Welcome to Pro-Mark Stix In Session!

Our guest today is Third Eye Blind's drummer, Brad Hargreaves!

In the wake of their smashingly successful multi-platinum debut album, Third Eye Blind became the band to see live in the summer of 1998. Pegged early on as a group who refused to conform, they have created an entire culture made up of fans that value originality, spontaneity, and quality grooves. The members of Third Eye Blind have remained true to their roots with their latest album, "Blue."

Brad Hargreaves brings extensive experience in the Bay Area avante-garde jazz drumming scene with him to Third Eye Blind. Under different teachers, he learned to approach drums both intellectually and emotionally, and is interested in writing music far beyond just rock. Join as as we discuss his work with Third Eye Blind and his future plans.

We welcome Brad Hargreaves!

GCSBinker: Brad, could you please begin by briefly telling us a bit about your style of drumming?
Brad Hargreaves: Well, it's tough to describe your own style. Other people could probably do a better job than me, but I know that the jazz playing I did for years before 3eb is very influential.

SemiCharmedChick: Do you have an email address at where your fans can email you?
Brad Hargreaves: I think that I can be reached at the Third Eye Blind site, SemiCharmed Chick. Thanks for asking.

boston3eb27: Do you enjoy playing in small clubs or ampitheatres better?
Brad Hargreaves: Good question! I like to play in a variety of places--small clubs and outdoor ampitheatres are my favorite though.

alisin15: Why is the album called blue, what's it stand for?
Brad Hargreaves: Great question, alisin15. It's tough to come up with a word or a phrase that absolutely represents all the song on one record. The word "blue" represents both something beautiful as in a blue sky or something sad as in feeling blue; therefore, I thought that the word "blue" was a word that would represent our whole album.

crawl: Brad...a lot of people look at the band and each member's role... Stephan and now Arion write...what would you say your role is? Do you intend on writing anytime soon?
Brad Hargreaves: crawl, the song-writing process in 3eb is one in which everyone partakes and I do hopefully plan on getting some of the riffs that I have written on guitar into songs on the next record. We shall see!

boston3eb27: what is your favorite song off of your sophmore album BLUE?
Brad Hargreaves: It changes periodically, boston3eb27, but I am probably most proud of the song "Wounded."

Arion1079: Brad, has it been really hard touring all around the U.S. for the past 2-3 yrs?
Brad Hargreaves: Not at all! Playing shows in front of our fans who genuinely appreciate our music is one of the most rewarding parts of being in 3eb.

ChemaChiva: Are you all planning to come to mexico someday?
Brad Hargreaves: We have no specific plans to tour Mexico at the moment but we would LOVE to come back and play in Mexico, ChemaChiva.

Caitlin: I think you're an awesome drummer Brad! Third Eye Blind ROCKS! I was wondering, who is your best friend? Why?
Brad Hargreaves: Thank you very much for the compliment! I have a couple of best friends. One is a musician in New York. The other is a high school from San Francisco. I would choose them because I have the most history with them.

charmedpiper7: On many email discussion lists we've picked up on many connections between the songs on Blue and the debut. Are there really connections or are we just thinking too much?
Brad Hargreaves: I don't believe that there is any direct connection, but the second record can't help but be informed by the first record and the experience from making it. Thanks for the question! I had to think about that.

biggest_3eb_fan: Who or What would you say is your biggest inspiration?
Brad Hargreaves: I would say that my dad was most influential in getting me to play drums and I am very glad he did! In terms of music, jazz music was most influential to me because it gave me the sense that anything in music is possible.

zipperhead: what's your favorite Third Eye Blind song and why?
Brad Hargreaves: zipperhead, again let me say that "Wounded" is probably my favorite song. I feel that the song stands for what modern rock is all about. I feel that song has a truly modern sound.

Emily: How do you and the band feel about fans tattooing their body with your band logo? I did and you saw it in Boston!!
Brad Hargreaves: Emily, we are extremely flattered by that gesture. It makes us feel like we really have to live up to something.

rubes: Brad, in a few 3eb songs there are allusions made to preganancies and babies. Do any of you guys (besides Tony) have children of your own?
Brad Hargreaves: rubes, not yet!

charmedpiper7: 20 years down the road what do you wanna be remembered for?
Brad Hargreaves: I would like to be remembered as making a contribution to new and modern music,charmedpiper7. I feel it is very important for music to change and evolve. In 20 years, I hope to be associated with a band who has done that. Good question! Touring with U2 and the Rolling Stones made us think about that very question.

thirdeyeblinded: How has being in 3eb changed your life?
Brad Hargreaves: Musically it has not changed a thing; financially it has helped! For myself and the band, it's all about the music.

chrissy L: Do you feel that the band has grown to new and better things now that the MONK has been reunited into the band? I love u guys!

Brad Hargreaves: I think that the live show has improved. I am very inspired by what I have heard from Tony so far. I expect 3eb to progress and improve thoughout the life of the band. Thanks, chrissy L.....we love you guys too!

meghanlon: If you could perform with any one musician who would it be and why?
Brad Hargreaves: Who would it be? <thinking> It would be Miles Davis if he were still alive. He changed his style of music four or five times and I really respect any musician who can evolve that much.

tattooed3ebfan: Brad, when will 3eb be filming the video for Wounded??? Stephan liked my tattoo and told me about having fans with tattoos in the video.
Brad Hargreaves: We don't have any specific plans for filming the Wounded video as of right now. We would like to do a live video for that song this summer. We'll just have to wait and see, tatooed3ebfan.If we do,we would love to have you in it!

Narclpsy83: What made you know that you wanted to be a drummer when you first started out?
Brad Hargreaves: Drums were around me my whole life. Although I played the clarinet and a little guitar, drums were always my first love.

charmedpiper7: Do you have any regrets concerning your musical endeavors?
Brad Hargreaves: Not at all, charmedpiper7, but I hope to play a little more improvisional music in my free time. Playing in 3eb is musically very rewarding.

helen43eb: Hey Brad, what are you and the boys doing after the Red Summer Sun tour is over? Come see us at home in the Bay Area! (my friend Brenda says hi!)
Brad Hargreaves: Hi Brenda! We plan to record the EP after the Summer Sun Tour. After that we hope to do more touring.

charmedpiper7: what do you think of the trade of mp3s on napster and similar services? And will you ever come back to State College, PA.?
Brad Hargreaves: I am sure that we will be back to State College,PA. As far as trading mp3's go, the genie is out of the bottle, this is a revolution and it will never be the same again. Good question,charmedpiper7!

Arion1079: Do you have any other projects in the works, solo maybe???
Brad Hargreaves: It's funny that you should ask...... I spent the whole day recording in my home studio. I would like to get involved in film soundtracks as well as collaborate with some of my old musician friends in more of a jam band situation.

helen43eb: Bradley William, hi, U R the BEST! I named my cat Brad after you! My question is, why don't you ever say anything at your concerts? You should! I love you. God Bless!
Brad Hargreaves: Thanks for the compliment, helen43eb. They won't give me a microphone because they are afraid of what I will say! LOL

GCSBinker: It seems that we are almost out of time. Do you have any final comments or insights for our audience before we wrap up?
Brad Hargreaves: I am sorry that I could not answer all of your questions, but if you would like to post them on our website, please do! Thanks very much for all your good questions tonight. I am flattered that so many of you chose to participate tonight. I am very excited about touring this summer and making this EP. I hope to see all of you soon! Thanks Pro-Mark and Pro-Mark sticks and World Without Borders for making this happen. Peace out!

GCSBinker: Thanks, Brad...... terrific chat tonight!