3 Doors Down: Down to Earth Despite Their Success

I'm three steps away from the stadium stage where 3 Doors Down is sound checking, and I can't help but bob my head. Brad Arnold (vocals), Matt Roberts (guitar), Chris Henderson (guitar), Todd Harrell (bass) and Greg Upchurch (drums) quickly finish up their sound check and saunter over to their spacious dressing room where beverages and refreshments await. Bass guitarist Todd flops down onto a black leather couch exhausted, but is enthusiastic about our interview and gives me a warm welcome.

Todd has an infectious smile on his face and I can tell he's enjoying himself on this tour. "Just being on stage, having fun, that's the best part!" says Todd grinning, "It's a night full of hits!"

We talk about Kryptonite, Duck and Run and Here Without You – some of 3 Doors Down's greatest hits – but Todd focuses on their latest album. "I think this album is the best we've ever recorded – it's a good representation of us. It wasn't like the previous records where we went to the studio and did it. We actually lived in the house we recorded in. We all stayed upstairs and when we had an idea, we'd just go downstairs and knock it out," he explains.

The first song on the album, Train, gets listeners ready for a fantastic rockin' ride. When I mention the song, Todd laughs, "I love playing Train, it's a fun song to play!"

Although the album is full of songs reminiscent of their signature sound, the band played around with some new styles as well. Upbeat rock tunes like the single It's Not My Time are contrasted with slow ballads like Pages. While recording, the band experimented with loops and different riffs – the result, the unique track She Don't Want The World. "[It's] definitely different. It's one of my favourites," Todd comments. "We wanted something different and cool and it just happened!"

Throughout their success, 3 Doors Down has remained down-to-earth. These homegrown American boys never stop rocking, whether they're playing in a garage or on an amphitheatre stage, and it's clear that they're having the time of their lives, learning and growing with each other all the way. "I don't know the secret," Todd says in his adorable southern drawl. "Being around each other for so long you know what buttons not to push. We really are best friends; we grew up together. And hopefully we can keep doin' what we do forever."

Like a quiet storm, 3 Doors Down has made it to the top with their charisma, humbleness and endless energy. Their albums are as fun to listen to as the guys are to be around, and hopefully Todd's wish will come true – giving millions of fans lots more to look forward to!