Adapter
photos and music courtesy of americanrockstar
by Steve Ackerman
posted 2006-09-04

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PMN - With all of the bands going for the Independent artist/Internet popularity these days instead of signing with a label, has this sort of thing appealed to you?

Dallas - I think the internet is a very powerful tool. But what you are able to accomplish with it depends on how effectively you use it. With the advent of something so freely available, that so many have access to, things are going to get flooded with crap from people that don't think it through. In that kind of situation it becomes necessary to be that much more creative and to do something that really stands out.

PMN - What kind of response has Adapter brought?

Dallas - The response has been great. People were surprised by the sound, but it's definitely been embraced for the most part. We've gotten a lot of good feedback. Here are a few of our favorites.

"...a band that locks together with mechanical precision." - D.X. Ferris, Scene Magazine

"I haven't heard anything of yours since "All That's Left..." came out. And I'm pleased to find out that you guys rock now more than ever! Keep it up!" - MySpace Fan Comment

"Songs like 'Shine On' are the kind of ultra-radio-friendly melodic ear candy with hard rock underpinnings that have given groups like Nickelback so much success." - Anastasia Pantsios, Free Times Magazine

PMN - Adapter has a raw, somewhat- aggressive sound. Is this a new direction for americanrockstar?

Dallas - It's a sound that I've been wanting to try with this band for a while now. A lot of these so-called "emo" bands are dipping a toe into the waters of fake-screamy metal imitation and combining that with the tried-and- true Blink 182 pop-punk formula. To me, the over all effect is more often than not just kind of weak. I've always wanted to take a chance on putting the poppiest of melodies and pure, balls-to-the-wall metal chops and screaming on a collision course. Deep down, I've always thought those two things could play well together, without watering either down. It was a risk, but I'm really happy with how well it worked out. It was sort of a chocolate-in the-peanut butter moment.

PMN - What is it that makes that BIG sound found on Adapter?

Dallas - I play an ESP LTD Viper 300- it's my main workhorse. I beat on the thing nightly to no end, and it performs great. I did put in a new jack and volume pot last week, but that's the only maintenance I've done so far. It delivers a super thick, aggressive tone. My secondary axe is an Epiphone Gothic Series Explorer. I just picked it up a couple months ago, but it's been fun so far- a bit awkward to get used to... it's a totally different beast... much lighter and it has a buzzier, more cutting tone.

I don't use any effects pedals- I just plug straight in to my Marshall Modefour. You can't go wrong with a Marshall head. I have been incredibly happy with the Modefour. Plenty of power, a palette of awesome tones and balls to spare. My live cab is an 80's era Peavy 4x12. It gets the chops across in a tight manner, and can handle the Marshall's 350 watts with no problem. I'd still like to get a Les Paul... I had one once and sold it. Big mistake. I still miss it... someday...

In contrast, our live guitarist Mark uses a Line 6 digital modeling head with a 4x12 Peavy slant cab, and the juxtaposition of the 2 rigs actually works pretty well. He has a twin pair of Schecter guitars which have treated him well so far. He went from a Peavy EVH to those, so a pretty radical change, but he's happy.

Scott owns one Yamaha Custom Series kit and one Tama kit, one for rehearsal and one for shows. Both have 2 kicks, 3 toms, 1 ride, 1 China, 2 crashes and hats. Occasionally he uses 2 snares as well (standard and piccolo), for accents in certain songs. He uses both Sabian and Zildjian cymbals.

Derek holds down the low end with a classic Ampeg setup. He has a full stack, but normally he plays live with a 4x12, and plugs in direct for a full sound. His Tobias brings a super low tone that fills in really nicely under Scott's punchy attack. He plays with a pick, which adds a nice growl to the top.

It all works together really nicely. And it's very, very loud. We come on stage with big volume, and we shave it down as the soundman asks us to... gotta deliver the rock.

PMN - Well Dallas, you've got a great new album and it looks like things are moving in a positive direction for you guys. Thanks for spending some time with us...

Dallas - Anytime...

To check out some 2 minute clips from Adapter click here.

Now go out and pick yourself up a copy of Adapter. And if you want to check out their previous stuff or to find out where they're playng next, stop by the americanrockstar website...

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