Simple Plan: 'There Was A Lot Of Experimentation In The Studio'

Considering it’s been over 3 years since Simple Plan released a full-length album, it probably shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that the Canadian band might tweak its sound a bit. But rather than taking the traditional rock route by amping up the sound or attempting to write songs around the usual lead riffs, the quintet has opted for – cue dramatic music – a synth-pop sound. That isn’t to say that the band’s rock sound doesn’t have a presence at all, but Simple Plan’s latest self-titled CD is truly a gutsy move musically.

Guitarist Jeff Stinco revealed to Ultimate-Guitar that although he was more than a tad nervous about trying out a new sound, he still felt Simple Plan was at the top of its game in terms of songwriting. That meant the guitar took a backseat to the synth lines at times, but Stinco (a huge fan of U2‘s The Edge and pop music in general) was more concerned with the big picture than how many solos he got the opportunity to play. The fans will be the ultimate judges of the new musical direction, but Stinco made it clear in his interview that there is much more going on in the songs than what you might catch upon the first listen.

UG: The band has a distinctive new sound on the latest record, with just as many synth lines as guitar riffs taking the spotlight. It’s a courageous move on the band’s part, particularly considering that you never know how fans might react.

Jeff: I think you’re right.

Had you been discussing a possible change in direction since the last album was released?

We spoke about wanting to change things up probably right after we were done touring for the second record. When we actually got to making the record, we had spoke about the abstract concepts and about making something a little more daring, a little different. But it was very, very abstract. We didn’t really know how to achieve that new sound or even where to go.

There was a lot of writing that started right after the second record’s cycle was over. A lot of those songs were actually really good. They were different than what we wanted to achieve. It was close, but it wasn’t exactly there. We kind of discussed it and thought that working with people that were outside of the rock world might be a good idea. Danja (Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake) came in the picture, and he’s kind of like this R&B, pop guy. We collaborated with him on like 3 songs on this record. You never know how things are going to turn out.

Truthfully, at the end of the day if the songs weren’t something good, we would have dropped them. We just went with it and kind of rolled with it. After those 3 songs were done, there were just tons of ideas that poured off. We felt very, very good about the new direction, and we were inspired to do a lot more on our own. A lot of these songs came about right after the initial session.

How much did the songwriting process change on this record with the addition of the electronic element?

A lot of the ideas came about starting with a rhythmical idea. I think in the past there was a lot of guitar stuff that kind of started things out. This time around I think there were more beats or some kind of electronic idea, and the song was written around that. For myself, the actual guitar parts came a little later.

The songs, when they first came about, were very sparse and very modern. We had to get back into the studio and find a way to Simple Plan it up and to make it more like ourselves. That came from adding guitars, little textures or killer melody lines. That’s where a lot of the work was done guitar-wise. It was actually done while we were tracking the record. We were looking for great ideas and trying out sounds, and we went pretty far with that, too. So there was a lot of experimentation in the studio. That was a lot of fun, but it was a lot of work, too.

"This time around we wanted it to fit within the context of the electronic music better."

In terms of experimentation, were you trying out new equipment in the studio as well?

Well, the studio pretty much looked like a guitar store! They had everything. We’re talking like 200, 250 pedals, tons of amps and guitars. At the end of the day it was about finding what’s best for the song. We kind of came back with a lot of quirky things, and the delay was definitely a big instrument in the studio. In the past, I guess we just recorded guitars and then added delay to the track. This time around we wanted it to fit within the context of the electronic music better.

Was that the band’s idea or did the producers play a big role in the studio decisions?

It’s our third official record on a major label, and we’ve recorded with Bob Rock and some of the best producers in the world. I’ve stolen a lot of ideas from those guys! Butch Walker, too. Butch Walker was very important for me. He taught me a lot of tricks about guitar tracking and about just having everything sound good. I kind of mic my own stuff.

Dave Fortman (Evanescence, Otep) was more of a guy that when I had a question, I would ask him. He was amazing at letting everybody do their thing, respected our strengths. When we had weaknesses, he would come in and help us out. This record was an important record in the sense that everybody was more confident in the studio and in the tracking sessions. The advice Fortman gave us was good, and I think he was also mature and serious enough to let people do what they do best. I love sound designing and I love screwing with different pedals and all that stuff. He was generous enough to let me do my own thing and dial in my own tones. I think I got the best tones I’ve ever gotten on a record.

What specific effects or amps are we hearing on the new album?

There are so many amps! I’m very over-simplifying it, and I definitely want to mention that. There is a lot more to it, and I don’t want people to think that was the only formula that we use. I used a Bogner Ecstasy quite a bit for the rhythm tracks with a Les Paul. I used the Vox AC30 for whenever I wanted to clean the sound a little bit. When I wanted to do overdubs, when I’d really want to hear the definition and really hear it come through, I’d use a Tele.

For delays, I used a Deluxe Memory Man. There are longer delays on it and it uses a little cleaner sound, too, because it tends to overdrive a bit easy. As for the guitars on this record, I used a Les Paul ’55 Junior that I’ve had forever. It’s just amazing and I used it a lot on the rhythm tracks, too.

The coolest part about it wasn’t so much the equipment, but the arrangement. For instance when we do a rhythm track, Sebastian would track one side and I would track the other side. We would not play exactly the same position or versions. We would kind of switch it around, and I think that brought depth to the thing. It made it bigger. We also toned down the distortion quite a bit on our sound. People underestimate that in the studio. It opens up the sound a lot and it makes the guitars sound bigger, fatter, and wider.

"I love sound designing and I love screwing with different pedals and all that stuff."

There is definitely a distinct difference in the sound and the tone as opposed to the previous records.

