audiopinions

Job For A Cowboy released “Ruination” during the summer and was also apart of the Rockstar Mayhem Festival during that time. I caught up with Bobby Thompson right after Mayhem finished up for the summer. You may read the full interview after the jump and pick up “Ruination” in stores and online now.

Audiopinions: You guys have just finished up the Rockstar Mayhem Festival. How was it and did any bands stick out to you?

Bobby Thompson: Rockstar Mayhem Fest was definitely a lot of fun. It was awesome hanging with The Black Dahlia Murder, Cannibal Corpse, Whitechapel, and the Behemoth guys. Slayer obviously stood out but Black Dahlia definitely killed it during that tour.

AO: Can you tell us anything about your next set of tour dates?

BT: Yea we just headed out to do a 3 month tour. We’re playing with Lamb of God and Gwar when LoG has off days from the Metallica tour, then when LoG is with Metallica, its Gwar, us, and The Red Chord. It’s going to be badass.

AO: What dream tour would you love to be on with any past or present bands?

BT: It would be weird, but touring with Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin would have been amazing. As far as present bands I’d really like to tour with Decapitated.

AO: What is one of the craziest things to happen to you on the road?

BT: I was hospitalized in Australia. I was kind of drunk and the last thing I remember was being at the bar with Brent and telling him I was going to go take a piss then we’ll leave. I woke up on the floor in a puddle of vomit surrounded by Australians. Apparently I went headfirst into the wall after passing out. I think I may have been drugged.

AO: After the Doom EP, did you guys approach any labels or did Metal Blade and others approach you? What reasons ultimately led you to signing with Metal Blade?

BT: We wanted to sign with Metal Blade because they have an awesome reputation for a good reason. They work with great bands and are absolutely great people to work with. We felt really comfortable and excited when we were talking with them so it felt perfect. The band played shows with Metal Blade bands like Into The Moat and Psyopus and Brian Slagel saw the show and became interested in the band and we started talking. It’s awesome I love the blade!

AO: Are those reasons still valid after being signed to Metal Blade for two releases and a rerelease?

BT: Yea I still love the label. It’s been amazing working with everyone there. They’ve helped the band so much over the years.

AO: Are you close to any of the other bands on Metal Blade?

BT: Yea definitely. We’ve spent a lot of time with the Black Dahlia guys, Behemoth, White chapel, Red Chord, Cannibal Corpse, and a bunch more. There’s a lot of good people in the metal blade family.

AO: Has there been a label that you have dreamed about signing with? Why/Why not?

BT: Honestly, Metal Blade was the label that we were all dreaming about signing with.

AO: Did anything interesting happen during the recording process?

BT: Umm nothing out of the ordinary really. A lot of weed was consumed.

AO: Can you tell us where the name “Ruination” originated from and does the album cover have any specific meaning behind it? Do you guys have a favorite track off the new album and why?

BT: My favorite track off the new record is “Regurgitated Disinformation”. I just like that track because it’s a lot different from anything we’ve ever done. Jonny came up with the title based on some of the ideas he had incorporated in the lyrics. I guess the cover represents the current unrest in the world.

AO: Who would you love to work with on your next album and why?

BT: I would love to work with Jason Suecof again. It was an awesome experience and I think he has a really good understanding of our sound and what we are trying to achieve.

AO: What factors have been the cause of your sound changing on each album?

BT: I think growing as people and as musicians has been responsible for our changing sound. We’re still young and still have a lot to learn and I think as we learn and grow as a band our sound changes with it.

AO: Can you describe the musical scene in Glendale? In Arizona? Any unsigned/small label bands from your area you would like our readers to know about?

BT: Right now there are a lot of shitty hipster kids composing garage garbage whatever rock. However our friends in Landmine Marathon are kicking a lot of ass.

AO: What would you do if you were not in a band?

BT: Hang out at home with my girlfriend and the cats. \m/

AO: What are your thoughts of illegal downloading and CDs getting leaked onto the internet?

BT: I think it actually can be a good thing. I like when our album leaks just a bit before the release so I can see what people think about it. I’m just curious to hear feedback whether it’s positive or negative.

AO: Thank you for your time, any final thoughts?

BT: Thanks a lot for the interview! And thanks to everyone that has helped and supported the band in any way!