By Therese McKeon

What does Southern California have that everyone else doesn't? Nice weather, P.O.D. (Payable On Death), Eek-A-Mouse, and Bad Brains just for starters. Luckily, you can find three of those four elements represented on P.O.D.'s latest offering "Satellite". Introducing their hit single "Alive" earlier this year and following it up with a much-talked-about video, P.O.D. excel where other TRL hopefuls fall short. To the average perplexed onlooker, it may seem that the foursome are simply blessed. Although the band may admit to spiritual intervention, their propensity to come out of the gate head and shoulders above the rest is more than one dimensional. It's the result of producing a great record, having solid label support, and being that unique type of band that attracts a loyal fan base willing to stand the test of time. Shoutweb caught up with bassist Traa Daniels to talk about the P.O.D.'s "Youth of the Nation" tour, their new import label Soul Craft, how they got to number one on TRL, and the reasons they consider themselves more than just God rockers.

Shoutweb: So, you're off today?

Traa: Yes, we have a day off today. We're in Kansas City. At least I think we're in Kansas City!

Shoutweb: This record is just wonderful. It's already gone platinum. What do you attribute that to?

Traa: I would have to say first of all that this is just a great record. I think, if people like what we're saying then they'll get this record. People have gotten to known us as we really are.

Shoutweb: You say that people get to know you as you really are. How does that differ from how you're portrayed?

Traa: We all have our own personal views and beliefs. We're just regular people and there are music fans out there that relate to people like us. We get respected by them and we return that respect. In the end, we're just a rock band. We're not out there trying to make people be like us. We're not out there trying to be something that we're not. I mean, if people meet us and it has a positive influence on them then we're proud of that. There are groups out there that want us to be with them. We're not a part of anything. There are groups out there and it's cool that we get respected by them but that doesn't mean that we believe everything that they do.

Shoutweb: Then you have the "true" fans who analyze every move you guys make. Do you think you guys have it harder than the average rock band because you're being scrutinized from all angles?

Traa: We are. I have to respond with a definite yes to that because even though we're not dropping the "f" bomb between songs or after every song, we're also not preaching on stage. I think we have it harder than the average rock band out there. A lot is expected of us as a band. Like I said, we're just a rock band. We're in a unique position but I wouldn't change it. We're doing what we love. We're very fortunate. Our band is very tight.

Shoutweb: The "Youth of the Nation" tour is happening right now and that's also the name of one of the tracks on this record. That song was written after the school shootings in Santee, California.

Traa: Yes, at Santana High School. We wrote it after we heard about the shootings.

Shoutweb: Who are the kids singing on the chorus of that song?

Traa: They were actually kids out of Los Angeles. They were professional singers. Our first idea was to just have kids come in and sing in our recording studio. Then we found out that most of them we're under 18 years of age and our lawyer said that it could be a problem so we went with the professional singers in L.A. instead. Actually, one kid there sang in the movie "Shrek". A few of them had parts in animated films but I forget which ones.

Shoutweb: For the "Youth of the Nation" tour you are flying the band Blindside over from Sweden to open for you. Christian, their lead singer, is on track 10 called "Anything Right". Who is that directed song towards?

Traa: That song is directed towards everybody. It wasn't just P.O.D. There are people who want us to be a part of their group and want us to say "hey, we're with them."

Shoutweb: You mean like, "You're in our posse?"

Traa: Right. And I guess that song is really a common emotion that we feel because you can't please everyone. Sometimes you feel that you just can't do anything right. It's just something that we wanted to talk about.

Shoutweb: Things you're dealing with at the time will come out in your songwriting and in the lyrics.

Traa: Like you were saying, people want you to be in their "posse" and want you to live by their rules. If you don't live by their rules then they're not happy. They can't put us in a box. Nothing defines who we are except for P.O.D.

Shoutweb: How did you guys get involved with Blindside?

Traa: We go way back to 1995 or something like that. Right now we're working on an import label with them as our first project.

Shoutweb: Really? What is it called?

Traa: Did you ever hear of the band Bad Brains? Well, they have a song called "Soul Craft" that we love so we're calling it Soul Craft. We're taking Blindside out with us as our opener to get them some exposure. Christian is a star.

Shoutweb: He is. Does he sing all the vocals on "Anything Right"?

Traa: Yes, it's all him.

Shoutweb: You gave me a great segue into track 13 with H.R. from Bad Brains on there. It starts out punk and goes into this reggae vibe.

Traa: Back in the day, they were the biggest thing. Bad Brains were four guys singing punk in a dreadlocked looking band and in San Diego, California, it was huge. They are amazing live and were a big influence on a lot of people. I mean, everybody knew who Bad Brains were but now a lot of kids have no idea.

