On Making Music With The Damned Things

The Damned Things guitarist Joe Trohman blogs for Rock Sound.

Posted Wednesday, 21 April 2010 by Joe Trohman in

Blog

So I'm in the process of making a record with my new band, The Damned Things.

For those of you that don't know, and are actually interested, The Damned Things may/may not be a 'heavy rock' band that consists of a bunch of guys from different walks of the musical spectrum (Anthrax, Every Time I Die and Fall Out Boy). I refuse to describe it further, due to the fact that there are already too many strange descriptions out there, tainting and fucking with your idea of the music we're trying to create.

Before I continue ranting narcissistically, or come off like a spoiled shit, I want everyone who is reading this to know that I do not take a moment spent with Fall Out Boy for granted. Fall Out Boy allowed me to achieve my dreams, to play music that I love, and to connect with millions of people on a deep level. Regardless of what crazy bullshit has surrounded FOB, I am extremely proud of it's essence.

That being said, for the first time in over 10 years, I'm playing heavy music again. And it feels really fucking good. Not only does it feel good, but it feels even better knowing that I'm able to expel all these songs and ideas I've been bottling up for so many years.

Looking back on it, I suppose it's somewhat odd how I went from some shitty hardcore kid/crappy metal dude to the guitarist in a big pop-rock band and I'm sure the way I see myself is not the way others do. Most people believe that everything and everyone belongs in a box, category, or some sort of genre. Therefore, it's pretty weird that a guy like myself is trying his hand at something heavy, with guys from legit heavy bands.

Is it a joke? Is it another garbage supergroup? To me, and to the band, it is real. Ultimately, the criticism will be left up to you, the listener, judge, jury and (s)executioner.

In a way, I'm starting over, and in other ways, I/we have a leg up. We're all known artists, we've all had our successes. But we also have a lot to prove to those interested. To have Scott, Keith, Andy and Rob truly believe in this music we have created is not only extremely encouraging, but is more important to me than anyone will ever know. Therefore, regardless of the reaction, I will always believe in the music we are making.

For good measure, I could go on and on about my associations with the Chicago hardcore scene, my love for all music heavy, or my musical upbringing in general. But that will end up making me look like a desperate douche-bag, vying for invisible scene points and ultimate acceptance. At the end of the day, this record we are making will speak for itself.

Hopefully, it has good things to say.