VALLEY INDEPENDENT
By Stacy Wolford
He grew up in the rural area of North Huntingdon Township with dreams of making it big someday in the music business. Today, Paul Doucette is the drummer of one of the country's biggest rock bands -- Matchbox Twenty. Since it's 1997 debut with "Yourself or Someone Like You," Matchbox Twenty has sold more than 21 million albums worldwide. And with the recent release of it's third album, "More Than You Think You Are," the band is gearing up to expand its musical reach and commercial success. During a recent telephone interview from his home in Los Angeles, Doucette talked about why he feels this is the band's best work to date.
"Every time you go into the recording studio there are fears and expectations," Doucette said. "I didn't want to do a duplicate of our last record, "Mad Season." Doucette said after the success of "Mad Season" and frontman Rob Thomas' solo success for his Grammy winning collaboration on "Smooth" with Carlos Santana, working on their third effort was a challenge musically and personally.
"We're five different people, and sometimes you're not going to agree on everything," he said. "I went into this project wondering if there was any life left for Matchbox Twenty." As they began recording songs, Doucette realized the creativity and sound that bolstered them to the top of the charts is still very much alive. Proof of that are the intensely driven tracks off of "More Thank You Think You Are." Alongside a slate of new songs penned by Thomas, the set also features writing contributions from Doucette and guitarist, Kyle Cook.
The first single from the new CD, "Disease," was written by Thomas, with a little help from Rolling Stones legendary singer, Mick Jagger. As with their two previous albums, the "More Than You Think You Are" sessions were helmed by the band's unofficial sixth member, producer Matt Serletic.
The Grammy Award winning Serletic took more of the hands-off approach to the recording this time around, allowing the band to find its voice and helping them to filter their ideas into a cohesive vision.
"It's been a lot more collaborative," Doucette said. "We had a lot more to bring to the table on this record. Matt was very encouraging, like, 'Go ahead, here's the reins. Take over."
In addition to the group effort, the album includes "Could I Be You," written solely by Doucette.
He said the song was initially part of his solo project, but Thomas had other ideas. "He said that it was a Matchbox Twenty song," Doucette said. Doucette says he's proud of their work, but admits he's the most critical when its time to critique.
"I'll be the first one to say when I don't like something," Doucette said. "It's earned me a level of respect."
Doucette credits his desire to strive for only the best to his days growing up in North Huntingdon Township, West-Moreland County. He graduated from Norwin High School in 1990. He's been living in Los Angeles for five years now, and loves it. "I don't miss those cold southwestern Pennsylvania winters," he said, noting how he got snowed in at his family's home during the treacherous blizzard of 1993.
Before he ventured across the country to make it in a rock 'n roll band, Doucette held jobs just like the rest of us. He worked for awhile at No. 1 Cochran in Pittsburgh as a lot attendant. "I really liked growing up where I did," Doucette said. "It's good to be raised in a blue collar work ethic."
Stacy Wolford can be reached at swolford@tribweb.com or (724) 684-2640.
DishDiva says: Welcome to Matchbox Twenty! Hey guys, it's great to have you back here!
DishDiva says: Guys welcome!
DishDiva says: Rob, Adam, thanks for joining us tonight!
Matchbox_Twenty_Live says: Hello fans around the world!
DishDiva says: Before we get started where are you joining us from tonight?
Matchbox_Twenty_Live says: Rob: I'm in New York.
Matchbox_Twenty_Live says: Adam: I'm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
1_Riled_Butter in Onstage1 asks: first of all I want to start by saying that I am a HUGE fan and I can relate to almost every song you have made I just wonder if you come up with these song from your heart or is it kinda a group effort? and I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
Matchbox_Twenty_Live says: Rob: Very nice. The majority of the writing, it all starts from a personal place, maybe it's a line or a phrase, but it always starts in a personal place. And it's about turning that into a song.
KrazyKeith_3 in Onstage4 asks: When will the band announce their tour?
Matchbox_Twenty_Live says: Adam: Settle down, and change your name to Komplacement Keith. (laughs) don't you think so Rob?
Matchbox_Twenty_Live says: Rob: Yeah.
Matchbox_Twenty_Live says: Adam: We'll be touring in the spring. Tickets should go on sale in April, May, and June.
cabre_san_cor in Onstage3 asks: what inspired you guys mostly when making this album which i think is a grea album, quite different from the rest but still a great album.
Matchbox_Twenty_Live says: Adam: We needed to work (laughs).
Matchbox_Twenty_Live says: Rob: Things we're inspired by, an evolution of the record we made before and be about writing great songs and try and grow.
Matchbox_Twenty_Live says: Adam: If five of us can leave the studio and be happy with the album, the inspiration comes from each of us putting out our best effort.
Matchbox_Twenty_Live says: That is all the inspiration we need to come up with something and be happy with it.
rosefire20 in Onstage3 asks: We're all dying to know if you guys have finished duking it out over the next single?
Matchbox_Twenty_Live says: Adam: Rosefire, she sound hot!
Matchbox_Twenty_Live says: Rob: YES!! We're done duking it ou.
dawnnoelle in Onstage1 asks: Will you continue to make videos for each new single or has the expense become too great?
Matchbox_Twenty_Live says: Rob: I wanted to do courtroom sketches for the next video because I thought the budget would be small, but I got out voted on that one. (laughs)
GreedierGiraffe in Onstage1 asks: What't he story behind "bright lights?"
Matchbox_Twenty_Live says: Rob: "Bright Lights" doesn't have a story. You create a story in your mind and I created it in my mind
Lethaldawn in Onstage4 asks: Is there any perticular song that you poured you heart into? Rob. This Tabitha's secret cd is good!
I will finish this when I get a chance...later today (Feb. 1, 2003)
