WRITTEN INTERVIEW: JEFF STEBBINS (3 PILL MORNING)

3 Pill Morning is a hard rocking Hard Rock Band from Minneapolis. Being known  in the are for a long time, 3PM has been able to branch out and actively tour reaching all corners of the USA. With the release of their brand new album on the horizon (slateed for late Summer/Fall 2016), I recently had a chance to talk to 3PM frontman Jeff Stebbens to discuss everything that's going on with the band. ENJOY!

That Drummer Guy: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Having moved to Minneapolis last year, It's a great honor to be talking to some hometown heroes.
Jeff Stebbins: Glad to talk to you!

TDG: Your brand new single Electric Chair has really been taking off all over? How do you feel about the reception to the song?
JS: We're really excited to see the way people have reacted to the song.  When we wrote it we thought the song had something special and to get the response we have from our fans and new fans has been incredible.

TDG: What really makes the track stand out to me is the atmospheric aspect behind the catchy riffs. Is adding the atmospheric layering an intentional thing or does it just feel right to add it?
JS: We completely go by what we think sets the vibe for the song and sounds good.  We took a lot more chances with our new album adding different textures and layers where we felt like it was cool.

TDG: If feels like there is a bit of an evolution to the band, especially in the last couple years. Was this just from growing as a band or was there a push to expand the boundaries of the band's sound?
JS: We always are trying to push the boundaries and create our own space.  There's a lot of music and a lot of bands, so somehow we need to continue to evolve and try some things we maybe haven't before.
 
TDG: You started a PledgeMusic campaign that has been wildly successful as well, hitting 142% of your goal. I imagine that's got to be an incredible feeling.
JS: Definitely!  It was something we'd never tried before but we know we have this killer fanbase that supports us to no end, so we thought, why don't we get them involved in the whole process and we can all live the album making experience together.  It has been a really cool.

TDG: Since the beginning of the band, and your ever growing popularity, what would you say is the biggest change you've noticed about music and/or the music industry?
JS: I'd say there's no one way to do it now and you just gotta go get it.

TDG: How did you guys come up with the idea of starting a PledgeMusic campaign?
JS: We are a live band and really try to get to know our fans, have acoustic after parties, just try to make it a fun experience.  When you go in the studio, a band kind of disappears and we wanted to find a way to share that time and maintain that connection with our fans and let them see what it's really like to grind through the recording process.

TDG: With the album coming out later this year, for those that are new to the band, how would you describe the new album?
JS: I'd say it's an edgy and honest album.  Every song had a purpose and an emotion behind it and we feel really proud of what we created.

TDG: Using Electric Chair as a fine example, would you say that the new album is consistent with the song?
JS: I'd say the album is definitely heavy and melodic like Electric Chair, but even some of the slower songs all have that darker vibe, the whole thing just has a mood to it.  We want it to be something people can listen to the whole thing and say "Damn, that was a great album!"
 
TDG: You guys are going to be playing a hometown show in Minneapolis at the Fine Line Music Cafe June 25th. What can people expect that are attending the show?
JS: A lot of great Minneapolis bands showing people that there is a lot of talent and drive in our current rock scene.  It's gonna be a high energy night!

TDG: How would you compare the Twin Cities music scene compared to the other territories you have toured?
JS: Right now, there are some great bands in Minneapolis, I think every city goes through its ebbs and flows but right now, Minneapolis has a lot cookin'.

TDG: Do you have any favorite bands from here?
JS: Definitely a fan of Throw the Fight, Cold Kingdom, Emergent, Late Night Fights and the list goes on...

TDG: Any new favorite discoveries in music in recent times from anywhere?
JS: It's not a new discovery, but Thrice sneaking back with a new album is pretty awesome.  I'm a big fan and happy they're back.

TDG: What are your plans for the rest of the year after the album drops?
JS: We'll be on the road nonstop promoting the record and rockin' stages, can't wait!

TDG: Anything planned for 2017 yet?
JS: Tour, Tour, Tour :)
 
TDG: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. I'm really looking forward to hearing the new album and everything that you have in store. Before we are done, is there anything else you would like to mention that I haven't brought up yet?
JS: Definitely get out to see us live!  We live to play shows and that's what keeps us going.  Thanks man!

Check out 3 Pill Morning's brand new song Electric Chair: