Matchbox 20

Rob Thomas, Matchbox 20: Matchbox twenty has truly become its own entity, and we really wanted to let it grow and evolve on this record. When we get together, we combine all our talents into one incredible whole. That's the beauty of this band – we make a beautiful noise together.

Brian Yale, Matchbox 20: We were all heavily influenced by 70's rock. That's what we grew up with. So we wanted to try and get that sound onto a record, because we all felt that that's truly the kind of the band that we are.

Adam Gaynor, Matchbox 20: When we play live, that's the real matchbox twenty. There's Kyle and me, playing guitars and singing harmonies, there's Paul wailing on the drums, there's Pookie running around playing his bass, and on top of all that, there's Rob's incredible voice. It's about as energetic and as raw of a sound as you can get, and we wanted to put that onto our record.

Rob Thomas, Matchbox 20: I like something with a classic touch. That way, it's easy.

Rob Thomas, Matchbox 20: Ever since I can remember, I've always wanted to tell stories, but I never had the patience to sit down at a typewriter and write short stories or anything like that. I started writing songs as a way of communicating ideas the best way I could.

Rob Thomas, Matchbox 20: I say, if you're going to bash us, just be clever.

Rob Thomas, Matchbox 20: Music is a big machine that would go on with or without me.