I hear people say “music is my life” day in and day out. It got me wondering to what lengths will music push someone? It can affect everybody in many different ways. Some hold it more true to their hearts than others it seems. One person I can say that truly lives for music is Richard Patrick of Filter. Since being a part of Filter, Richard has created something that has lasted over 15 years, been to rehab, and is still going strong today. That, my friends, is living for music. But I don’t have to try and convince you, I’ll let him tell you himself…

Shout!: Most bands break up within the first five years of forming. What is it like to be a part of something for over 15 years?

Richard Patrick: Filter has been around for about 15 years but the members of the band have changed during that time. The only constant is me. By alternating members, I have been able to keep it fresh and I allow the new guys to bring in ideas as well. The current lineup – Mitchell Marlow on guitar, John Spiker on bass and Mika Fineo on drums – is perhaps the most talented I’ve ever had. These guys were hired strictly for their talent, which is a first for this band.
 
S!: 15 years have passed now, but where do you see yourself in the next 15?

Richard: I see myself continuing my music career. I don’t think I will ever stop making music. I have had a lot of success writing music for films so I can see myself branching out into that arena as well.
 
S!: Some newer bands on the scene are being compared to you. Who do you think you would compare yourself to?

Richard: I come from an industrial background. My influences range from Ministry and Skinny Puppy to U2.  I see some Filter influence in some current bands as well, but I think I will let the fans draw their own conclusions.
 
S!: Your music has grown with you over the years. Where do you grab inspiration from as compared to 10 years ago?

Richard: I get inspiration from my sobriety and my baby girl. These two life-changing events have certainly had a positive effect on my songwriting and outlook on the world.
  
S!: Rock on the Range was a huge festival to be a part of. What band(s) did you enjoy playing with most that weekend?

Richard: I really enjoyed seeing and hanging out with Stone Temple Pilots. As you know, Robert and Dean DeLeo are close personal friends and we were in Army of Anyone together. So being able to perform together as Filter and STP was really kind of cool.
 
S!: You then toured with Ours. What is your relationship like with the band and how was the tour?

Richard: I think Jimmy from Ours is one of the greatest singers ever. The band is great. I really enjoyed sharing the stage with those guys.
  
S!: I personally saw you with them and noticed that you are very involved with your fans while on stage. What does your relationship with your fans mean to you personally and as a band?

Richard: Our fans are very important to us…without them there would be no Filter. Some of them have been with me for 15 years, while others are new, which is totally cool. We have the greatest fans in the world.
 
S!: Having been through rehab, what can you tell your fans about the consistent substance abuse in the music industry over the years and how it affected you and the band?

Richard: I only went to rehab once and knew that this was my new path in life. I was never going back. I can’t speak for anyone else but for me, getting sober was my only option, unless I wanted to die. I had no choice…I was that close. But alcoholism doesn’t only occur in the music business. It is a non-discriminatory disease that effects all races from all economic conditions. Had I not gotten sober, there would be no Filter. There may be no Richard Patrick.
  
S!: What are your thoughts on the 2008 election?

Richard: I am supporting Barack Obama. A six-day-old corpse would be better than what we have now.
  
S!: After this tour, what can your fans expect from you next?

Richard: Well, they won’t have to wait 5 years for another album. We plan on touring for a long time but as soon as we are done, we will begin work on the follow up to Anthems.

• Official Site: http://www.officialfilter.com
• MySpace URL: http://www.myspace.com/filter1