Shoutweb: It's a different generation so it's great that H.R. from Bad Brains is making an appearance.

Traa: He's on "Without Jah, Nothin'" and it was an honor to have him on the record.

Shoutweb: Your street team and Warriors, as you guys refer to them, are amazing. They've taken over MTV's TRL and gotten the "Alive" video to number one for several weeks again and again.

Traa: They do it because they believe in us and what we're doing. They're dedicated fans and we love them.

Shoutweb: I'll say! I have to ask you some questions about things I've been reading. There is apparently a photo in one of the magazines or something where you're holding up both hands and it appears that you're holding up your middle finger.

Traa: Where was this? I'm positive I didn't stick my middle finger up.

Shoutweb: I think I remember seeing something like that.

Traa: I can assure everybody out there that I would never do such a thing. Maybe I had a pen in my hand. I'll have to see what it is that they're talking about. Could be sabotage! (laughter)

Shoutweb: (laughter) I know. Anything is possible these days.

Traa: There was also something printed and it was a misquote. It was something about Eek-a-Mouse and it had me using the "f" word but it was totally a misquote. I never said that.

Shoutweb: It happens I guess.

Traa: I am sure that in the heat of it I have dropped the "f" bomb before. I don't curse as a rule but there have been times. One time, I was working on my car and I smashed my finger and words just kind of fell out of my mouth. It wasn't intentional but I am human.

Shoutweb: This is why we are all human beings and sinners.

Traa: If I'm tired and I've had a bad day, I might not be the nicest guy.

Shoutweb: The limited edition EP from "The Fundamental Elements of Southtown" was released as a bonus CD and I know a lot of fans are looking to get a hold of that.

Traa: Yeah, that has a lot of cool stuff on it. That was a long time ago. We'll have to do that again.

Shoutweb: Kids were asking about the "Warriors Come Out And Play" clip.

Traa: There is a line in the movie "The Warriors" where the character says, "warriors, come out to play!"

Shoutweb: I see. And that was just a clip taken from the movie?

Traa: Yes, I believe so.

Shoutweb: "Satellite" is the title of the new record. What is this theme? In the CD liner, you guys look like you might be on Mars and you are sitting with a planet hovering over your head. (laughter)

Traa: (laughter) There started to be something very celestial about it so we decided to title it "Satellite". It had that vibe so we went with it. Sonny has always felt that since his Mom had passed away that she is watching over him. That is what the song "Satellite" was written about.

Shoutweb: Marcos gives you a shout out in his thank yous, calling you the "LOW END THEORY".

Traa: (laughter) Oh, boy. Yeah, that's his name for me. He doesn't like coming to my side of the stage because he says it's so low. I don't even wear earplugs because I have a little guitar but all I hear is the low end and the bass. I love the bass!

Shoutweb: You performed "Alive" on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno recently. Is there talk of a next single yet?

Traa: Yes, that went really well. The next single is going to be "Youth of the Nation". We're actually getting ready to film the video for it later this week in Los Angeles. We are going between tour dates I think. We are scheduled for Thursday.

Shoutweb: Who is directing it?

Traa: The same guy who did the Adema video for "Giving In" and the Marilyn Manson videos. His name is Paul Fedor.

Shoutweb: Any scoop on the theme for this one?

Traa: It's going to be a surprise!

Shoutweb: Eek-a-Mouse is on the track "Ridiculous"?

Traa: Eek-a-Mouse is just one guy. He's tall and stocky. He's always been tall but he used to be really thin. When we saw him again we said, "Man, what have you been doing?" He's filled out now!

Shoutweb: "Portrait" is one of the harder tracks on the new record.

Traa: Yeah, we don't even play that song.

Shoutweb: You mean live?

Traa: Yes, we play "The Messenjah", "Anything Right", "Satellite", "Without Jah, Nothin'", then a Bad Brains tune and back into "Without Jah, Nothin'". We play "Ridiculous", "Alive", "Ghetto", "Boom", "Masterpiece Conspiracy", and "Youth of the Nation". We also play "Lie Down", "Left Your Eyes to Zion", "Southtown", and "Rock The Party" from our last record. We play a really long set.

Shoutweb: You can do that when you're the headliner! Are you sticking with the same set every night?

Traa: Bands that have live shows that we admire like U2 and Korn have done that and we figured that we would do the same thing. We're staying with the same set every night because we've tried changing it up in the past and we were never quite as tight. This way we're working out the kinks and getting really tight in our live show.

Shoutweb: Any last words for our Shoutweb readers?

Traa: I just want to say thank you to all of the fans who have supported us so far. For those who haven't yet, they should check it out.

Shoutweb: Thanks Traa. Enjoy the tour!

For more information, check out their Shoutweb Artist Channel and their official web site at www.payableondeath.com.