop-ish. They aren't punk in MY book anymore. It's too bad they changed, they were such a good band. But isn't that kind of the case with alot of bands now-a-days? Look at Linkin Park, Green Day, and now Simple Plan. They come out with a new album and it's SO different. Change is good, but it's nice when it's for the better.

lol you considered simple plan punk? lol thats just to great. Hate to burst your bubble but they have always been pop/emo trash. I also dont think Green Days new album was that different, I mean after all it still consisted mainly of power chords. This shit is so funny I nearly pissed myself reading it. "their recently released third album is not just an album, but a statement of artistic ambition and growth from the group. As you'd expect from any group that would call its debut album No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls" They still havent grown up. I cant wait till I see one of the band members on The Surreal Life. It will probably be the singer.

[southpaw_tdg]

i don't really care about simple plan really, but its fun to read through the comments and see people bashing, then someone ranting on about how people shouldn't make fun of there fav band, and that they are the ones that are losers and what not. it's funny same stuff but different people. cheers me right up

[slash2005]

have they forgiven there daddy yet? or is that good charlotte. im so confused

[Zell182]

that's good charlotte XD

[ricrockistazo1]

i think we all knew it they started the emo.....those freakin freaks...but im starting to like emo anyways....we are of versatile personalitioes

[Exxol]

the title is misleading..

i thought they made some good music for a minute there

[ChronicX]

dark_falco3000 wrote:

They couldn't if they tried. I mean, they could try, but what could they say to insult Opeth without insulting their own music? Opeth is incredibly original and they know what music should actually sound like.

Well, other than the fact that Mikael is probably one of the most arrogant musician I know, Opeth pretty much kicks ass, I guess.

[demonsheep]

I have to say that Simple Plan don't really do anything for me, They seem to me to be generic whiny music.. But i'm open to changing my mind, Any songs i should listen to?

[AllenRothenberg]

HoldingOn wrote:

If you don't like Simple Plan, then why the **** are you commenting this?
That's more immature than what you call "whiny" lyrics... Have you thought that?
But seriously. What's your point? by commenting this? Being idiots?
Music is an art to express yourself, not to see what a bunch of annoying people who think they are better than other people, think.
I dont know any of you, but the impression you gave here was childish and stupid.
Just what my opinion, I dont mean to offened any of you, I just find your comments annoying.

About the interview, it is awsome. Simple Plan is amazing; Jeff and Seb are great guitarists, not only that, but musicians!

I Don't understand why some people take things so SERIOUSLY

[--Holy--Diver--]

no pads no helmets was a good album for a pop rock genre.

[sixsixsloth]

I think simple plan needs to incorporate other musicians with their music, like when Mark Hoppis sang on i'd do anything. I loved that lol. I also think they could keep their sound but have david sing more, because he's so much better and more modern sounding.

One more thing...

Jeff said:
"...We also used tons of delays, chorus pedals and some distortion pedals, pretty basic stuff that everybody uses, really."

Well the key thing is they use stuff everyone uses, they need to jump off sounding main and start sounding like something the people want. I'm not saying they should sing about drugs, sex, murder or that stuff because it's not them. They need to find more mature material (like for example say anything is kinda immature but yet their meanings are very mature). That type of thing. Anyway, I like em and I hope they mnature more.

[HoldingOn]

Wesseem wrote:

everyone is free to do what they want. if people want to insult the band then they should be able to. don't tell others what they can and cannot do. to say 'if you dont like it then leave' is just stupid. i don't like my primeminister so does that mean i should just leave the country? or if i don't like a class then i should not bother going to it? everyone is entitled not only to an opinion, but the right to say what they think, just as you are entitled to say what you think.

this is all directed at HoldingOn by the way

You are comparing to education and things that may affect your future... This is just a decision of which way to... say what you think.
I'm not saying that you can't say what you think, I'm just saying that, why do you have to insult people [the band or not]?
That's all.
I'm not fighting by the way, if I said the "f" word it was in a natural way(xD, seriously), I'm not of those people looking for fights over the internet... just so you know... I'm just saying... ok?
Sorry if I annoyed any of you. Yeah?
okay, thanks, anyway.
peace!