Yeah, we wanted it to be different. The second record was more of a live-sounding record, really in your face rock. This one was more polished. It doesn’t have much to do with a lot of Pro Tools editing. There was not much more Pro Tools editing on this one than on the second record. It was just more like the performances. We made sure we really got the best out of everything. Plus, we were pretty well-rehearsed when we got into the studio. I think everybody was pretty tight and right on track.

How much pre-production was involved?

Actually, just a week. We didn’t really jam as a band. That’s not something we do often, but we sat down and revised the tracks. We added quirky little things here and there, but also switched the arrangements around. We just made sure that everybody was just really precisely understanding every single part and every concept. A lot of the actual ideas came into the studio. The songs were done completely, but the arrangement ideas were done in the studio a lot.

I noticed that you performed on a Rush tribute back in 2005. I’ve read that Rush was one of your biggest influences. Is that true?

No, that’s definitely an overstatement. I like Rush. Truthfully, I’m more of an Alex Lifeson fan than I am a Rush fan. I think he’s just brilliant. Some of the ideas he’s had, like the clean sound that is just wider. I’m a really big fan of that and I use that a lot in my own sound. I like the songs.

I grew up in Montreal, where there is a classic rock station and my car would only tune into that station! The reception was so shitty, so that was the only station I actually caught. I like Rush, but I would definitely say it’s not my favorite band. I got to play with really good players and just kind of showcase a different side of my self. A lot of people don’t know that I practice a lot, I solo a lot. In Simple Plan, I don’t think the songs call for that. I would not be one to actually overshred. I think it would be very distasteful. When there’s a context that calls for it, I’m always up for doing a few leads here and there.

Considering you’re a fan of Alex Lifeson’s work, have you ever considered adding a progressive touch into a future project?

I’m not opposed to it. Right now I’m quite busy with Simple Plan, but maybe in the future. I’ve got a lot of hard drives that are full of music, and who knows? I’m not really a fan of more progressive stuff, but I think within a good song structure you can still get very creative ideas across. I’m a very structural guy. I love pop songs, well-written pop songs. I think some pop songs are very smart and very well-written. That’s what I’m down for. Even for more instrumental music, I’m more of a fan of music that you can remember and that has a melody to it.

As an instrument, for me I’m more interested with the big picture. For me it’s not a lead or a riff instrument; it’s everything. To me, it’s important to showcase all of that with the song.

"I'm more of a fan of music that you can remember and that has a melody to it."

Are there any bands that you believe are using the guitars in the manner that you’re striving for in Simple Plan?

There are not a lot of bands that are super disciplined with the learning of the instrument. Sometimes I feel that when players are really good that they tend to overplay. My favorite band is U2. As much as The Edge is not a shredder, it’s pretty clear that he plays for the song. He’s extremely creative. You can tell that the guy is always noodling around and trying to find new sounds. To me, that’s very, very interesting.

In the pop world, there are a lot of session guys that come in and play, but I’m more interested in bands. I was intrigued with the first Avenged Sevenfold record. I thought it was pretty cool. The guys really pushed it and it’s a good sound. On the second record I didn’t feel that as much, but I really liked the first one. Truthfully, I’ve got to say that the old records are still the ones that I think found the balance the best. The Guns N’ Roses records and even The Beatles, there are some very, very good guitar riffs in there.

It sounds like you’ve got a pretty wide range of influences.

Yeah, and I do listen to a lot of modern stuff. I’m really interested in – not that they’re influences – the last Green Day record was very good, very interesting, and very ambitious. It kind of raised the bar for bands to be more ambitious and be more creative. The new My Chemical Romance – you’re talking about a band that balances the shred and the songwriting, I think those guys did really good with that record. I wouldn’t call that an influence, but I was very passionate about that record when it came out.

I’m sure you probably have a lot of fans who are just starting out as guitar players. Do you have any advice for them?

I really think that at the end of the day, there are many, many ways to do the same thing and many approaches to learning guitar. I have a system. I taught for a long time and I have this in my head, so it makes it easier for me to visualize the neck and things. But at the end of the day, I think it comes down to looking at that CD you love in a very analytical way. When you first listen to the record, you love it because you love it. It should be that way. But at a certain point, it might be a good idea to sit down and actually understand what everybody in the band is playing. A lot of guitar players, I think, focus on guitar solos. It’s a good idea to listen to how it’s interacting with the drums. Not necessarily becoming a full-blown drummer, but understanding drums a little bit.

Another thing is the whole GarageBand software stuff, where you can make very, very good demos quickly. That’s a good idea, too. Write your stuff and finish it and make a song out of it. Maybe it sucks. No one needs to hear it, just grow as a writer. Apply what you have learned to musical context, and then just learn songs. There are so many so easy songs. Just pick a teacher for 4 weeks and ask him what the best riffs are, then do it on your own. Just try and find shortcuts because there are shortcuts to learning an instrument.

Interview by Amy Kelly
Ultimate-Guitar.Com © 2008

Comments

[pistols]

haha
the minute i read the title, i thought, what have other pop-rock bands been doing to progress musically...play synth pop.

and what do you know, that's it.

[Cr3sc3nT]

simple plan?

oops. better press 'back'

[MusicLover#1]

There new album isn't all that good.

[MusicLover#1]

Cr3sc3nT wrote:

simple plan?

oops. better press 'back'

ROFLMAO

[TwistedLogic]

Well, I must admit that I dislike Simple Plan, even though I am from Montreal. I give them credit for trying to shake things up but playing around with sounds and layering them with various effects will not over come weak song writing. This is the thing about SP I hate. There songs are very forulma oriented and targeted to a specific audience, their "simple plan" for success if you ask me. I have only heard hte new single "Gonna miss me when I am gone" I think it is terrible. No imagination or originality at all and the video is creepy; as if Pierre is stalking that girl, rather than her thinking of Pierre. Anyhoo, the point is you can cover a pig in perfume all you want but they still smell.

