MARK: Hi there. Can you introduce yourself and what you do in the band?
JASON: Jason Black, bass guitar.
MARK: Congratulations on the new album. How pleased are you guys with ‘Caution’?
JASON: Very much, thanks. I can safely say that the four of us are happier with and more proud of “Caution” than anything we’ve ever done.
MARK: How long did the album take to record, and was it a smooth process?
JASON: We spent five weeks tracking and mixing, and yes, it was quite smooth as far as recording goes. We spent far more time demoing and doing pre-production this time around, which saved us a ton of headaches in the studio.
MARK: How do you feel this album differs from your previous release ‘A Flight and a Crash’?
JASON: “Caution” is sort of the more mature, more focused version of “Flight,” at least in our eyes. We really kind of took what we did on “Flight” and pared it down to the bare essentials.
MARK: Is the change in style from album to album deliberate or something that occurs naturally?
JASON: Although we’re always pushing ourselves to evolve as a band, there’s never a point in time during the writing process where we sit down and decide what direction the new material will take. It’s a totally organic process and we never really know where it’s going to take us.
MARK: How have your lives changed since you signed for Epitaph?
JASON: Yes, but not much. I think the best part for us is knowing that our label is working as hard as we are, which is all we’ve ever wanted.
MARK: How far has Hot Water Music come as a band over the years, and how much further can you go?
JASON: We’ve come immeasurable leaps farther than we ever thought possible, and we’ll continue to go until we’re repeating ourselves and not having fun. We’ve never really considered when the band will end, because I don’t think any of us really have any desire to stop. We might slow down and not tour as much, but we’ll always play together.
MARK: You spent the summer on the Warped tour. Being the tour fanatics that you are, how much did you enjoy that?
JASON: It was a ton of fun. We had a bunch of friends on it this year and we’d already done it once before, so we knew what we were getting into. Great time, all in all.
MARK: You’ve played a few shows in the UK now, what do you think of the audiences over here?
JASON: Amazing!
MARK: Do you have any plans to return to the UK in the near future?
JASON: We’re definitely coming back to Europe as soon as we get a chance. All I can say is sometime in 2003.
MARK: During HWM’s life you’ve toured with a lot of bands. Who have you most enjoyed hitting the road with?
JASON: Honestly, each tour is such a unique experience that it’s impossible to choose. Let’s just say we’ve never had a bad time with any band we’ve toured with.
MARK: Why did you decide to cover ‘Radio’ and ‘Bleeder’ for the Alkaline Trio split?
JASON: They’re great songs.
MARK: What albums are currently getting the most airplay on your stereo?
JASON: Sparta, Foo Fighters, Flaming Lips, and Pavement.
MARK: If you could only play one of your songs at a show, what would you play and why?
JASON: “Trusty Chords.” It’s short, fun, catchy, and I’m not sick of it yet.
MARK: How did the HWM logo come into existence?
JASON: Scott Sinclair, who does all of our cover art, designed it.
MARK: During the time you’ve spent touring do you think you’ve consumed too much alcohol, not enough, or just the right amount?
JASON: Enough to keep us sane…how’s that?
MARK: Perfect! Thanks for your time, anything you would like to add?
JASON: Thanks for you time!