Papa Roach has released the singles “Wake Up Calling”, “Braindead” , and “Even If It Kills Me” in recent months. These tracks are part of the “Rise of the Roach” mantra, which represents both a nickname for the band and a clear indication of their future.
In an interview with Wikimetal, vocalist Jacoby Shaddix confirmed that the songs will be part of the band's new album, which is expected to be released later this year. Jacoby also shared new details about the successor to Ego Trip (2023), the current relevance of the 2000s rock scene, and revealed that the band plans to come to Brazil in 2027. Read the full interview.
Wikimetal: You've been releasing a few singles in the last few months. Will those songs be on the new Papa Roach album?
Jacoby Shaddix: Yes, absolutely! We're very proud of the new music we're creating. We're nearing the end of the album's finalization process. We plan to release it later this year. And, man, this next one is quite a journey. I really feel like, with Ego Trip, we found our rhythm. I think we're continuing from where we left off on that one, only going even deeper.
WM: What else can you tell us about this new album?
JS: I'd say there are four types of paths we try to take to create music. One is the really heavy one, with big riffs and a grandiose rock and metal sound, like "Even If It Kills Me" or "Kill The Noise". Songs like "Getting Away With Murder" also fall into this category. Then there's the rap metal element in songs like "Killing Time" and "Last Resort". These songs fit into that space. There's also the emotional and sentimental side of Papa Roach in songs like "Scars" or "Help". And others that fit into this category, like "Wake Up Calling".
And there's another path, which is the more experimental Papa Roach, with tracks like "Leave A Light On" and "Periscope." We try to create songs that work like that. When you're creating something to work with, it's like a family. These songs are like cousins to each other. We just try to make it sound like a playlist. But everything fits together in an interesting way. And I feel like the pieces of this puzzle are coming together perfectly.
WM: “BRAINDEAD” is described as “a call to wake up before it’s too late.” What exactly do we, as a society, need to wake up to today?
JS: I think it's a personal revolution for people. If we all try to become the same and have the same ideas about life, that's no fun. It's not exciting. I think the differences between people are important. Because the way we find ways to deal with them is what makes us evolve and become better. So, for me, it's something personal. It's a personal journey.
The way I believe I can change the world is by changing myself and reflecting that back into it. Right now, everything is kind of chaotic. But if each of us takes responsibility and answers for ourselves, the world would be a better place. There are a lot of people pointing fingers, saying, “you are the problem,” “you are the problem.” I never thought that was productive. In fact, I think it’s the opposite, it’s counterproductive. So I really started looking in the mirror and thinking about things I need to change in myself. And that’s where it all begins. For me, this has been a spiritual evolution, without a doubt.
WM: “Wake Up Calling” explores themes like connection and emotional dependence. Do you see this track as a successor to songs like “Scars” and “Leave A Light On”?
JS: Absolutely. As I was explaining before, we like the songs to feel related to each other in a certain way, stylistically and musically. That way there's an identity to what we do. Our identity is always changing, but I feel that, at this point in our career, we've really solidified who we are, what our music is about, and where we come from creatively. Man, I think "Wake Up Calling" is a special song. I'm very proud of it, and it's very emotional.
When we were writing, I simply felt it was special. And I know that when I write something and feel uncomfortable with the content of the lyrics, and with the vulnerability it makes me feel, it's because there's something important there. Actually, I'd prefer not to share many of these feelings about myself with the world. But when I do, I end up connecting with people in an important and meaningful way. I'm very grateful to have music as the vehicle that connects me with people.
WM: What motivated the band to release a reimagined version of “Even If It Kills Me”?
JS: I felt that was important for that song. To show those two sides of our band's creativity. How can you take a heavy song, where I'm screaming and it practically punches you in the face, and then reveal another side of it? Because the song, the lyrics, are very emotional. So the question was: how do we access that sonically and musically? That's when we came up with it and turned the song upside down, releasing an alternative version of it. I really think that version gets right to the heart of the song.
WM: The rock scene in the 2000s is more relevant than ever; bands like yourselves, Korn, Deftones, and Linkin Park are filling stadiums and arenas around the world. How does the band feel about this, especially with new fans discovering your music through social media?
JS: I'm simply very grateful for this. I think it's incredible to be able to speak to a new generation of rock fans. You know, in 2012 everyone was telling us to turn off the guitars and remove them from the songs. They said rock was dead. There were people inside the bands saying that. And I thought: "no, it's not dead." Pop culture may not be paying attention to it, but you know what? Rock is experiencing a resurgence and is stronger than ever.
I'm so grateful to have been a part of that wave alongside my peers from that era like Limp Bizkit, Korn, Deftones, and Linkin Park. Chester Bennington, may God bless you. We miss you terribly. You will always be missed. But I'm so grateful to be able to celebrate that era of music and see these younger fans discovering our band, perhaps for the first time now. And they're going to the shows. The energy is simply special.
WM: Many fans share stories of overcoming adversity while listening to your music. How does the band handle the responsibility of being the "soundtrack of salvation" for so many people?
JS: I think it's about fully living out the purpose God intended for my life. To bring something that is full of hope. Something that helps strengthen someone. And that inspires someone to seek the best version of themselves. In the beginning, that wasn't exactly what I had in mind. But, as I evolved as a human being, a man, an artist, a father, a husband, and a friend, I realized that this is the mark I want to leave. To be someone who brought light and hope to the world. There's already enough darkness out there. And I simply don't want to be a part of it.
WM: Infest celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. At what point did you realize that the band had created an album that had become a generational landmark?
JS: I think it was around 2010 that I really realized the magnitude of something epic that we found right at the beginning of our career. The album kept selling, being streamed, and connecting with a new generation of fans. And that's something you couldn't ask for as a band. To create a work that is timeless, relevant, and lyrically important. I still go back to it and think, "Man, it's one of my favorites in terms of lyrics." It addressed so many different things. It was personal, it had struggles, moments of fragility, of searching. I was going through an intense spiritual journey. It also had a sociopolitical element. I feel it was an incredible journey. I'm very happy that even today people continue to connect with it.
WM: What does the phrase "Rise of the Roach" mean?
JS: I like to create. I understand the power of it. What you say creates the world you live in. It creates the perception people have of you and also your own self-image. I've been a victim of my own negative self-talk. I think it's important to tell the world what you want, what you want to see, and what you want to experience. I want to experience Roach's rise. I want to experience that, you know? Just like we did with Infest. Our goal was to infest the world with our music. Words are very powerful. I want to live that experience: Roach's rise. That's what I'm made of.
WM: This year you'll be doing a series of shows, including dates in North America, European summer festivals, and a headlining tour of the UK and Ireland. However, December will mark 10 years since your last visit to Brazil. Are there plans for a return soon?
JS: Absolutely. In 2027. We are actively talking to producers in Brazil and South America. We are really determined to go back there. We know we have many incredible and passionate fans who want to hear our music live. So, yes, that day will come. 2026 will be a great year for us in Europe. We did shows in America last year, so we've been touring the world year after year. We're looking at the next step. So, 2027 will be the year we go to Brazil.
WM: Jacoby, to wrap things up, could you leave a message for the Papa Roach fans here in Brazil?
JS: Ah, you know, I love you guys. I miss you. Sorry it took so long. I'm very grateful. This doesn't go unnoticed by us. We always see your messages. We know how much you listen to and are passionate about our music. So we're looking forward to seeing you in 2027.
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