[plakkert]

Nice surname.

[xConverge]

grunsho wrote:

experimentation = gay sex?

LMAOLOLZ!
and in that logic, if you change the "experimentation" from the title...and add 'gay secks',
then you're left with all sorts of lulz
x]

[Poisonous_Toxin]

didn't good charlotte do the exact same thing?

[Poisonous_Toxin]

didn't good charlotte do the exact same thing

[Poisonous_Toxin]

didn't good charlotte do the exact same thing?

[SECOND]

For example, the beginning of the melody in "Your is a lie" = Our Lady Peace's "Clumsy"

I falla asleep by the telephone
It's 2 O'clock and I'm waiting up alone

Throw away the radio
Suitcase...Keeps you awake
Hide the telephone, the telephone

[darkangel24]

wow i can't believe that all of the comments posted here show hate against Simple Plan. Good work guys!

[webbtje]

Lol at the suggestion that a band as commercial and bland as Simple Plan could experiment with their sound.

Not a fan of them, and he's hardly an interesting/original guitarist. That's not an opinion.

[Xeus]

not suprised one bit, synth ftw!

[bolezhinkov]

is it an experiment or do they now see that their old sound just wouldnt sell anymore?

[Masonpwiley]

I liked these guys a lot when I was 10. Not so much now. Hey, it's better than what 10 year olds are listening to now(mainstream rap)!

[Deflection]

Simple Plan can go experiment themselves.

[Mike_Callahan]

why are they even interviewing this guy? he plays guitar for simple plan...id rather live in a box

[Bobbito315]

I dunno zz top messed around with synth for a while and they didn't really sell out but then again they're zz top and we're talking about simple plan.
Juno?

[tragicpunk]

stinco? bet he got eaten alive at school! crap band nyway

[lucas_22]

and it seems that no one is sticking up for simple plan. lol. at least FOB and P!ATD have still lame fans sticking up for them. I guess 12 year old girls dont go on UG.

[ncgunn]

simple plan are better than led zeppelin FACT

[lucas_22]

ncgunn wrote:

simple plan are better than led zeppelin FACT

i guess there is one 12 year old girl.

[CapnKickass]

^^ it was obviously a very clever, well thought out, well executed joke made by ncgunn. Good job.

[severed-metal]

Not really a gutsy move...it sounds the same as their last albums..

[gu1tar4lyf3]

who else here saw the title, assumed that experimentation had nothing to do with simple plan's music, and then skipped right down to the comments to see everyone flame them?
and did that guy just say that mcr shreds?

[ghostofhendrix]

Adding synth is hardly making it more experimental. They should've tried some really wacky stuff...although tbh they couldn't pull it off as they are ULTRA-LAME!

[Pingis_Or_Death]

MusicLover#1 wrote:

There new album isn't all that good.

Why do so many people mix between there and their?
Somehow I really doubt they have progressed that much musically.

[ghostofhendrix]

gu1tar4lyf3 wrote:

who else here saw the title, assumed that experimentation had nothing to do with simple plan's music, and then skipped right down to the comments to see everyone flame them?
and did that guy just say that mcr shreds?

lol! and yeh he said they shred, but to be fair he's a very bad guitarist so...

[metalgirl0]

I can't say that Simple Plan makes music, it's just a bunch of repetitive chords with some awful lyrics speaking about how their life sucks and blah blah blah... If they would go to Africa, they will see some countries where people's lives actually sucks and they will consider themselves lucky...

[zerodeck]

Simple Plan experimented? So instead of 3, they played 4 different chords in 1 song? Wow, talk about progress...


Greetz,
zerodeck

[luisaceo]

lol...unless ncgunn was joking, no one has posted a positive comment,no wonder however..god, simple plan sucks!

I can't say that Simple Plan makes music, it's just a bunch of repetitive chords with some awful lyrics speaking about how their life sucks and blah blah blah... If they would go to Africa, they will see some countries where people's lives actually sucks and they will consider themselves lucky...

i agree! at least poor people in africa (not everyone in africa is starving and is poor, for gods sake!) dont have to listen to simple plan!

[rojomeansred]

In this guys defense, I have seen a video of him a few years back where he sweep picked ONE arepeggio pretty cleanly. But that doesn't change the fact that his music sucks.

[dirtymexican863]

I didn't even know this band still existed.

I guess I'll have to start wearing my "Suck This Simple Plan" shirt again.

[guitarist41]

Yes...experimentation with each other.

I like 3 simple plan songs, though. NO MORE, I TELL YE!

[tavi620]

worst band ever.

[fabiukis]

I don't think simple plan is a good band, they are commercial bitches, but I don't dislike them(I am 16 years old)

[rojomeansred]

I guess it's cool to go experimental, simple plan and coldplay are both doing it so sayeth the homepage.

[rojomeansred]

cool was supposed to be in quotes...

[CapnKickass]

metalgirl0 wrote:

I can't say that Simple Plan makes music, it's just a bunch of repetitive chords with some awful lyrics speaking about how their life sucks and blah blah blah... If they would go to Africa, they will see some countries where people's lives actually sucks and they will consider themselves lucky...

this made me picture some poor skinny kid in Africa listening to Simple Plan on his Ipod. With a sad face he stares into the camera, "welcome to my life".

[Toolshed#9]

"Just try and find shortcuts because there are shortcuts to learning an instrument."

