INTERVIEW: DROWNING POOL IN CONVERSATION WITH CJ PIERCE
Interview by Cecilia Pattison-Levi
Drowning Pool is a band that has always valued substance over style as CJ Pierce explained. The Texan band released their seminal album ‘Sinner’ in 2001 and now it is 2026 – the 25th anniversary of the album’s release on 5 June 2001. ‘Sinner’ remains a definitive record that has impacted and influenced nu-metal and old-metal bands since.
Drowning Pool was formed in Dallas in 1996 by guitarist C.J. Pierce, drummer Mike Luce, and bassist Stevie Benton and they were originally an instrumental trio. Three years later, with the addition of singer Dave Williams, the band solidified their signature blend of hard-hitting guitar riffs, searing drums and moody lyricism.
“We recorded ‘Sinner’ in the kitchen,” stated CJ Pierce. “It was an authentic process for us. We wrote music that came from our hearts. We wanted the songs to be louder, deeper, amazing, but with us in the mix. Dave’s voice took us to another level and was foundational to our sound, and every song on that album, was the right song, if you know what I mean. We wanted an album that was beautiful in its economy. It rocked in at 37 minutes and that was it”.
“We were so lucky to record ‘Sinner’ in 2001 when music that was being written and performed was interesting,” mused CJ Pierce. “It was an amazing time. So many great bands and sounds. I am a huge music fan and I love watching other bands perform. There were so many great bands then, but now the world of music is even more diverse with so many fantastic bands and I love seeing all the young bands coming up”.
‘Sinner’ has had such an important impact – like a pebble thrown into a still pool – the songs, the music and the tone have influenced years of nu-metal. The 25th anniversary version of the album on vinyl, or CD, has dusted off the original eleven songs: with the opening guitar riff that still hits like a freight train. The songs ‘Sinner’, followed by the huge signature hit ‘Bodies’, the fan favourite ‘Tear Away’ and followed by ‘All Over Me’, ‘Reminded’, ‘Pity’, ‘Mute’, ‘I Am’, the wonderful ‘Follow’, ‘Told You So’ and ‘Sermon’ all anchored by the band and Dave Williams’ raw and commanding voice.
“Dave took us to that next level with his distinctive sound,” said CJ Pierce. ‘‘But we (Mike, Steve and myself) all wrote the songs. It was a band process – writing and recording together. As we have got ready for this release – this celebration – we have started writing again together and started to tour”.
“We want to get back out there,” exclaimed CJ Pierce. “We have festivals in Europe and the UK. Heaps of sold out shows in the UK. We are so grateful that people want to come and see us and love the music. We are hoping for Australia in the New Year of 2027”.
CJ Pierce went on to explained: “The added songs to the vinyl album were great fun to write and record. Working with Rob Zombie was awesome. He has so many great ideas and his new album is also a winner. I just love the electronic dance mix of ‘Bodies’ remixed by Chris Vrenna. And, they asked our permission before changing it up and we were grateful for that consideration. We play it at the end of our set now. We put it on and jump off the stage and into the crowd and dance with fans – it’s freakin’ awesome! Then, there is the demo of ‘Break You’ that we are now starting to play live for the first time in 25 years.”
Hopefully, Drowning Pool will come to Australia soon to play us ‘Sinner’ in full. That will be a treat!
