Saint Asonia Frontman Adam Gontier on ‘Flawed Design,’ Being a Father + More

2019-11-13

Saint Asonia – Story by Anne Erickson, courtesy photo

Adam Gontier of Saint Asonia chats with Anne Erickson about the band’s new album, “Flawed Design,” his experience being a new father, the influence of social media and more

Saint Asonia is back with a new album, “Flawed Design,” out now via Spinefarm Records. The band broke out in 2015, bringing together a powerhouse lineup founded by vocalist and guitarist Adam Gontier, formerly of Three Days Grace, and guitarist Mike Mushok of Staind. They released their self-titled debut that same year, and since then, Saint Asonia has amassed more than 50 million total streams with rock songs such as “Let Me Live My Life” and “Better Place.”

On the heels of the release of “Flawed Design,” Gontier spoke with Anne Erickson of Audio Ink abut the new album, how being a father has changed his approach to songwriting, the state of modern rock music and more. Read the full interview below, and listen to the interview via the podcast player.

Congratulations on the new album on the way, “Flawed Design.” I read that the title comes from this ideal, perfect image people have on social media. What’s the meaning behind “Flawed Design?”

I noticed people trying to come across as perfect on social media, and the song is about exploring that and why we as a society seem to want to come across and look perfect in the eyes of each other. I think it’s a weird place we’re in as far as social media, so that’s the idea behind “Flawed Design.”

Do you think that one’s imperfections can actually become their strengths?

Yeah, absolutely. I think for me, I can only speak for myself, but the imperfections that I have overcome and come to terms with, I’ve tried to use them to better myself as a person. I think that makes you stronger as a person. Everyone is flawed in some way, and it doesn’t have to be any major imperfection, but nobody is perfect, and it’s important to embrace that and make it a strength.

What are your feelings on social media, and how do you strive to use it in a positive way?

I think it’s great. I’ve been talking a lot with family and friends about social media lately, so I see both sides of it. It seems like people are more lonely than they used to be, and people don’t communicate face-to-face or even voice-to-voice anymore, but at the same time, it’s nice to be able to branch out and find communities and different people you wouldn’t come into contact with otherwise. I use social media to stay connected with fans and friends and people who are interested in what I do. It’s a great way to do that.

I really love the first single from you guys, “The Hunted,” and it’s doing really well on rock radio. Sully from Godsmack is on that track. What made you want to bring Sully on and make him part of this track?

Mike and Sully started writing the song a few years ago. and they wrote the song with the intention of it being on a movie soundtrack, and it didn’t end up being on the soundtrack, so the song was sitting around a few years. They played it for me, and I loved it. I tweaked a few things, and Mike tweaked a few things, and I came up with different melodies, and we revisited the song in the studio when we were making this record, and it turned out great. We asked Sully if he would want to guest on it, since he co-wrote it, and we’re lucky to have him on the record.

What do you think Sully brought to “The Hunted” artistically?

Having Sully’s voice on the song is amazing. He’s an incredible singer. A lot of the lyrics in that song were lyric ideas that he had written and started with, so all around he’s a great songwriter and singer and person, so to have him a part of it and his voice and singing harmonies with him was really cool.

Another cool collaboration on the album is Sharon den Adel from Within Temptation on “Sirens.”

I’ve been a big fan of Within Temptation for years. They’re a really cool band. When we wrote “Sirens,” I co-wrote that song with Dustin Bates from Starset, and when we decided to add a guest vocalist, we passed around a few names, and Sharon was the one we really hoped we could get to say yes. And she did. It’s definitely one of my favorite songs on the record.

I’ve read that becoming a father was part of what inspired the songs on “Flawed Design.” What do you love about being a dad?

What isn’t there to like, really? I love all of it! I do wonder what my life was before my son was born. It feels like he’s always been here. I love all of it. I don’t get mad if I have to wake up at 3 a.m. or 6 a.m. and feed him. I’m having a great time being a father, all the way around, and being someone he looks up to. That’s a big thing for me.

What are your thoughts on the current state of rock music? Do you think rock and metal are in a good place today?

I do. I think it’s in a great place. I listen to the radio as much as I can, and I’m constantly hearing new bands and new music and even older bands putting out new stuff. I think it’s in a great place. I think now it’s in a better place than it has been in a long time.

Anne Erickson
Latest posts by Anne Erickson (see all)
Posted by Anne Erickson | Features, Interviews, Music, Rock

Related Posts