Lostprophets, comes to the Convocation Center with the MTV Campus Invasion tour today. When the Weekender chatted it up with guitarist Lee Gaze, this is what he had to say about the band?s current tour and its release ?Start Something.?

Weekender: How is the tour?
Gaze: It’s been a good, fun tour. We’ve had really good shows. It’s just been good vibes.

W: You’ve done a few MTV tours, plus NME and Karrang! tours. Do you prefer these?
G: We like playing small, older clubs that are hot and sweaty and intimate. But the big shows are just as fun. Our music can fit into both, and we’re happy to do whatever. We’re starting a tour next month that we’re headlining and will be smaller.

W: It will be the first time you headline in America.
G: We’re really excited. The [expectations] are high.

W: What’s different than the last time you toured America?
G: We’re getting played on the radio. People know about us before they come to our shows. Kids have already gone out and bought the album, so they know what to expect.

W: I know the critical and commercial response for the new record, but when people see you on the street, what are they telling you?
G: There will always be negative responses, but we have to deal with those. People all have their own opinion, but the majority of the responses seem to be good ones.

W: Why do you think this record is more accepted in America than your first?
G: I think we sound like some other bands out. People hear us on the radio, but when they buy the album, there is more. We try hard to make each song on a record count. Each one isn’t completely different, but we try to show more than one side. [Our producer] was incredible.

W: How was it working with Eric Valentine?
G: He’s a genius. He has an amazing, hands-on approach. He isn’t one of these guys who has a million assistants.

W: So was this recent success just a matter of time?
G: That makes us sound arrogant. But we have been around a while, and put in a lot of work.

W: There are so many bands that come to America and have little success. Why do you?
G: Maybe because our sound is more American. We grew up mostly on American rock.

W: You enjoy success, but the trend is to try and stay underground and avoid the masses.
G: To me, it doesn’t make sense. I always thought people made music for people to hear. But if bands want to stay underground, it’s all up to them. I guess people just want their music to stay in their cool little circle. I sometimes feel guilty listening to bands like that.

W: What should people expect tonight at the show?
G: Expect chaos. There is a different attitude between a live show and sitting at home and listening to the record. If people want to do that, it’s cool. But if you come out, expect a wild show. We’re not a band that says, “Those are the fans, and we are the band.”

Northern Star, April 22, 2004