My interview with Seether for CREEM Magazine

Jan 20, 2008 - 01:46 AM PST

When I first caught up with Seether in October of last year, they were one of two bands hand picked from 100 to open for headliner Audioslave‘s packed 2005 tour. They were promoting their new album, Karma and Effect, on this coveted tour, and space laden 30 Seconds to Mars was the second band on the bill.

After a rocky reception of their first mainstream album Disclaimer and the following bonus-packed Disclaimer 2, Seether returned to the airwaves with Karma and Effect, a slightly more polished, produced metamorphosis of their previous efforts. Remedy became the first single off of the record and quickly gained major play on radio stations world wide. It seemed as though their good karma had caught up with them. Finally.
“The title Karma and Effect came from a trip to NYC, and we’re standing in the snow waiting for a cab. We wait and wait and nothing. There’s like three feet of snow outside and some guy’s car got stuck. So, we helped him out and as soon as we helped him out a cab comes driving down the road. So, Dale said ‘that’s our karma and effect’ and that’s kinda how the title came about,” Shaun says, getting comfortable on the couch in Seether‘s dressing room backstage at Tampa‘s USF Sun Dome.
But the album’s title goes deeper than a mere encounter on a snowy night in NYC. Shaun Morgan, Seether front man, is quick to point out that fact. “But, this album is really a result of negative things that have been said and done and we’ve turned them into something positive and we survived. “ Shaun’s lyrics were “a diary of sorts” and “pieces of things and experiences and ideas and thoughts. A lot of personal stuff. This album is genuine Seether. Not that the others weren’t. It’s just a bit different this time around.”
Many critics expected Seether, having had a tumultuous go of it on their debut effort, to fade into the wasteland of bands who almost made it, even though Disclaimer boasted such tracks as “Broken” featuring Amy Lee of Evanescence that took off and a song featured on a major motion film soundtrack. But, Seether used their experiences, both good and bad, to smash the doomed “sophomore effect” to shreds and forge their way onto the charts.
Shaun, with a voice reminiscent of the 90’s grunge rock , has come a long way from his small town in South Africa where, he says, “didn’t have any major bands coming through. Kids in major cities like NYC and L.A. don’t realize how lucky they are to have such great acts playing in their cities practically every night of the week.” With the growing success of Karma and Effect, fans needn’t worry that success is going to their heads.
“It’s pretty surreal to be playing with Audioslave when it’s this melding of these legendary bands. We grew up listening to Rage Against the Machine and Soundgarden religiously. It’s hard to even put yourself up there in the ranks with them and be like,” Shaun mimics an exaggerated cool and collected tone, “Yeah, man, They’re just guys. Just like us! Ya know? I always get nervous going into craft services before shows because they might be in there. You just kinda pray that Chris (Cornell) and the guys aren’t in there so you don’t say anything stupid or embarrass yourself.” Shaun pauses, smiling, taking a sip of bottled water. “Yeah. They’re just really cool.”
John adds, with a sincere twinge of awe in his expression, “When people tell us they’re huge fans of ours or that they can’t believe they’re getting to meet us, I’m so bewildered. That’s so strange to me when I look at the bands that I love. It’s like, I’m just this dork in a band, but these other guys….they are rock stars. It’s still hard to wrap my head around that I’m actually allowed to even play on the same stage as bands like Audioslave.”
With a nod from Audioslave and an expanding fan base, the perks of rising stardom aren’t something Seether would take for granted, but they also wouldn’t mind taking advantage of certain aspects, either.
“Touring is really great. Some of our favorite places to play are like the Midwest with working class people who want to come out and hear some good music and have fun. We relate to that atmosphere and people like that. It’s just a really cool vibe.” Shaun muses, “I love playing in little bars where you can play a set and then go have drinks with the locals and just relax and it’s not a big scene.” John Humphrey adds,” We like playing all over the place. If the people are cool, then we’re good to go. “ “But I also love Rome and Australia. That’s a great place to go on tour. I hate Paris, though. It’s dirty and it smells like piss, “Shaun laughs.
