Exclusive: Man Overboard Interview

This week we have the privilege of presenting you with an exclusive interview with one of Man Overboard's original guitarists, Wayne Wildrick. Pop Punk defenders, Man Overboard, have been extremely busy lately with a recent EP and live album release, and now a sophomore full-length on the way, too. I discussed with Wayne how they've gotten to where they are now, his return to the band, and what the future holds.

Firstly, can you state your name and role in the band?

Wayne: My name is Wayne and I play guitar.

Now, you were one of the original guitarists between 2008 and 2010 - how did your return to the band come about? Was it something that had been considered during your absence?

Wayne: Back in January Nik had contacted me, but I missed his call. I ran into some mutual friends of ours later that night and they informed me of some personal things Nik was dealing with and it hit me really hard. I called him and told him I would come by the next day. We hung out, caught up on life, and talked about the band. We cleared the air about what happened back in August and fortunately enough the rest of the band had similar feelings and were totally supportive of me coming back. I missed my friends those months that we were apart, it wasn't something that was considered but timing is everything and I had demons I had to face. I feel the chemistry is stronger than ever and we are having a lot of fun writing this new album.

So you recently announced that you've been working on your new full-length which should be out in September, through Rise Records. How has the writing and recording processes compared to previous releases? How many songs are nearing their final stages?

Wayne: When we recorded Real Talk we had 5 days off between tour and tracking the album so we went into the studio still finalizing tempos, and layouts. We have been demoing/writing for the last couple months and don't start tracking the album until June. So we are taking full advantage of how much time we have to prepare, and have been clocking in 15-hour days at our home studio getting these songs ready. I'd say the songs are about 75% done, so we are right on schedule.

Has the general focus and themes for the lyrics noticeably differed from Real Talk?

Wayne: Totally, Real Talk was end of a chapter in our lives and the lyrics tell stories of a time that seems so distant from us now. Things are different now, people change, friends come and go, new relationships, family issues. All of these things have drastically influenced both the lyrics and music for these new songs.

Have you made any specific plans for how you'll be releasing the album?

Wayne: Not yet, right now it's 100% focus on writing and recording.

You guys have been putting out a number of releases, lately. In fact, if the album makes it out by September, that'll be your fourth release this year. Was that always your intention or has it developed over time?

Wayne: Nik has a studio in Williamstown, New Jersey, and that has been our home base since day 1. We have demoed almost every Man Overboard song there. We just love writing songs together, and it's something that comes very natural to us so we always have songs backed up. It was never our intention to constantly release music, we are just fortunate enough to be backed by such great labels that help us put out all of these songs.

How has the general response to the EP [The Absolute Worst] and live album [Live In Leeds] been?

Wayne: It's been great, kids seem to be into it, so it's cool.

Can you give me a quick run-down of how your record label, Lost Tape Collective, was started? Do you have any future releases planned? Perhaps some MOB material?

Wayne: We meet so many awesome bands, and have such a diverse taste in music. We would constantly find ourselves saying, how come this band isn't on a label?, so we made our own. We are going to be doing the 2nd pressing of Real Talk. It won't be black and white like the first one, it'll be cool colors.

Were the 2 new songs from your upcoming compilation [The Human Highlight Reel] recorded specifically for the release or are they previously unreleased b-sides?

Wayne: Those songs are new, but yes they were b-sides.

Man Overboard has shared the stage with a number of acts, including H2O, Senses Fail, and Rufio. Who've been your favourite bands to play/tour with and who would you like to get together with in the future?

Wayne: It's a blessing to be able to play with bands we grew up listening to. But personally I love playing with our friends. Being able to witness Title Fight, or Balance [And Composure] progress into the bands they are now has been both exciting and inspiring. In my wildest dreams I would love to open up for Tegan And Sara, that would be amazing.

Your slogan, Defend Pop Punk, has really caught on with fans preaching it all over the world. How did that come about?

Wayne: I remember seeing H2O play the First Unitarian Church in Philly like 6 years, and Most Precious Blood played. They [Most Precious Blood] had Defend Hardcore shirts. When it came time to finally make shirts for our band I was like yo, I want to take the Most Precious Blood shirt and make it say Defend Pop Punk. The first pressing was maroon on grey, and there are 50 of them out there. We then did a second pressing, and we kept saying we were never going to press anymore. But 3 years later, tattoos, and every color combination possible that slogan has spread like wildfire. We are all about giving kids something to believe in, and if this is something kids are latching onto and calling it there own I think that is awesome and totally proud to stand by it.

Now, it's been established that fans really want you to come down to Australia. I'm not going to ask if that's been confirmed yet, but what would be your favourite thing about coming down under?

Wayne: Exploring the unknown, we can't wait to make it down there. I met so many kids at Bamboozle from Australia and we are truly grateful for the support we receive from down under. We also got to meet everyone in Tonight Alive and they were super nice. I'm definitely trying to see a kangaroo so if anyone can help me out that would be awesome.

Who came up with the name for the band? Many seem to think it comes from the blink-182 song, but I wanted to clear that up.

Wayne: Yeah, not too much to that story other than it's in relation to the Blink song. We were called Home Again before Man Overboard, but that name was taken and we were facing a lawsuit. We are Blink fans but we didn't chose that name because we wanted to be them or anything like that.

Thanks again for your time - anything else you'd like to add? Perhaps some recommendations to your fans?

Wayne: I Would like to say thanks for taking the time to read this interview and supporting our band, it means the world. Hopefully we will be seeing all of you soon. In the mean time be sure to check out the new Title Fight and Balance & Composure albums they are amazing. Also Dead End Path has a new record coming out on Triple B records in June you're going to want to pick that up too. Peace!

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