30 Seconds to Mars may not be tearing up the radio charts and MTV just yet, but there's no denying they've generated a huge buzz in the music community. Fronted by Hollywood actor Jared Leto, 30 Seconds to Mars released their self-titled debut in 2002. Not too many actors have the talent and ability to release a follow-up. Dogstar and 40 Odd Foot of Grunts come to mind. With their latest release A Beautiful Lie, the group establishes themselves as more than just another Hollywood vanity project, with their intricate prog-rock arrangements and powerful melodic vocals. Backing Jared up in the band are guitarist Tomo Milicevic, bassist Matt Wachter, and brother Shannon Leto on drums. Shannon took some time to speak with me as the group was in the early stages of their latest tour.
RIL: If I knew absolutely nothing about 30 Seconds to Mars, how would you describe the group's music to me?
SL: 30 Seconds to Mars is the grandiosity of Pink Floyd and the energy of The Sex Pistols
RIL: Where did the band name come from?
SL: It came from...It's more of a conceptual kind of thing. It drives the music. Atmospheric.
RIL: You’re running a golden ticket promotion with the sale of your new album...
SL: Yeah hold on, I’m going to walk outside. We're doing a sound check right now...(long pause). The golden ticket; I can’t tell you everything, but one of the things is like a back stage pass for several shows.
RIL: Is there something special that you get too?
SL: Yeah, there’s a little something else there.
RIL: What’s your favorite song on the new album?
SL: You know it changes from day to day; I like "The Fantasy." "Fantasy" is really hot and has a lot of energy to it.
RIL: Are you playing a lot of songs from the new album on the current tour?
SL: Yeah, we’re playing about three to four new and three to four old ones.
RIL: What has been the most memorable part of touring?
SL: Connecting with the fans. You know, getting a relationship with them. Actually, the most memorable thing is when we played one of our first shows. We had just released our first single on the internet, and when we played the show, everyone was singing it. That was pretty amazing.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
very lively, interesting interview George, thanks! I had no idea about Leto being in a band - he was in Alexander, right?
Nice comparison/contrast to Dogstar and 40 Odd Foot, also. What do you think of Juliette and the Licks?
2 - George Dionne
I didn't really know that Leto was in a band either, let alone on his second album.
I honestly couldn't say that I've seen a movie that he's been in. It's possible he was in Alexander. I know he was in Panic Room.
I heard Juliette & The Licks on Regis, and I wasn't really impressed.
3 - Tan The Man
Great variety in questions... The band is awesome!
4 - diane
love jared, love shannon, love matt and love tomo these guys kick major ass. GREAT interview thanks so much!! Just got done seeing the show with Audioslave here in Vegas... nice nice nice!!
5 - Farah Michel
Very impressive band. Shannon plays the drums with such dexterity. He's very energetic. I met the band at American University last March 25, 06. They were awesome. Jared Interacted a lot with his fans. It was a very small and cozy performance. I'm Haitian. I do not discriminate against music. If it's great I'll listen and buy the product.
6 - jessica
ok well i just met shannon amd matt at summerfest this year and there show was GREAT!!!im a drummer also and look up to shannon as like an idol basiclly and always love to check up on what hes doing so this was great!!!
7 - Sonya M.
I Love the band, and I Love there music, i dont ever want to see them to end!
8 - brittney
yeah, i liked this interview because you all the time see lots of people at their concerts and alot of people don't really know of 30 seconds to mars and that jared was in a band. i like the fact that they have different ways of expressing their passion for music and that it keeps me in suspense. you never know what they'll do next..
9 - Leslie
I love Jared Leto he is so HOT!But his bro ain't as hot as he is though!
10 - Monik
30 Seconds is a great band. The best song is ATTACK I love Attack also the video of attack is fantastis also Shannon Leto you're very handsome really you're a great person. I hope they make a new cd please =D well see you I LOVEYOU SHANNON=D
11 - angel
u rock
12 - lucy.leto
i love both leto brothers! theyre both gorgeous! shannon is an amazing drummer and jared is an amazing actor/musician/singer. LOVE YOU LETOS!!! X X X
13 - lucy.leto
i love both leto brothers! theyre both gorgeous! shannon is an amazing drummer and jared is an amazing actor/musician/singer. LOVE YOU LETOS!!! X X X