A Moment with the Goo Goo Dolls

The band formed in Buffalo, NY in 1986 and they are still going just as strong now as back then. They have been together as a band longer than most, over twenty years now. They all currently live in Los Angeles, when not on tour, but they enjoy working in Buffalo where they got their start. As a matter of fact, they are in the process of building their own recording studio in Buffalo right now. When the tour is over and they have relaxed a little, it is right back to work in their new studio.

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Robby Takac, bassist and vocalist of the Goo Goo Dolls. Here is how the interview went.

MV: How is it touring non stop for such a long time?

RT: It is different now than it was before. We spent the first seven or eight years of our career just trying to learn how to be a band. The record industry has changed so drastically in recent years. It used to be about promoting your album but now it seems to be more about fiscal realities. We have a great crew of about thirty people that make touring easier.

MV: After seven albums, how did you find the inspiration to write the eighth album?

RT: Everyday is a new adventure.

MV: Every time I hear the song "Better Days" I think about how it relates to my life. Do you hear that a lot?

RT: Yes, I do hear that. John wrote that song. You only have about 15 lines to sum up a song idea. He is good at summing things up in 15-16 lines. It was meant to be a Christmas song for a compilation record. Then CNN picked it up for Katrina relief. The listener tends to fill in the holes of the song to relate more to them. It really hit home with the people that suffered through Katrina.

MV: How did it make you feel to hear "Better Days" being played on CNN for Katrina relief?

RT: It was great to see how the song just fit the situation.

MV: How is this album different than past ones?

RT: This one is a little different. We spent six months in the Old Masonic Temple in Buffalo, NY just working ten hours a day playing music and listening to music. This project really set us up nicely for moving on. We will try something new again with the next album.

MV: How did the tour with Lighthouse come about?