Sevendust's, Lajon Witherspoon Emphasizes Staying True To Yourself
Last Updated on 10.07.11 Written by John Guarnieri
Recently, Fallen Blue had the distinct honor of recieving a phone call from Lajon Witherspoon, Sevendust's vocal leader. The band was set to play at the Milwaukee Summerfest in a couple of hours, but nonetheless Lajon had some time to share. We discussed everything from their upcoming tour as part of the Uproar Festival later this summer, his extensive collection of police patches, and his advice for upcoming bands looking to break into the music scene.
Sevendust is pumped to be taking part in the Uproar Festival at the end of the summer; Lajon looks forward to spending time with all the bands, but mostly Avenged Sevenfold, a band whom they have played with and toured with in the past. In regards to A7X, Lajon said that "it was great to see those cool cats grow up in the music scene and take it over like they have now." Lajon promises that Uproar will be a "great rock & roll metal party". Lajon also mentioned that band had a killer time playing with Disturbed in Italy, and that they also played to thousands of screaming fans at the Download Festival.
Before the interview, Lajon did some research on Fallen Blue and connected with the story of my classmate and fellow officer, who was killed in a motorcycle accident. Mr. Witherspoon himself has dealt with personal tragedy in the past, but it was the birth of his two daughters that really made his approach to music change. Lajon said that the combination of personal loss and becoming a father "made him more emotional, and gave him the ability to not be afraid to write what he feels."
Lajon also shared some incredible knowledge for bands and artists looking to break into the music industry. The number one thing he said was "to stay true to yourself. The best thing any new band go do is become business oriented, and get out and keep on playing." He also mentioned that the internet is a great vehicle for music and promotion. The interview itself provided more than enough reasons why Lajon is regarded so highly in the music community; his honesty, down to earth personality, and musical devotion to his fellow hard-rock chorts in Sevendust sum up Lajon.
As we wrapped up the interview, Lajon talked about his big collection of police badges, and how he goes to the Michael's craft store to get them all custom framed. The band has many friends in law enforcement, some of which are always playing games with the band while they are in the studio, to include prank calls in regards to paying child support fees or parking tickets. Lajon made it a point to say that the band will always go out of the way to help the military and first-responders anyway they can.
Fallen Blue is proud to have Sevendust as an artist partner, and will be forever grateful for their support. Be sure to catch Sevendust on the road this summer during the Uproar Festival, and in November, the band will also be setting sail on the third annual Shiprocked Cruise, which will be their second year in a row. Check out their latest news at: www.sevendust.com.