In the past touring, there have been a few fights and run ins with Ft. Lauderdale cops, but mostly the “shenanigans….we kept to ourselves this time around,” John laughs. “Yeah, we kept the debauchery behind closed doors, “Shaun adds with a loaded smirk. Though, on a serious note, Shaun nods to his water, “There hasn’t really been any real debauchery going on. Not a lot of heavy drinking and things of that sort. Which is good, because we kinda need that clean atmosphere. The tour has been pretty laid back. Just hanging out with the other bands, going to sleep early when we have an early flight the next morning. So, I think that’s kinda helped this time around.” But this is rock and roll, so a few raucous, drunken nights are bound to seep into the equation.
“There was one night we were hanging with 30 Seconds to Mars and we got piss drunk with them.” John adds, with a sincere laugh, “I think we scared them! They left and were kinda like…O-K-! You guys…wow!” Shaun grins, “Yeah. It’s good, though. To kinda bond over the beer. Because after that night, once you set that stage with each other, the whole tour takes on a different feel. One night Tom (of Audioslave) even bought everyone drinks and I was up in my room asleep because we had a crazy early flight the next morning and NO ONE phoned me! I had to find out the next morning how cool he was. Yeah, that was rad.” He cuts his eyes at John before both burst into laughter. Shaun smirks vengefully, “It’s ok. Whenever I meet KISS or Tommy Lee, I’ll make sure you’re up in your room sound asleep.”
Despite a few brotherly quarrels, Seether proves to be a gracious, unpretentious true to their roots kind of band who get star struck just like the next guy. “I’m an absolutely huge Rage fan. But, growing up they never came to play where I lived. So getting to watch them play, up close and personal, it’s amazing. It’s like I’m getting something, that as a kid, I couldn’t get. It’s great, “Shaun says, with an enthusiastic spark in his eyes. Shaun and John credit everyone from KISS to Nirvana for being inspirations musically. They’ve kept the sex and drugs under control, while still seething with pure rock’n’roll. More albums are to be made and Shaun says a dream collaboration would be with Pearl Jam. With a band who has a hold on their career, it seems as though their good karma might just keep on giving.
Indeed their good karma had stayed around. In March of this year I again joined Seether at Tampa’s USF Sundome, where this time, they were the main attraction. Seether earned the headlining spot on the Winterfresh SnoCore Tour. This time around they were also in good company with opening acts consisting of Florida-based rockers, Shinedown, and two hard rocking, girl fronted bands Halestorm and Flyleaf.
Seether’s front man, Shaun Morgan met me in the backstage dressing room. He walks in, looks at me and uneasily smiles, “It’s so bizarre being in this dressing room. It’s huge…and all the acts that get this room are huge.”
He welcomes me and we sit down on the big, plush couches within this stately, yet still worn, rock and roll-esque dressing room. Shaun’s presence is, this time, more uneasy, as if not quite feeling comfortable in the role of ‘main attraction.’
Up close you are able to see his soft features, something rarely noticeable on stage when the lights are bright and his hair is in his face from playing hard.
He takes his cap off, and shifts a little self-consciously in his seat as he smoothes his hair back into a pony-tail. Sitting alone with him on the couch, I am able to sense a bit of vulnerability under a tough exterior.
We begin with talking about the transition from opening act to headliner on the new tour.
“It’s a strange phenomenon to go from such rocky start a few years ago, and then to be able to tour with childhood heroes, to being the headliner.” He pauses a minute, then adds, “It’s great, though. I’m still a little unnerved being here in this position, but the crowds are always great and you can’t really ask for more than a great audience response. The fact that people buy tickets to see us is still hard to wrap my head around.”
Throughout our interview, he continues to show how he is truly rare in the sense that there are no pretensions with him, and he really is humble. We get a little more personal, and he seems to almost be more comfortable with this part of the interview than talking about his career.
“We won’t be playing ‘Broken’ (smash hit song Amy Lee, former flame, collaborated on) as much on this tour.” He looks at me, as if to gauge my reaction since I made no bones about being a long time Seether fan last October. I nod and continue, “It’s been kinda rough with it. Lzzy (front woman for Halestorm) sang Amy’s part on a few shows and she did amazing. But, you know…she has to go up against all the Amy Lee fans who have a prejudice. A lot of the fans want Amy or nothing, so….not playing it will be better for…you know, everyone. It’s a song with history and ties…and I kinda want to move away from that time in my life. I’m in a different place now.”
