RIL: You have a tattoo on your upper left arm. What exactly is it?
SL: Its just abstract art. In fact, this artist that I use to live with used to incorporate a lot of this type of art in his work, so I asked him to send me some stuff and I just put it into this abstract piece of art.
RIL: Have you had to make any great sacrifices to become a musician?
SL: Sure. I mean, this is what I want to do. There have been relationship sacrifices of course. This band is my life, this is what I do. Everything else is kind of second. It's building a business, so I have to put all my energy into it. Therefore, it does not leave much room for anything else. There have definitely been some sacrifices over the years playing that I’m not living to regret. I take pictures, I’m a photographer. I’m also a writer, so I’m pretty content you know. If anybody has sacrificed, it's my brother. He has an amazing self career and a amazing music career, and with the music he’s not getting paid a cent. He turns down millions and millions of dollars in movies so he can live on twenty five dollars a day per diem. If anybody has been sacrificing, it’s been Jared, and that’s commendable.
RIL: You mentioned earlier Pink Floyd meets the Sex Pistols is kind of the sound of 30 Seconds to Mars is influenced by. Are there any other bands that have influenced you personally?
SL: I like The Cure, I like the first two albums from Metallica, Led Zeppelin, The Who, early Police, and Steely Dan...just different music. My mom used to listen to Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens when I was young.
RIL: When the band was writing this album, or any album, where did you look for inspiration?
SL: The inspiration comes from different experiences in our lives, and they come out when they come out. It just kind of happens.
RIL: Do you have song writing session, or do you just write down something that comes to mind whenever?
SL: Well, Jared was walking down the street several years ago and he had a melody in his head. That’s how a song started. Some songs you can be laying in bed and a beat comes. The thing is, you just put it out, you take it from your head, and play it through your instrument to see if it works. Then you put in other notes and melodies on top of it and see if it happens.
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