Introducing : D.R.U.G.S.

When one door closes, another one opens.

The band D.R.U.G.S. (Destroy Rebuild Until God Saves) is a new band full of old familiar faces. You've got vocalist Craig Owens (ex-Chiodos), drummer Aaron Stern (Matchbook Romance), guitarist/vocalist Nick Martin (Underminded), guitarist/vocalist Matt Good (From First to Last), and bassist Adam Russell (Story of the Year). With the age of social networking definitely working in their favor, they have created quite the buzz. Their first show played was just a few weeks ago (November 28th) and their subsequent Rise from the Ashes tour has been full of sold out shows. With a UK tour early in the new year and then the Spring AP Tour following, this band looks to be on the road for a long time. Their debut album is due out in February but you can get their first two singles, "If You Think This Song Is About You, It Probably Is" and "Mr. Owl Ate My Metal Worm" are currently available on iTunes. Guitarist Nick Martin thankfully was able to take a few minutes out and answer some questions for us. Check out what he has to say.



Earplugsrequired.com :

Back when I interviewed the Damned on the Vans Warped Tour, they turned the tables on me and asked me a question before I started my interview. They made me describe their band in three words. I would like you to describe D.R.U.G.S. in three words.

Nick Martin:

Far beyond driven.

Earplugsrequired.com:

So tell us how you came to be part of this "super" group

Nick Martin:

I've been friends with Craig for a few years & we've done previous projects together. It just made sense for us to get this together and commit 100% to it.

Earplugsrequired.com:

Being that you all come from established bands, at what moment when you were all together did you feel that this was it, the lineup that was going to work?

Nick Martin:

We knew going into this project that it was it. Trying out different people, we were able to know within 5 minutes if it was right or not. We knew everyones playing abilities were above par. It was about finding people with the right mentality & attitude.

Earplugsrequired.com:

Compare/Contrast D.R.U.G.S. with your previous band

Nick Martin:

Everyone in this band were a main driving force in their previous bands, so DRUGS is comprised of 5 guys that have a no bullshit attitude and a motivating approach to everything we do. We compliment each other very well and know what we want to do exactly with this band.

Earplugsrequired.com:

Worked with John Feldman on the album, how did that come about and what did you learn from him?

Nick Martin:

Feldmann was the first person to reach out to Craig after the departure from his previous band. And that was it. I learned so much from working with Feldy. I learned how to capture the essence of a song and not writing "filler" shit for songs. It was all about what was best for a song and trying to make it flawless.

Earplugsrequired.com:

So tell me about the first D.R.U.G.S. show in Michigan.

Nick Martin:

Insanity! It was like an early 80's punk rock/hardcore show. Kids flying around everywhere and just having fun. It was so gratifying and humbling to experience that kind of love at our first show. I'll never forget it.

Earplugsrequired.com:

Why should someone listen to your band or come out and see the band?

Nick Martin:

If you want to have fun, come to our show. If you want to sit behind a computer on a Saturday night, showing your bits & pieces off on Chatroulette -- then we're probably not for you.

Earplugsrequired.com:

A couple of questions for fun. What song by another artist do you wish you had written?

Nick Martin:

"Blackbird" by The Beatles

Earplugsrequired.com:

Tell me three songs that you believe define who you are.

Nick Martin:

"Blackbird" - The Beatles, "For The Record" - Stretch Armstrong, "Like A Rolling Stone" - Bob Dylan

Earplugsrequired.com:

Usually I do in-person interviews with video this is will be a bit different. Pick a tattoo you have. Describe where it is and what it is. Tell us the story behind it.

Nick Martin:

I have the words "No Direction Home" tattooed on my forearm. It's from a documentary on Bob Dylan that changed my life. Made me re-evaluate what I was doing as a musician & even what I was doing as a human being.

Earplugsrequired.com:

Last question. It's the future, you open up the Rock and Roll Encyclopedia, what would you like to read under your band's name.

Nick Martin:

No bullshit.

Earplugsrequired.com:

I would like to thank Nick and Melissa, the publicist for D.R.U.G.S. for this interview.