JON WYSOCKI SPEAKS INTERVIEW 10/04/2011
Nightcrawler: Dear Jon Letter
Staind founding member Jon Wysocki sets the record straight on his recent departure and current project.
The man whose pounding rhythms helped propel Staind albums like Break The Cycle to multi-platinum status has finally broken his silence about his recent departure from the band he helped form nearly two decades ago. Jon Wysocki told his tale and expounded on his present project and plans during a recent phone interview with the Nightcrawler. Here's some of what went down.
Nightcrawler: Jon, thanks for taking the time to talk. And I know you are legally bound not to speak about a lot of things with regard to your split from Staind. But I'm wondering—can you talk about the recently released documentary that illustrates some of the turmoil?
Jon Wysocki: I guess I can, because it's out there. And I would simply say it would not have been my choice to do a video of that nature. I just don't understand why they wanted to put out a documentary that would show the band in that kind of light.
Did you have anything to do with the editing process on the doc? Because it does show you, shall we say, not in the best light sometimes. I was also wondering about times when band members would talk about others who were not in the room, which also happened to you in the documentary. Was this is shocking and unsettling to see?
No, I had nothing to do with the doc whatsoever, and I didn't even see it all. But I did see some parts and heard about others, and some of it was a little shocking—both in content and the fact that scenes like that were chosen out of all the footage for the final video in the first place. So maybe some of it was said in the heat of the moment, or maybe that's the way some people in the band feel about me. They are entitled to their opinion, but I did put 17 years of blood, sweat and tears into the band, so I would say anything about my work ethic or not getting paid the same would not be a fair comment.
I don't know if you saw my recent interview with [Staind singer] Aaron [Lewis], but he did say that despite it all, whether or not you come back to Staind is entirely up to you.
I did see that, and that was nice, and I will never say never. But as you know, when I commit to any project, I don't half-ass it. So my attention at present is firmly focused on my role as the newest member of the band Soil [myspace.com/soil].
I heard. Can you tell me how you came into that fold?
I am fortunate enough to have reached a level of success [such] that when I left Staind, news of my availability hit the wires and a few offers came in. A couple were pretty high-profile, too, but when Soil called, I was instantly interested for a number of reasons. We had toured with them before and I knew the guys, I liked the music, and perhaps most importantly, I was looking to have a voice in a band—not just be "the drummer."
I know Soil had the one show October 1 in Western Massachusetts, then was off to the U.K. for a couple of weeks. But did I hear right? Right back into the fire with another studio session after that?
I know, but I'm looking forward to it. Recording, touring... making music in general should be and often is fun. When it's not, for me, is when it's time to move on. For now, I am 110 percent committed to Soil getting to the next level, and I just can't thank all the fans, friends and family enough for all the support throughout this entire ride. But hang on, because it's not over yet. I have a lot of good years left in me!
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Raina on -
Thanks, Lis. I was wondering if he was touring w/Soil, or IN Soil. Now, I know. I so wish I was able to make the show Saturday. How was it?
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Permalink Reply by CJ Meredith on -
Awesome Lisa, thanks for posting! :) Jon is a very talented drummer (to say the absolute least). A close relative to me was a drummer in a few semi-popular bands, so I have always paid close attention to who is hammering away on the drums with those sticks ;) I am extremely grateful for the energy Jon contributed to MANY songs which have changed my life for the better.
Gotta say though, soooo much goes on behind the scenes - even behind the scenes of the behind the scenes - it will never be easy for fans to be certain exactly what went down, on either side of the board.
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Permalink Reply by Lisa (AKA) ADDICTEDtoStAiND on -
Yes I agree Jon is VERY talented =)
I have said this before and I will say it again and stand by my words...It is really none of our business what happened with the band members. It went on behind closed doors and only they know the whole truth. I will also say the way they went about it in posting of the news of Jon's departure was wrong. Maybe some of the drama that went down around here and elsewhere wouldn't have happened had their been more professionalism in the post and acts that followed after Jon's departure...IMO
I'm very happy Jon finally came out and said something, it's good to see he has a voice and is not letting others speak for him.
CJ Meredith said:Awesome Lisa, thanks for posting! :) Jon is a very talented drummer (to say the absolute least). A close relative to me was a drummer in a few semi-popular bands, so I have always paid close attention to who is hammering away on the drums with those sticks ;) I am extremely grateful for the energy Jon contributed to MANY songs which have changed my life for the better.
Gotta say though, soooo much goes on behind the scenes - even behind the scenes of the behind the scenes - it will never be easy for fans to be certain exactly what went down, on either side of the board.
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Permalink Reply by CJ Meredith on
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RE: "I'm very happy Jon finally came out and said something, it's good to see he has a voice and is not letting others speak for him."
DEFINITELY, Lisa!!!! :) :) This interview was much needed - Jon is a sharp individual with a lot to offer the diminishing world of rock n' roll - and he has never disappointed me as a fan. He plays his ass off!
My last post was a little more 'grumpy' than usual; sorrry about that :) I guess I was responding to the 'Jon Sets The Record Strait' heading above the article ... I don't think any one member of Staind can set the record "strait." Something fucked-up happened that the band didn't agree on (as a unit) - and it fucking SUCKS they parted ways.
Thanks again for posting the article - I hadn't read a single word from Jon about what had happened. :)
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Permalink Reply by CJ Meredith on
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BTW I misspelled "straight" twice. Great writing, CJ LOL
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Permalink Reply by spidermonkey on -
i was kind of hoping (in the back of my mind) that this was all a stunt to boost interest. guess not. :(
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Permalink Reply by Heather420 on -
Wow great interview! Lots of respect for Jon taking the high road and not talking shit about the situation. Looking forward to seeing him with Soil if they ever tour in the US. Thanks Lisa for posting the interview.
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Permalink Reply by jdanek630 on -
I wish I liked Soil, because I so want to support both bands. I can't stand Soil's vocalist, otherwise... pretty decent band.
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