And this is how pop-rock guitarists are made.

[samerika]

CapnKickass wrote:

metalgirl0 wrote:

I can't say that Simple Plan makes music, it's just a bunch of repetitive chords with some awful lyrics speaking about how their life sucks and blah blah blah... If they would go to Africa, they will see some countries where people's lives actually sucks and they will consider themselves lucky...
this made me picture some poor skinny kid in Africa listening to Simple Plan on his Ipod. With a sad face he stares into the camera, "welcome to my life".

actually they went to africa!

im not a fan but i used to like them (3 years ago) i even saw them live!.

the new record is really pathetic xD.

anyways, i laughed my ass of reading these comments

starting out from the: "Simple plan
Ooops....better press back" one.

[jcooper03]

gu1tar4lyf3 wrote:

who else here saw the title, assumed that experimentation had nothing to do with simple plan's music, and then skipped right down to the comments to see everyone flame them?
and did that guy just say that mcr shreds?

u may not like the music, but the guitarists in... wow i almost wrote simple plan, bad mistake... anyways the guitarists in mcr are pretty damn good. now, i'm not sayin they are dimebag, hammett, or kerry king or anyone like that, but still, given the crap out there today, mcr's guitarists are way better than most in modern rock.

[ginger_snapd_ha]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion...even though it makes them look like jerks.
They are good at what they do. Pop/punk is their thing and they are great at it.

[CrabShrapnel]

I loved Simple Plan until I realized they were serious.

[Megallica666]

well i really wish i hadn't have read this(skimmed it). now my eyes are crossed and im pissed of.

[Megallica666]

just god damn mad

[Kanthras]

I liked them before I started listening to better stuff.. Hmm, so I guess that means they're not very good.

[Dr. No]

simple plan should be renamed simple band

they are so generic and unoriginal

[Bassmastajazzyj]

ginger_snapd_ha wrote:

Everyone is entitled to their opinion...even though it makes them look like jerks.
They are good at what they do. Pop/punk is their thing and they are great at it.

of course their great at it since when has pop-punk hard to do. i.e greenday, blink, good charlotte the list goes on.

Also at the part where it said that he thought they were at the top of the game i songwriting i laughed out loud.

[HLrocker]

another semi decent punk band sells out...oh well, it's not like I can't here the same from basicly any other punk band.

[GetTheGasoline]

a lot of experimenting? i think not.

[Mojo89]

lol experimenting?!?! yeaup these dudes are right up there with pink floyd and the beatles!

[the waste]

"But rather than taking the traditional rock route by amping up the sound or attempting to write songs around the usual lead riffs, the quintet has opted for – cue dramatic music – a synth-pop sound."

AKA

Simple Plan is going to suck EVEN WORSE then they did before!

[HurricaneSG]

Pingis_Or_Death wrote:

MusicLover#1 wrote:

There new album isn't all that good.
Why do so many people mix between there and their?
Somehow I really doubt they have progressed that much musically.

because it sounds the same when you say it..

[tbarrettl]

He knows music and who to work with though Simple Plan hasn't proved anything contributing to the Musical Community except Tween Pop.

[Smillzer]

There isn't much I can say about this tripe that hasn't already been said, but I have met Jeff on many occasions, and this guy is a total f*cking douche. He's rude, he's cocky, and he's incredibly self-absorbed. If any of the other guys are like him, its a surprise that they've made it this far. Truly pathetic.

[streetlegal08]

I don't care if any of you like this or not, but I like it, and guess what, I would love to see you guys having an experience similar to the context of their songs... you would so not think the same. Criticize me, it's ok... I don't depend on you, and I do not even know you so go ahead, but let me tell you that you will not get anything out of it. I LIKE IT! They are the reason for which I grabbed a guitar no matter how simple their songs are. I don't care if their songs are on the same key. I like them and I live their songs because they make me feel alive. You may think that I have a simple life then, so what? I like it because it IS music, no matter how simple it is. I like it, so what?

[tragicpunk]

streetlegal08 wrote:

I don't care if any of you like this or not, but I like it, and guess what, I would love to see you guys having an experience similar to the context of their songs... you would so not think the same. Criticize me, it's ok... I don't depend on you, and I do not even know you so go ahead, but let me tell you that you will not get anything out of it. I LIKE IT! They are the reason for which I grabbed a guitar no matter how simple their songs are. I don't care if their songs are on the same key. I like them and I live their songs because they make me feel alive. You may think that I have a simple life then, so what? I like it because it IS music, no matter how simple it is. I like it, so what?

respect to you for posting against the general hate vibes on this thread! doesn't make you right (or sane) but pretty brave!

[slashedaxl103]

tavi620 wrote:

worst band ever

Now now cmon, there is a band called Fall Out Boy that we must not forget.

[slashedaxl103]

But f*ck do i hate simple plan aswell, repetitive chords, all the songs are based on the same thing "aww poor bugger me, my life sucks" Cant be too bad if your earning millions of dollars, f*ckin losers

[AmpleSteak]

People who haven't read the interview and have just come to flame the title I suggest reading it because it is pathetic... By the way he is talking it sounds like he thinks hes the shit... He says he thinks most guitar players overplay and shread too much and thinks its better to have a more structerd song... Im sorry but anyone reading this unless there 12 and a girl agrees that "shreadding" is much better than 3 chords the whole song. MCR Shreading? You don't deserve that les paul...

[The Black Salts]

hahahahahahaha Simple Plan are the BEST.

Rock on guys keep it real.