I, hesitantly, brought up the issue of touring so much and his daughter. He leaned up some, sitting on the edge of the couch.
“Yeah, Jayde….,” he smiles. “Touring so much….it’s a hardship. You don’t get to see the ones you love as much. But….,” he takes a sip of water, “Maybe in the end it all works out for the best.”
When talking with Shaun, either about his career or personal life, he has the ability to make you feel like you’re the only person he’s interested in talking to at the time and that he’s confiding in you his deepest feelings. And he doesn’t even know it.
He offers me a beer, and I politely decline. He opens one and confesses his pre-show rituals. ”It may sound like a crutch, but before a show I always have a few beers. It calms my nerves, and I always seem to play better, and not mess up when I’m a little buzzed.”
From there our conversation strayed a bit, covering subjects like documentaries, (He really likes rockumentaries and films like The Mayor of Sunset Strip), how he hates L.A. but just closed on a house there because it’s closer to his work environment, and his plans to play the acoustic version of “Plastic Man” only at upcoming, yet to be planned acoustic tour later in the summer to support their acoustic album, One Cold Night.
After we wrapped our interview, we walk out into the hallway and part ways.
Two nights later I met their tour manager, Ivan, backstage at Orlando’s House of Blues. He walked me up a dark stairway and into a vintage inspired, brightly painted backstage, conjoined rooms.
Shaun greeted me, his good looks on display with bright, clear eyes and a familiar, warm smile. Seether’s drummer, John Humphrey, came out of a back room and welcomed me, taking me into the main room with amazing furniture and snacks all laid out for the band on a big, heavy wooden table. No alcohol in sight this time. John and I sit down, and are quickly joined by the bassist , Dale.
Dale sits down and smiles and apologizes for his messy bed head and sleepy eyes. “I just woke up.”
John is All-American looking with a touch of hard rocker. His hair is spikey and has eye liner shadows under his eyes.
“It seems like so long since I talked to you last October. Lots of changes. I still can’t believe we’re headlining!” he smiles. His sense of super-fan hasn’t subsided since we last met. “We’re the headliners this time…..wild.”
Dale smiles, “Yeah, it is wild. My girlfriend can’t believe it, either.” They both laugh.
I ask if they ever had, or wanted, their significant others to come along on tour with them.
“I don’t know,” Dale smirks, his South African accent very apparent. “We’re guys, you know? Girls might not do so well touring with us. We can be crude sometimes. A lot of fart jokes and whatnot.” John laughs in agreement.
“Of course it would be ideal to be able to tour with my wife, but our schedules can get so hectic. But, I miss seeing her and my kids a lot. When I do get to go home, I’m so normal. Our home is in Ohio, and we’re in a cul-de-sac. My neighbors don’t really know me. So, I’ll be taking the trash out in the morning with my wild hair and boxers…I think they think I’m a drug dealer or something. I’m there for a few weeks, then gone for months.”
Hardships aside, their excitement for their current situation is very apparent.
“We have the best job in the world, man. Rock and roll will never get old,” John smiles.
I can’t help leaving with a sense of wishing these were guys I were around more often. They’re the only band I’ve interviewed where you are made to feel like an old friend. The effects of their rock stardom are definitely a result of their good karma.
Last month Seether released their acoustic album, One Cold Night. It’s a live performance recorded when they played at Grape Street in Pennsylvania in February. One Cold Night includes the entire live show on CD, and a bonus DVD that includes the taped show, extensive interview with the band and “The Gift” music video and behind-the-scenes footage of the video.
Pat Callahan, the band’s guitarist, played his last show with the band in June at a show in Great Falls, Montana. The band insists the split was a mutual decision and Pat’s departure was on good terms.
The band is now, and intends to be, a trio. Seether is getting back to basics, and feeling the effects of their success. For Shaun, John and Dale, the top seems to be a good place to be.
-Stephanie Watkins

www.creemmagazine.com