[HoldingOn]

AllenRothenberg wrote:
I Don't understand why some people take things so SERIOUSLY

That's me when you're talking about my favorite band, sorry. xD

[~GibsonManiac~]

just kidding.. simple plan is ok, maybe too ok for my taste

[Fremont]

~GibsonManiac~ wrote:

just kidding.. simple plan is ok, maybe too ok for my taste

yes, to me, they're too ok for my taste too

[ewall09]

HoldingOn wrote:

If you don't like Simple Plan, then why the **** are you commenting this?
That's more immature than what you call "whiny" lyrics... Have you thought that?
But seriously. What's your point? by commenting this? Being idiots?
Music is an art to express yourself, not to see what a bunch of annoying people who think they are better than other people, think.
I dont know any of you, but the impression you gave here was childish and stupid.
Just what my opinion, I dont mean to offened any of you, I just find your comments annoying.

About the interview, it is awsome. Simple Plan is amazing; Jeff and Seb are great guitarists, not only that, but musicians!

Word.

Wesseem wrote:

everyone is free to do what they want. if people want to insult the band then they should be able to. don't tell others what they can and cannot do. to say 'if you dont like it then leave' is just stupid. i don't like my primeminister so does that mean i should just leave the country? or if i don't like a class then i should not bother going to it? everyone is entitled not only to an opinion, but the right to say what they think, just as you are entitled to say what you think.

this is all directed at HoldingOn by the way

Just for everyone's information, this isn't valid. The rules determine what you can post or not. You're free to express your opinion but if that involves insulting the band, posting nothing to back yourself up, flaming anyone that disagrees with you, well, what do you want me to say?

On the other hand, if you post how much you dislike a band politely and intelligently your post will stay.


And checked.

[Illigx]

chriskhng wrote:

In my opinion,

A majority of simple plan fans are Kids, Girls or people that doesn't know how to play guitar or drums.

I knew I was.

And, I guess their fans are also "people that doesn't" know how to use the English language as well.

[__Sp-FoB-McR__]

HoldingOn wrote:

If you don't like Simple Plan, then why the **** are you commenting this?
That's more immature than what you call "whiny" lyrics... Have you thought that?
But seriously. What's your point? by commenting this? Being idiots?
Music is an art to express yourself, not to see what a bunch of annoying people who think they are better than other people, think.
I dont know any of you, but the impression you gave here was childish and stupid.
Just what my opinion, I dont mean to offened any of you, I just find your comments annoying.

About the interview, it is awsome. Simple Plan is amazing; Jeff and Seb are great guitarists, not only that, but musicians!

i agree ...

[__Sp-FoB-McR__]

Illigx wrote:

chriskhng wrote:

In my opinion,

A majority of simple plan fans are Kids, Girls or people that doesn't know how to play guitar or drums.

I knew I was.


And, I guess their fans are also "people that doesn't" know how to use the English language as well.

why must u offend sp?? ... if u don't like this band why r u in this news page?? ... go to the page of ur favourite singer! ... i'm a simple plan fan and i'm just happy to be me! .. i think that the sp fan r agree with me ... i think ...

[lithium500]

I really think UG interviews crappy bands just so we can bash them.

__Sp-FoB-McR__ wrote:

why must u offend sp?? ... if u don't like this band why r u in this news page?? ... go to the page of ur favourite singer! ... i'm a simple plan fan and i'm just happy to be me! .. i think that the sp fan r agree with me ... i think ...

That better be a joke. Also, SP can only stand for one band: Smashing Pumpkins. Why? Because the Smashing Pumpkins are infinitely better than Simple Plan.

[bfchead]

how did these guys land a record deal?

[farhan_zul]

bfchead wrote:

how did these guys land a record deal?

haha

[petelikesdick]

I think they sucked a lot of dick.... I should know Im the singer's daddy. I made him my little bitch like the girl at the rock show...then he said what..and i told him i didnt know...she's so cool when im sneaking through the window....

[bertismydog31]

that freaking song from the scooby doo movie is STILL stuck in my head.

[MeLa13]

SIMPLE PLAN ROCKS!!! GO CANADIAN BANDS!!! KEEP IT UP BOYS!!!
(i'm canadian)

[KenseiShredder]

hmmm, maybe if all the lyrics and vocals dissapeared they wouldnt so bad. I just can't stand that voice...no offence. I guess the guitarists are just in the band for the money thinking ( hmmm, we're looking like asses, but hey....chicks and money, who gives a $%$%? )

[S.D.M.F.]

HoldingOn wrote:

If you don't like Simple Plan, then why the **** are you commenting this?
That's more immature than what you call "whiny" lyrics... Have you thought that?
But seriously. What's your point? by commenting this? Being idiots?
Music is an art to express yourself, not to see what a bunch of annoying people who think they are better than other people, think.
I dont know any of you, but the impression you gave here was childish and stupid.
Just what my opinion, I dont mean to offened any of you, I just find your comments annoying.

