Posted: April 5th, 2009
Contributed By: Chris
TuneLab: ‘Goodbye to the Machine‘ is your first album since leaving Capitol Records. What was it like not having a major label hanging over you during the recording process?
J. Loren Liberating. Capitol marketed us in a genre that I respect but don’t want to be included in.
TL: The new album was recorded the way albums used to be done without the computers and all that. How would you describe the old way vs. the new way of recording albums?
JL: The old way is tedious, slow. Only appreciated by few. That being said, if we were surely worried by mass appeal, we would write pop songs.
TL: How does the new album compare to ‘Vol. I‘ and ‘Vol. II‘?
JL: It’s another album by Hurt. That is usually where the difference ends. I promised a different album and I believe that’s what we gave.
TL: Rek has said ‘Goodbye to the Machine‘ opens up different avenues that the band may go down. What might those avenues be?
JL: My band has the ability to create music in many many genres and I’m really proud of this. We leave open the future for acoustic albums, side projects, any creative outlet is step in the right direction for anyone in the band. I appreciate music, I appreciate good music, as long as we can do that, I will continue to do so.
TL: How did the departure of Evan Johns affect the writing and recording of the album?
JL: He did not participate in the recording or writing of the album. In Hurt, we prefer that the band members are personally invested in the performance they are playing every night of their lives. If we can’t depend upon a member, then we are not as strong as we need.
TL: What does Louie Sciancalepore bring to Hurt that maybe wasn’t there with Johns?
JL: Louie’s drumming is more appropriated, his drumming range is more diverse and timing is way better. Just like Evan, a hell of a great guy, and we enjoy his company just like Evan’s.
TL: The packaging for ‘Goodbye to the Machine‘ resembles a record with the fold out cover and paper sleeve for the CD. It really makes things more interesting. Do you think that the packaging is often overlooked now with digital sales becoming more popular?
JL: Yes and no. There are still a small amount of people who continue supporting the band and the music, whether it’s online or not. And that group of people seem to be split into 2 groups: the digital buyers and the cd buyers. I’ll leave the result of this question with someone with a marketing degree.
TL: What was it like getting the chance to tour with Alice in Chains in 2006?
JL: The band got to see solid performance from a great band act every night, got to know the band Alice In Chains, and learn valuable insights of what to do and not to do with our lives. On a personal note, I was very hungry the entire time, because I wasn’t allowed to eat any food and I didn’t have money to buy it.
TL: The first few headlining dates for this cycle were announced recently. Are you planning on bring another band for support or have local openers?
JL: This is TBA. Hurt has never toured with a band whose music we disrespect, we hope to continue this fashion and do not take the decision of openers or openings for a band lately. We’re interested in what makes a good show.
TL: What are some of the bands you’d like to tour with this time around?
JL: I’d like to tour with Porcupine Tree, Muse, Slipknot, Seether, 3 Days Grace, Staind, Apocalyptica.
17 Responses to “Interview With Hurt’s J. Loren”
Hm. He seems like a really direct kind of person. Very to the point. On the subject of AIC though, what was all that about not being allowed to eat any food? To eat any of whose food?
Yeah, this guy always seems like a douche, or at least very self aware and pretentious. He thinks that HURT is the most unique and incredible band on the planet. They bore the crao out of me. The one thing I liked live was his violin shredding.
This guy is the biggest ass/tool. I liked Hurt until I hung out with them after a show in WI. Everyone in the band was really nice except the singer who was pretty buzzed and really full of himself. At one point went on about how great he is and that he can get his fans to do what ever he wants them to do. That they pick him up and take him where ever he wants to go or even buy him things that he wants. I wish I could say it was the My fans are the greatest talk. Instead it was the I’m the best. He even went so far as to say his fans are loyal sheep. Since then needless to say my opinion of the band and where I spend my hard earned money on they’re music has changed. It seemed to me that this whole Hurt shtick is nothing more then what it is. A shtick. He didn’t seem very HURT to me. Not the way he talked about himself. No wonder the band has gone though two members in the past year. I’m sorry if this news startles you. I have never commented on anything ever in my life. Not to mention something. Comment on something in a negative way, but after I had heard that the drummer had quit. I wanted to find out if it was because of what I had found to be true. That this guy would say or do what ever it took in the publics eye to get what he wanted. After reading this I couldn’t take it anymore.
