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Shane Told and Silverstein are on a mission. Though the words were not spoken during our interview prior to Silverstein's tour opener with supporting acts Norma Jean, Blessthefall and Before Thier Eyes... you could sense the air of pupose and confidence in Shane Told's demeanor. It's hard to believe that Silverstein has been around for 9 years. Their 4th studio album "AShipwreck in the Sand" is due for release on March 31st.

Silverstein's set, comprised of both old, and new material from the upcoming album was stellar. If you'd like to experience a little "indoor Warped" check out this tour as the bands were obviosly having fun, as was the audience. Silverstein is also scheduled to appear on hte 2009 Warped Tour. Check out the conversation with Shane below:

Musicpix: Congrats on the upcoming release of “Shipwreck in the Sand” March 31st…any anxiety when you release a new album or is it old hat?

Shane:  I don’t feel anxiety about it. In fact, the only anxiety I have ever felt making a record was the first one we did…we were a new band-new to the world.  When we did the second record, people were saying ‘oh well are you worried about your second record because you hear about the sophomore slump’ and whatever and I really wasn’t.  We made this record and we had a great time making it and it came out awesome.  I’m just counting down the days…I think it’s like nine more days until it comes out and I’m really excited.

Musicpix:  Does the band have any new tricks up your sleeve with this release?

Shane: We did a concept record where for me, being the guy who writes all the words; lyrically it was a challenge for me.  It was something that was a lot more difficult to put together…12 songs in a story and having each song make sense within the story, rather than the last three records where each song was its own kind of thing.  That was definitely a challenge.  Because we went with that approach, it led to a few trick up our sleeve I suppose.  We did a few interlude kinds of things in-between songs that we’ve never done before.  We also experimented with some different sounds.  We had a cello player come in for a day…we did some stuff with some keyboards that we’d never done before…different drum stuff and layers and layers of guitars and vocals and vocal effects.

Musicpix: Can you share what that theme is?

Shane:  Up to a point I can because I don’t want to give the whole story away.  But basically, the album reads like a typical American family with a man, a woman and a daughter and the problems that they encounter.  The main idea of the story is that all their problems are based on the way that our system is set up…politically, economically, and even socially.  Things like healthcare.  The protagonist male is sick and he can’t get healthcare and it’s central to the story.  It’s a big problem here in America and it’s something that could be easily prevented…most of the industrialized world has that figured out.  The United States hasn’t.  The record is somewhat political but at the same time, it’s a story as well.

Musicpix:  It’s kind of funny that you say that because one of the questions I was forming and then deleted was:  Shipwreck in the Sand could relate to the state of the world right now in so many different ways…

Shane:  The interesting thing about the title of the record is that the title doesn’t have   to do with the story.  People are confused because the title is Shipwreck in the Sand but the album cover is a house burning down…they don’t understand. The title comes through about halfway through the story when the father reads a story to his daughter that is called Shipwrecked in the Sand…an old time story about discovery…Columbus, mutiny, and it’s kind of like their life is like.  It’s a story within a story.

Musicpix:  Not long ago, you guys played your 1000th show.  You played from Europe through Australia.  What were some of your favorite shows, bands you toured with…?

Silverstein Concert Photos

Shane:  1,000 shows is a lot of shows…it’s all a blur really.  The weird thing is like its one big long day…the last six years.  But I think I do remember every show we played.  I remember our first show when we went out to the West Coast with Bayside that was one of my favorite moments and becoming such good friends with them.  Some touring with Under Oath…another great group of guys…Hawthorne Heights…they are all good friends of ours. 

Musicpix:  Terrible about the loss of their bass player…

Shane:   We’ve both struggled with tragedy.  I am just glad to see those guys staying positive and making the best of it.  Some of favorite places?  We like Australia…we’ve been there several times-love it.  We just went to South America for the first time which was crazy.  Bogotá, Columbia-beautiful city…Santiago Chile, we’re defiantly going back there…Japan…amazing place.  When we got to a level of success with the band, we decided that that was something that we wanted to do…to see the world and we’ve done it.

Musicpix:  What’s important to you about making music?  Fame, fortune, an emotional release, getting your message across from a personal and political standpoint?

