We sent Paul Mahon from The Answer some questions via e-mail and this is what he had to say.

You are due to release your new studio album ‘Revival’ at the start of October, how long have you been working on the album for and how have you found the whole writing and recording process this time around?
we started in january 2010 and finished in november whence we began pre-production.It was a lot more relaxing and rewarding compared to everyday demons.We didnt feel as much pressure.We learnt from that experience and took our time a little more in the creation.

What themes and stories do you cover within the album?
I think david coverdale out it best when he said,"wine, women and song!"When you add mourning,loss,travelling across america and living to tell the tale you get revival.


How would you say the album compares to your previous albums?
This is a continuous thread for sure,maybe this one has more in common with rise.Its a very up album and returns to the blues alittle more than everyday demons though i think it still breaks new ground for us like everyday demons did.

What would you say your favourite songs from the album are and why?
My favs are destroy me for the intro and the colourful orchestration,trouble for the riff and nowhere freeway and cant remember cant forget as i think they are 2 of the best songs we've ever written.

You spent a massive amount of time support AC/DC over the past couple of yours would you say that has helped you grow as a band and influenced you with ‘Revival’?
Yes the acdc tour influenced us in a myriad of ways,we learnt how the simplest songs sound the best in big arenas and if you can get the simple songs right they travel well all over the world but they are the hardest to write!!!Also the travel across the world influenced us,certainly cormacs lyrics and i think our minds were collectively opened a little wider.

What inspires you when it comes to writing the lyrics to your songs?
everything from relationships,whats going on in the world,a good book,movie or experience on the road.

You kick off a massive 20 date headline tour across the UK 2 days after ‘Revival’ is released, what can we expect from the tour and what kind of set list do you think you will be going for?
It will be a very intimate atmosphere where we encourage the audience to be involved.It will be a return to our early explosive shows.The set will be 50% new material and then whatever else the fans would like to hear so there may be a few songs we havent played for a while.

Are you looking forward to certain shows on the tour more than others?
We look forward to all shows equally!!!Though it will be great to go to king tuts in glasgow as its sold out which means a bottle of whisky and a hangover the day after!Also exeter cavern will be fun,also sold out and it was the 1st show of our 1st tour in 2005!!!

How much are you looking forward to getting back on the road touring properly again? And overall do you expect to be touring as much as you did when you released ‘Everyday Demon’?
Cant wait to get back on the road,thats where it all happens!!We are definitely a live band first and foremost and we live to play onstage!Yep there will be as much touring as everyday demons though it will mostly be as headliner this time and we will get to play more extensive tours in uk and europe.

How did you find the whole AC/DC experience? And if you could tour with another high profile band for the same amount of time who would it be and why?
The acdc experience was a dream come true,it was a real treat to see them every night,it never got old there was always something new to see each night.Touring across america was fantastic also,we met some great people and had experiences we'll never forget!We learnt about stage craft and how to work an audience over a 2hr show every night.We learnt you cant fake it in rock'n'roll if you want longevity and we saw there are none more real than acdc!
The only other band i can think of would be van halen,hopefully being in the prescence of guitar greatness would rub off on one after a year and david lee roth would keep things entertaining.

What’s your take on the digital revelation killing off the music business?
It certainly seems that way though i just think the record companies dont know how to deal with it yet.Its taking the power back to the people slowly.The record companies will still throw piles of money behind shite and it will hang around and annoy us but i think some of the fake bands they try to put to us will die quicker as the new model for a band is you have to be able to play live and not many can these days and the people are starting to see that.It has also given kids much more choice and acessibility to music,u can find anything at the touch of a button with a good internet connection.They are becoming better educated and know what they want and i think the record industry has to back off the marketing hype a little and let people make up their minds and they support that artist not the other way round when they pick what we should like before we hear it!!!!!

Social network sites seem to be a big tool in the music industry these days, with artists communicating with their fans over it and some even ditching their own website and having just a social network page, what are your opinions on social networks as tools in the music industry?
Its funny as i said i'd never be on facebook but yes i find myself spending more time on there than our own website!!!!I dont know how it happened but people,ordinary people not just music fans spend a hell of a lot of time on there.Its a very powerful network that if you an unlock can be a very effective marketing strategy.

Where do you hope to see The Answer in a year’s time?
Hopefully people enjoy revival as much as we have,we are selling out theatres all over the world preaching the rocknroll gospel and getting ready to go into the studio to make an even better record.Then a year on we are in the stadiums!!!

One last random question that we ask every band, if you could be an animal out of a zebra or Giraffe which one would you be and why?
Definitely a giraffe,long necks come in handy and i like to see the lions coming before its too late!!!!

Thanks for your time is there a message for your fans reading this?
Yes i'd like to thank them for supporting us over the year and being patient waiting for the new album and tour.Looking forward to seeing you all out there on the road dont be afraid to say hello and all of you go home be happy and dont let anyone make you afraid!!!!!

Interview by Trigger