Tonight, Minneapolis-based hard rockers 3 Pill Morning invade the Lehigh Valley to perform at Northampton’s Gin Mill & Grille. Doors open at 5 p.m. for what is sure to be a great night of rock.
Lehigh Valley Underground caught up with Jeff Stebbins, vocalist of 3 Pill Morning, for thoughts on tonight’s show and the band’s upcoming album, “Never Look Back.”
For those in our area who might be unfamiliar, how did 3 Pill Morning originate?
3 Pill Morning got started in Minneapolis with members of several different existing bands joining up and jamming together. A project was soon formed and have continued to push it into the touring act that we are now. It’s been a hell of a process, but we are excited to see all that hard work pay off!
You guys deliver high-energy, melodic hard rock. What artists have influenced your sound?
We’ve all got a variety of musical influences ranging from the Chili Peppers and Incubus, to Slipknot and Guns & Roses.
In 2012, you released your debut album, “Black Tie Love Affair,” which garnered attention from the likes of Revolver and Billboard. Looking back, what made that album so successful?
I think with that album we really became better songwriters and really focused on telling the story in a memorable way. We had an idea for the type of album we wanted to create, and we really wanted there to be something for everyone.
Also to your credit, you’ve toured with a who’s who list of modern hard rock, including groups like Shinedown, Sevendust, Buckcherry and, one of my personal favorites, Hollywood Undead. Talk about your touring experience.
It’s been great to hit the road with those bands and learn what it takes to really make it in this business. Some of those bands have really become friends and given us a lot of great advice and feedback to help our career. Plus, who doesn’t love playing in front of killer crowds?!
Tell us a great story from the road!
I think one of the most memorable moments, from a crowd perspective, is the first time we were thousands of miles from home and the entire crowd was singing one of our songs. It was completely unexpected, and to have that moment and see how impactful a great song can be keeps us fueled to do bigger and better things every day.
You’re preparing to release your sophomore album, “Never Look Back.” What can we expect from this record?
This album is definitely more aggressive and has an edge to every song on it. We really captured the emotion of each song, and these songs are real experiences and things that everyone can relate to in this crazy world. We’re really excited for everyone to experience it!
How have you guys evolved in the past four years, from “Black Tie Love Affair” to now?
I think we’ve become a lot more seasoned in the business itself, but have quickly realized the only people that can make things happen are us and our fans. Our new album is exactly what we wanted to write. Our fans are behind us 100% and, because of that, things are really taking off!
Recently, you released the album’s first single, “Electric Chair.” What has the response been so far?
Incredible. We felt like we had a good one with “Electric Chair,” and to get the feedback we have from fans and friends has been everything we’d hoped!
You’re coming to the Lehigh Valley, playing tonight at Northampton’s Gin Mill & Grille. What can we expect from this night of rock?
It’s going to be a party and a high-energy rock show. When we come to town, we want everyone to have a great time and make sure it was worth their while to come out and support the live show. We promise to make it an awesome 3PM experience!
Anything else you’d like to add?
You can preorder our album “Never Look Back” now, and definitely get out to see us on the road. We’ll be touring nonstop, so don’t be shy!
