FES: Could you please give us the band 411?

Jay: We’re a four piece band from South Wales in the UK, we formed about three years. We got signed by Sony and ever since it’s been one hell of a ride and we’re having a great time.

Bullet For My Valentine

FES: Going into the studio how many songs did the band have written and how did you decide which songs would make it onto “The Poison”?

Jay: When we went first into the studio we had about 7 or 8 songs written that we totally liked and we had a lot of riffs broken about that we had to put together. We went into the studio with 8 songs done and we knew we had at least another 5 to write and the other songs came about playing pool having a couple of drinks and a couple of smokes.

FES: With so many people downloading music instead of buying it do you think this is the beginning of the end of the CD?

Jay: If that’s the only way some people can get into our music I believe if they do download some really good music then… I myself if I ever download music online and I like it I go out and buy the album. I want the complete album in my collection. Whatever the exposure is whether it’s people stealing it or downloading it whatever it’s all good. If you buy the album you get all the insight what we’re about what we look like and read up on everything.

FES: Are you surprised at the success Bullet For My Valentine has achieved so far?

Jay: I haven’t really had time to think about it but yeah I’m really happy we’ve done so well in such a short time. It is kind of surprising everyone gets our music and I’m really happy about that.

FES: What are you thoughts on “Tears Don’t Fall” winning a Kerrang award?

Jay: I think that’s pretty amazing lad. It’s out of this world. At the Kerrang award there were a lot of celebrities around we were up for 5 different awards and we were happy even if we didn’t get anything this year but when they called our name up for the best single we were like whoa! Yes! It’s a nice thing to have. Another one for the mantle piece eh. [Laughs].

FES: Do they let you know before hand you have won an award or do you find out as they are announcing it?

Jay: We find out as they announce it. We were all sitting around the table with management and everything there were all bands all over the place we were sipping on our drinks sitting on edge when they called out names and showed their videos. When they called out our name out we were like wow we knew we had a big chance and they said yeah.

FES: Where do you see Bullet For My Valentine 5 years from now?

Jay: I’d like to see us following the footsteps of the big boys like Metallica. We’re here for the long haul. We’re going to make this the best thing we can and make this our career not just some band that pops up just for a couple of years. We want to be the big boys some day.

FES: What are your thoughts on online publications such as Florida Entertainment Scene helping to promote bands such as Bullet For My Valentine.

Jay: I think it’s cool if their helping any bands out.

FES: How important do you think playing shows in Florida are in contributing to the overall success to the band?

Jay: I think it’s very important. Where ever we play is important, we give everything we have. If we can win over Florida it’s even better.

FES: What does the band do with their down time when they tour in the states?

Jay: Basic things like trying to sleep as much as you can. Take a shower, get some food, and pick up my guitar jam, learn some new songs, get ready for the next show.

FES: When the band is getting ready to do a tour in the states do you ship your equipment before you get here or do you lease the equipment when you arrive?

Jay: We have an “A” and “B” rig. The “B” rig is stored in an empty locker in New York that stays there and an “A” rig that is stored in the UK in a locker up in Wales.

FES: What is the best way for a die hard Bullet For My Valentine fan to get their CD signed by their favorite band member?

Jay: Come to the show. After the show come to the tour bus whoever wants to see us we’re pretty good at that. People who come see us we’re more than happy to sign it.

FES: How often does the band check their myspace page?

Jay: We basically check it out everyday.

FES: Jay thank you for your time I wish the band much success.

Jay: Thanks a lot dude, thank you as well.

Bullet For My Valentine’s latest album “The Poison – Reissue” and their DVD “The Poison Live at Brixton Academy’ are available at all the usual outlets.

Bullet For My Valentine Is:
Matthew Tuck - Guitar/Vocals
Michael "Padge" Paget - Guitar/Background Vocals
Jason "Jay" James - Bass/Background Vocals
Michael "Moose" Thomas - Drums

Bullet For My Valentine is from Bridgend, Wales and tour on a regular basis.

For more artist information log onto the official Bullet For My Valentine website.

To sample music visit the Bullet For My Valentine page at myspace.com.

Musician Interview by Michael Montes - Copyright © 2007 Florida Entertainment Scene - All Rights Reserved.