After three decades since forming, six full-length albums and copious touring, SoCal’s Alien Ant Farm continue to go strong.
The quartet—Dryden (vocals), Mike (drums), Terry (lead guitar), Timmy (bass)—is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of their 2001 Jay Baumgardner produced breakthrough album ANThology with an upcoming special vinyl edition releasing this year.
In addition, the multi-platinum “Smooth Criminal” cover song alt rockers just released a new single titled “Reasons”—which will be on their upcoming seventh album slated for this fall—and the band will be on the road with Cold in May, followed by a summer tour in Europe, which includes festival performances.
The new single, “Reasons” (Judge & Jury Records),—written by fellow Southern Californian Rome Ramirez (formerly of Sublime with Rome) and Andreas Ramirez, produced by Howard Benson—is about redemption in life and turning wrongs into rights.
In this OOTB Interview, Alien Ant Farm frontman Dryden Mitchell took time to reflect on his sobriety, career and future.
“Reasons” is phenomenal. Considering the meaning behind the song, when and what was a time in your personal life that you were given a second chance, to change for the better?
Thank you. My sobriety is the second chance I gave myself, and I’m taking advantage of that through music and family everyday.
How long have you been sober now and what were your addictions?
Alcohol was the main cause of destruction in my world. Accompanied by cocaine, which would sober me up enough to drink more alcohol.
Through sobriety, what have you replaced your addictions with?
Hiking with my dogs every day and loving my animals. Woodworking, panther chameleons, and building things with my hands are a few of my healthy distractions.
Being in the music industry for three decades since first inception, what’s been your biggest struggle or challenge you’ve faced in the industry and how did you overcome that?
Staying focused and keeping sane during touring is something I’ve struggled with. Keeping my energy up and traveling is tough for me personally, but I remind myself that this is my dream and others would die to have these opportunities.
How do you stay focused and sane while touring as well as maintain your endurance for live shows?
Live shows are tough the older I get. I try to warm up vocally and actually warm down. In the past, I didn’t know warming down was even a thing. But I try my best.
On the flip side of that question, what’s been your biggest achievement?
I’d say my biggest achievement has been staying here. Ups and downs in the public eye, sometimes make people quit. I’m happy that we are still present, still here. Contributing in a positive way.
What motivates you or inspires you the most?
I’m inspired by neighbors or strangers that don’t have the opportunities that I do. I feel inspired to not squander my situations.
Of the six studio AAF albums, which is your favorite and why that album?
mAntras is my favorite Ant Farm record at the moment. It’s an emotional album. Climbing out of my bad behavior and into reality was weird and wonderful.
You have a lot happening with touring, the 25th Anniversary of ANThology, the new single “Reasons,” a brand new album this fall—where do you see yourself, in say, another decade?
Hopefully watching my children do positive things with their lives. Still recording. Hopefully playing shows here and there.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Listen to “Reasons” on your favorite platforms.
“Reasons” Lyric Video
Listen To “Reasons”
Tour Dates
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