J-Dog from Hollywood Undead talks new album

Interview with guitarist of Hollywood-based hip-hop/rock band

Six-piece rap-rocker Hollywood Undead returns on March 15 with American Tragedy, the follow-up to the band’s 2008 debut, Swan Song. The new album finds the Los Angeles-based new rock outfit embellishing on its popular rap-metal attack, empowering rhymes, explosive hooks and a darkly hip rock sound.

“I think ‘American Tragedy’ is a lot like our first record, but it’s a lot heavier, and I think the songwriting is better, because as you get older, you get better at your craft,” said J-Dog, who plays rhythm guitar, keyboards, synthesizers and does programming for Hollywood Undead.

The guys are currently on “The Nightmare After Christmas Tour” with Stone Sour and Avenged Sevenfold.

The album, named after what the band calls the ‘American tragedy’ of this generation, turned out darker than anticipated.

“The theme is what’s going on in our country right now … and the hard times people are going through.”

Even with the dark motifs, American Tragedy has hope.

“Nobody wants to go to a show and get bummed out…we write about some dark things because everyone has a dark side, but the whole idea is to make people feel better.”

Thanks to Gannett for this report.

-Xtra: Rock out to Skillet? Check out Audio Ink Radio’s Audio Ink Radio’s interview with frontman John Cooper.

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

Related Posts