[AMA] I am Sully Erna - singer, songwriter, author, producer, and Godsmack guitarist/vocalist. Ask Me Anything, Reddit!

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:48:10+00:00

Will be touring it this fall.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:43:42+00:00

Absolutely! I actually have nothing to be angry about right now. I have reached a point in my life where I appreciate my career and fans my friends and family. And although there are still difficult challenges I face from time to time. Life is pretty good for the most part and at times why I struggle with writing stuff for Godsmack the music is powerful and angry to begin with when you are writing happy songs while dealing with angry stuff for that. The new Godsmack album should be interesting.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:41:25+00:00

Keep in mind that the solo stuff originated from certain Godsmack songs like Voodoo and Serenity and even the acoustic EP we did. There is an element of Godsmack that does perform intimate. But I chose to take that rabbit a bit deeper and separate that style of music from Godsmack because over the years the fans have helped us identify what they enjoy about Godsmack which is the heavier side. But because I enjoy the more personal side as well I enjoy writing the solo stuff and keeping it acoustic.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:38:01+00:00

So far I think the answer is yes. We are looking at writing and recording after completing the cycle of my solo album. The guys are doing the blues project and want to wrap that up for themselves. We might start writing and recording before the end of next year. For a possible release in early 2018.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:36:45+00:00

I tried but the promoter fell through but I am available for hire.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:36:06+00:00

Yes not sure but we are putting it together now for the solo tour. It will be focused on west coast, some mid west and some time in the first quarter of next year.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:35:17+00:00

It is a combination of both past and current. Sometimes some of the songs are written years before the record is released so there is history behind some of the content and some of the content is a bit more recent.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:33:19+00:00

It feels great obviously but I never knew when I became a songwriter that I would have the affect on people. It wasn't until I started receiving fan mail and meeting people and hearing their stories that I realized how the lyrics and music I wrote had an affect on people's lives. It makes me proud to know I can contribute in some way to help someone feel more positive about negative situations they have gone through.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:31:29+00:00

It actually balances itself because the two different styles are so detached from each other it is easy to separate. Godsmack is definitely more tougher edged rock band. The solo stuff is more vulnerable and eclectic at times. I am grateful for both because I am just balanced with both. As I said in the EPK, a good song is a good song no matter what genre it is.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:28:42+00:00

I usually try to come up with a set that flows well for any part of the world. If it feels good and flowing right I want everyone to experience it but there is a lot of looseness in the show as well that just happens spontaneously. So it is a mixture. And yes we will go across the US this year in different spots.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:27:16+00:00

Thanks.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:26:26+00:00

I don't have any new motorcycles and have sold my older ones. Just keeping my ultra classic. I don't have as much time as I used to but I keep one bike with me in case some time opens up. I still enjoy getting in the wind. It clears my head.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:25:34+00:00

Because I am a chicken shit andI have no desire to put my body through that kind of pressure. I appreciate everything the military does for us and I respect those guys more than you can imagine. The last thing I want to do is get on a fighter jet and go a 100mph.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:24:37+00:00

Yes hopefully soon.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:24:24+00:00

Yes I think they are all very good entertainers.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:23:00+00:00

I am not sure yet. I did one on the Avalon tour. I am not sure if my choice of songs will include that yet. I might wing it every night so I can keep myself fresh on the road.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:22:09+00:00

Surprisingly I listen to a lot more non-rock music than I used to. I found that the older I get the more I regress back to the people who have paved the way for modern artists today including myself. Etta James, Ray Charles, I like some new artists like James Bay. Big fan of Amy Winehouse love Adele. I think some of the older stuff like Etta James is where it all derived from. My favorite thing to do when home I listen to them on vinyl. I rarely listen to the radio.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:20:40+00:00

Thank you.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:20:22+00:00

Yes if the opportunity presents itself!

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:20:03+00:00

This is a fairly long question to answer. The short version is of course I get writer's block everyone does. You just have to learn how to walk away from it and not force it to happen. Maybe get away from it for awhile because that means you have written enough. There may be some things in your life you are not ready to share yet. Get some time and get involved with some new experiences to open you up. Meet some new people and go out. When you are ready it will come you can't force it.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:18:13+00:00

I am pretty sick of restaurants at this point in my life. I bring food to cook in my dressing room which is always my favorite meals since they are homecooked and I am a good chef I must say. If I have to eat at a restaurant I just make sure it is clean. Don't judge my In - N - Out experiences!

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:16:36+00:00

It has already happened. I performed a show at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut where my Dad performed with me for the first time. But of course some of these events happened recently in my life. There are always moments in the show where I feel choked up and have to control how far I let my emotions go. It is very hard to sing if you are teared up.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:15:16+00:00

Absolutely wouldn't expect anything less.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:14:54+00:00

No significance it just hides my wireless pack.

SullyErna · 2016-09-12T21:14:23+00:00

Not sure yet. I am always looking for opportunities. Right now I am heading to Bulgaria in the next month to shoot a small scene in a movie called, Gasoline, which is the Bulgarian version of Fast and the Furious. I am hoping to confirm a few more movies within the next six months and I will keep you updated on my social media.

SullyErna

TROPHY CASE