Interview with Flogging Molly bassist Nathen Maxwell

Recently I was able to catch up with bassist, Nathen Maxwell of the Celtic/punk rock band, Flogging Molly to discuss the their newest full-length release, Speed Of Darkness. Since 1997 the band has sold more than a million and a half records and toured incessantly. Here’s what Maxwell had to say about the new CD, Speed Of Darkness.

Now that your brand new CD, Speed Of Darkness is complete how do you feel about it? Are you satisfied with the outcome?
Nathen: I feel positive about the new record, and am completely satisfied with the outcome of the record.

What was the writing process like for this CD? Did you guys all write together? How long did it take?
Nathen: The process was what it’s always been with Flogging Molly; however, the condition of the world had a huge effect on our writing. Yes we all wrote it together, and took around 6 months to complete.

Are there any tracks on the disc that are personal favorites or that have good stories behind them?
Nathen: “Don’t Shut ‘Em Down” is the song that has the most meaning and has a story behind it.

What is the meaning behind the title, Speed Of Darkness?
Nathen: The name is a quote from the book ‘Sarajevo Marlboro’, by Dino Misetic who at the age of 12 was quoted “I know what the speed of light is, but no one has taught me what the speed of darkness is.” Dino also designed the album cover.

You guys have been in the business for more than a decade now. Did you ever imagine you would still be releasing albums and touring?
Nathen: No!

In a hundred years from now what will the music history books say about your band?
Nathen: Who knows?

When you begin to put an album together are you concerned at all about commercial success?
Nathen: Not at all.

Are the rigors of touring taking more of a toll on you as you get older?
Nathen: No.

What kind of touring plans do you have in support of the record?
Nathen: We plan on touring as we normally do, all the time. We’re currently in Europe for the summer doing festivals and some club shows. We’ll be back for a handful of headline shows in July in the US and Lollapalooza. We’re also doing a Canadian Tour in the fall with Rise Against and The Black Pacific.

Any closing words?
Nathen: Thank you very much, and thanks to all the Flogging Molly Fans World Wide, One Love.

Check out the song “Revolution” here.