Hitting the ground running with this week’s release of their new album Rise Up, veteran rockers Saliva are a rejuvenated musical force. The platinum-selling band is responsible for some of the most recognizable hooks in mainstream and active rock, which is why fans have been chomping at the bit to see what the Memphis outfit has accomplished with Papa Roach and 3 Doors Down producer Bobby Huff.
But despite anticipation for a new Saliva record, what fans really want to know is how the new lineup stacks up to the days of “Click Click Boom”.
Saliva’s new frontman Bobby Amaru spoke with us about filling Josey Scott’s Grammy-nominated shoes and dropped some unannounced tour plans that will give fans a welcome blast from the past.
What are you bringing to Saliva that makes the band different?
Bobby Amaru: Well, the fact that I’m beautiful [laughs]. Definitely a new energy. I’m about ten years younger than the rest of the guys. I think I bring a new energy and life to the band that was lacking a little bit. It seemed like they had just given up and that it wasn’t fun anymore.
What was the attitude of the band when you joined?
I mean, they’re great guys. They’ve been doing it a long time. You know, everything with the past is the past—they parted ways on good terms.
How about sonically? How has the band changed in terms of the music and writing style since you’ve joined?
Definitely a different writing style. I’m able to adapt to what they’ve created to. I mean, I’m a songwriter. I play drums, I play guitar. I’ve written many songs in my life, so I think it made the process easy for us to click and work together.
Saliva obviously has a pretty established fan base. How are you bringing new fans to Saliva?
I’ve been noticing that as the tour has been going. Shit, we started touring in early 2012, and now we’re touring all year again this year. I noticed younger fans and more girls—which is great. Who doesn’t like that?
This is your first studio release with the band. Is there a lot of pressure on you with this first release?
You put all your efforts into those twelve songs. I mean, you literally go through hell and back making a record. Of course. It’s your art—you want people to like it. But people also have opinions, you know? You can’t please everybody but we feel, and I feel strongly about the record. We worked our asses off. And for someone to sit behind a computer and say they don’t like it…Well, you probably work at McDonalds, so fuck you [laughs].
More on Page 2
