Brian Howes of DDT
An Interview with AMZ's G. Horstman

AMZ - It seems that a lot of the popular up and coming alternative, rock and what I call "combo,"bands originate in Canada now. Should we be looking north for the future of great rock and alternative music?

DDT - For a long time in Canada there was a iron curtain for music between here and the states. It is loosening up now. Alanis opened the door and people started listening to Canadian Bands. Now it's a great opportunity for DDT, because in Canada the cities are so far apart for tours. Now Canadian bands can get an equal chance and there are a lot of talented bands. Canadian radio doesn't play pop, we have no MTV or VH1, so you kind of have to come up with your own sound. Canada could be the next big place, but hopefully not like the Seattle scene that got killed. We have our own sound, and not we're not really exposed to media, so we have to use our talent.

AMZ - For a band made up of 5 guys, you put out a really big sound. Is it a lot of studio wizardry that won't make it to a live show, or is this "DDT" in all their glory?

DDT - Totally DDT in all their glory. When the album was finished, it was sent back for re-mix because it did not really show the "Live" aspect.

AMZ - How does it feel to be "discovered" by Lars Ulrich and be the first band signed to the TMC label?

DDT - Very exciting. Nobody in the band was a Metallica fan. We were into AC/DC, Priest, etc. Lars is very excited and he loved the music and the diversity. He saw us in a rehearsal hall. We were not intimidated by him, and Lars just said "Wow, you guys rock." Lars' partner was friends w/DDT's manager, and our manager sent him DDT's first EP. Then he sent more and more demos, and they both came up to see us play live and were bowled over. They loved the music, and made an offer. But we have complete creative control, although Lars makes suggestions.

AMZ - Are the wah-wah's on "Hey Steve" coming from the vocalist or the guitar?

DDT - It's funny that you noticed that. I pull my cheeks apart and it makes this sound - "I call it the Cheek-Pull Special" on my face. But I don't do that live. (laughs)

AMZ - Is the songwriting a collaborative effort, or do you split up the writing duties among certain members for lyrics and instrumentals?

DDT - Lyrics are from the singers. Instrumentals are different every time. It runs anywhere from a jam session to someone walking in with a full song.

AMZ - I know the Chili Peppers have been doing it for years, but it appears that a whole lot of bands are combining rap with whatever kind of music they play these days. What do you think of this trend of rap over rock, or pretty much any other kind of music, and do you think it's here to stay in one form or another?

DDT - We've been into hip-hop for years (Public Enemy, Tupac, etc.) and have used the style since we started in 1992. It's always been here in some form or another. Just another piece of the puzzle for us. Why paint with 2 colors when you can paint with 5 or 6? We like all styles of rap, and if it fits the song then it's cool. Good music will never go away no matter what form it may come in. AMZ - "Lie Detector," "Pistol Whip" and "Styrofoam" are all very interesting songs, both musically and lyrically. I couldn't catch all the lyrics and don't have the liner notes. Can you give me a little more information about these songs - the inspiration behind them, what they're about, etc.?

DDT - In "Lie Detector," the eyes are the mirror of the soul, and no matter how you try to put on a poker face the eyes never lie. The best poker player in the world wears shades to cover his eyes. There's a good reason for that! In "Pistol Whip" we're talking about how people in power act out around other people. In order to make themselves feel good, they have to make others feel bad. Most people in power use it for selfish reasons and not to help others. "Styrofoam" is about how people need to find answers in life from others, when they should just go out there themselves and find out their own answers. Experience living yourself. What someone else gets out of life's experiences isn't necessarily going to be what you will get out of it.

AMZ - Was "Overripe" from one of your live shows?

DDT - That one came off a previous recording from 1993. We threw in a Metallica crowd over the song. Just another angle of the band we used, but not taking ourselves to seriously. Yet. . .

AMZ - Any particular reason behind "Hounds?"

DDT - Like all fine art, it is open to interpretation. . .It is what it is.

AMZ - Overall, the album is an outstanding effort for a debut band, but I'm sure listeners will have their favorites. Do you have a favorite track on the album?

DDT - Blue Hair Crime

AMZ - Do you have any tour plans in the near future so I can let our readers keep an eye out for you?

DDT - We'll be touring soon, but we don't have a schedule yet.

AMZ - Is there anything else you'd like the world to know about DDT the band, or the band's philosophy?

DDT - Don't take yourself to seriously. Be a great live band, put on a show because that's what people pay money to see. Don't stand there and shoe gaze. Be creative and strive for something more than what has already been done.