Shane:  All those things you mention are all nice but that’s not what important to me at all.  What important to me is, its fun.  I’m just here to have a good time.  That’s why we started the band.  That’s why we go on tour and that’s why we keep doing it.  When it becomes not fun, we won’t do it anymore.  It’s cool to not to have to worry about money…that’s great. It’s also great to be able to say what I want and to get emotional release and also help other people.  So many times, people will email me and tell me that we’ve helped them through a hard time in their life and I wouldn’t be alive without you and your band.  When someone says that, it’s an amazing thing.

Musicpix:  Since about 2001, you’ve been a relatively stable band with only one member change.  What do you attribute your stability to?  Friendship, tolerance?

Shane:  Maybe a bit of both.  I think that we’re all pretty easy going guys and we roll with the punches.  We realize that everybody has good days and bad days and at the end of the day, we’re all friends and shake hands and hug each other as brothers.  That’s just the way it is.  We’re getting to the age now, that we may find other things in life that we want to do and may not want to pal around the world in a bus…but for now, it’s all good.

Musicpix: You signed with Victory Records back on 2002.  Can you describe how that came about and how it changed you?

Shane:  It was definitely the biggest life changer I’ve ever had.  We were just a small band from Canada…did the local band thing in the Toronto suburbs.  A friend of mine who was in a band called Greed and they were on Victory.  They had just broken up and he was looking for a job and Silverstien and I also played bass in this alt rock band and through this band Avril Lavigne’s management contacted me and said that I had the right look and wanted me to play bass in Avril Lavigne’s band.  I respectfully declined but my friend from Greed might want to do it and he ended up being in her band for about five years.  In turn, he put in a good word with us with Victory and we ended up getting signed and here we are.

Musicpix:  With Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and a myriad of other social networks, do you look at this as a plus or a minus or just something else you have to do?

Shane:  Overall, I think it’s good.  But I don’t think everything about it is positive.  A lot of younger or local bands don’t think they need to get in a van and play...MySpace tends to be their version of success.  That’s their version of success…who’s got the biggest internet presence which is kind of sill.  I don’t think you start a band to do that.  I started a band to play live.  It seems that bands that are just starting out are watching their MySpace and Twittering about so…I think it’s kind of weird but it’s positive to get your message out.

Musicpix:  It’s got to be sort of odd being an old fart at age 28?

Shane: 28 years old and I’m an old man.  I remember when there wasn’t MySpace.  Some bands don’t even have web sites anymore they just have My Space…crazy.

Musicpix:  How differently do you approach a show depending on the setting, i.e. a Warped Tour vs. headlining vs. being a supporting act?

Shane:  We played a bad show last week and all of our friends were there so it was a little bit different…like when you’re friends are in the audience and your just hanging out vs. 15,000 kids screaming.  Maybe you act a little different up there.  You get a little different vibe from the crowd and you give off a little bit different vibe.  But overall, I don’t think it’s that different in terms of what we do.

Musicpix:  Over the years, how have you evolved as a musician as a performer and as a person?

Shane:  Good question.  First of all, I think I’ve grown up a lot.  I’ve been in this band for nine years and started when I was 19 and now I’m 28.  I’ve experienced a lot.  Musically, I think I’ve gotten a lot better and a lot more secure with it.  I’m not as shy and scared as I was.  And as a person, I don’t think that I’ve changed a whole lot other than I am a lot more mature and in touch with what is happening around me.  I am better at reading people.  But as a person, I don’t think I’ve changed all that much.  I still hang out with friends from high school and they tell me that I’m the same guy we had grade 12 math class with.

The Band
Shane Told – lead vocals, occasional guitar
Neil Boshart – lead guitar
Josh Bradford -– rhythm guitar
Bill Hamilton – bass, backing vocals
Paul Koehler – drums, percussion

Discography

When Broken Is Easily Fixed 2003
Discovering the Waterfront  2005
Arrivals & Departures 2007
A Shipwreck in the Sand 2009

EPs
Summer's Stellar Gaze
When the Shadows Beam

Compilations
Bradford lets down his hair in Brisbane, February 2009
18 Candles: The Early Years May 30, 2006 Discography
Almost Here-2005
Santi-2007

