The two-time Grammy Award-winning Evanescence has had a number of exits and additions to their line-up over the years. Dynamic vocalist Amy Lee is the only original member that remains since the group’s conception in 1995. Troy joined the band in 2007, a year after the release of the sophomore album The Open Door. Evanescence were at the height of popularity. “I had heard their music and I thought that they were a cool band,” says Troy. “They were huge; there was no way you could escape it, so I would say I was a fan.” Troy had received a call from Amy’s tour manager, asking whether he would replace former guitarist John LeCompt on tour. “It was crazy to get that phone call out of nowhere” he says. “I was excited about it…at that point I hadn’t been on tour for... a year and a half … we all clicked pretty instantly.”
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prashan casin
Before he returned to record and tour with Evanescence last year, the guitarist had worked with numerous other bands, including Seether. For Troy though, there is little difference to working with Evanescence than other bands: “I guess the only thing that is different about Evanescence from any other band that I’ve ever been with is having a female lead singer. But we get along great…I mean, we’re all on a tour bus together... so we are kind of like brother and sister.” The genre of music Evanescence fits in has always been debated, but Troy is quite sure of himself when he says he feels Evanescence “is just a good hard-rock band”. He continues, “I think it covers a lot of different territories, musically…I’m glad we’re not just pigeon-holed into one little category. We are actually pushing songs from this album to alternative radio, rock radio and pop – and it seems to be doing pretty well.”
With their hit single We Are Young being the first rock/ alternative song to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart since 2008, fun. is officially in right Zane pocock now. ZANE POCOCK grilled guitarist Jack Antonoff...
The album he refers to is the band’s third, released near the end of last year. The self-titled record topped the American Billboard charts and also charted in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. In March, Evanescence played Auckland’s Vector Arena, which was just one stop on a world tour which began in August. When asked about the future, Troy is frank: “Hopefully [we are] still making music and touring…it would be nice to make this last, I don’t really want to quit to get a day job.”
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6 fun. Musings
Growing up, Troy took inspiration from Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and Van Halen. When asked what he listens to which would probably surprise people, he pauses: “Let me think. I listen to a lot of stuff…I like Miles Davis, I think old jazz is really cool, it’s relaxing.” And if he could collaborate with anyone? Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, Queens of the Stone Age and Judas Priest would be at the top of his list.
fun. L-R: Andrew Dost, Nate Ruess, Jack Antonoff
...On technology: ….On a recent highlight: Playing with Paramore was amazing. It was our first time playing stadiums, which are totally different things to playing in theatres and clubs. [Paramore are] some of the nicest, most awesome people in the world.
On one hand, it’s really exciting that anyone can throw out what they’re doing artistically. On the other hand, it opens up a floodgate; as a culture we’re missing out on a lot of great art because there’s too much. We have no capacity to take it all in. Also, it takes some of the struggle out of making art. There used to be a great struggle, and now it’s a little too easy.
...On inspiration: ...On beginnings: I met Nate in 2004. We were on tour in different bands. The first few days were just horrible; we really did not like each other. Personally and artistically, we now have a wonderful connection. In 2007 I met Andrew in the same way... it was really funny. In 2008, when Nate’s band [The Format] ended, we all got together and pretty much haven’t been apart since.
The 90s in general are a huge influence. That was when I first really discovered art and music and I wanted to play guitar and sing and write songs. Pretty much since I heard [Green Day’s] Dookie I knew that I had to do this. The one thing that all of [fun.] have in common is The Beatles. It’s all of our favourite bands and the first thing that was mind-bending and challenging and inspiring.
...On Janelle Monae, who features on We Are Young:
...On personal philosophy:
She recorded her parts in Europe while we were in California. We just knew when we wrote the song that we wanted her to sing the part. Whenever you have an idea for a guest, you’ll do anything to make it work... we got really lucky. She’s really got the whole artist, Andy Warhol thing going on, which was cool.
The best piece of advice I was ever given was by my parents, and that was to stay delusional! Follow your dreams, and instead of accepting what a lot of people think reality is, build your own reality. Most successful people – artists or whatever – have believed in a different reality to the one we’re living in.
{20} Tearaway Term 2, 2012
1 of 3 CD packs each containing Evanescence and fun.’s debut album Some Nights. To be in the draw, email competitions@tearaway.co.nz with “EVANESCENCE/FUN. TERM 2” in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your full name, date of birth and postal address. Entries close June 29. Full terms and conditions on page 35.
Evanescence, L-R: Will Hunt, Terry Balsamo, Amy Lee, Tim McCord, Troy McLawhorn
MUSIC
At the time of being interviewed for this story, he was on his way to a private Van Halen concert. Earlier in the week he had been in Mexico, where he played two gigs, then flew to Los Angeles. He played The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and the following night would play Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Who is this very busy guy? Only Evanescence guitarist, Troy McLawhorn. By PRASHAN CASINADER.
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Essence of rock