Candlebox's New Album, Into the Sun
Guitarist Peter Klett Discusses the Band's Future
In an interview with Suite 101, Candlebox guitarist Peter Klett tells readers why he is so proud of the latest album, Into the Sun, and discusses what the future holds for the band.
Suite 101: The new album, Into the Sun, has a more mature style and sound. How do you feel it stacks up against Candlebox’s earlier stuff?
Klett: I think the latest record is a result of having done all three [earlier records], and that break where we were allowed to explore and do things we hadn’t done before. It was a learning experience to play with other people and not have the pressure of the Candlebox thing there. What we got as a result of it was wisdom, I think.
I think our producer really helped us out a lot too. As we get older, we reflect on what we’ve done and what we really want to do. There are a lot of hints at the [Rolling] Stones, and [Led] Zeppelin.
Kevin and I had older siblings. When I was a kid my brother would come home with Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon or Highway to Hell by AC/DC, and go to his room and crank it up. I was like, “Oh my God, what’s that?” So it’s kind of this amazing introduction through your brother or sister.
I think that’s what we truly love about music. When you first get the bug, that era really has roots. We have a little [Pink] Floyd, [Led] Zeppelin, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones; we kind of paid tribute, if you will. It’s cool because we got to do the kinds of music that we weren’t able to do before.
Suite 101: Listeners can really hear some of those influences, especially on the “Breathe Me In (Intro).” The guitar work is just great. Can you tell the readers about that song?
Klett: We’ve never done any kind of musical interlude like that. It’s just four minutes of music. It’s always been a straightforward, structured song. I’m really happy with the direction we were able to go on this record. It’s cool to be able to have that kind of interlude there.
Suite 101: The Woodstock 40th anniversary is coming up next month, and Candlebox played there in 1994. What was that experience like?
Klett: First of all, it was lucky. We got that because Layne Staley decided he didn’t want to do it; that’s how we got the whole Metallica gig too. I feel fortunate. It’s bittersweet in that sense because he was just amazing and he’s no longer with us. At the time, we didn’t know that though, and we were pretty excited about it. When you look out and see 250,000 people, it’s overwhelming. It was quite special.
Suite 101: Were you nervous or did you experience any kind of stage fright?
Klett: Oh yeah. Oh yeah, we were nervous. I think we had a few cocktails that night.
Suite 101: What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
Klett: Metallica and Rush were just awesome, but the three sold out shows at the Paramount Theater [in Seattle] were the most special.
Suite 101: Is that because of the home-town crowd?
Klett: Yes. It was new and there weren’t any messes yet, if you will. Everything was new. The label was good. The relationship with the label was good, so I’d have to say those three shows.
Suite 101: Do you prefer the intimacy of the smaller settings over the larger arenas?
Klett: I do because you’re right there with the fans and they make you feel good. There’s nothing like it. If we did theaters and paid my mortgage for my life, I’d be happy. I would love to be able to play the larger arenas too. I mean, that’s everybody’s wet dream, you know.
Suite 101: If you could tell the world one thing about Candlebox, what would it be? What is the biggest misconception about the band, or one thing that people may not know?
Klett: People that aren’t intimate fans don’t realize that what you see is what you get at a show. There is no gimmick or choreography. It’s basically just a down and dirty rock and roll band that just goes with it.
Suite 101: With the tour ending this fall, what’s next for Candlebox? Are there any plans for a new album?
Klett: We are going to start working on that in October. The goal is to have it out by next spring. We’re going to go as long as we can; just keep going.
Candlebox is currently touring throughout the U.S. Tickets for the remaining dates can be purchased through Ticketmaster. For more information on Candlebox, visit the band's website or read more of Klett's thoughts on the band's early days and 2006 reunion.
Candlebox - Into the Sun
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