Release: Where did you get your start?

Brad Bell, Chiodos’ keyboardist: We all went to high school together in Michigan. They formed during my freshman year of college. In December 2001, I came home for a break and we started jamming. We realized there was some chemistry there. We realized that people were into what we were playing so we started playing as many shows as we could.

Release: Who are some of your major influences?

BB: Queen and Led Zeppelin are some of our major influences as a band.

Release: Has your music changed with the time and the audience?

BB: We’ve been a band for seven years, so I think we’ve grown up a lot. We work on trying to make our music mature with us and our audience.

Release: What do you think about the state of the music industry today? Do you feel it is harder or easier to be heard?

BB:With MySpace promotion, it helps a lot of bands to be heard. It helped us out. When MySpace started, our music career started to take off. As long as music’s getting out there, I think that’s the most important thing.

Release: Do you have any advice for someone that is trying to start a band?

BB: It’s all about sacrifice. We all dropped out of college and did things we weren’t supposed to do. It’s not easy. You have to pay your dues to gain success.

Release: If you could play with one artist, who would it be?

BB: Dead or alive? (laughs) Frank Sinatra.

Release: Who has been one of the best artists you have played with so far?

BB: Most notable — Linkin Park. One of the best that we’ve played with was Final Follow. They’re one of my favorite bands. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen.

Release: How do you feel about games like “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band?” Do you think people should just play real instruments?

BB: I like them. They’re fun. I think people take them a little too seriously, but if you’re good at something, then you’re good at something. I don’t really see it as a musical talent. I think it might bring more people into the music realm.

Release: What are you listening to now?

BB: New Academy Ends record. I think they’ve found their groove with their new album.

Release: Do you prefer smaller or larger venues?

BB: Smaller venues — more intimate setting. Sometimes it gets a little out of control. I say the sweatier you are, the more fun the night is.

Release: What is a staple on your tour bus?

BB: Bread maker and crock pot for soup. (laughs) Nothing like waking up in the morning to the smell of home-cooked bread.

Release: What kind of TV do you guys like?

BB: I was stoked when they started the new series of “90210.” I missed it. My brother made me watch it when I was younger.

Release: Does it still feel the same now as it did when you began?

BB: Definitely. Over the summer, I had something wrong with my leg. The second I would step on the stage, it would go away. I wish I could walk around with that adrenaline all the time.