We had the extreme pleasure to talk about music, life, and share a few laughs with the uber-talented drummer for Breaking Benjamin, Shaun Foist. From touring their asses off to a potential Grammy nod, the band has grabbed 2015 by the horns and isn’t letting go, and Shaun has surely done his part to ensure this massive success for the band. From his hard-working, Midwestern roots to his brotherhood with his bandmates, it’s easy to see that Shaun Foist is truly the real deal.
I’ve seen Breaking Benjamin perform twice so far this year, including the Youngstown concert this past weekend. As an observer, the fan reaction to the new lineup has been overwhelmingly supportive. How does it personally feel to have all of this love and attention being showered on you at every show?
Honestly I couldn’t be more happier. Being the new guy is always a tough deal, even though now after touring in this band for over a year, people are treating me as if I’ve always been here, and that is a bit overwhelming for me.
The success of the new album (Dark Before Dawn), with the album debuting at Number One on the Billboard Hot 200 and including both ‘Failure’ and ‘Angels Fall’ charting in as bonafide hits and now, the very real possibility that the album and songs might be on the final Grammy Award ballot —– is this a reality that you saw yourself being a part of when you thought about your life five years ago? How do you keep it real in what must be a very surreal situation?
To be honest, I knew I always wanted to be a drummer, and I knew I always wanted to be successful. I used to sit and watch the Grammys and the MTV Music Awards when I was younger and of course I always dreamed of success like that, but I never imagined it being a reality to that level. I just live life one day at a time, and take things as they come. I saw the Grammy thing happening and just kinda said “man that’s cool, but I’m not expecting it to happen”. I just stay level headed but at the same time very hopeful.
Breaking Benjamin – Angels Fall (Official Video)
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As an Ohio native, I have to say it’s very exciting and gratifying that you’re our newest ‘home state’ success story. How has the way you were raised as a small town Midwesterner defined who you are as a person, and as an artist? Did your shared Midwesterner roots with Ben help to facilitate that ‘brotherhood bond’ that so obviously exists between the two of you?
Being from a small town with not much to do certainly helped me develop my craft. People often say some of the best musicians are from the Midwest, and I always say in reply “it’s because we had basements” – (laughs). It was video games, sports, or music where I came from. I dabbled in all of them, but obviously only took one very very seriously, even though I still game.
The bond between Ben and I was simply this: we both have the same work ethic, the same vision, and we both are perfectionist, it was just meant to be. I could have been from Spain, and I still believe we would have the same bond.
How have your hometown relationships (and friendships in general) changed, now that you’re playing drums for a chart topping band?
Aside from all of the new friends I suddenly have that I didn’t know I had, it hasn’t changed (laughs). My friends understand, and are always home waiting for me, and they know I haven’t forgotten them. I’m still the same Shaun on tour as I am at home – the only difference is that I’m performing on tour. When I’m home, I’m being a total dork playing video games and toying around with cars with all of my friends.
You speak of how your father’s untimely passing in 2013 impacted you (and I am so sorry for your loss) and in him not having the opportunity to experience this overwhelming success with you. How would you say that music and drumming have helped you deal with his loss?
Nothing ever helps deal with such a loss. He’s gone, and I miss him. Nothing can bring him back to me. All I am thankful for is that the hard work he and I shared paid off, and that he got to see me “make it”.
You speak openly about being a huge fan of Breaking Benjamin long before playing in the band became a reality for you. In what ways does your long time love of the band and the music assist you in both performance, and in a studio recording environment?
Honestly, it’s familiarity. Seeing the shows, knowing the tunes, knowing and understanding the style. All of that prepared me for when I sat down behind the kit with the band for the first time. I felt that I was already on the fast track to being on my way to doing the right thing.
Last year, you told one of my RockRevolt colleagues that your greatest expectation for the band and the music was playing live with no drama. Has that expectation has held true for you?
There’s still zero drama. We are brothers, and we all get along perfectly. That isn’t going to ever change.
What has been the most amazing part of touring/recording/filming videos so far?
Seeing the fans reactions and support hands down. The acceptance is impeccable.
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What are some of the experiences during this past year that have surprised you the most?
For me it’s been the festival lineups and where we are at in the lineup. We have gotten some of the best slots, and get to play in the prime time of the day. Playing in front of 25-90k people is mind blowing. I never imagined being able to do that.
This is not the first time you’ve been on a major tour, as you were the drummer for the opening act on the 2013 Alice Cooper/Marilyn Manson ‘Masters of Madness’ tour. Obviously, there’s a huge difference between being part of an opening act vs. drumming in a headlining band, but can you name anything specific from your ‘coming up the ranks’ experience that helped to prepare you for the success you’re now enjoying?
Staying in shape, and not wearing yourself out. It’s all about pacing yourself and doing the right things on and especially off the stage. I think anyone can read in between the lines on that one. (laughs)
As most of our readers probably know already, Breaking Benjamin will be headlining the very first Axes and Anchors cruise on Feb. 20th with you and Aaron Bruch conducting one hour workshops. What are you most looking forward to on this cruise, aside from performing and conducting this workshop?
I’m looking forward to the Bahamas. I’ve never been, and of course, seeing all of the awesome performances.
Finally, it’s been an amazing year for you and for Breaking Benjamin, but this final question is about YOU. What can fans expect from Shaun Foist in the next year? What do you hope to accomplish professionally, musically or otherwise, in the coming years?
I’m just hoping to become a better player and to be able to keep adding to my performance. I’m still getting comfortable, and the more comfortable I can get, the more entertaining I can be, and who knows – maybe a new drum kit. (laughs)
