Interviews

Autopilot Off

Interview with Chris Hughes on Apr 22, 2004 by Archive Bot

Nina: You guys used to be known as Cooter. For all of your hometown fans, is there any chance they would be able to hear Autopilot Off  play some old classics such as "Full House" or "Something for Everyone" (Looking  Up was a very good EP, mind you), Or did you try to stray away from those songs and create a new sound in becoming Autopilot Off. In reality you're the same band, but at the same time, there are big differences.
 
APO: I'm glad that someone finally understands!!!  we are over "looking up" and have moved on musically, but we do still plan on playing some tracks from that when we headline.
 
Nina: Your full length, "Make a Sound" was just released a few days ago. Does the title have any significance as to what you're trying to accomplish with the album? It's as if you're trying to "make a sound, or "make an impression" on millions of listeners out there, so what do you personally hope to gain out of it, and do you have any particular favorite track on the CD? And if so, for what reasons?
 
APO: Again, you understand! The title is not only for us, but for our listeners. We want everyone to make their sound and it doesn't have to be in music. Everyone should make their lives matter.  As far as favorite tracks, I love the haster ones live, but I'm really proud of "I know you're waiting", "voice in the dark", and "divine intervention" because they're very different songs for us, but it's a new side of us that I've been wanting to do for a long time.  We never want to be one dimensional.
 
Nina: From what it looks like, you guys are going to be on tour for quite awhile. Right after the tour with Rufio and Senses Fail, you're heading out for a few dates with Pennywise, and before you know it, Warped Tour is starting. After awhile, does it become hard going through the  same routine every night? I imagine it must be enjoyable, but spending month after month on the road must get tiring. At the same time though, do you think it's important for bands to tour and get their name out as much as they can, regardless of how time consuming it may be? After all, this is your career.
 
APO: I'm questioning if you've ever been in a band because of these questions...you've summed it up very well. It is exciting the minute you hit the stage until the minute the last fan leaves, but all the other stuff can get really monotonous and boring.  Touring is really important for your career, but not to sell records. Fans are THE reason a band exists and if you don't get out there and let them know you're real and just like them, they'll never have that appreciation.  Also, not all fans go to see the bands whose cds they own, so it's the true fan that goes to see you play. Who wouldn't want to get out there to those people no matter how much time it takes?

Nina: I just realized that you guys actually had a show on Easter. How was the actual turnout for that one? Were you worried that a lot of  people actually wouldn't be able to attend because of the holiday? Playing shows is probably a great opportunity, but does it bother you knowing that you can't be with your families on certain days, or is it expected as part of the job?
 
APO:That's the one part of the job that really sucks, but our families love and support our lifestyle, so that makes it a little easier. The easter show was a little light, but still great.  We've played on a lot of holidays and I always give the crowd a hard time for not being with their families and being at a show instead.  Sort of the "we HAD to be here, but you could have stayed home.  What's wrong with you?"  everyone usually thinks it's funny.
 
Nina: In regards to the show that you're playing at The Loft in Poughkeepsie, NY, tickets can only be bought at local music stores. Is  the  purpose of this to make the show sort of "exclusive" to your hometown  fans,  and in a way, don't you think they deserve their own show?
 
 APO: They do and the show went great.  We could have made tickets easier to get, so next time we'll do it perfect.
 
Nina: One last question about Orange County. After all these years, what is the reason for everyone to still remain living in their hometown? Do you feel that since this is where you started, this is  also  where you should continue to grow, and ultimately end, or is it simply  convenient? (I actually now live across the street from Phil, so welcome to Rural Ridge!)
 
 APO: It's where we feel comfortable and there is really no reason to leave. Plus, we're not home very often, so it's nice to come back to your family and friends.
 
Nina: Two of the songs on Make a Sound were written with the help of Tim Armstrong. First off, which songs were they, and could you try to explain what it was like working with him, and if anything, what did  you learn from him through the process? Also, on the subject of working with other musicians, is there anyone you would like to, or you would consider working with in the future?
 
APO: Tim rules, plain and simple.  It was a huge honor to work with him and he really loves our band.  Chris J and I flew to warped tour, rode with Rancid for 4 days and wrote songs. It was so inspiring that we came up with "Blind Truth" and "What I Want". Tim was actually going to keep the songs for his own use, but he felt like we worked so hard that we deserved to use them for APO.  He's an amazing musician and an amazing friend. I think that we'd work with Tim again, along with Greig Nori.  We'd also love to work with Billie Joe from Green Day and The Edge from U2.  We've also talked to Busta Rhymes and The Flipmode Squad about writing some music together. We met in LA and became friends, so we'll see what happens.
 
Nina: Growing up, was there anyone you looked up to and said "Man, I wish I could be like him." Or "I wish our band was like them!"  It's sort  of funny if you think about it now, since you're also good friends with The Atari's who are from the same area. Growing up, I'm sure there were bands both, you and The Atari's longed to be like, and now kids are probably looking up to you and saying the same thing. So, can you recall any bands that you grew up wishing to resemble, and does it strike you as plain out  amazing, or even a little absurd that kids may now be looking up to you?
 
APO: The Ataris thing is funny because John and I were friends long before either one of us were in bands and we always had people we looked up to, we still do. I think I always loved how U2 ran their band and, from a band standpoint, we always looked up to them. I always looked up to Rancid, Fat Mike, The Clash, Chuck D from Public Enemy, Russell Simmons, Lyor Cohen, and anyone else that seemed bigger than life. Now, I still appreciate those guys and I have a lot of respect and admiration for Hot Water Music, Avail, and AFI. All for different reasons, but mainly for the people sticking to their ideals and their dreams. I also try and take the great things from those people and apply that  to people that meet me and look up to our band. I hope I'm doing them justice!

Nina: Have you been pleased with everything Island has done for you guys since you've become signed? They seem like an extremely supportive label, and the band has certainly gained a lot of recognition since the signing took place. Do you ever wonder if you had chosen to sign to a different label, whether or not the band would be in the same position it's in now?
 
APO: There is no doubt in my mind that Island/Def Jam is the best record label in the world.
 
Nina: That about sums up the interview, so feel free to throw in any last comments.

APO: Thanks for your time, and good luck on the rest of the tour! Thank you!!! please have everyone check out www.autopilotoff.com