Interview with Davey Havok of

You went with a different producer for your new record The Art of Drowning?
We usually produce our records ourselves, which in reality, was the case for this record. Chuck mainly utilized his engineering skills to help us get the sound on The Art of Drowning. We did, however, then bring it to Andy Ernst to mix because we knew he would know exactly what we were looking for.

What do you think is the biggest misconception that people have about AFI?
People think we're a lot bigger than we are.

What about you personally?
I'm a lot smaller than people think I am.

Do you see AFI as trend setters?
Well, a lot of people have told us that we have been a big influence on their bands - which is very flattering - but I haven't heard very many bands that sound anything like us. I see quite a few kids who have a similar sense of aesthetics though.

As a band is there a certain image that you guys are trying to convey?
No. We use imagery that we enjoy. Nothing more.

Any regrets as far as AFI goes?
No.

What do you think separates AFI and makes you (AFI) special?
Well, I really don't think we sound like anyone else. It's hard to categorize our music so we are automatically separated, being that we don't quite fit anywhere.

Is there a level popularity wise that you don’t want to go?
No. If the whole world appreciated what we are doing, I think that would be great. We like it when people enjoy our music.

Personal highlights for AFI?
Our first Headlining show at the Palace in Hollywood, getting to Headline the Fillmore.

What are you looking forward to for AFI?
I love touring. I'm really looking forward to our tour with Rancid. Not only will it be our first tour on the new album but it will be with our friends, who just happen to be one of the best bands ever.

What is your personal view of Straight Edge?
I find drug use disrespectful, self destructive and weak. I want no part of it. I believe in complete respect for myself and others.

Name some of your guilty pleasures:
I've been asked this before, but I just don't have any really...most of the stuff that I like that others would be embarrassed about, I feel no guilt in liking. I like what I like and don't really care what others think.

What are some of you favorite non-Hardcore Punk records?
Pornography, Appetite for Destruction, Unknown Pleasures, Nothing's Shocking, Doolittle, Meat is Murder, Mask, Aenima, A perfect Circle, Voodoo U, Too Dark Park, The Land of Rape and Honey, Viva Hate..I could go on forever.

What non-Hardcore/Punk artists have influenced you?
The Cure, Joy Division, The Smiths, Bauhaus, The Cult, Danzig, Jane's Addiction, Slayer, Metallica...I listen to Portishead, Smashing Pumpkins, Tool, A Perfect Circle...all sorts of stuff.

What have you been listening to lately?
VNV Nation, A Perfect Circle, The Deftones, The Smiths, In Flames, Morrisey, Wumpscut, Joy Division, NIN, SOIA.

Some of your Favorite Danzig songs?
Soul on Fire, Tired of Being Alive, Sistinas, Going Down to Die, Brand new God.

Favorite Misfits songs?
Hybrid Moments, Children in Heat, Cough Cool, Violent World, Angelfuck.

Favorite Samhain songs?
Let The Day begin, November coming Fire, Mother of Mercy, To Walk the Night.

Favorite Minor Threat songs?
Little Friend, Filler, In My Eyes, Salad Days.

Who has had a profound influence in your life?
My family and my close friends.

What gets you motivated?
Music. Playing live.

Is there anything left in life that you want to do?
I want to tour Australia and go back to Japan. I want to get more tattoos.

Do you still like to mosh?
If inspired...yes I do.

Where do you see yourself in Ten Years?
Playing music.

Could you make a list of ten things that you enjoy?
1. Tim Burton movies
2. Eighties Video Games
3. Dark Music
4. Nightmare Before Christmas toys
5. Tattoos
6. Comics by Jhonen Vasquez and Roman Dirge
7. Art by Alan Forbes
8. Vegan Treats
9. Making Music
10. Playing live shows.

Thanks to Davey for the interview be sure to check out AFI's OFFICIAL HOMEPAGE

Also many thanks to Andrea at NITRO RECORDS. Visit them for all of your AFI needs.