Email interview with 10 Years drummer, Brian Vodihn
September 7, 2005

CLICK HERE FOR OUR ALBUM REVIEW OF 10 YEARS

Based in Knoxville, TN, 10 Years is an alternative hard rock band with an incomparable sound that is destined to create an island of its own. Formed three years ago, 10 Years created a strong underground following with their independent release Killing All That Holds You. In 2005, 10 Years signed with Republic/Universal Records, entered the studio with producer Josh Abraham (Staind, Velvet Revolver) and recorded their debut album The Autumn Effect.
The Autumn Effect has arrived just in time to counteract the cynicism and to take rock music to its next logical destination. "Humanity is slowly shutting down," says the band's frontman Jesse Hasek, who points to the current rock scene as a prime example of this lack of community. "Music is supposed to be about intensity and feeling, but there's no thinking behind the music that's out there today. We want people to think, to feel emotions again. We're always plugged in, or connected to something, part of the machine, but the more we plug in, the less human we become."

Dennis: I know so many bands hate this question but what is the significance behind the name 10 Years?
Brian: Believe it or not, we haven't even told our management or even our label!! It's just something that we haven't let out yet, personal reasons. 

Dennis: Congrats on the latest release, "The Autumn Effect". The album is absolutely incredible and the hard driving hooks and riffs are very appealing and seems like you would draw a wide variety of fans from all genres. If there is anything you would change about the album what would it be?
Brian: I honestly wouldn't change a thing. Even though there are things about the album that I could possibly se being different, The Autumn Effect is an organic record and we really wanted to to live and take on it's own life and just be what it is.  

Dennis: You guys are on the last half of your tour with Disturbed. How have they been touring with and what's the craziest thing you guys have seen on this tour so far?
Brian: I cant say enough about Disturbed and their crew. Those guys have really taken us under their wing and have been a class act to tour with. The craziest thing I have seen on this tour would have to be looking out in the crowd at a packed show and seeing people sing along to every song in the set. People usually sing along with our single, but since the album dropped it's amazing to have hard proof that people own the record and know it already!!

Dennis: Seems like there is still debate on "file sharing" with music out there. What are your thoughts on fans downloading your music illegally and thinking it is ok because they think you are "rich" rock stars on a mega label?
Brian: Well, my first problem is for anyone to think that we are "rich rock stars." That could not be farther from the truth. The way I look at it, is that if someone downloads our album illegally but really likes it then go but it and support the band. I have been guilty of having people give me burned cd's of bands that I may have been unfamiliar with, but if I liked it I would go buy it as well.

Dennis: So many bands today find it necessary to use profanities within their lyrics. Your latest album is full of so much compassion dealing with inner strife, turmoil and hitting adversity head on. What was some of the influence in your life that encouraged these songs and also led to you not using offensive language to make a solid point?
Brian: First of all, using profanities to describe something is too easy. We like to come up with other ways to describe a situation and tell a story. Also, we like people to think and by telling a story in a more creative way you get peoples brains pumping a little bit more. 

Dennis: We are actually a website based with Christian principles and one of the things we are always interested in bands thoughts on Christian faith, whether good or bad. So, as broad as this question may seem, when someone says 'Jesus' what are your first thoughts?
Brian: I wouldn't necessarily label us a Christian band by any means, but all of us in the band are very spiritual and keep our faith and spirituality very close to us. 
**Just wanted to note, I NEVER thought or posted this was a Christian band but we are a Christian based website, so I didn't get a correct response from this question.**

Dennis: Songs like "Paralyzing Kings" have a lot of spiritual reference. What does that song mean to you?
Brian: We love to hear what that song means to other people, but as far as what it means to Jesse, it's a very personal matter that he isn't quite comfortable with letting out quite yet. 

Dennis: So many fans put bands on pedestals, what is your advice to fans reading this interview that may be dealing with great adversities like those in your lyrics?
Brian: Hopefully when people are dealing with any of these issues they realize that they are no alone. If we are writing about issues that they can relate to then we share a common bond and an understanding for each other. We are lucky to have an outlet for pain, sadness, happiness, frustration, and every other emotion. Through our art, people need an outlet, whether it's writing, playing music, or chopping down trees.  It really doesn't matter, as long as a person knows where to find solace in themselves.

Dennis: What music is 10 Years listening to in their free time?
Brian: Led Zeppelin, Telefon Tel Aviv, Radiohead, American Head Charge, 30 Seconds to Mars and a ton of others right now.

Dennis: What do you hope 10 Years accomplishes as a band?
Brian: To make a career of playing music and just share what we do with the world for a long, long time!