Joe Duplantier On Writing

New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Roadrunner Records) Gojira 's Joe Duplantier was interviewed by Performer magazine recently , and talked about how the band puts their set lists together on tour, writing on the road, and more.

Says Joe, "Mario is the one deciding the setlist, usually. You know, ' This song after this song will boost the energy, then we need something to chill, and go back to something stronger.' He's really good at it...We have a lot of songs, of course, but there's just a handful of songs we're able to play in that state of fatigue. Don't get me wrong; we put 100%, all our energy goes into each show, and it's very important to us. It's like a mission. But because we're so tired, we can't be like, 'Oh, let's play that old song that we haven't played in years.' The way we put the songs together, and how we interpret—how we play them—that's what makes the concert unique."

He also talks about writing on the road (yes, the band is already starting to work on new material), saying, "I actually hate it. I mean, I love it when there's an idea and it works and it sounds like there are things happening, but it's really weird to sit in the middle of all these shoes - because everybody throws their shoes in the back lounge, and dirty socks - and a computer, and [Mario's drum] pad…we're not a rock band anymore, you know? It's like being in a cage, a stinky cage with a computer. It's not the same. I need to be in a room with my friends and jam, so I cannot wait to get to that stage."