Photo : McQuerter Photography
CM : Since joining Finger Eleven , how have you found the process of absorbing the material ?
SM : It ’ s funny because when I was a teen ager , I had a big Finger Eleven poster in my drum room and would come home from school and jam their latest record . So when I went in to audition , I knew every last part . I went in for an eight-song audition and we stopped after two songs and the guys were liking it , but I asked if we could play all eight because it was so awe some . But when I learn new stuff , I usually just live with the song for a while before I even pick up a pair of sticks . I let all the beats , melodies , and everything just seep in . Then , when I attack it and dissect it , I understand the arrangement and the tempo and everything . The actual playing is the least tricky part .
M
Steve Molella Finger Eleven
As a newcomer to a veteran band , Steve Molella brings an energized presence to Finger Eleven that the rest of the guys feed off of . In fact , Molella ’ s audition for the band was less of an audition and more of a “ welcome home ” moment . The band is currently supporting their sixth studio album , Five Crooked Lines .
THE GEAR
Yamaha Absolute Hybrid Kit
• 24-in . Kick
• 18-in . Tom
• 16-in . Tom
• 13-in . Tom
Ludwig 14 x 6.5-in . Hand Hammered Black Beauty Snare
Sabian Cymbals
• 20-in . HHX Stage Ride
• 19-in . HHX Xtreme Crash
• 17-in . HHX X-plosion Crash
• 14-in . AAX Stage Hi-Hats Evans Heads
Vic Firth American Classic 5B Sticks
CM : Have you felt your style or approach has changed since joining ?
SM : It definitely has . I was always very conscious of what I was playing , always focusing on playing the right beat . Now , there are a lot of dynamics in the songs , so I ’ m paying attention to that . If there ’ s a soft part , I ’ m focusing on playing to the mood of the soft part and then building to the loud part . My dynamics have gotten a lot better based on what the songs kind of teach me to do .
CM : The guys in Finger Eleven clearly like what they saw , but what do you think you bring to the band ?
SM : Well , with veteran bands , sometimes they ’ re okay to stay the course they ’ ve been on , but these guys were clearly moving in a new direction and I ’ m always one to push different ideas and bring a good mood and a passion for music . So I think I provide a spark that they felt or heard on their earlier records and I guess it ’ s kind of like a new life for everyone .
CM : How has your previous production work helped you become a better drummer ?
SM : First , my mentor is Arnold Lanni , which is a dream . He has taught me to just make good songs . I want to take care of bands and make good music , so if I don ’ t think a song is ready to be recorded , I won ’ t press record . I want to help people develop at their own craft , as well as develop my own skills , too . The production work also provides a good balance . The road and the studio are totally different , so when the time comes to take a break from the road , I head right into the studio and surround myself with more music .
CANADIAN MUSICIAN • [ 53 ]