Emmure are one of those bands that it seems like can’t do right for doing wrong. Somehow someway controversy has always followed them like a shadow. That, however, may have all changed, with a brand new lineup and a somewhat more focused agenda and attitude things seem to have reached a turning point for the band. We took some time to talk to guitarist Joshua Travis about the new lineup, the current feeling in the band, how he has dealt with being a part of the bands storied legacy and when we may hear some new music from them.
Emmure have a history with Download having played here twice before with their previous lineup. This is the first time with the new lineup, so is that an immense pressure on you to deliver at a show like this.
Joshua: Absolutely not. We’re going to do the same thing we do every day no matter where we are, it’s more awesome than it is some sort of pressure, I mean look at it, I think if you can get aside from the worries and the jitters then really it’s just a good time.
Were you aware of the festival itself prior to joining the band and what did it feel like to get that call that you were playing.
Joshua: I mean when you get it initially it’s kind of like that butterfly feeling, but for someone like me, you have to take your mind out of that spot and get back to what we do. and then when I did that I felt more prepared, but that initial call is always a bit like ‘no way…’
As the newer members of the band being on this journey with the lineup forming, recording the new album and now touring, how have the fans embraced you and the change in Emmure.
Joshua: It’s been amazing, it was almost kind of surreal, you kind of hope it happens that way but you never really know, so watching it happen has been amazing, it’s just unreal most of the time when you stop to think about it, but most of the time I don’t stop to think about it, I just try to stay in my element and focus on what I’ve got to do, but even when you asked the question I realised I hadn’t stopped to think about it at all, but it’s kind of crazy to me.
Look at Yourself, the name album is brilliant. I think it’s one of Emmure’s best. I even got accused of being paid off by your label for giving it a good review if you can believe that.
Joshua: (Laughing)
How was the process for you going in and recording that album, then hearing it for the first time and seeing the fans react to it, have your thoughts changed on it at all.
Joshua: I still feel the same way about it, me and Frankie spent a good amount of time on it between the two of us and the things we wanted to express and get out is exactly how it turned out, and in some cases, it turned out even better than we thought it was going to. We went in knowing the sound we want, the vibe we wanted and it was just elevated in the studio. Watching how people are reacting to it is crazy, but so awesome.
Emmure has always been a bit of a lightning rod for controversy. When you were asked to join the band was that an initial concern of yours, inheriting everything that went along with the band.
Joshua: I know what you mean. It goes back to what I was saying earlier about taking yourself out of the element. You could sit there and worry about inheriting this or problems that they have been known for before, or whatever it is, or you can put that in the back of your mind and move forward and that is exactly what we did, nobody stopped to think about that stuff, we don’t care about that. This is a brand new thing whichever way you want to look at it, and a much as we are trying to keep what the band has always done and been known for alive, we’re also having to come into who we are and what we do now, it’s just like the growth of anything, we don’t really worry about anything we just go into doing what we do.
Are you already looking towards writing the next record or are you going to take some time off and let this one sink in a little longer.
Joshua: Me personally, I don’t ever stop writing, I’m always writing. I would say the thought process of it is definitely there, It’s just a matter of having the time to do it at this point, we have to get some downtime then I’m sure me and Frankie will get together and start hammering some stuff out.
That’s just the fanboy in me trying to find out how long I’m going to have to wait to get some new music from you guys.
Joshua: (Laughs)I can’t tell you when it’s going to be, but I can tell you it’s happening.
What would you say is the most valuable lesson that being in Emmure has taught you so far
Joshua: Always keep your happy place (Laughs) I mean a lot of times when you’re touring constantly it can wear on you, especially if you don’t have the right mindset, it’s not for everybody, not everyone can find that happy place being away from home, and if you can you’re good.
In closing do you have any final comments out there for the fans.
Joshua: Yeah man, just thank you so much for everything and all your support and love and we love you and we can’t wait to come hang out with you.
