In a recent interview with Alternative Addiction, Vertical Horizon lead singer Matt Scannell says that he is very happy with the success of the band’s latest album Burning The Days, which was released last fall.
"I feel great about this record, it’s something I can listen to and enjoy," Scannell told Alternative Addiction. "That usually doesn’t happen with a record, once we finish a record I [usually] don’t want to hear it for another six months, but I really am proud of this record, all the little pieces that went into it."
The album marked the first release from the band in over 6 years. Following the release of the album, the band toured the east coast, their first tour together in over 5 years. Despite the hiatus, Scannell said the band sounded great.
"I think that the band sounds better than it ever has," said Scannell. "It was a great tour, we had an amazing time the audience was great. We’ll be going back out doing some more touring later in the winter and into the spring and summer."
The band’s new album is not only helping the band to play some great shows, it’s also gaining them some great recognition, one of which came when the album was voted the #1 album of 2009 by the readers of Alternative Addiction, something that Scannell says he’s honored to have been recognized for.
"It’s a wonderful feeling, and I am so grateful to everyone who voted and everyone who’s been enjoying the record," said Scannell of the news. "When you are making a record you are very turned inward, everything is about trying to dive into the art of the music; it’s a very insular process. It can [also] be kind of a scary process because you invest so much of your heart and soul into the music, but when you put it out [there] for it to resonate with people and have them enjoy it so much we’re just completely honored."
Perhaps Vertical Horizon’s biggest challenge in 2010 is building on the success of the record in a musical environment that has changed drastically since the band has last seen success of this magnitude.
"Obviously this is a far different world for music than it was when first came on the scene in the 90’s, so we’re trying to get it out there in different ways and have people find it in different ways than the traditional record label."
Scannell says that the album has drawn a lot of interest not just in the US, but worldwide, and touring to support such a widespread response will be challenging, especially in countries the band has never toured in before.
"It’s a world wide scale now, because of the web we’re able to have fans all over the world reach out and hear the music instantly, and that is a pretty incredible thing," said Scannell. "We have new fans in Asia, and South America, it’s an embarrassment of riches really to have people all over the world want to have you come and play, we just have to go and make a tour happen."
Prior to their tour, Scannell will be finishing up his work on albums with solo artists Allissa Moreno and Daniel Powter. Scannell will also be playing solo shows at the 2010 Sundance film festival later this month.
Burning the Days is in stores now, and features the singles "Save Me From Myself," "The Middle Ground," and "Back To You."