The Used’s returns with their fourth studio album, Artwork, which is set to release via Reprise Records on September 1, 2009. This album marks a series of changes for the band. Not only did the band add new drummer Dan Whitesides to the mix, but they also changed management within their label as well as worked with a new producer. Having worked with Goldfinger’s frontman John Feldmann as producer since 2001, The Used felt it was time for a change and enlisted producer Matt Squire (Panic at the Disco, Boys Like Girls, The Receiving End of Sirens) for Artwork.

So, how will these changes affect the band’s music? We caught up with The Used’s guitarist Quinn Allman for a Q & A Session.

Revolt: Your upcoming album is titled Artwork. What is the significance of the title?

Allman: [It means] anything and everything is art. Life is work.

Revolt: Describe Artwork.

Allman: [It's] honest and free. It’s everything.

Revolt: If you had to name a predominant theme, or concept behind this album, what is it?

Allman: The theme was always loosely based around keeping things real and organic. Lyrically, a lot of the songs touch on sacrificing everything. Including yourself.

Revolt: Obviously when a band has been together for many years, things change. How has The Used grown musically over the years?

Allman: We’ve always been a band that writes music for us. Were not trying to sound like anyone else and as friends, we’ve grown to worry about the big picture and have learned to endure. We’re thinking more about doing things our way and not letting the bullshit around us dictate our lives.

Revolt: This is the first studio album not produced by John Feldmann. What was the reason for changing things up this time around?

Allman: We were ready for a change. We needed to change. [Producer] Matt [Squire] was so hands-off that he allowed us to be picky about the direction of the album. And that let us focus more on our vision. John [Feldmann] has taught us so much about songwriting and recording that we knew we couldn’t fail ourselves if we just took a chance. And things worked out.

Revolt: Is there anything on Artwork that will surprise your fans?

Allman: I think they’ll be blown away by the album. All the art packaging was done with our photos and Bert’s [McCracken] journal scribbles. It’s really personal to us both visually and musically. I think people will be relieved rather than surprised.

Revolt: What are your tour plans in support of the album?

Allman: We’ll be touring a lot! All over the world, anywhere and everywhere. Watch out!

Revolt: What’s your favorite thing about touring?

Allman: The best thing about touring is we get to play music and hang out with our friends.

Revolt: And naturally, I’ll have to ask what your least favorite part about it is.

Allman: My worst part of touring is being away from home and loved ones. It’s like a huge part of your life is just passing you by.

Revolt: What has been the most fucked up thing to ever happen to you on tour?

Allman: I can’t remember. Honest! We probably drink too much.

Revolt: Do you have a favorite city, or state to play?

Allman: Everywhere we play is pretty rad. We honestly always have a great time no matter where we are. ‘I love new York city, oh yeah new york city’

Revolt: Name a band that you’ve never toured with, but would love to.

Allman: Weezer, Foo Fighters, and there are a few others.

Revolt: Thrice’s newest album, Beggars, recently leaked on the internet, forcing its early release. Any thoughts about the impact the Internet has had on your music?

Allman: On the positive side of things, [the Internet] reaches more people and places in an instant. But, people can also steal your music. You’re not hurting anyone but the band when you steal music. And that’s [kind of] shitty.

Revolt: You guys recently did a cover of Talking Heads’ “Burning Down The House” – if you could pick any other song to cover, what would it be?

Allman: Killing Joke’s “You’ll Never Get To Me” – go buy it right now!

Revolt: Ok, describe each of your bandmates in one word.

Allman: Dan [Whitesides]: Party (Dan likes to party)
Jeph [Howard]: Gamer (Jeph likes games)
Me: Phoner (I’m always talking on my phone)
Bert [McCracken]: Sleepless (Bert never sleeps)
Other guy: Invisible (because you can’t see him)

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