Fans can expect a good, fun, rock show by Daughtry at “Traffic Jam” this Saturday. SHUIB TAIB spoke to its bassist, Josh Paul, to find out more.

WHEN former American Idol (season five) fourth place finisher Chris Daughtry was kicked out of the show, many were shocked. But they still believed that it would be a matter of time before he would resurface.

True enough, as his platinum-selling eponymous album released in Nov 2006 reached the number one spot for two non-consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200, outselling Idol winner Taylor Hicks’s debut effort.

The rock band from North Carolina was also named the number one selling album of 2007 by Billboard.

The first single from the album, It’s Not Over was the eighth most played song across all formats on US radio in 2007 while its second single, Home, was the tenth most played song.
Comprising Daughtry (lead vocals), Joey Barnes (drums), Josh Paul (bass), Josh Steely (guitar) and Brian Craddock (guitar), the band will be making its way to Kuala Lumpur for its first ever appearance in Malaysia.

The event “Traffic Jam” organised by Sony Ericsson, will be bringing a unique and exciting street party to Kuala Lumpur

It will be held at 1 Utama, Central Park Avenue from 7pm onwards on Saturday and limited to 3,000 guests only.

In a recent phone interview with its bassist Josh Paul, he said that fans who attend the show will be in for a good time.

“I think you guys are in for a surprise. For now, all I can say is we’re going to have a good, fun, rock show,” said Paul.

Although Paul (and three other band members) was not featured on the cover of Daughtry’s first album, he appeared unfazed.

“When you get up pretty much every single day in a tour bus and airplanes with guys, it’s kinda like a summer camp. You get to know them like brothers. We’ll be on the next record and we’re all writing for it. It will be great,” explained Paul.

Contrary to popular belief, Chris does not own the stage alone. In fact, Chris was behind the idea of a rock band.

“From the beginning, Chris was the one who has always wanted a band. He didn’t want to be Chris Daughtry, the solo artiste. So here we are,” Paul added.

On its second album, Paul said that it would not be that different from its first album.

“We’re just a rock band with good melodies, good hooks. It might get a little bit heavier at times, but still it’s going to be a lot of fun to rock.”

Although Daughtry’s first album was nominated for a Grammy award, the band does not think about it so much.

“I don’t think any of us thought that we would be even nominated in a Grammy for a new artiste and a first album. It’s been tremendously amazing”, he added.

“We just love to play and we have written so many songs. We’re just excited to get it out. We’ve been touring for the last three years. We just love doing what we’re doing and we’re not rushing to release our second album until it’s done,” said Paul who also had the opportunity to tour with Bon Jovi recently.

“The coolest thing about Bon Jovi is that, they still love doing what they do. I don’t know if there is any kind of amazing, luxurious, racy rock star qualities that I’ve gotten from them but I do hope to be around as long as they have,” when asked if the group has picked up any useful tips on becoming a rock star.

I’ve been around for a little while as a musician working with a lot of different people and being in a lot of different situations. The best thing about us is that we’re just normal guys who just like to play,” said Paul.

On being away from the family Paul said that, “My life has changed a lot by definitely being “gone” a lot. We all have families, kids and wives. Joey is the only single one. We spend as much time as possible with our family. I think if we lose sight of that then nothing really matters.”

“It’s a sacrifice doing this and that is the number one thing that we all feel. But we love what we do and it’s worth it to us. A lot of people see us a lot more on TV and videos. Before, you wouldn’t necessarily get recognised anywhere so it’s kind of cool,” explained Paul.

Other than live performances from the hottest artistes, “Traffic Jam” visitors can expect numerous fun activities, games and the latest promotions from Sony Ericsson.

Invitations to the exclusive street party will only be available through the purchase of Sony Ericsson’s W350i, W580i or W910i Walkman phone from June 16 onwards.

Sony Ericsson will also be organising a “Meet & Greet contest” where 100 fans will be given the exclusive chance to meet their idol up close and personal.

For more information, visit www.sonyericsson.com/trafficjam.