An Interview with Cone McCaslin of Sum 41
By: Maddy Pines

From ska-punk, to punk, to a hard-to-define mix of rock, punk, metal, Sum 41 have become an ever-evolving band of musical misfits – even though they’ve only been on the worldwide music scene for 6 years. With Chuck, the band’s latest album, the band let their feelings toward the war on Iraq and the political state of the U.S.A. take over, and a more mature (in both music and lyrics) record was born. The band’s non-stop tour schedule didn’t stop Smash Magazine from getting the chance to talk with Cone McCaslin, Sum 41’s bass player.

Smash Magazine: You went to the Congo to do a documentary can you tell me a little about that?
Cone: We heard about this organization called War Child and wanted to get involved. At first we didn't know what we wanted to do. We thought of donating money but then we decided to go to the Congo to shoot a documentary on the effects of the country's civil war. We were interviewing the people affected by the war, child soldiers, women who were raped, and U.N officials. Toward the end of our stay a little battle broke out right next to us.

SM: Did it feel real that this was really happening?
Cone: It kinda felt real. A bomb would explode right near where we were at and the gun shots sounded like it was right next to your head.

SM: If you had to do it all over again what would you change?
Cone: I would research more into it. We're going to film and we didn't know that much about the whole situation. We weren’t told much going in, but apparently, what happened was a general was denied into the country and started a little battle because of it.

SM: You're going to tour with Hawthorne Heights and Unwritten Law; how's that going to be?
Cone: We're good friends with Unwritten Law and have known them for years. But Hawthorne Heights I don't know that much about. I just know they are doing pretty good right now and thought it would be fun to tour with them. I've only heard a few songs from them. I think it'll be a fun tour.

SM: Have you ever done something embarrassing on stage?
Cone: I don't know umm...not that I can think of. I've fallen many times over a chord and landed on my ass.

SM: What's the best part in being in Sum 41?
Cone: Traveling around the world. I love traveling and being in new places so…

SM: And the worst
Cone: You don't get to sleep as much. Like you go out to a bar and have to wake up early to do interviews and you're cranky and still hungover.

SM: What's a normal day on the road for you?
Cone: Not all that glamorous. Roll in to the place we are playing a show, wake up, eat, do some interviews, sound check, dinner, show.

SM: What's your favorite song to play and why?
Cone: “Still Waiting.” Kids really like the song a lot, it's a high energy song and I think it's our best.

SM: Where do you find your inspiration?
Cone: I don't know...I listen to a lot of music, no band or genre in particular.

SM: What are some sacrifices you've had to make being in the band?
Cone: We all have girlfriends, and it makes it hard when you go on tour. Unfortunately, there are a lot of break ups. Not seeing family sucks too. I mean, we do call all the time but it's not the same as seeing them.

SM: Any advice for up and coming bands?
Cone: Well, when we first started out we would book as many shows we could. It doesn't matter if we played for five people or two hundred. Just play them anyway and soon more and more people will go.