[pigmaggots]

TwistedLogic wrote:

Well, I must admit that I dislike Simple Plan, even though I am from Montreal. I give them credit for trying to shake things up but playing around with sounds and layering them with various effects will not over come weak song writing. This is the thing about SP I hate. There songs are very forulma oriented and targeted to a specific audience, their "simple plan" for success if you ask me. I have only heard hte new single "Gonna miss me when I am gone" I think it is terrible. No imagination or originality at all and the video is creepy; as if Pierre is stalking that girl, rather than her thinking of Pierre. Anyhoo, the point is you can cover a pig in perfume all you want but they still smell.

Pigs have amazing hygiene though.

Unlike my mum.

[pigmaggots]

AmpleSteak wrote:

People who haven't read the interview and have just come to flame the title I suggest reading it because it is pathetic... By the way he is talking it sounds like he thinks hes the shit... He says he thinks most guitar players overplay and shread too much and thinks its better to have a more structerd song... Im sorry but anyone reading this unless there 12 and a girl agrees that "shreadding" is much better than 3 chords the whole song. MCR Shreading? You don't deserve that les paul...

Did you read the interview, he blatantly explained that he is about playing for the song and I completly agree. I'd rather hear a song that works, than hearing some guitarist fretwank over the whole piece just because he wants to show how good he is.

[iNsaNeNic]

LOL i love when it wasyt eh gutarist figured out they were at the top of their song writting.. they must of sucked real hard before that then!

[MusicalMinority]

Interesting how the mods aren't even bothering to come in and clean up this mess.

Anyways, I have a profound dislike for Simple Plan... Crap guitar, crap songwriting, crap lyrics... The list goes on and on.

[iNsaNeNic]

i think they figured it would take to long to clean this up

[Shread_6009]

every namd nowadays says there experimenting, yet its either the exact same thing, or its absolute garbage. stop braging about ur "new" sound and let the people decide.

[suthy16]

slashedaxl103 wrote:

tavi620 wrote:worst band ever

Now now cmon, there is a band called Fall Out Boy that we must not forget.

No, Fall Out Boy maintains some degree of integrity. Simple Plan IS the worst band ever.

[hide_the_beer]

hahaha
rock on simple plan is epic win!
hahahaha

[AVA_Plus44_182]

Poisonous_Toxin wrote:

didn't good charlotte do the exact same thing?

Yea, pretty much

[Trident]

The new My Chemical Romance – you’re talking about a band that balances the shred and the songwriting, I think those guys did really good with that record. I wouldn’t call that an influence, but I was very passionate about that record when it came out.

LMAO! "Passionate" about those 'ol shredders in MCR haha. What a tool this guy is.

[Flying Afros]

suthy16 wrote:

slashedaxl103 wrote:

tavi620 wrote:worst band ever

Now now cmon, there is a band called Fall Out Boy that we must not forget.
No, Fall Out Boy maintains some degree of integrity. Simple Plan IS the worst band ever.

they both suck. the end

[actualMusicFTW]

I’m sure you probably have a lot of fans who are just starting out as guitar players. Do you have any advice for them?

most (should be all) guitar players start hating simple plan around their second week in guitar lessons when they realize they're already better than them

[Soma3009]

There's a lot of experimentation going on on that head of his.
Ew.

[clincher09]

Jeff Stinco revealed that although he was nervous about trying out a new sound, he still felt the band was at the top of its game in terms of songwriting.

HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAH!

SONGWRITING!

HAHAHAHAHAAAAA!

[the boogieman]

the beginning of this article was a huge exaggeration of simple plans apparent ability

/fail

[linkrevolver]

simple plan?
HA!! is thar even music???

[acerst]

I honestly liked their first couple albums, but the new one kinda sucks. didnt buy it, but listend to it.
Maybe in a different time,place, and band, this would have been ok, but this isn't obviously the top of their game.

[sorrykid77]

was more concerned with the big picture than how many solos he got the opportunity to play.

LOOOOOLLLLL

that is all.

[sorrykid77]

iNsaNeNic wrote:

Good job on owning this crap band. 99% of these comments are bad so good job. SP sucks!

SMASHING PUMPKINS ARE AWESOME
FUUCK YOU

[g-tarist]

Considering it’s been over 3 years since Simple Plan released a full-length album...

good news good news. WAIT!!!! theres more...

Simple Plan’s latest self-titled CD is truly a gutsy move musically.

LATEST??? CD???? GUTSY MOVE MUSICALLY??? Oh my what has UG been reduced, let alone mankind. we as humans weren't put on this planet to listen to this sh**t....It's official there is NO GOD

[Ali-b912]

does this mean effects sodden pop punk, or does it mean something more experimental? i saw the mention of solo's being played and now i am intrigued. or will this be like the shit good charlotte did? if im correct, punks dont dance. unless they want to in which case they do because they do what they want. oh hang on thats a giant loophole in punk culture :p

[girl-tarist]

sorrykid77 wrote:

SMASHING PUMPKINS ARE AWESOME
FUUCK YOU

uh... i think he means "Simple Plan", not "Smashing Pumpkins".... you know... cuz this article is about simple plan.

---

i thought it was a pretty good cd. they've got some catchy songs on it...and besides... they actually can perform live really well. i'm impressed that they're able to play.... unlike other bands out there... i won't name any... i don't want to get a bottle of piss thrown at me.

[boxcarblink94]

their first album had a bunch of cool songs. their second album had a few good songs. their current album doesn't really have anything going for it besides stinco. he's solid. synth FTL. i'm in a pop rock band and would never start adding synth because pop rock bands screw it up. they make it sound more like a hip hop song.

