Virginia hard rock band Faultline recently released its sophomore album entitled The Second Coming, which is filled with smokin’ hot riffs and blunt melodies led by the charismatic front man El Jay Evans. El Jay, along with band mates drummer Jon Ward, guitarists Derek Chittenden, Jarrod Hoover and bassist Doc Capocelli, are breaking into the national scene as the album’s lead-off single “Hindsight” has begun to receive major rotation on Sirius/XM Octane as well as the national independent internet radio outlet Untapped Radio. Keep your eyes (and ears) on this quintet as they roll up their sleeves, crank it up and blow up stages this year!

Interview with Jon Ward:

You are currently supporting a high-power release entitled The Second Coming produced by Jeff Covert. In a nutshell I would say its high energy, full of confidence, straight ahead no-frills rock at its best. Is that how you would describe it to our readers?

Yes I would! There is no sampling, programming or any “extras” if you will. We wanted to lay down exactly what we wrote and how we wrote it. Pretty organic, actually. It’s just straight up, in your face and a mirror image of the live show.

The album seems to be tailor-made for a rocking live set in addition to being radio ready without trying too hard on either front. Was this the goal of the group as you went into the studio to record?

I wouldn’t say it was our “goal” per say. We always pride ourselves on delivering a powerful live show. We want you to be able to experience the music you hear on the record or the radio at our live show with just a little extra energy! We very much believe that if you can’t play it live, then you shouldn’t record it! As fans of music and live shows, it can be very disappointing when a band doesn’t deliver the show you paid to see, so for us it’s always a “let’s give these people their monies worth” attitude every night.

Speaking of radio, your first single “Hindsight” has just started to receive air-play on Sirius XM Octane as well as a few other outlets. Congrats!

Thanks so much! We are very grateful to all of the radio folks that have given us a chance. It seems to be getting a good response and that’s all we can hope for.

[embedplusvideo height=”281″ width=”450″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/ExQ9rGc6Iqs?fs=1&hd=1″ vars=”ytid=ExQ9rGc6Iqs&width=450&height=281&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=1&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep8207″ /]

As a musician, what type of emotion did you have the first time you heard it played on the radio? Do you also recall where you were at the time?

(Laughs) funny you should ask. The first time it was played, we were at rehearsal, so we didn’t have a clue. Our phones starting blowing up from people who did hear it and it was very surprising to all of us! As for me and where I was the first time I actually heard it, I was in my car about to pull out of my driveway, turned on the radio and heard it. I first thought my wife had left the cd playing until I looked up and saw it was on “Octane” and I almost ran over my mailbox!! The pure adrenaline and emotion that you’re overcome with is indescribable! It’s a mega-sense of accomplishment!!

As a fan, the songs “Defeating the Enemy” and “Resentment” are a couple of my favorites. Is there a song that stands out to you personally?

Lyrically, not really because I don’t have much part in that even though they all deliver a very powerful message in their own way. Musically, all of them really because I have a big part in the arrangement process so to see it all come together in the end kind of makes me a little biased to all of them.

You just played a high profile show with Sevendust, Lacuna Coil and Avatar this month. Talk about that experience and a highlight of the night.

Yes we did. It was kind of a bucket list item for several of us, especially me. We can’t thank Morgan and John enough for pushing to get us on that show! It was SOLD OUT and the fans loved it! Overall, I would say the highlight was just being there and being able to be a part of it. We gave them a non-stop crushing set with a new tune at the end of the set that went over exceptionally well. To quote our bass player, Doc, “There is NO drug that can even compare to a SOLD-OUT crowd cheering for YOUR music!” Pretty much sums it up.

[embedplusvideo height=”281″ width=”450″ standard=”http://www.youtube.com/v/3tfgAsc6Opc?fs=1&hd=1″ vars=”ytid=3tfgAsc6Opc&width=450&height=281&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=1&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=” id=”ep1159″ /]

What are the plans in terms of live shows and touring the remainder of 2013?

Only a few things leading up to March. We will do some local things in March and April and some recording as my wife and I are expecting the birth of our son in early March. We definitely look forward to getting back out there in front of the fans in May and the remainder of the year.

The band has secured several endorsements to date. Talk about how these came about and for fans that might be in the music business what they mean to a band.

Yes we work with a lot of different companies such as Pearl, Sabian, Dean Markely, Ernie Ball and King Kong cases just to name a few. Each one of us has different deals and levels of endorsements that we work with, that are given to us by the respective companies. Essentially, it’s really a give and take relationship of how you can benefit each other. We are extremely grateful for what we have and the fact that the companies believe in us enough to take a chance on us. Just make sure you play what YOU like whether you buy it or it’s given to you and that you have FUN with it!! I can’t stress that enough.

When did you first take up the drums? Was there any one drummer that inspired you to start or eventually join a rock band?

I started playing when I was six years old. I used to listen to my dad’s KISS albums and the first time I saw a drummer live, I said to myself, “I have to do that!” (Laughs) I would say Alex Van Halen was my initial inspiration when I first saw the “Jump” video and the size of that HUGE drum kit! I always wanted to play, be it in a school marching or jazz band, rock band or whatever, so whenever the opportunity knocked, I answered!

Give us the low down on how fans can get in touch with you and pick up your new album, The Second Coming.

Easy! In this day and age, everything is available on the web so just go there. You can check us out at our Website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram! We’re all on there so feel free to look us up. We try and respond to everybody because they are what allow us to do this. As far as how to get the record, it’s available for purchase on iTunes digitally or you can buy a hard copy at a show or our website. We personally sign every hard copy purchased at a show or online before it’s shipped out!

Thank you for your time, it has been great. Keep it loud Jon!

Hey no worries buddy, thank you for the support. Hope to see ya on the road!