One last thing. How can you be on tour with Alice and Chains and not have money to eat? This guy is full of bull.
“One last thing. How can you be on tour with Alice and Chains and not have money to eat?”
That’s a stupid thing to say. Why does who he tours with make a difference as to how much money the band has? The label probably set up the tour, not Hurt, and that doesn’t mean the label gave them a budget for food, which I admit is kind of stupid and maybe even unlikely, but still possible considering that the band didn’t sell all that well and the labels usually don’t pay for more than they have to. To assume anything though is ridiculous without knowing the situation. Which is why I asked.
He does seem very direct which I respect, because I am too…but he does also seem like he would be a giant tool in person, which sucks, because I love their music and have been waiting to go to a show.
The new CD is amazing! From start to finish.
Pen worships and sticks up for every band on a label.
The Hurt guy is a dick, and only got Vol. II out b/c Capitol was contractually obligated too. Both albums, for the most part, were a crashing bore and unmemorable. You want to to know why this disc is “heavier” and more “to the point?” Its because the old formula failed twice, and HURT realized its better to conform than not make music.
Evan John doesn’t need HURT, b/c he’s got an amazing, successful family and can get any gig he wants. His father, Ethan, is a rock god and can open better doors. I can’t blame him for not wanting to be associated w/ a dead-end band like HURT.
well speaking from my own personal experience J can be very direct, but he has always been a great guy when I have been around him. I respect him, the band and their music. The guys have always been more than awesome when I’ve seen them with fans before, during, and after shows.
I truly am loving the new album and I can’t wait to catch these guys again in may
Yeah, besides him sounding like a d**k, their new cd is definately awesome, especially after a few listens.
agree that it was not a good interview and he does seem to have issues (just from interview answers, not the comments). the new album is good, as were Vol I & II. I could personally care less how he interviews or portrays himself, as long as he continues to put out good music.
I don’t worship Rockett, I’m just being fair, which is the right thing to do. I never said the disc was “to the point”, I said his answers were. And at least my attitude is a lot better and more positive than your constant jaded negativity, which is just unlikable and annoying.
the world needs more people that tell it like it is
but not anymore j. loren’s
come on now children settle down we dont need another blabbermouth on our hands here.. haha.. The cd Kicks ass and thats al that matters.. If the guy is a dick i dont really care that doesnt affect me buying the cd.. As long as its amazing.. I’ll buy it.. Im not not going to buy a cd just cause someone is a jerk, as long as the album is solid
I have never experienced the lead singer in person. All I know is the band makes some really good, artiscally creative music. Hurt’s music is something I have never heard before. If you read about the lead singer it appears that he is very intellgient. You will often find those that are too smart for their own good have no people skills.
I’m sorry he was so obnoxious to you dannerman. I saw them August 6th and met them after the show. They stayed in the club afterward to meet and greet their fans, which I think says a lot for them. Many bands today don’t bother, because they get too big for themselves. I won’t buy into this VIP fan package and spend hundreds of dollars just to meet a band I love and support.
I met the whole band, they signed my cd cover, and they all talked to me for about 10 minutes. They were all very nice, especially J. Loren. He was really nice and down to earth to me.
The man is a genius. He attended college at 14, wrote his first composition at 10, has classical upbringing and background in music. He’s a very talented man. Most genius are just a little egotistical and a bit crazy. They walk the fine line between brilliance and madness, and it’s never an easy road.
I think he’s brilliant and Hurt rocks.
HURT kicks ass, J. Loren is a genius, and no one should ever care about someone’s personality if you like their music. I have never met the band, but for the most part on forums people say they are nice guys So maybe you were the tool, and he just didn’t like you.
That was to Dannerman btw.