10 Years
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10 Years Answers Our Seven Questions
Before docking on their Shiprocked gig this fall, we caught up with alternative metal band 10 Years. The band -- Jesse Hasek (vocals), Ryan "Tater" Johnson (guitar), Lewis Cosby (bass) and Brian Vodinh (guitar/drums) -- came together in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1999 and experienced their fair share of up and downs. Yet, over the years, they've found their sealegs and released an EP and five full-length albums, including this year's Feeding the Wolves. Don't miss the boat for this hard-edged, but close-knit band and check out their latest songs and an exclusive video interview with the band below.
Plus, guitarist Brian Vodinh of 10 Years shares his thoughts in a Q&A below.
Where are you from and what was it like growing up there?
Brian Vodinh: "I was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee and I absolutely love it there. When I was young, I had all these dreams and aspirations to move to a bigger city when I got older, but now that I travel so much playing music, I can't wait to come home to Knoxville. It's a great city that has everything I could ask for!"
When did you first know that you wanted to be a musician and how did you get started?
Brian Vodinh: "When I was a child, my father always played me classical music records and that started it all. On top of having a strong classical music influence, my mom raised me on Elvis and Michael Jackson. I think that having this interesting mix of early influences really helped turn me into the songwriter that I am today."
If you could tour with any two musicians or bands in the world, which ones would you choose?
Brian Vodinh: "This is a pretty difficult question! I would have to say that touring with Metallica and Tool would be pretty amazing. Those are both bands that we have looked up to and been influenced by since we were young kids and to be able to tour with them would be pretty amazing."
Do you have any special pre-performance rituals?
Brian Vodinh: "All of us in the band have a different vibe going on before we perform but I personally don't have any major rituals. Our singer warms up his voice by singing scales and other people stretch and stuff like that. I usually just get changed into my show clothes and hang out and tell bad jokes to break the tension before the shows!"
What are your favorite foods (and treats!) that keep you energized for shows and on tour?
Brian Vodinh: "I absolutely love pizza. One amazing aspect of traveling as much as we do is that we get to visit some really great local restaurants that I would never get to if I was not on tour."
What do you do for fun?
Brian Vodinh: "I try to go to a gym 4-5 days a week while on tour. This helps relieve some stress and also gives me a little escape from the tour bus. Also, I'm attending the University of Phoenix and doing the online degree program to finish my Bachelor's of Science in Business with a focus in Finance. When I was younger, music was my only priority but now I am at the stage in my life where I truly want my education and degree as well. It's amazing that I can still maintain my career in music and with the help of technology, complete my degree as well!"
What's next for you?
Brian Vodinh: "We are just going to continue to release music and tour. Creating and performing is our passion so we will do this as long as we can!"
—Christa Fletcher
Before docking on their Shiprocked gig this fall, we caught up with alternative metal band 10 Years. The band -- Jesse Hasek (vocals), Ryan "Tater" Johnson (guitar), Lewis Cosby (bass) and Brian Vodinh (guitar/drums) -- came together in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1999 and experienced their fair share of up and downs. Yet, over the years, they've found their sealegs and released an EP and five full-length albums, including this year's Feeding the Wolves. Don't miss the boat for this hard-edged, but close-knit band and check out their latest songs and an exclusive video interview with the band below.
Plus, guitarist Brian Vodinh of 10 Years shares his thoughts in a Q&A below.
Where are you from and what was it like growing up there?
Brian Vodinh: "I was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee and I absolutely love it there. When I was young, I had all these dreams and aspirations to move to a bigger city when I got older, but now that I travel so much playing music, I can't wait to come home to Knoxville. It's a great city that has everything I could ask for!"
When did you first know that you wanted to be a musician and how did you get started?
Brian Vodinh: "When I was a child, my father always played me classical music records and that started it all. On top of having a strong classical music influence, my mom raised me on Elvis and Michael Jackson. I think that having this interesting mix of early influences really helped turn me into the songwriter that I am today."
If you could tour with any two musicians or bands in the world, which ones would you choose?
Brian Vodinh: "This is a pretty difficult question! I would have to say that touring with Metallica and Tool would be pretty amazing. Those are both bands that we have looked up to and been influenced by since we were young kids and to be able to tour with them would be pretty amazing."
Do you have any special pre-performance rituals?
Brian Vodinh: "All of us in the band have a different vibe going on before we perform but I personally don't have any major rituals. Our singer warms up his voice by singing scales and other people stretch and stuff like that. I usually just get changed into my show clothes and hang out and tell bad jokes to break the tension before the shows!"
What are your favorite foods (and treats!) that keep you energized for shows and on tour?
Brian Vodinh: "I absolutely love pizza. One amazing aspect of traveling as much as we do is that we get to visit some really great local restaurants that I would never get to if I was not on tour."
What do you do for fun?
Brian Vodinh: "I try to go to a gym 4-5 days a week while on tour. This helps relieve some stress and also gives me a little escape from the tour bus. Also, I'm attending the University of Phoenix and doing the online degree program to finish my Bachelor's of Science in Business with a focus in Finance. When I was younger, music was my only priority but now I am at the stage in my life where I truly want my education and degree as well. It's amazing that I can still maintain my career in music and with the help of technology, complete my degree as well!"
What's next for you?
Brian Vodinh: "We are just going to continue to release music and tour. Creating and performing is our passion so we will do this as long as we can!"
—Christa Fletcher
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