We've read that your new album is a mix between 'So Wrong, It's Right, Nothing Personal and Dirty Work' so when you entered the studio was this your aim to create this kind of sound, or was this mix of album influences more of a natural process? Generally speaking, when you make a new record you are influenced by a certain band or artist that you look up to. This time around, we looked at our favorite and least favorite parts of our previous records, and wrote songs based on the high points. We learned a lot about our own songwriting by doing that, and it helped us connect with our fans on a level that we hadn't in a while.
Can you tell us about the special guests on your new record? We sought out all of them, and are extremely thankful that they lent their talents for the record. Lyrically speaking, 'Outlines' is about leaving your mark on the music scene while you have the chance. Jason was in an incredible band, that permanently left their footprint on the genre while only releasing one record. His voice was perfect for the song, and it was amazing to hear him recorded again. Cassadee had always sung with us live whenever we toured with Hey Monday, and her voice meshes absolutely perfectly with Alex's. So for the higher harmonies on this record, she was our first pick and it turned out amazing. Anthony has one of the most recognizable voices I have ever heard, and there is a certain rasp that belongs in a song like So Long Solider. It is an unusual feature in that instead of singing a verse or a bridge like most featured artists, he sings the entire song with Alex.