Exclusive Premiere: Staind Debut “Not Again”

| Jul 12, 2011 | Comments 159 | Tags:

Hard rockers Staind release their self-titled album on September 13, via Flip/Atlantic. Here is your first chance to hear their new single, “Not Again,” in the lyric video below. Below that, guitarist Mike Mushok fills us in on the song and the band’s heavy direction on the new album. Let us know what you think of the song in the comments.

REVOLVER What’s this song about?
MIKE MUSHOK You’d have to ask Aaron about that one. I do know that he does write about things he’s felt or experienced. However, he usually really doesn’t like to discuss the actual meaning of the song because he likes to let the listener make up their own interpretation. This way everyone can get what they want from the song rather than being told what it’s about.

Which part of it did you come up with first?
I actually came up with the clean intro/verse part first and wrote the heavy riff around that. This was a song that I brought down and pretty much had written when we started jamming. Not much changed from when I worked through the song with Johnny K in Chicago before the sessions. It was one of the earlier things I wrote for the record that just stuck with me.

Was this an easy song to write or record?
There really wasn’t anything too difficult about writing or recording this song. The solo was improvised from the demos, and I had to go back and relearn it. The riff is all down picked, which makes it sound heavier, I think. I kind of did that with all the riffs on the record. That hasn’t been on a Staind record in awhile. There’s really nothing too complicated about it.

However, the record was very difficult to make. There were a lot of things going on that led to this—us losing our drummer Jon [Wysocki] during the sessions, Aaron releasing his solo record while we were recording, the deadline that the label put on us to turn in a record—that, in conjunction with a ton of other personal stuff, really made for a very difficult process. I have to apologize to my family for having to put up with me during that time. In hindsight, though, I’m really happy with the end results.

What sort of feedback have you gotten on this song so far?
Feedback seems to be good! We played the song at Rock on the Range, and it went over well. A live show is really a hard place to hear a song for the first time. I have played it for a lot of people I know, and they seem like they really enjoy not only this song but the whole vibe of the record. It seems like everyone so far is really glad that we kind of returned back to where we started. Me, too!!

This album as a whole seems heavier than what Staind has done in the past. Is that something you set out to do this time?
It was. It’s funny, the last record Aaron said was going to be our heaviest record to date, but I just wasn’t writing songs like that. It worked out because he did like what I was writing, and instead of our heaviest record, it became our most experimental. This time around we felt it was really time to return to our roots. I’m really glad we did because I’m really proud of the way it turned out. I really can’t wait for people to hear it and for us to be able to play these songs live. It should definitely add something to the set. Should be fun!



  • Jhetsgirl

    Missed you guys….love it!  I’m pumped….can’t wait.

  • Drewandlisa621

    love it… I can’t wait to get the new staid album. I hope to get in presale.. :) if they have that.. 

  • Jamesv

    Love it, keep it up !

  • LC_mustangs08

    i love it 

  • http://twitter.com/Ralz413 RRWJ

    This song Rocks! I love Staind been a fan since day 1, glad they are back!

  • http://www.facebook.com/sharon.l.clark Sharon Clark

    Awesome! I really like the song…give us MORE! It’s been awhile…

  • http://www.facebook.com/sharon.l.clark Sharon Clark

    Awesome! I really like the song…give us MORE! It’s been awhile…

  • Elmerf9

    Very nice indeed. Have been missing the arse-kicking songs for a long time! Bring on September!

  • Elmerf9

    Very nice indeed. Have been missing the arse-kicking songs for a long time! Bring on September!

  • rushfan

    Efing AWESOME!!! Back to their roots.

  • rushfan

    Efing AWESOME!!! Back to their roots.

  • Brian D. Pratt Sr.

    This is one of your best singles i have ever heard! Great Drums and guitar! Of course it wouldn’t be staind without Aaron Lewis!

  • Ashley Everett

    Absolutely AWESOME – can’t wait to hear the rest – September 13th can’t get here fast enough.  Thanks guys for all the hard work.

  • Cochi69

    became the world’s best rock, friends, Staind is back with us, enjoy !!!!!!!!!! Not again?? YES AGAIN !!!!!

  • Cochi69

    became the world’s best rock, friends, Staind is back with us, enjoy !!!!!!!!!! Not again?? YES AGAIN !!!!!

  • Cochi69

    became the world’s best rock, friends, Staind is back with us, enjoy !!!!!!!!!! Not again?? YES AGAIN !!!!!

