30 Seconds to Mars have, with Jared Leto in the front, managed to conquer the world with their genuine rock and fantastic appearance.
The trio is dedicated and committed in everything they do, and their latest album ”This Is War” is, according to them their greatest in their career so far. OKEJ sat down with guitarist Tomo Milicevic to hear if this really was true.
”Jared is the brain behind everything!”
Is ”This Is War” your best album so far?
-When it comes to the songwriting and the sound we’ve chosen, the result is completely different to what we’ve previously done. Jared’s writing has become a lot better. We have all become better at what we’re doing. And by the end of the day, that’s what matters.
Why did you decide to have 2000 different album covers to “This Is War”?
-We’ve always tried to share what we do with people, invite them instead of pushing them away, you know?
We invited people from all over the world to participate during “The Summit” when we worked with the album. They could participate in the recording and see how far we’ve come. 1000 fans came and contributed with vocals to our songs on the new album! That’s when the idea to Faces of Mars, as we call it, was born. That was our way of thanking our fans all over the world!
So Jared had a big importance in this experiment?
-Absolutely, he is the brain behind everything. He really is a man with a plan. He’s the one who comes up with all the original ideas for our songs and writes everything. Jared runs all the shit in the studio too, haha!
What song are you the most proud of?
-Personally for the band I have to say ‘Alibi’, we recorded it live and that was a big thing for us to do that! Then I really love ‘Night of the Hunter’!
It’s now been 3 months since you released your album, are you just focusing on the present or are you already planning the next album?
-No, right now we’re only focusing on the tour but…Jared always write, all the time. Haha!
Are you helping any kind of charity?
-Yes, absolutely. Since the earthquake on Haiti we’ve done a lot. We use the audience to reach out and act together with them, we try to unite people in this. Everyone should help!
How does it feel to be recognized wherever you go?
-Me, recognized? Well, I can say this: if someone recognizes me it would be 30 Seconds To Mars fans and no one else. I’m happy I get to travel around the world, work with music, meet a lot of people and still be me. It’s the greatest thing there is. Jared however…Haha!
He get recognized a lot, huh?
-Yes, he does! Everyone knows who Jared is!
Have you ever had groupies?
-Not me. I have a girlfriend since 9 years back and stick to her. I get along fine there, if you know what I mean.
When it comes to questions about Jared and Shannon’s private life, Tomo doesn’t want to answer at all. He laughs and tries to wave away all the curiosity.
-You have to take the girlfriend question with them, but I don’t honestly think anyone cares if they have one or not. Do you think?
Of course! But…would you as a musician ever date a fan? Ever been through some really bad pickup lines?
-You can fall in love with anyone, whether it’s a fan or not. Concerning the pickup lines…a “Hi, how are you?” is enough, if you feel something for someone you don’t need any typical lines.
Back to the tour. You are coming to Stockholm in just a few days, do yo know any Swedish?
-I actually have a Swedish friend in Los Angeles, but he has not wanted to teach me any Swedish. Maybe it’s because I’ve refused to teach him any Croatian. Can you teach me?
(Around here we are abruptly interrupted by the record label that says – last question)
Tomo tells us he’s only been to Sweden once before, in Stockholm, related to their last tour when they opened up for Linkin Park.
Despite that, he only have nice things to say about the people and the city. On the question whether they’ll play their hit songs ‘The Kill’, ‘From Yesterday’ and ‘Kings & Queens’ at Fryshuset, he responds;
-You’ll have to be there to know. See you there.