About the interview, it is awsome. Simple Plan is amazing; Jeff and Seb are great guitarists, not only that, but musicians!

You were definetlydropped on your head as a baby.

[everchanging*]

simple plan are good at what they do
but that doesnt change the fact that there a ****ing joke

[fretman5000]

If u dont like simple plan, the **** u. Dont even argue wuth me.

[Riz_kan]

Fuck all of you who said Simple Plan is a bad band!if they are a bad band,then why they are so famous?!i really love Simple Plan...You Know What is The Problem With You All Who Hates Simple Plan?!You're jealous with them arent you ****er?!everyband have their own Style...Fuck!

[guitarist_with_]

No wonder the greater guitarist community online think UG is for children. Look at all these retarded comments, jesus.

[xcmasta91]

simple plan is a good band some of their stuff is real catchy unfortinately about 92% of u users on ug guitar r metalheads who seem to feel like everything except metal sucks do us all a favor and just stfu before u make yourself look more stupid than u already are.

[OMMad]

simple plan is not my cup of tea.

[oggiedoggy]

dark_falco3000 wrote:

Flexxus wrote:

I've always loved simple plan.
I don't see why people bring them down so much?
It's the same thing with every band. They all have 'haters'.
But honestly, why on earth are you wasting YOUR time
reading about a band YOU hate?
Oh, and to those saying they are crappy guitarist,
simple plan will always be better than you, for the simple fact that they are famous.

Grow up.

I didn't read it. I just read the title. It's fun to make fun of bad bands. And you know what. Some day maybe i will grow up

Haha, I'm with you there. Sure, call me immature all you want. In the end I don't really care, because I can admit that in some ways it is quite true!Ironpriest wrote:

Simple Plan are by no means 'amazing' or 'original' but i do believe people should back down on negativity. do these pop rocker fans go on your opeth threads and diss them?...

They couldn't if they tried. I mean, they could try, but what could they say to insult Opeth without insulting their own music? Opeth is incredibly original and they know what music should actually sound like.

Simple plan have no talent whatsoever in any of their musicians (and I'm using that word loosely there), either in their ability to play or compose music. Also, their lyrics are merely whiney crap.

And fame doesn't make a band better than another band. If that were the case, Dream Theater would be one of the most famous bands ever. Since that hasn't happened yet, I'm going to assume that crap still dominates the market.

It's called "pop"ular music for a reason. More people like it than, say, metal. Opeth? The base of all music? Lol. The comment that most flames come from metalheads is pretty spot on. People who listen to pop are probably cooler than you anyway. Great article, loved how he says he likes to make songs with good hooks - it's what I aim for too.

[Metallidethium]

korbhag :
To all those that keep saying Simple Plan sucks compared to Opeth or Dream Theater, just ask these bands to write a catchy pop song and they'll never be able to do it because it's definitely not the same thing as writing prog songs. There have to be some bands for kids to actually get into music at first!

dream theater would have no problem writing a pop song. they have a vocalist who has an appealing voice and their guitarists have been playing guitar longer than 5 minutes. as for opeth, not too familiar with their work however if they felt the need to downgrade their guitar playing to simple bar chords and sing cleanly and well...whiny, then im sure they could write one too.

as for this article, i used to like simple plan like the majority hear when i could also say i liked rap and r & b. it just to me feels as if their music is written at a 10 year olds mental level lyrically and musically. i mean i enjoy mostly everything in the rock and metal field..even the likes of fall out boy (dont flame me..lol). putting more focus on guitar work and precision in execution would not kill their popularity.

oggiedoggy :
dark_falco3000 wrote:

Flexxus wrote:

I've always loved simple plan.
I don't see why people bring them down so much?
It's the same thing with every band. They all have 'haters'.
But honestly, why on earth are you wasting YOUR time
reading about a band YOU hate?
Oh, and to those saying they are crappy guitarist,
simple plan will always be better than you, for the simple fact that they are famous.

Grow up.

I didn't read it. I just read the title. It's fun to make fun of bad bands. And you know what. Some day maybe i will grow up

Haha, I'm with you there. Sure, call me immature all you want. In the end I don't really care, because I can admit that in some ways it is quite true!Ironpriest wrote:

Simple Plan are by no means 'amazing' or 'original' but i do believe people should back down on negativity. do these pop rocker fans go on your opeth threads and diss them?...

They couldn't if they tried. I mean, they could try, but what could they say to insult Opeth without insulting their own music? Opeth is incredibly original and they know what music should actually sound like.

