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From The Editor's Floor: Cute Is What We Aim For

Posted by Steven Robertshaw on 03-Jul-08 @ 02:19 PM

JOHN FELDMANN IS BOB ROCK IN DISGUISE "I will probably kick myself for being this honest," says Cute Is What We Aim For singer Shaant Hacikyan with a laugh. "We thought John Feldmann was going to throw us out of the studio the first week we were there, we were showing our ideas to him and he kept walking out asking if that was all we got?" Feldmann always returned (sometimes after a few hours) and each time the band rapidly rewrote, reworked and recorded new material for the producer's fickle ear. "He was harsh to begin with but John gave us confidence to take chances," the vocalist continues. "We wrote the best thing we could because of his influence, his pressure bought out the best in us and everyone involved ended up totally satisfied with the result. It felt good to be part of it." "We thought through every single note on this record," boasts new Dave Melillo. "With Rotation we left it all on the field and I think that allows us to have a greater connection with what we made. It definitely allows for more enthusiasm about the process and the product." The new addition to the group speaks glowingly of the band's sophomore release despite their changes in sound, style and lyrical substance. "As much as this is a different album, it is still the sequel," he continues. "The first record gives this new album context. It explains where we came from. Even if Shaant's lyrics are contradictory, it makes sense to hear them together because this album is all about change and finding out who you really are in the middle of all the bullshit, trial and error that was explored on the debut." -Andrew Kelham Pick up AP 241 to read a full feature on Cute Is What We Aim For!