  • blue

    SO SICK!!! I have loved all your albums but honestly everything I have heard so far has me more stoked for the release than I have ever been before!

  • blue

    SO SICK!!! I have loved all your albums but honestly everything I have heard so far has me more stoked for the release than I have ever been before!

  • CHAOS

    Ohhh Yeaaa guys…, Staind is Back!!!

  • CHAOS

    Ohhh Yeaaa guys…, Staind is Back!!!

  • NANCYZOBJECK

    As always you guys impressed me!!!!! Love ALL your music!!!!!!!!!! YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Herring9096

    AWESOME!

  • Herring9096

    AWESOME!

  • http://www.facebook.com/april.mcpeak April Wright McPeak

    Sweet!

  • Chino

    YEAAHHHH! MEGA LIKE!!!

  • TLP

    Awesome!!!  Love it!

  • Justin

    I love all of your records, no matter what the style, I’ll always be a true staind fan……

  • Nic_lute2007

    Amazing I was at Rock On The Range and it was sick there to.

  • Motoroscsaj66

    Staind the best FOREVER (for me ) ….I had been saying it since 10 years! :) )) Hungary waiting for you Guys :) )))

  • Sara K

    Never Fails; officially at the top of my “things to buy” list!  Can’t wait to hear the rest!

  • Sara K

    Never Fails; officially at the top of my “things to buy” list!  Can’t wait to hear the rest!

  • Nic_lute2007

    The solo is just awesome. One of my Favs from mike. Between eyes wide open and not again and something to remind you im going to have a nice new list of new favorite staind songs. Glad they are back. Sorry to hear about Jon leaving though. He was an incredible drummer. Come back Jon Please

  • Nic_lute2007

    The solo is just awesome. One of my Favs from mike. Between eyes wide open and not again and something to remind you im going to have a nice new list of new favorite staind songs. Glad they are back. Sorry to hear about Jon leaving though. He was an incredible drummer. Come back Jon Please

  • Steven

    Now that’s the Staind I fell in love with!!!

  • Robyn

    Agree w Steven…it’s about time they got back to rock…

  • Cormier Marcus

    Awesome, Aaron doing what he does with word arrangement and Mike creating riffs that pronounce who Staind truely is and were there roots are, nicely done. I love it.

  • Libbyc5

    Freakin Awesome!!!

  • spidermonkey

    no words to describe what that just did to me

  • Fizzzzwizzz

    The best of the best

  • Kbrewer96

    AWESOME! I’m a huge fan of everything “Staind” but that’s back to mudshovel days, which is an amazing place to be.

  • Redneck_joker

    Wow! I love this song. Can’t wait for the new album because it’s gonna kick ass. I love everything Staind has ever done and this doesn’t disappoint.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000364159941 Monica Matthews

    cool…love it!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000364159941 Monica Matthews

    cool…love it!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000364159941 Monica Matthews

    cool…love it!!

  • tim west

    Totally dig this song. This upcoming album is sure to be a HUGE hit. Staind…prepare to win some grammy awards for this one.

  • Morgan

    Another record by Staind that is incredible, however they choose to make their music it always has true emotion, I truly cannot wait for this album to be released, I desperately want them to tour in the UK!! Will this happen anytime soon??

  • wiLDmAn

    Great, great, great … finally a new piece I was waiting for from the release of Break The Cycle …

  • Sam

    mike u r a god what the tuning?

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/William-Curley/100002279416426 William Curley

      Mike uses a Baritone PRS tuned to Drop G# (G#D#G#C#F#A#)

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Leigh-Oliver/639591960 Leigh Oliver

    Nice

  • Antony_stephens

    The song rocks! As a huge fan of staind since day one, it would not have mattered to me one bit if this album was more heavy than the rest. It’s all part of growing up and experimenting. So far though 14 shades is my favorite record! 

  • TTT

    i like the heavy shit! good work. looking forward to listen more.
    Hope you´ll come to Germany for a few shows. -TTT

  • Gothicvik

    LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fantastic as usual!

  • http://www.facebook.com/briankk Brian Kuepfer

    I think this is good direction for the Band. Long time fan, ty.

