Listeners connect with band's lyrics

The singer doesn't drink, but his band's tour sponsor is Jagermeister.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
It's been a while since Staind singer Aaron Lewis felt vindicated.
"It seems like you are judged by the songs you release to radio instead of by the record or live performance," said Lewis, calling from Chicago.
"So we've been classified as this lighter, easier-listening, diluted rock band, I guess, and if you listen to the rest of the record, instead of just the songs that got released to radio, it might be different. It's a weird thing."
The problem is, early on this New England metal act was pigeonholed as another post-grunge band, with hit anthemic-based singles "It's Been A While" and "Outside" from its 2001 album "Break the Cycle." Even with follow-up album "Shades of Grey," the same undesirable scenario took place.
Realizing the perception of Staind was that of a ballad-producing rock act, Lewis said it affected how the band approached the recording of its most recent release, 2005's "Chapter V." The quartet turned up the volume, unleashing harder-edged guitar sounds and destructive beats under Lewis' cathartic lyrics.
Record versus radio
"We absolutely did, but when the time came to release singles to radio, the record label and management wants to hear a certain thing," Lewis said. "It seems when we released the more middle-of-the-road type of songs, they seem to have more success on radio as a whole. But that doesn't mean the record isn't much more weighted to the heavy end of things."
While aggressive single "Falling" did well on rock radio, it's their current hit, "Right Here," that baffles band members. Released last May, the midtempo temperamental song organically defied the odds to become a hit nearly a year later. It's such fortune that ultimately has made the members of Staind rich beyond their dreams, which Lewis has come to terms with.
More so, he realizes people connect with his lyrics, which transcend the obligatory fast cars and hot girls themes that pervade rock radio today. Free of artifice, Lewis spills his heart out with brutal honesty.
"I don't know how to write weightless songs," Lewis said. "I wouldn't even know where to begin."
Currently Staind is enjoying its headlining status on this year's Jagermeister tour, which pulls into Cleveland for a show Wednesday at the Plain Dealer Pavilion. Considering the tour is sponsored by the popular adult beverage, the backstage and tour bus experience must be somewhat untamed.
"I don't drink," Lewis said, "but I know for a fact there's plenty of Jagermeister consumed per evening."
The irony of a nondrinking singer's tour being sponsored by an alcoholic beverage isn't lost on Lewis.
He quipped, "I guess I'm just out of luck until weed starts sponsoring tours."