Collective Soul drummer Johnny Rabb took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with us about the upcoming Canadian/US tour starting this week with two dates in Vancouver at the Commodore (both sold out). Check it out!
nightMair Creative: Hello, thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us. How are things going with you and the band?
Johnny Rabb: Things are going great. I’m currently trying to get things done at home before heading out on the Canadian leg (of the tour). Things with the band are great. We’ve been in the studio recording a ton of songs in the last year and a half and gearing up for this tour
nMC: a new album? Wonderful… when do you think that is going to come about?
JR: We will be looking at 2019, obviously the 25th anniversary of Collective Soul. As you know I’ve been with the band nearly 7 yrs. I don’t know the release date or even the month but hopefully 2019. There’s a bunch of songs and some talk of a double album from Ed (Roland). Only time will tell but I’m very excited.
I’ve been living with the music for a bit now and its really, really good representation of where the band’s at now; some fun music, some powerful rock stuff, as well as some nice slower/medium tempo songs. The band is really adapted together and it’s a good representation of where we’re at.
nMC: You’ve been with the band 6+ yrs… what kind of change have you seen in the band or music in that time period?
JR: The changes in the music are… …I’ve been given some freedom to come up with original sounds and drum parts; whether its using cymbals placed on drums, or coming up with different sound ideas for the drums that might be different from the past. Its still the undeniable Collective Soul sound they had when I was doing my career separate from them – I’ve always loved their sound. You still always undeniably hear Ed in the sound of the band now.
I think that our friendship and second brothers if you will, has grown since 2012 when I joined. I was brand new to the organization and then of course with Jesse (Triplett) being involved it was like a second family. We get along very well. Ed is very happy and that has everything to say with everything going smoothly. Ed is writing like a madman (as usual), and sounding great. We’re all contributing in the sense of arrangements and the parts we play, and it really is fun; its not a job so that speaks volumes for how things are turning out.
Musically, just as any artist changes and evolves, you’re going to hear some different things. Ed is innovating and moving forward; the entire band is. It’s kind of cool to have a second studio album with this lineup (Rabb and Triplett). Whether a Single Record, Double Record, whatever it’s going to be, it is the incarnation of this (Collective Soul) lineup so that is exciting to me.
Read our candid interview with Collective Soul’s first/original drummer Shane Evans on drug addiction, getting clean and sober, and reconnecting with the other band members.
nMC: Do you find Canadian audiences different than US audiences?
JR: Canadian audiences are very passionate about the shows. I always enjoy playing Canada. We played quite a few hockey arenas on our last Canadian tour and its always exciting to see the energy from Canadians; refreshing. Its like Canadians really want to see the show, and show their passion for it. I hope we get to add on some more Canadian dates in future.
nMC: I know you keep busy when you’re not touring… what are some of your side projects?
JR: I’m currently in my home studio recording for other folks around the world. I’m also doing some writing for background music (commercials and such), and that’s been exciting. There’s been some rumors of a Bio Diesel reunion (Johnny Rabb’s duo/band), and when I’m home my priority is spending time with my wife and 2 daughters. As well, my company, Johnny Rabb is still going strong sponsoring and working with other artists. I’ve always been heavily involved in the drum industry. I always try to keep busy when not touring, but Collective Soul is my main focus of course.
nMC: you’ll be on tour for the next three months: what can we expect?
JR: I’m looking at a new drum kit for this tour – something a little more old school for the gear nerds (laughs). And we’re excited about the new stuff we’re working on so keep an ear out – a few new songs might make the odd set list. We’ll be hopscotching across the country with Two Doors Down and Soul Asylum, and hitting the Canadian Tour first (where they will mostly headline with local openers), so we are excited! And if any Canadians have thoughts of dipping down to see us in any US dates close to them, we’ll be even more excited to see you twice.
nMC: busy times! Good luck and we’ll see you in Vancouver!
JR: thanks.. see you there!
For all tour dates (US and Canadian) check out Collective Soul website. If you were lucky enough to grab a ticket for one of the two Vancouver shows, have fun!
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