  • Calyoung91

    im a die hard staind fan i saw them open for kid rock at the old cotton club in atlanta in 98′ a 15$ concert that was the best i ever seen i even got strip clubs to play their music “crazy horse,blazzin saddles.”i love there first cd but each cd after and after just gets weaker and weaker go back to the old days when the soul was dark and u want revenge

  • Calyoung91

    im a die hard staind fan i saw them open for kid rock at the old cotton club in atlanta in 98′ a 15$ concert that was the best i ever seen i even got strip clubs to play their music “crazy horse,blazzin saddles.”i love there first cd but each cd after and after just gets weaker and weaker go back to the old days when the soul was dark and u want revenge

  • Calyoung91

    im a die hard staind fan i saw them open for kid rock at the old cotton club in atlanta in 98′ a 15$ concert that was the best i ever seen i even got strip clubs to play their music “crazy horse,blazzin saddles.”i love there first cd but each cd after and after just gets weaker and weaker go back to the old days when the soul was dark and u want revenge

  • Greg

    Very different, lol, but I like it, its pretty heavy :D

  • http://www.facebook.com/candykb1980 Candy Bowen Tanner

    THAT kicked ASSSSSSSSSS!!! Fan from day #1, gonna see Aaron Lewis this Sunday in Richmond, VA @ The National!!! i can’t wait! I have seen Staind 4 times already, and I watch him when he’s on hunting shows, too! :) Y’all kick ass!!!

  • Dnc1965

    Love the song . It rips.All of Stains songs have alot of emotion and meanings, thats what i think sets them apart from other bands out there. Been  HUGE FAN since the frist time i herd yall. Keep up the great tunes. Hurry back to Shreveport ,Bossier city louisiana guys.

  • Silvia

    Sounds good!! I have recently heard Arin live, sounding a lot like country………his voice was awesome as also, but I truly love this passion much better!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/audrey.chitty Audrey Sapp Chitty

    LOve it!!!! cant wait for more!

  • http://www.facebook.com/Tardles Tardyjay Von Bubbler

    Hell yes! Huge Staind fan from the beginning. Fantastic new music. Exactly what I would expect from Staind. Just great sounds. Keep it up guys!

  • Michelle

    Can’t wait to hear the rest of the album !!! 

  • http://www.facebook.com/kaylaxmichelle Kayla Michelle

    This is BEAUTIFUL.

    Staind will always remain my favorite band. Their music and Aaron’s lyrics always amaze me and this song too, has to power to speak to me and explain something that I have felt, actually something that I am currently feeling. I love this song, and I am so excited for the new album. Keep up the amazing work, guys! :)

  • Melissa Kearns

    Staind will always remain my favorite band, their music and Aaron’s lyrics always have a strong power behind them and the meanings. I love this song, and I am so excited for the new album. Keep up the amazing work, guys! :)

  • Karen

    LOVE IT!!!

  • Jdub19812000

    cant wait to hear the rest of the cd!!

  • Lauriebaby24

    Love it!!!!  Ready to hear more :)

  • Stef

    Love Staind from the first moment I heard the first album. Recognized Aaron walking in the streets of Amsterdam and had a short conversation with him.  Will  never forget that!

    Keep up the incredbile work guys and come to Holland!

  • Lurchmonger

    getting back to the harder stuff, love it!!!!

  • Ctw870

    Love it! Good to see Staind return to their old form.

  • Jkszalai

    Love it! old school staind!

  • Giddymo7

    I love it when Aaron gets his scream on……this songs really moves me …love it.

  • Parra Regina

    on the real guys.i have to wait 2 hear the hole cd.love ur music.although this record didnt catch my ear.just being real.guys.no disrespect to aaron an the band.ever.is 75 on this new cd?greet song aaron.seen u do it at pechanga 1-29-11.aaron love ur solo cd listen 2 it all day.love the fist song story never ends.how true.another 2 months on the road,just 2 more miles an ill be home to what i know..love the hole town line cd. greet job.keep up the good work.

  • Mike

    Now this is the Staind I grew up with and loved. I was disappointed by their last album and thought it was the end of an era. But I’m so glad they returned to the style that they got so much respect for. I absolutely cannot wait for this album to be released!

  • Cvarney101

    Love it!

  • Sicknet

    Grat stuff from a great band!

  • Sicknet

    Grat stuff from a great band!

  • Sicknet

    Grat stuff from a great band!

  • P_ooten

    ok i like this one. aaron sure has a talent of singing and writing songs. i do particularly like this one

  • Pam

    ok i do like this one. aaron has a talent of singing and writing songs. i do particularly like this one. good job aaron.

