Features

Three decades, 10 albums, and continuing to stand firmly as an enduring pillar of American punk, Hot Water Music remains a source of influence and inspiration for bands the world over. On the band's new album 'Vows,' the band’s purpose remains the same as it always was: continued evolution with a keen eye on the future. We caught up with bassist Jason Black for a brief chat.

PRT: I suppose an obvious first question would be: 30 Years, 10 albums… what is it that keeps you going?

Jason: We love playing and making music. As long as we can do something that is exciting for us, we’ll keep going. Or at least until people stop coming to the shows.  

PRT: When you start a band, I guess it’s mostly for fun and who knows what will happen. Do you remember the moment when you realized that Hot Water Music really was a thing?

Jason: There wasn’t one real moment. Everything has been a series of small steps for us. We just keep pushing things as far as we can, bit by bit. 

PRT: How has the role that the band takes in your life changed over the years?

Jason: It really depends on how busy we are. When we’re not touring or writing, it takes much more of a back seat than when we’re actively on the road or promoting a record. For example, right now, I’m easily spending 40 hrs per week at home working on press, promotion, booking, etc. 

PRT: You guys split briefly back in ‘98 and then for a longer period in ‘06… what is the main thing you learned from those breaks? And why is it - if I have to take a guess - communication? 

Jason: Well, we’ve been in a band with each other since we were 19 years old. I would assume you’re a very different person than you were at 19, as are we. Sometimes we just need to take a step back and recalibrate how we work with each other. And yes, 100% communication, haha 

PRT: The time between the release of ‘Feel The Void’ and ‘Vows’ is the shortest time between releases since ‘Caution’ and ‘The New What Next’… would you say that the band is now in the best place it has been in in years?

Jason: Without a doubt. 

PRT: When you decided to bring Cresswell in the band, was there any part of you that went like ‘oh great, now it’s three guitars and still just one bass’? 

Jason: Definitely not. I am very happy being the only bass player and Cresswell rules. 

PRT: ‘Feel The Void’ was the first album where Chris Cresswell was involved with the recording and while he definitely has a voice on that album, I feel like on ‘Vows’ he sounds more ingrained in the music. Even with Chris Wollard and Chuck, this one feels less like oh, here’s a Ragan song and it’s followed by a song that Wollard wrote. Is there a new kind of dynamic in the band now when it comes to songwriting?

Jason: Nope. People have a misconception of how we write and seem to think that Wollard and Chuck are the only ones who write music for us. We all write, so when you’re thinking ‘this is a Chuck song’ it could be a George song. Adding one more voice was awesome, because it gave us a new set of tools to work with. 

PRT: ‘Vows’ has plenty of guests on it, which is a first for you guys. How did you come up with that idea? Was it because you wanted to do something special for album number 10?

Jason: We’ve had guests in the past, but that tapered off after 'Caution' for no real reason. For 'VOWS', it was combination of ‘why haven’t we done this in so long’ and ‘this would really make the album special and a celebration.’

PRT: How did you decide on who you would ask? You have pretty much played shows with every great band out there.

Jason: There wasn’t any real process to deciding who we would ask, but we did end up getting everyone that we asked to say yes. These guests are the only ones we approached and we are very lucky to have had them all say yes. 

PRT: ‘Vows’ is the fourth time you recorded with Brian… what is the main thing that makes it so easy to record with him?

Jason: He is a fan of the band and he knows us VERY well. He just has the knack to get the very best out of us at all times. 

PRT: You have the new album out, you have tours planned… is there anything else coming up for the 30th anniversary? I think I read something about a documentary as well?

Jason: We are working on a documentary that should be out later this year. More on that soon!

PRT: And what’s up next then? 30 more years?

Jason: I’ll be 78 then.