Look for new material at Third Eye Blind show

By JOHN BENSON

entertainment@vindy.com

Known for late ’90s pop alternative hits such as “Semi-Charmed Life,” “Graduate,” “How’s It Going to Be” and “Jumper,” Third Eye Blind has been on the comeback trail for the past few years hoping to reignite its spark with audiences.

Led by singer Stephan Jenkins, the Bay Area-band is still touring its latest effort, “Ursa Major,” which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, with a Thursday show at Youngstown State University.

The Vindicator talked to Third Eye Blind original member Brad Hargreaves (drums, percussion) via an e-mail Q&A about the group’s past, present and future, with the rumor being a new album titled “Ursa Minor” could be coming soon.

Q. Looking back to late-’90s success, what was the band’s formula? Also, what advice would you give Third Eye Blind in 1998?

A. We really don’t look at music as a formula. Music is so delicate, and it’s always a gift when the genesis of a song appears, especially in a group setting. The difficult part is finding the inspiration and remaining open and vulnerable enough to let it happen. The advice I would give myself would have been to look up more and take it all in. I have a real tendency to always be living in the future, thinking about what’s next. While that will never change, it is a luxury to really be able to live in the moment.

Q. Considering the band’s multi-year hiatus in the last decade, does the group’s current success feel like a second chapter of sorts?

A. In some ways, 2010 does feel like another chapter because we are now an indie band on our own label and self-managed. It means everything we do is more authentic than ever. I am gratified by people’s continued interest, and I think it is a combination of people relating to our creativity and the effort we have put into our live performances over the years.

Q. What’s interesting about Third Eye Blind is that in talking to a lot of local bands, the group often gets cited as an influence. Why is this, and is it weird to think younger kids are looking up to you?

A. It’s really special to have any impact on people who play music. I see it as a responsibility to keep developing ideas and giving them a reason to pay attention.

Q. Though many of your peers from the ’90s now appear on package tours, Third Eye Blind seems to be able to tour either on its own or with contemporary acts. Why are you able to make the leap and remain relevant while others have to rely on nostalgia?

A. I get asked this a lot and really don’t have any answer. I would like to believe it’s because we have not compromised on the music, ever, and that people recognize and appreciate that.

Q. Finally, what’s the future of Third Eye Blind? What’s the next big mountain the band hopes to climb?

A. Mount Fuji — we play the Mount Fuji festival in Japan on Aug. 1. At this point, we just want to keep the train on the tracks. We are feeling some creative momentum, which is not always the case, and that is a great feeling. We hope to record “[Ursa] Minor” in July. We have written a few new songs on this tour and continue to work on the material at soundcheck. I will be really disappointed if that does not come out this year.