  • Webbyo

    i  love the band, have all the cd i don,t care what they do it always great for me just as long as they are playing  i will have a cd of them

  • Browneyes0215

    I am a die hard Staind fan and have loved every album except the last one. This album seems like it is going to be another awesome one.

  • Jason

    Welcome back guys, awesome song. Can’t wait for the album to come out. Also looking forward to Aarons solo album.

  • Sharkdiver007

    i love the start of the song  it rocks big time

  • Mmmm26

    great song, whose heart got broken?

  • http://www.facebook.com/StaindFan Ed Kirkpatrick

    Wow…this is an amazing song!  I can’t wait to hear the rest of the album.

  • Debi

    Sounds great….can’t wait to hear the whole album! 
     

  • Alan Ruskauff

    I enjoy all of their albums. my favorites is still dysfunction because the dark sound of it and it helped get me out of my dark place. all of your songs rock! keep ‘em coming!

  • Lpcp81

    That was awesome but I love everything you guys do keep it up!!!

  • vinylman1

    Another major hit for Staind. Great job!!!

  • Cassandralynn1 10

    love love love it!!! can’t wait for the album to come out!!!

  • http://iradar666.blogspot.com iRadar

    Please just give me the album already!!! Everything I’ve heard from it so far has been so awesome I am just really looking forward to getting it!  Three years has been too long to wait!  

  • laura

    good song  as always  keep rocking  i will get the cd  when it comes out 

  • Rickaikidojohnson

     This is a pretty decent song that most people will like! I appreciate the lighter side of Staind & enjoy his great voice in most of his songs! Coming from a vocal background I hope he takes care of his voice so we can hear him for many more years!!!           

  • Silverwoman36

    LOVE this new song! Keep rocking Staind. Great job with the lyrics Aaron.

  • Rikaquilar

    love it!!
    well done!!

  • Greg

    good stuff! keep it coming!

  • Greg

    good stuff! keep it coming!

  • Gbaby

    Staind is my favorite band. Aaron has an amazing voice…less screaming is better!

    • Watdo124

      Listen to Justin Beiber if you want less screaming.

  • Ilias Pineau

    I don’t know good English for understanding totally the lyrics, but I liked much the music also the song. It was my first time to hear that group and I liked.

  • Leah

    love it. cant wait for the album.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1030543831 Sarah Cheatham

    I love it . hope the album comes out soon. I NEED MORE. I love it.

  • steve

    hey guys glad to hear u guys are back really back liked the last one but good to see yall with the stuff that made you guys origanal and in my opinion the best band and songwriting of all time keep bringing the songs truly u guys r the greatest peace

  • Fernanditojosesanchez

    hey excelente ya extrañaba staind algun dia mi sueño es verlos en vivo ….suerte

  • Judy

    Absolutely love Staind, but less screaming way better! Without that part, song would have been perfect. Illusion of Progress … best album ever! Was so looking forward to more of that :(

    • Watdo124

      You’re an idiot. IOP wasn’t Staind. Go buy Tormented or Dysfunction. THAT is Staind.

      • Clsr2thehrt

        agreed Dysfunction rawks

  • Judy

    Absolutely love Staind, but less screaming way better! Without that part, song would have been perfect. Illusion of Progress … best album ever! Was so looking forward to more of that :(

  • Mike

    I really like the song, i can wait for the cd to come out.

  • Mike

    I really like the song, i can wait for the cd to come out.

  • Cdstcook

    The epitome of what a Hard Rock song sounds and instills is the song:  Not Again!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Nathan-William-Pulver/100000750584558 Nathan William Pulver

    Awome

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Nathan-William-Pulver/100000750584558 Nathan William Pulver

    Awesome

  • Clsr2thehrt

    Once again Staind has pulled off a great tune,heavy and mellow.I am stoked about the release of yet another great Staind release,can not wait to see them live.They always play Phx…

  • Marcy

    Bad ass song and, I love the fact that this is a lot heavier then before. Cant wait to see you guys at concerts out here in Minnesota. Love your band and always will….

  • Francesca

    It’s great! No doubt! I’m curious to listen to whole album

    • Cathybarrick2

      Francesca, do you live in Newville Pa? Hi, my name is Cathy.I live in Newville too but I prefer Nickelback and Daughtry.Staind’s kinda boring.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1046156371 Anonymous

    Welcome back, Aaron & Co.!!   The Staind we came to know & love in the beginning IS still there!! <3  THANK YOU!!!!!!

