Interview with Yellowcard violinist and vocalist Sean Mackin

Sean Mackin, violinist and vocalist for the pop punk/alternative rock band Yellowcard, recently took some to answer a few questions about the band’s new album, When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes. This disc is chock full of unbelievably catchy, hook-driven Pop-Rock/Alternative tunes that offer up nothing but a good time. It’s a solid, rocking disc that is absolutely worth checking out and I would recommend it without reservation. Here’s what Mackin had to say.

Now that your brand new CD, When You’re Through Thinking, Say is complete how do you feel about it? Are you satisfied with the outcome?
Sean: Yes, I feel great about the new Yellowcard release. The time off has given us all a renewing effect and the energy was captured in the music. It’s our best work yet.

What was the writing process like for this CD? Did you guys all write together? How long did it take?
Sean: The process was similar to most Yellowcard works with a twist. We were geographically spread out so we spent a lot of time emailing files and flying to see one another. It was exciting. It was also condensed, we worked in half the time we normally have in the past.

Are there any tracks on this disc that are personal favorites or that have good stories behind them?
Sean: One of my favorites is a song called, “See Me Smiling.” It is a song that captures where we are musically, and “Key” does a fine job narrating what it has been like missing a close friend we lost 10 years ago. So much emotion and energy.

Give us some insight into the record and the meaning behind its title?
Sean: We worked hard not to over think this record. We have all grown as people and as songwriters, but this had to be an accurate image of us. Vintage Yellowcard sounds with new tricks as well. And the title of the record is something that everyone can relate to, it really means to not over think it, to revel in the moment.

Did you ever imagine you would be releasing records more than a decade after starting?
Sean: Yes, it has always been something that we have looked forward to. Playing music for a long time.

What kind of touring plans do you have in support of the record?
Sean: We have all kinds of touring planned. We just got back from a world tour, Japan, Philippines, Russia, Finland, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. Now we are embarking on a U.S. run with All-Time Low. Then more international touring. It’s a big year for us and we need to visit all our friends in places like Australia, New Zealand, America and new places like Jakarta [and] Indonesia. We are pumped.

Do you find the rigors of touring taking more of a toll on you as you get older?
Sean: Well, I did get sick twice already. I’m not usually a sick kid, but I just wanna be healthy. Other than that, we are good on the road. It’s what we are used to.

What artists would fans be surprised to find on your iPod?
Sean: Well, I do have all the old favorites like Thrice and Muse, old friends like Over It and Reeve Oliver. But it is funny, sometimes we geek out to Dr. Luke songs and listen to Katy Perry. Don’t tell!

Tell me about a book or two that you’ve read that you think other people should read?
Sean: I’m Japanese so I can’t read English… okay, bad joke. I don’t really read that much. I’m more a magazine/news guy or a movie. Sorry.

If you had not become a musician what other career path would you have liked to attempt?
Sean: Music is the only life. I’d be terrible at anything else.

What three words best describe your band?
Sean: Personality, passion and fun.

If you were a superhero, who would it be and why?
Sean: Superman. I want to fly so bad. It would also be nice to be invincible.

Any closing words?
Sean: I wanna say thank to our fans. Best fans in the world. Enjoy the new record!