Simple plan have no talent whatsoever in any of their musicians (and I'm using that word loosely there), either in their ability to play or compose music. Also, their lyrics are merely whiney crap.

And fame doesn't make a band better than another band. If that were the case, Dream Theater would be one of the most famous bands ever. Since that hasn't happened yet, I'm going to assume that crap still dominates the market.

It's called "pop"ular music for a reason. More people like it than, say, metal. Opeth? The base of all music? Lol. The comment that most flames come from metalheads is pretty spot on. People who listen to pop are probably cooler than you anyway. Great article, loved how he says he likes to make songs with good hooks - it's what I aim for too.

and you sir can listen to whatever you want and i will not flame you but the whole "cooler than you" thing is a bit high school dont ya think? im sure simple plan and other pop bands did something right to get to where they are but dont belittle metal bands consider the technical work in metal is unmatched in any genre and the level of play the musicians are on is simply something to respect. the end

[Sabscope]

Simple Plan - clue is in the title. The melodies are mindless and the lyrics are the most childish I've ever come across. Teaching kids that if they have the slightest problem they should whinge about it, is not exactly positive. Also the irony in the title "No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls" hurts my mind. They are money-spinning, mind-numbing pap.
And by the way, I'm not exactly a metalhead - once it gets into screaming I just can't take it seriously. I just like rock music. And I loathe pop. Especially pop which thinks it can pick up a guitar, strike a pose, whip the hair out of it's eyes and pretend it's rock.

[Guitarist2oo8]

What a bunch of asses you guys are. Im not a fan of simple plan, ive heard shut up, and when im gone, and youre love is a lie. Their all pretty boring and nothing special, BUT why do people feel the need to come here, and waste their time slating the band? You all need to get a life, if you dont like their music, go learn an instrument and write your own to do something useful with your ass rather than slating things you dont like, even though no matter how much u try to downgrade them, your opinion will never matter.

[Sabscope]

Guitarist2oo8 wrote:

What a bunch of asses you guys are. Im not a fan of simple plan, ive heard shut up, and when im gone, and youre love is a lie. Their all pretty boring and nothing special, BUT why do people feel the need to come here, and waste their time slating the band? You all need to get a life, if you dont like their music, go learn an instrument and write your own to do something useful with your ass rather than slating things you dont like, even though no matter how much u try to downgrade them, your opinion will never matter.

Why do you feel the need to slate the people slating them. Chill out - we're allowed to give our opinions if we like. And so are you. I'm just showing that you're being fairly illogical. Also, slating a band you dislike and having a life are not mutually exclusive. Relax. You're not changing anyone's minds, and we're not stopping Simple Plan from making boring music. But this is a website about music, and it has a comment box. Did you expect this whole page to be filled with love and admiration?

[gemicedearth]

Won't you be happy this band exists so you can see the beauty of music? I mean if every band here are as good as Opeth or Dream Theater, then John Petrucci would just appear to be just a mediocre guitarist. Wherever you go, there should always be an abyssmal group. I bet not even a solitary UG moderator likes this band. I would like to see how they try not to puke while having an interview with this band. Simple Plan don't even belong here and must nowhere be placed near Cryptopsy or Kreator.

[gtr_101]

I used to like them alot when i was younger, but most 13 year olds did. Their not bad, just not everyones cup off tea.

[Josh_crosby]

HoldingOn wrote:

If you don't like Simple Plan, then why the **** are you commenting this?
That's more immature than what you call "whiny" lyrics... Have you thought that?
But seriously. What's your point? by commenting this? Being idiots?
Music is an art to express yourself, not to see what a bunch of annoying people who think they are better than other people, think.
I dont know any of you, but the impression you gave here was childish and stupid.
Just what my opinion, I dont mean to offened any of you, I just find your comments annoying.

About the interview, it is awsome. Simple Plan is amazing; Jeff and Seb are great guitarists, not only that, but musicians!

I love it when this happens. Someone says something bad about a not so good band. And someone who likes the band gets pissed off and starts saying bad stuff about the persom who is right. Tells them they are immature, have a narrow view of music, calls them elitist, tell them to get a life. It is so funny.

[ReeseKillsHIV]

I love how a band gets negative criticism, and people feel the need to defend listening to them by calling the negative critics stupid...

On the other hand, I hate when morons associate technicality with what makes good music, as with the Opeth statements. Do I like Opeth? Yes. Is Opeth THE standard for all music? Not everyone will like them, so no, they can't be. Listeners decide what is good, and what isn't.

Some people like Simple Plan. Some people like Cannibal Corpse. Live with it.