by Kenneth Morton

It was big news when Aaron Rothe announced he was leaving Drop Dead, Gorgeous, a band he started in Denver back when he was in school. DD,G had just put out their major label debut, produced by Ross Robinson no less, and had been touring incessantly ever since. In this interview, we ask Aaron why just why he left the band at this point in their career, and discuss what the future has in store for this talented musician.

Was this a difficult decision to make, and were any of the other members aware you may have been unhappy with the band?
No, the decision was so clear to me. The band knew it was getting to be my time to move on. My only concern was timing it so that it would not hurt the band and they would have time to find and train a replacement if they wanted one.

Did all of the constant touring and being away from home have anything to do with the decision?
Not at all. I love touring and never being in 1 place for more than a week.

Are you satisfied with your work on the three DD,G recordings? Anything you may have done differently?
Yeah. I'm definitely proud of what I did with DD,G. I learned a lot playing in that band. I was always in pop-punk something corporate-ish bands in high school and had no clue how to play or write heavier music. Being a part of DD,G was such a great living and learning experience for me.

Do you still remain friends with the remaining members of DD,G?
It's rough right now of course because it wasn't a mutual decision. Hopefully in time everything will be back to normal but right now I am just focused on the future and moving on to the next chapter of my life.

What is your new project going to sound like and do you have a name for it yet?
I am actually sitting in a hotel right now in New Mexico on my way out to LA. I am going to be working on some music projects with Sonny Moore and also working on my own music. I have so many songs written from over the last few years and none of them sound the same. Some are very dark and sad and angry, others are more positive and uplifting, some are both.

Your personal Myspace has a few acoustic songs on it. Have you ever considered going in this direction with your music?
Yeah. I am sure I will have some slower acoustic songs, but I don't feel that I'm ready to settle down yet. I have a lot of things I want to say and I love energetic up-beat melodic heavy rock. Certainly no screaming or dissonant chords but definitely really intense music that has very strong and relative messages. I want to help and love people through music but I will never limit myself to just one genre.

To you, what was the best and worst part about touring and being on the road with DD,G?
Meeting the fans and the performance. I loved being able to walk up on stage and rock out as hard as I could. It was therapeutic for me and I am addicted to it. Being off tour for more than 3 days kills me. The fans are amazing.

Was being on a major label a good or bad experience for you?
Suretone is an amazing label and they have the best people working there. There was never any "major label pressure" to make a radio record or top 40 sellout record. They were like a family and everyone supported each other. I could call anyone there at anytime if I ever needed anything. They took great care of us. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about Suretone Records.

Do you think that the post hardcore metal scene that DD,G is part of will remain big with the kids or go back into the underground?
That has nothing to do with me leaving, but I think it's on its way out. Everything sounds the same and everyone looks the same. That music doesn't feel real to me. I remember singing the chorus to Knife vs. Face Round 1 one night and just thinking "How does 'stab me directly in the heart, Watch me bleed lying at your feet' apply to my life at all whatsoever?" I think that genre is in danger because it is so over populated. The T-shirt wall at Hot Topic is also in danger for that matter.

What did you think of reactions from DD,G fans when you announced you were leaving the band?
I was relieved. People were so supportive and still are. You're always gonna have a few kids who are pissed but people were telling me they support me in everything I do and can't wait for my music. I am so flattered and in awe and extremely blessed for that.

What was your favorite CD of 2007 and why?
Idiot Pilot- Wolves that record blows me away. Michael Harris and Daniel Anderson are so talented. On my last tour with DD,G, we brought them out. They were finishing their record with Ross when we started pre-pro with him. They are the nicest guys and incredible musicians.

Do you have any messages for DDG fans and those who have been supporting your efforts in music?
Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. I can't wait to get started and go on this adventure with all of you. I love you all.

Aaron Rothe links

Aaron Rothe on Myspace: Aaron's Official Myspace Page!
The Highwire Daze Home Page: Return to the Main Page!

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