[Regression]

pigmaggots wrote:

AmpleSteak wrote:

People who haven't read the interview and have just come to flame the title I suggest reading it because it is pathetic... By the way he is talking it sounds like he thinks hes the shit... He says he thinks most guitar players overplay and shread too much and thinks its better to have a more structerd song... Im sorry but anyone reading this unless there 12 and a girl agrees that "shreadding" is much better than 3 chords the whole song. MCR Shreading? You don't deserve that les paul...


Did you read the interview, he blatantly explained that he is about playing for the song and I completly agree. I'd rather hear a song that works, than hearing some guitarist fretwank over the whole piece just because he wants to show how good he is.

Thankyou, someone on UG has sense. I wish people would read the article, he's not as useless as you'd think.

[farhan_zul]

haha..
i'm thinking of simple plan doing metal...

[Number_1]

my ass.. are we in 18th century so everybody needs to talk primitive shit about people that you don't know anything about?

"theres no need for one opinion, we can say what we think" you may think but.. those comments are all the ****in same.
it's hard for bands nowadays ANYWAYS, so if some of them make it, you can't judge them for being successful. people like YOU make them even more successful coz hating is promotion too.

try the same thing - start a band and stop wreckin your freckin gibson SG alone in the pathetic basement of your mama's and papa's house, try to get a personality, a life, a record deal, people who actually fancy your music.. THEN you can bitch over bands who "suck sooo much". you guys are more than a joke. you're pathetic and - PROMISED - you won't get any far with that.

[SP_Girl]

Simple Plan Rulzzz!!
I really love the new album!!
It's really amazing =]
Pierre, David, Seb, Chuck And Jeff ---> You're Rockxx!!
Take care :P

[girl-tarist]

^^ i thought that was a joke post at first.

[eetfuk58]

lucas_22 wrote:

ncgunn wrote:

simple plan are better than led zeppelin FACT

i guess there is one 12 year old girl.

WHAT THE HELL? either a 12 year old girl or just a dumbass. Simple plan suck when they arent compared to Zeppelin haha

[TommyGun91]

Whats with all the sucky comments?

I LOVE SIMPLE PLAN!

if you dont like them why the hell are you reading this and commenting?

fools...

[Whiskky]

The shaved head looks cool.

And that's pretty much it.

[Joscalie]

Number_1 wrote:

my ass.. are we in 18th century so everybody needs to talk primitive shit about people that you don't know anything about?

"theres no need for one opinion, we can say what we think" you may think but.. those comments are all the ****in same.
it's hard for bands nowadays ANYWAYS, so if some of them make it, you can't judge them for being successful. people like YOU make them even more successful coz hating is promotion too.

try the same thing - start a band and stop wreckin your freckin gibson SG alone in the pathetic basement of your mama's and papa's house, try to get a personality, a life, a record deal, people who actually fancy your music.. THEN you can bitch over bands who "suck sooo much". you guys are more than a joke. you're pathetic and - PROMISED - you won't get any far with that.

Word!

haha, woosh! You people seem to be pretty heavymetal over here! But keep in mind that the greatest music in the world isn't heavymetal just because, ok? Goodie. Having balls and play as raw and fast as you can isn't always the best idea.

Ramones just played a few chords and did some common beating on the drums, they came pretty damn far with that simple concept. So don't look down on simplicity. And wow... I'm still stunned how people on can put so much energy on things they DON'T like. Make a song about it or something like that, it's more creative.

[dinosaur sr]

experimentation?

"try a new powerchord"

[Mitchapaloozaa]

eetfuk58 wrote:

lucas_22 wrote:

ncgunn wrote:

simple plan are better than led zeppelin FACT

i guess there is one 12 year old girl.


WHAT THE HELL? either a 12 year old girl or just a dumbass. Simple plan suck when they arent compared to Zeppelin haha

Your sarcasm detector seems to be working well.

[punkrockgrl9]

you gotta admit it was pretty impressive how they got away with saying "i'm a dick" on the radio....you know from their first album??

but yeaaa they def. shouldve just stopped there...their first album was good because they weren't serious..after that it just...sucked...bad...

[punkrockgrl9]

aaaaand i cant believe it went from angus young to jeff stinco...

....wow.

[brazen]

anyone who thinks they suck kinda make me laugh because they are obviously good if they are able to make three records. that means that enough people like them to go to shows and buy records in order to PAY for their work.

u guys might hate them because they dont have screaming lyrics and a guitarist whos hands fly all over the fretboard, but i know what he means when he was talking about making the song work. just like the one guy said id rather listen to a song that works together versus some guy playing his e string as high up on the fretboard as he can really really fast because hes good.

the songwriting isnt weak. most of the songs flow pretty nicely, when im gone wasnt the greatest first single but that doesnt mean the band sucks

and im not even that big of a fan

[musicfreak93]

gu1tar4lyf3 wrote:

who else here saw the title, assumed that experimentation had nothing to do with simple plan's music, and then skipped right down to the comments to see everyone flame them?
and did that guy just say that mcr shreds?

Guilty

[Auals]

I am a lyricist (in my mind) before anything else, and apart from Perfect, Perfect World & Everything I cringe at their stuff. Their new song I can not listen to without basically having a seizure from cringing that much.

I dislike their simplicity, their cliche-ity/ness and the overall generalised direction of every one of their songs, you can tell where they are going, chordwise AND lyric wise.

But they sell, and that's what this industry's about when you get on a major label, so congrats to them.

[ticklemeemo]

Machine Gun Cat wrote:

Simple Plan ****ing suck they're too ****ing simple no technical skill or creativity what so ever

Hence the Simple Plan?

Their stuff is kind of catchy, but their lyrics are horrible.

[Dan Nethercott]

hahahahaha.....simple plan.