  • Missy

    Love it!! Can’t wait to hear the whole album!!!!!

  • dukerochester

    Sweet!

  • dukerochester

    Sweet!

  • Jerseypeaches

    Cant wait, and also seeing Aaron this Friday  in hot lanta

  • Deck

    have to check the whole album now great tune

  • tina b.

    i really love it. thats what STAIND is all about. rocking it HARD.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_4MA6CVR34QD7BGWSC7QP5QGS4A DILLIGAF

    LOVE IT!!!

  • Gardnerclf

    Here we go again….Staind is filling our need for a hard driving song that makes you feel the song and want more….Rock On !!!

  • Tacost12

    Love it… You guys are awesome!!

  • Prattrm

    Love it! Can’t wait for the new album to be released!!

  • Mallobue

    Back to the hard rocking ways! 

  • Mallobue

    Back to the hard rocking ways! 

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Linda-Zbink/1559101863 Linda Zbink

    Epic, as usual. Can’t wait for the tour. Bring it on<3

  • Wheels

    friggen wicked awesome!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1165343006 Lia Hitchcock

    Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, much better

  • Joey Macciomei

    Always good stuff! But its good to hear that old school Staind sound again. I Love it !!! and cannot wait until September to buy it.

  • Trinity

    Love it; as usual…  Both Staind & Aaron Lewis are THEEEEE best!!

  • Marshallfan2005

    Love this…… Staind is back!!!!

  • Snuggys69

    Aaron and the guys have done it yet again…..GREAT JOB!!!  Can’t wait to get the whole album :)

  • valerie

    love it can’t wait to buy it

  • Aaronjdavidson

    Reminds me of the first time I saw the video “Just Go”! Gave me chills!

  • heather

    Another great new song from my boys STAIND!!!

  • Ayrwyn

    Awesome song by STAIND I for one am glad that they returned to their roots for this album, Thanks guys I loved it!

  • Soulgazer9

    I’ve been waiting for years for another heavy album.  Thank you!  I love it and can’t wait for September 13th!!!!!

  • Jennifer

    Loved the song its great!!!! Cant wait to hear more!!!

  • Angela

    I love the new song and cannot wait until September to get the new cd to enjoy all your efforts!

  • Ladynite

    Nice to see you went back to the heart of Staind…Awesome songs guyz,  you hit it home- AGAIN….like soooo many otherz I too cannot wait til September.  If this is just a sample of how ‘sweet’ this album is going to be……sh^tz

  • Bitsnspurs74

    I love it…great to have a band that doesn’t forget it roots!!!! All the other Albums we awesome in there own way but this one I think your going to knock it outta the park….love it!!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/tammy.hintz1 Tammy Hintz

    Love it!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/tammy.hintz1 Tammy Hintz

    Can’t wait the hear the whole CD……<3

  • Alan Bridge

    Good song lads, looking forward to buying the full album when it is released. Its good that yous are finally on the music line again, ive not heard much recently

  • laura

    Love the lyrics and awesome guitar, but, sorry, I don’t like the screamo thing.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_O3QRWGZ7OASPFAES2AFMWP2L24 .BiGEatS.

      hey, stupid bitch. listen to early staind.  its not screamo. geesus fucking ignorant people.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_O3QRWGZ7OASPFAES2AFMWP2L24 .BiGEatS.

      hey, stupid bitch. listen to early staind.  its not screamo. geesus fucking ignorant people.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_O3QRWGZ7OASPFAES2AFMWP2L24 .BiGEatS.

    YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH ARRON LEWIS SCREAMING.. STAIND JAMMING.. THIS IS THE BEST NEWS I HAVE HEARD IN AGES

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_O3QRWGZ7OASPFAES2AFMWP2L24 .BiGEatS.

    YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH ARRON LEWIS SCREAMING.. STAIND JAMMING.. THIS IS THE BEST NEWS I HAVE HEARD IN AGES

  • Tanyahaigler

    Love the song but not the rude comment that .BiGEatS. had to respond to laura with! I think he should be banned from here. There are more mature ways to voice your oppinion dude!!!

  • http://profiles.google.com/misfit74 Allen Mattsen

    Sure this isn’t Seether? lol