“Musically I like to kind of push myself to do things that are uncomfortable,” says Newton, who also has played bass in hardcore institution Converge for 20 years. “I get on stage and I start having anxiety. I have no fucking clue what to do except to play our songs. I just hide behind our songs. When I have to talk between songs I’m an idiot.”
Writing a slew of songs that don’t lend themselves to mere yelling, he says, really forced him into new and uncomfortable waters.
“This particular record, I’ll be honest, I’ve been like ‘oh shit, people are going to hear me sing,’” says Newton. “I grew up playing in hardcore bands. I can scream. It’s second nature to me.”
But at some point, he says, he realized yelling simply doesn’t work in every case.
“It’s a matter of finding balance and figuring out what’s best for each song,” says Newton. “I don’t have a bigger critic than myself. But I’ve had good teachers: Danzig, HR….”
For all his self-consciousness Newton handles the vocal duties on Grand Blood, as well as the strict thematic and emotional course he set for himself, with the aplomb of the seasoned veteran he is. He’s honest about his reservations but also his shortcomings and his desire to be a better person – and a great father.
“The record focuses on getting older and dealing with death and all the responsibilities I was shirking most of my life.” Says Newton. “It’s about looking in the mirror and taking responsibility.”
Grand Blood is out Oct. 15 on Deathwish Inc.
