Tainted Faith Preps "Amazing" New Record

Tainted Faith, Glendale, AZ, leads the state's metal scene as they prepare to release their sophomore album. The band formed in late 2002 with vocalist Ricky Daniels, guitarist Mike Jacobson, bassist Steve Strange and skin-slapper Curtis Smithson.

Founded on a love for metal but fueled by contempt for the "scene" and the world-at-large, Tainted Faith's growth has put them in opening slots for 30 Seconds to Mars, KMFDM, Nine Inch Nails and Linkin Park. They won't be opening much longer as they are slated to play the main stage at this year's EdgeFest in Tempe, AZ.

Daniels took some time to answer a few questions while the band prepares for an extensive western US tour and an August release of Evil Things.

How was the band formed?
The band was already formed under the name Fairview. I answered a want add in the Phoenix New Times and auditioned for the singer spot. Fairview was a punk band but after adding my own style, we ended up changing the name.

What is the story of your name?
The name speaks for itself. At one point in time every member of the band had faith. Faith in the government; faith in religion; faith in life in general. As you grow up you realize the people you hold in high regard are really no better then you...Your faith becomes tainted...Or at least ours has.

What would you say is the band's "mission statement"?
Think for yourself. Don't just "greet the Machine". Question authority. Close your mouth and open your mind. Don't just talk about making a difference, do your best to make one.

Tell me about your new album.
It's amazing. It's our second album. We released our first, Thorns of Scorn in 2003. We have recorded a ton since then, but we finally feel we have put together an album that shows our true talent. It was recorded in Phoenix and was produced by Ryan Greene. He has produced bands like NOFX, Pennywise and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He truly is amazing, and pulled talent out of us we didn't even know we had.

Do you read your reviews? Do they mean anything to you?
We read the few that have been written. The Phoenix New Times has written multiple stories on us, and various internet sites, blogs and general fanzines reviewed our first Thorns of Scorn. You have to take music reviews with a grain of salt. Not everyone will like our style of music or the message in our music. On the other hand we love it when people take the time to give us positive strokes about our music.

Who are some of your influences? What do you think is the most obvious? Most important? Completely unecessary?
We are a very eclectic crew. Our influences range from the Moody Blues to Eminem. I think the most obvious influence is probably Rage Against the Machine. Our styles and message is similar. They opened the door for bands to question the government and we plan on keeping it open. I don't think there is such thing as an unnecessary influence. The music we all dig makes us the type of musician we are.

What songs get the best crowd reaction?
"Greet the Machine" always gets the crowd going. The crowds we play to like it loud and hard, so "Coma 99" always gets things popping. Covers are always a crowd favorite. We try to work at least one cover into each set. Fans like them and we love doing them. If there was any money in it, I would just join a cover band.

Are there any songs you wish you could take back?
Not take back. Like I said, we have recorded hundreds of songs. We just have a high standard of whatever we put out, so most of them never get passed the mastering stage. We wouldn't waste the time or money recording something we didn't have hopes for at first. Some things just sound better in your head then they do on a CD.

What is the most important part of a song?
For us it's the message, the meaning. With computers and systems set up the way they are, anyone can sound good. We want to make music that makes people go 'wow, those guys are touching on something real', not 'wow, I sure can dance to that'.

What was the first album or song that was important to you?
To me personally, the first album I rocked out to was the black album by Metallica, but the first album that got me wanting to get in the music game was Evil Empire by Rage Against the Machine. I lost my virginity to an Usher CD though, so that will always hold a special place in my heart!

Where is the best place to listen to your music? Headphones in a bedroom or car speakers on the blacktop?
Hmm...You would probably understand the lyrics on some of our faster songs with headphones on, but I always pictured Tainted Faith as fishing music...So maybe on a boat?

Would you consider your band stylish? Is image important?
Style is something we really don't have. Not that style is bad, it's always good to be stylish. We just lack it. Image is only what someone else perceives. Everyone is different, so what may look like a bad image to you, may be what sells records to someone else. We just make the tunes and let everyone else be the judge of all other aspects of the band.

What is the most common misconception about your band?
We get called Anti-American a lot. We have major issues with Bush, and don't hold back. We think it's the complete opposite though. What is more American then questioning our government and expecting it to have the American public's best interests in mind?

Who will be the first band member to do an indulgent solo album? Who will be the first member to do a solo album that sounds exactly like your band?
Our drummer has released four solo rap Cd's. He was rocking the mike before I was out of high school. I don't see anyone putting out a solo disc that sounds anything like us. What would the point of that be? I have no reason to do anything solo, this is where my heart is.

Where can we find more info about the band or any other projects you have going on?
Our CD will be out late August. You can also hear us on 98kupd and the edge 103.9 in Arizona and Kroq in Los Angeles.