[masterohumans]

simple plan is a simple band and i have no clue why they would be on a site called ultimate-guitar when some people who picked up a guitar for the first time are better than them

[PMAC01]

I like how everyone can be right about these guys from certain angles... BUT the one question I want to ask to all the Simple Fans is "Even though it works, it only works on the SIMPLEST level.... so... when do you evolve your taste, or more correctly.... when does your taste MATURE?" Yes it is BEGINNER guitar. BUT when do you get to the next level and leave these guys, along with ALL punk bands old AND new, behind? Us metalheads aren't necessarily flaming you for sucking.... but rather.... negatively encouraging you to get a better ear and some more skill. You don't have to play metal with us... but bust out some Hendrix or Clapton or Santana.... or SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE ADVANCED! PLEASE! Then rock can really come back to life.

[Arthur Curry]

i understand that this is a guitar website, but why ask EVERYONE you interview about boring guitar stuff? especially with band that's so NON-guitar oriented.

simple plan obviously have a lot of people who hate them, why not ask questions about that? "how do you deal with criticism?" "have you ever been inclined to change your sound due to criticism?"

this shit is just not suspenseful.

[Nirtallica]

yes
experimentation with 4 chords

[kurbo]

simple plan can DO ONE. Why they have to do anything?

[kurbo]

Arthur Curry wrote:

i understand that this is a guitar website, but why ask EVERYONE you interview about boring guitar stuff? especially with band that's so NON-guitar oriented.

simple plan obviously have a lot of people who hate them, why not ask questions about that? "how do you deal with criticism?" "have you ever been inclined to change your sound due to criticism?"

this shit is just not suspenseful.

"Why won't you do one, simple plan? What the ****? Why you still here? You were meant to be paying me to interview you, and your cheque bounced, get the hell out of my interview studio"

[alliekay]

simple plan are the best
and if you dont like them shut up and leave
deadset
their lyrics are a million times better then
'stand under my unbrella ella ella ay'
at least they have meaning
now shutup and go away
i love you jeff

[alliekay]

i love simple plan

[alliekay]

i love simple plan alot

[alliekay]

if you be slak to them i will kill you

[kurbo]

alliekay wrote:

i love simple plan alot

do you wanna go on a date sometime, alliekay? gender non-discerning.

Seriously, like out behind the warehouse on machinery drive

[alliekay]

and guys
they use more than 3 chords
coz i own there guitar book
and they power chords stanf out more than the chords
and they have a few very nice solos ive bet youve never heard
as your to busy listening
to your crap

[Seidenschnur]

This band blows on every level. The whiny vocals, the gel in the hair, the cute little t-shirts with slogans, and, obviously, the music. I guarantee some producer said, "I got a simple plan of putting together some wholesome, impressionable, Canadian boys to make some radio-friendly pop-punk drivel." After all, the lead singer is named Pierre. There is no way in hell a guy named Pierre will ever come remotely close to being cool or rocking.

[kurbo]

dinosaur sr wrote:

experimentation?

"try a new powerchord"

1 up, dude, much respect. LOLOLOLOL

their songs flow nicely because they made one catchy song, then used the same method: formula= 12x^a + siny -238h^7
and y = 25x and h = 2x

sub in whatever number they feel like for each song, and bravo, you have a sHIT album.

[kurbo]

Seidenschnur wrote:

This band blows on every level. The whiny vocals, the gel in the hair, the cute little t-shirts with slogans, and, obviously, the music. I guarantee some producer said, "I got a simple plan of putting together some wholesome, impressionable, Canadian boys to make some radio-friendly pop-punk drivel." After all, the lead singer is named Pierre. There is no way in hell a guy named Pierre will ever come remotely close to being cool or rocking.

the only foreign names worthy of rocking are lars, victor and ALL swedish names. LOLOLOLOLOL

god, they SUCK

[AwesomeDrummer]

i just think that simple plan kind of suck terd.

just mine and 99.99% of the population's opinion.

[kurbo]

AwesomeDrummer wrote:

i just think that simple plan kind of suck terd.

just mine and 99.99% of the population's opinion.

that statistic is untrue. try ONE HUNDRED PERCENT

[MetaheadKsv180]

what ever happend to the good old metal(without screaming since that all people think metal is these days) y carnt people stp making some simple songs just to make money when were out here trying to making some decent liks and solos and thrasher riffs when theres people bands like Sp, FOB and others stop going out there and wrecking what realy is music, people are distracted by there sucky songs just because they have some sort catchy lyrics lyrics rnt everything people. it really makes a metal head sad when they turn on mtv go to the head bangers ball and think wat happend to the world. stuff like sp have to go so metal can once agin live and take over.

ps:MEGADETH RULZZZ

[NoLimits_07]

Simple Plan is my favorite band so I dont care what you guys think, everybody is not the same so if u dont like them then fine. Thats all..

PS: I might be the only one here that likes them...

[GrayFoxz]

let pimple clan , oops, simple plan do watever they like, just dont go showin off simple plan sh!t on ug. please.

[Pingis_Or_Death]

Joscalie wrote:

Number_1 wrote:

my ass.. are we in 18th century so everybody needs to talk primitive shit about people that you don't know anything about?

"theres no need for one opinion, we can say what we think" you may think but.. those comments are all the ****in same.
it's hard for bands nowadays ANYWAYS, so if some of them make it, you can't judge them for being successful. people like YOU make them even more successful coz hating is promotion too.

try the same thing - start a band and stop wreckin your freckin gibson SG alone in the pathetic basement of your mama's and papa's house, try to get a personality, a life, a record deal, people who actually fancy your music.. THEN you can bitch over bands who "suck sooo much". you guys are more than a joke. you're pathetic and - PROMISED - you won't get any far with that.


