UnFILTERed

If you've ever seen Filter live, and if you haven't you should run out and do so as soon as humanly possible, you will notice that they are an extremely tight band on stage. While Filter is truly just a two man band (Richard Patrick on vocals and Brian Liesgang on guitar and synth), the band's chemistry makes them a huge musical juggernaut, steaming ahead through their music and taking no prisoners. Such is the attitude of the band offstage as well. Brian and Richard are also best friends and roommates, in addition to being the team that is Filter. "Once you meet someone you can work with, it's fantastic," said Brian recently from Filter's home studio in Chicago. "The nature of our relationship has grown so that now we can just put our heads together and slug it out until the album's done."

Filter's beginnings occurred with Richard Patrick experimenting with a small eight-track in his parents basement in Cleveland, writing scores of songs in the process. Brian, meanwhile, was studying at the University of Chicago completing a degree in philosophy and playing around in a small studio across from synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog. Brian and Richard, both ex-'members' of Nine Inch Nails decided to work together while at the Grand Canyon having some fun with mushrooms during the middle of a cross country exhibition they had set out on. The result was instant interest by the recording industry. "We sent in an unsolicited demo to ten labels, and out of ten labels, 6 or 7 wanted to sign us," explained Brian. The pair rented a house in Cleveland for eight months and recorded "Short Bus" which went on to be hugely successful and resulted in Filter being nominated for Best New Artist at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards.

So why no follow up yet? Following their tracks for the "Crow: City of Angels" and "X-Files" soundtracks, the band is taking a rest. Richard explained, "I honestly think a band should disappear for a while. That way you come back with a great record; Brian and I don't want to put out anything unless it's perfect." Brian added that a band needs time to grow before they decide to release more material. "Now that Short Bus has been out for some time, I see a lot of our insecurities as people in it," he explained, "We really felt as if we had our backs in a corner and had to fight. Now we're a lot more sure of ourselves. We're not out to make, 'Short Bus II.'" Recently, the band cut a track for the 'Spawn' movie soundtrack which is nothing short of phenomenal, so there's no doubt in many's minds it will be worth the wait.

One thing the duo does like is their complete freedom they are allowed to create with. Richard explains, "We could turn around tomorrow, cancel the tours, go out to the desert and record. We could disappear and no one could stop us; that true freedom is something that we've never had." Part of that freedom is utilizing today's top technology in the studio, balancing digital and more traditional instruments. "A lot of people use computers in such an obvious way. We strive for more of an organic sound," said Brian. "It gives us the ability to record a record completely by ourselves." Being true to themselves is important to the survival of Filter. "I think the main thing we're gonna try to do on the next album is take advantage of the working relationship that we have and pretty much just relax," said Richard.

Relaxing is a vital part of Richard's attitude on life. His brother, actor Robert Patrick of "Terminator II," "Double Dragon," and "Striptease" fame, tends to have a different outlook. "My brother likes his career and he likes to make his career his life. Brian and I tend to focus on experience and living life. Our lives are about doing things people told us we could never do," said Richard quietly. Another topic the boys seem to shy away from is talking about their stormy relationship with Trent Reznor. Trent was quoted in Spin with some less than kind comments about Brian and Richard. Brian tells Filter's side of the story. "In our history, it's like this little blurb on our resume. To tell you the truth, it seems like we were in Nine Inch Nails ages ago for like a two week period of time. We haven't spoken to Trent in three years and don't really care to," said Brian, adding, "I don't really appreciate Trent sitting around and moaning all the time. He's not generally the friendliest character you'll meet though."

If there is one regret in the band, it is their longing for the olden days of rock. Richard spoke on drugs ruining careers. "I don't really think that there are many great bands out lately. I'm kind of bummed that all my idols when I was a teenager have turned into heroin addicts and don't put out music anymore. It's like all these guys became junkies, and it's frustrating because I want to hear new awesome music from them," explained Richard somberly. "I would love to hear a new Nirvana record. But that's impossible now because someone didn't take care of themselves."