The Tour
Mar 23, 2009 Lawrence, KS, US @ Granada Theater w/ Norma Jean, Bless The Fall, Before Their Eyes
Mar 24, 2009 Denver, CO, US @ Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Mar 25, 2009 Murray, UT, US @ Murray Theater w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Mar 27, 2009 Reno, NV, US @ The New Oasis w/ Norma Jean, Bless The Fall, Before Their Eyes
Mar 28, 2009 Las Vegas, NV, US @ Desert Breeze Skate Park THE EXTREME THING
Mar 30, 2009 Portland, OR, US @ Hawthorne Theater w/ Norma Jean, Bless The Fall, Before Their Eyes
Mar 31, 2009 Seattle, WA, US @ El Corazon w/ Norma Jean, Bless The Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 1, 2009 San Francisco, CA, US @ Slim's w/ Norma Jean, Bless The Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 4, 2009 Irvine, CA, US @ BAMBOOZLE LEFT
Apr 5, 2009 Tempe, AZ, US @ Marquee Theatre w/ Norma Jean, Bless The Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 6, 2009 Albuquerque, NM, US @ Sunshine Theater w/ Norma Jean, Bless The Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 9, 2009 Austin, TX, US @ Emo's w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 10, 2009 Corpus Christi, TX, US @ House of Rock w/ Norma Jean, Bless The Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 11, 2009 Mission, TX, US @ Las Palmas Race Park w/ Norma Jean, Bless The Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 12, 2009 Houston, TX, US @ House of Blues w/ Norma Jean, Bless The Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 14, 2009 Ft. Lauderdale, FL, US @ Revolution w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 15, 2009 Orlando, FL, US @ The Club at Firestone w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 16, 2009 Atlanta, GA, US @ The Masquerade w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 17, 2009 Charlotte, NC, US @ Tremont Music Hall w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 18, 2009 Richmond, VA, US @ The National w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 19, 2009 Philadelphia, PA, US @ The Trocadero w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 21, 2009 Providence, RI, US @ Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 22, 2009 Hartford, CT, US @ Webster Theater w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 23, 2009 Farmingdale, NY, US @ The Crazy Donkey w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 24, 2009 Rochester, NY, US @ Water Street Music Hall w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 25, 2009 Detroit, MI, US @ The Majestic Theatre w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 27, 2009 Cincinnati, OH, US @ Bogart's w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 28, 2009 Chicago, IL, US @ House of Blues w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 29, 2009 Cleveland, OH, US @ House of Blues w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
Apr 30, 2009 Columbus, OH, US @ Newport Music Hall w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
May 1, 2009 Pittsburgh, PA, US @ Club Zoo w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
May 2, 2009 Baltimore, MD, US @ Ram's Head Live w/ Norma Jean, Bless the Fall, Before Their Eyes
May 3, 2009 East Rutherford, NJ, US @ Meadowlands Sports Complex w/ THE BAMBOOZLE
May 9, 2009 Bochum, - , DE @ Zeche w/ The Blackout, The Urgency, Hollywood Undead
May 10, 2009 Koln, - , DE @ Live Music Hall w/ TBA
May 11, 2009 Amsterdam, - , NL @ Melkweg w/ TBA
May 12, 2009 Berlin, - , DE @ Columbia Club w/ TBA
May 13, 2009 Hamburg, - , DE @ Grunspan w/ TBA
May 14, 2009 Munchen, - , DE @ Backstage Werk w/ TBA
May 16, 2009 Schaffen, - , BE @ RockFest w/ TBA
May 17, 2009 Cardiff, - , UK @ Cardiff University- Solus Bar w/ The Blackout, The Urgency, Hollywood Undead
May 18, 2009 Yeovil, - , UK @ Westland Conference & Leisure Complex w/ The Blackout, The Urgency, Hollywood Undead
May 20, 2009 Manchester, - , UK @ Academy 2 @ Manchester University w/ The Blackout, The Urgency, Hollywood Undead
May 21, 2009 Norwich, - , UK @ Waterfront w/ The Blackout, The Urgency, Hollywood Undead
May 22, 2009 Wolverhampton, - , UK @ Wulfrun Hall w/ The Blackout, The Urgency, Hollywood Undead
May 24, 2009 Leeds, - , UK @ Slam Dunk Festival @ Leeds University w/ The Blackout, The Urgency, Hollywood Undead
May 25, 2009 Glasgow, - , GB @ Queen Margaret Union w/ The Blackout, The Urgency, Hollywood Undead
May 27, 2009 Newcastle-upon-Tyne, - , UK @ Newscastle University w/ The Blackout, The Urgency, Hollywood Undead
May 28, 2009 Liverpool, - , UK @ O2 Academy w/ The Blackout, The Urgency, Hollywood Undead