Word!

haha, woosh! You people seem to be pretty heavymetal over here! But keep in mind that the greatest music in the world isn't heavymetal just because, ok? Goodie. Having balls and play as raw and fast as you can isn't always the best idea.

Ramones just played a few chords and did some common beating on the drums, they came pretty damn far with that simple concept. So don't look down on simplicity. And wow... I'm still stunned how people on can put so much energy on things they DON'T like. Make a song about it or something like that, it's more creative.

We all know simple music sells, just look at Soulja Boy.

[Joscalie]

We all know simple music sells, just look at Soulja Boy.

You got a point (even though I don't know who Soulja Boy is, but I get what you mean)

[ReiDSaN]

alliekay wrote:

simple plan are the best
and if you dont like them shut up and leave
deadset
their lyrics are a million times better then
'stand under my unbrella ella ella ay'
at least they have meaning
now shutup and go away
i love you jeff

Umbrella had meaning. It's a metaphor for "I'll keep you safe and secure when bad things happen in your life."

I don't know much about Simple Plan other than I thought they were taking the piss the first time I heard them.

[stokesey]

soulja boy...simple??? Can YOU do the dance?

lol

[Mitchapaloozaa]

Joscalie wrote:

We all know simple music sells, just look at Soulja Boy.


You got a point (even though I don't know who Soulja Boy is, but I get what you mean)

Soulja boy gets a slight reprieve for actually being 17.

Simple Plan's singer is 28.

[fastlanestoner]

there's a lot more to these guys than people give them credit for. take a look at their arrangements, especially the play between the guitars.

anyone ever heard their cover of Surrender? kick ass, even better than the original.

[MegaEgga]

what ever happend to the good old metal(without screaming since that all people think metal is these days) y carnt people stp making some simple songs just to make money when were out here trying to making some decent liks and solos and thrasher riffs when theres people bands like Sp, FOB and others stop going out there and wrecking what realy is music, people are distracted by there sucky songs just because they have some sort catchy lyrics lyrics rnt everything people. it really makes a metal head sad when they turn on mtv go to the head bangers ball and think wat happend to the world. stuff like sp have to go so metal can once agin live and take over.

ps:MEGADETH RULZZZ

right on man

[MegaEgga]

my ass.. are we in 18th century so everybody needs to talk primitive shit about people that you don't know anything about?

"theres no need for one opinion, we can say what we think" you may think but.. those comments are all the ****in same.
it's hard for bands nowadays ANYWAYS, so if some of them make it, you can't judge them for being successful. people like YOU make them even more successful coz hating is promotion too.

try the same thing - start a band and stop wreckin your freckin gibson SG alone in the pathetic basement of your mama's and papa's house, try to get a personality, a life, a record deal, people who actually fancy your music.. THEN you can bitch over bands who "suck sooo much". you guys are more than a joke. you're pathetic and - PROMISED - you won't get any far with that.

ive got two responses to you, one long and one short.

im sorry but i thought for a second that bands made music to try and become successful and entertain people, if they FAIL at that then they deserve to be insulted, we're not going to say 'oh well they tried there best' like we're 8 years old, if a band makes something good they deserve to be praised, it works the same the other way around, if they make something shit they deserve to be shunned, get my point?

in short: just shut up your wrong

[werty22]

Looks like very few people commenting this actually read any of the interview.

[alliekay]

i love simple plan alot
there music is very good
there lyrics are wonderful
so shhut up
pierre
seb
jeff
chuck &
david
you guys are awesome (L)

[alliekay]

SIMPLE PLAN! SIMPLE PLAN! i love you

[alliekay]

i love simple plan x43824395845

[Revon]

hey dumbasses maybe they aren't the best band in the world but show some respect for god sake! can you write a song with 3 chords and sell 5 million cd's? if no shut your mouth xD and please don't compare Led Zeppelin with Simple plan, it's diffrent kind of music. it's almost like comparing shakira with eric clapton ;P so if you don't like their music just don't read it and don't spam all this shit ...

[MonsterOfRock]

alliekay :

so lots of people must love them as much as me?
there concerts get sold of in a millimetre of a second

God knows how many correction these sentenses need...

[pipparoo]

Pffft.

Simple Plan's new album is awesome. I doubt that anyone on here dissing them is going to become more successful than them, so shut your faces

[Cr3sc3nT]

you are now watching

'War of the Worlds'

[mickallica]

In terms of experimentation, were you trying out new equipment in the studio as well?

Well, the studio pretty much looked like a guitar store! They had everything. We’re talking like 200, 250 pedals, tons of amps and guitars.


Its crazy how stuff it needs to s**k

[Scorge]

Yeah, and I do listen to a lot of modern stuff. I’m really interested in – not that they’re influences – the last Green Day record was very good, very interesting, and very ambitious. It kind of raised the bar for bands to be more ambitious and be more creative. The new My Chemical Romance – you’re talking about a band that balances the shred and the songwriting, I think those guys did really good with that record. I wouldn’t call that an influence, but I was very passionate about that record when it came out.

no wonder why these guys keep on playing the same shit over and over. their influences and the stuff they listen to is the same crap that they play. they're a bunch of cheap posers.
well anyway i did catch a few lines of sense in there, but the last comment in the interview about taking shortcuts upset me. he is obviously talking about not putting in the extra effort in becoming a talented player, like playing a POWER CHORD instead of FULL CHORDS. or just playing simple, easy, pop music instead of anything really intricate. bad advice.

[alliekay]

i love simple plan.
as they are very good
and have nice lyrics
if you dont like them you dont need to leav nesty comments kay