Popular Underground contributor­ Rachael Young had the opportunity to chat with Sick Puppies drummer, Mark Goodwin, before their summer concert at the House of Blues. Sitting in a room full of Sick Puppies gear and a few tempting bottles of liquor, Rachael and Mark had a chill conversation.

 

Rachael Young: I have to start with the obvious: years after the Free Hugs video, what are your thoughts?

 

Mark Goodwin: It was cool how it got started, and how it started us out. But we’re trying to stray away from it.

 

RY: Make the band known for more than just charity! Onto the new album, Tri-Polar: I heard a goal was to connect with Metallica’s Black album?

 

MG: Isn’t that a goal of every bands?

<<Laughs>>

 

MG: That album was huge for drums. Everyone knows it; the sound is massive.

 

RY: Absolutely.

 

MG: We did our best for the best sounds on the album.

 

RY. “White Balloons” was just an amazing choice to close the CD with. How did you pick it?

 

MG: We actually had to pay to get it on the CD!

 

RY: Really?

 

MG: Yeah, we really had to work for it. It was a great song to build.

 

RY: Was Emma nervous to sing?

 

MG: No, I don’t think so. She has a great voice and likes singing.

 

RY: So you’re really reaching out to see what hidden talents you have stored away.

 

MG: Yeah, it’s cool. We’re always gradually growing and we work well [together]. It’s gonna be good; we’re still getting better.

 

RY: Anything else special coming up to surprise your fans?

 

MG: We’re looking into producing songs for more video games, and soundtracks.

 

RY: Like with Street Fighter (from Dressed Up As Life)?

 

MG: Yeah; we beat bigger bands for that spot.

 

RY: What about “What to Come?”

 

M: It started as a back song, but we built it to the top. The WWE used it, they really support the music. We got to see WWE front row.

 

RY: Any music videos in the future?

 

MG: Yes, for “Maybe” and “Riptide.” And maybe two more releases. The “You’re Going Down” video is cool; gonna be good.

 

RY: I was at the Incubus concert [earlier in the week], and local radio station Q101 was there promoting Sick Puppies and selling tickets.

 

MG: Yeah Electra [DJ from Q101] recorded some acoustic stuff with us this summer. It was our second time there. They promoted us at Incubus?

 

RY: Sure did. Made me even more pumped to come tonight!

 

MG: Shim loves Brandon Boyd. They’re one of our favorite bands – we all have that in common.

 

RY: They have a great following.

 

MG: Yeah, that would be sick to tour with them. Make Yourself was my favorite [album].

 

RY: Hopefully that’ll happen – I’ll for sure be there.

 

MG: It’s about progression. We are making the best music we can to grow.

           

After the interview, Mark left to get ready before heading onstage. Opening with a video from RockProphecies.com, Sick Puppies played loud and intense music in a very energetic show. Emma was all over the stage, dancing and pumping up the crowd. Shim was very energetic as we;;; it was as if he hadn’t been touring for months. He made the audience feel like they were watching his first show.

 

“You will get to a point in your life when you get into a heated argument,” said Shim onstage. “You will dig yourself a grave you cannot get out. Guys, just shut the fuck up,” he announced before leading into “Too Many Words.”

 

Overall, the fast-paced concert left attendees gasping for air after the show was over. Sick Puppies fans can’t wait for more.

 

By: Rachael Young - Contributing Writer

Photos: Travis Shinn