Butch Walker IS the quintessential Rock Star, the standard by which all future Rock Stars should be judged. With an ability to re-invent himself that's second to none he's been quite busy in the four years since the break up of his highly influential former band, The Marvelous 3. He's done a lot to be proud of. He's released an incredible but widely overlooked solo record, discovered his singer/songwriter persona, and opened up the successful Ruby Red recording studio in Atlanta. If that wasn't enough he also has become one of the most sought after producers and songwriters in rock music today working with artists such as Sevendust, Midtown, American Hi-Fi, Bowling for Soup and Avril Lavigne.

His newest record "Letters" out August 24th, on Epic Records eclipses all of his past projects. It is the most honest record from Butch to date. His influences are all over this record, mainly the 70's pop of his childhood and the 80's new wave and hard rock of his teens meshed with the introspective singer/songwriter style that's gained such popularity lately. His music defies labels, and now that he's finally given up on trying to write for the public and radio, he's written the most accessible record of his career. Butch Walker has been hovering just below the radar of the general public for far too long, and now with "Letters" he just might get that big breakthrough that is long overdue.

In the midst of his tour with American Hi-Fi and Val Emmich Butch was kind enough to answer some questions for me.

Billie Jo: You've been through the ringer on three different major labels. In the past the labels didn't seem to know what to do with you as an artist. You are just about to release your record on your fourth major label. What made you decide to jump on that hamster wheel again and start running?
Butch: Because I do everything. They just put my shit out. If you rely on them for too much, you will ultimately be disappointed. It's no different than being on an indie.

Billie Jo: It seems like more and more established artists are shying away from the whole major label machine, and I was genuinely surprised when I heard you signed with Epic. You know the realities of the industry better than most. Do you think it will be different this time?
Butch: Every label is different. If I woulda signed to an indie, just for cred, that wouldn't mean shit, if nobody could get my record. Cred? I produced Avril... Come on.

Billie Jo: The songs on "Letters" are much more personal than most of your past songwriting. How did writing these songs compare to writing songs in the past?
Butch: Because I quit worrying about how it was gonna be perceived at radio, and with the public. That made for a more honest record.

Billie Jo: All my favorite songs and songwriters, tell stories. What songwriters do you admire? What songs make you say "Damn...I wish I wrote that"?
Butch: Every time I hear "All I Want Is You" by U2, I wanna cry. It's so fucking honest. It's not trying too hard to be smart, witty, or cynical. It's a love poem... That takes balls... And its 3 chords.

Billie Jo: I know at all your shows, there's at least one, usually more musicians approaching you with their CD's. Everyone wants to work with you. Do you even have time to listen to all the prospects?
Butch: No, but I do try. What if the next U2 is sitting under my dirty jeans in my bunk?

Billie Jo: Is producing going to be taking a back burner for now?
Butch: Yes. I will be touring unless something stops me dead in my tracks.

Billie Jo: I read a lot of websites and bios on new rock bands. On average one out of 3 list The Marvelous 3 as an influence. On average about every 2 weeks I see a photo of a band that looks just like you guys did. Do you realize what an influence you've had on the current crop of new bands? How does that feel?
Butch: It's great. I mean, we always joked about being 15 years too late or 5 years too early. I remember A&R guys saying we weren't marketable with eyeliner and ties... Mind you, these guys signed Creed.

Billie Jo: At one of your shows, I met a girl who told me she'd been a fan of yours since she was 8. Another girl standing there said, when I was 8 Butch wasn't even alive. Any idea why your music has such a broad appeal?
Butch: I don't know. It's not genre specific. I always joke about calling my style of music "post-genre".

Billie Jo: I want you to look back for a minute. What's been the most memorable thing that's happened to you in your musical career? What are some of the highlights and lowlights?
Butch: highpoint: getting my cake and eating it too. Lowpoint: haven't had it yet.

Billie Jo: Would you change anything if you could?
Butch: Fuck no! Except maybe I shoulda rocked the Scott Stapp leather lace-up shirt when The Marvelous 3 were trying to get signed.

Billie Jo: It's been a long time since you've been on the road. How have you been adjusting? Is it everything you remember?
Butch: Yeah. It's better now that I don't try to consume too much liquor. A lot of touring was just one big advil.

Billie Jo: How, in your opinion, have the shows been? How is it playing with American Hi-Fi?
Butch: Amazing. One of the best bands to have back me. I'm spoiled now.

Billie Jo: The first thing I noticed was all the equipment and what a production this really is, compared to the solo gigs you've been playing for the past year. Do you prefer one to the other?
Butch: I don't miss the soundchecks that are too complicated. Having just a guitar and a bottle of wine is fucking awesome, but I love the sound of my jams with a full band.

Billie Jo: As you are well aware, your fans are very dedicated. People just don't go to one show; they'll go to as many as possible. Your fans won't think twice about jumping on a plane and flying a couple of thousand miles to a gig. Why do you think that is?
Butch: Cause I respect them. Sometimes people just wanna feel a part of a movement.

Billie Jo: Have you ever been that big of a fan of any artist? Can you relate to these kids, or does it mystify you?
Butch: Sure.

Billie Jo: You have a reputation for being an outstanding live performer. Do you see a lot of other bands perform? What artists would you call an influence on your performing?
Butch: Prince, Elvis Costello, Freddie Mercury

Billie Jo: What new bands have you been listening to lately?
Butch: Checking out a lot of bands on Myspace. It's a great way to hear undiscovered artists.

Billie Jo: If you could only listen to 5 records for the rest of your life, what would they be?
Butch: I'd have to take the whole Prince and Elvis Costello catalog... It would cover diversity.

Billie Jo: In NJ, we have what's generally called the "NJ sound". Lots of other places like Seattle, Nashville, California, all have it as well. The Atlanta/Athens area seems to be one place that consistently has good music coming out of it, but it's all so different. (REM-Black Crowes-Outkast-Allman Brothers-B-52's etc) Why do you think that is? What is the local music scene like in Atlanta and Athens these days?
Butch: I think it's because we are so spread out. There's not a consolidated area in Atlanta. Kids in the suburbs, just going for it, playing whatever they get their hands on. I don't wanna have a sound here... That would suck...Can you imagine if you associated a certain fashion statement with the music from Atlanta, like flannel did for Seattle? Jesus.

Billie Jo: I know you are very taper friendly when it comes to your live shows. Do you think that's helped keep your fan base interested, in the long breaks between albums and shows? How do you feel about File-swapping?
Butch: I dig it. It makes the crowd reactions to anything in the set good.

Billie Jo: You've been pretty open about your political leanings in this election year. Have you thought about getting more involved by either playing shows in conjunction with Rock the Vote, or another organization?
Butch: I will do anything anyone wants me to do to encourage our youth to have a voice and vote this year.

Billie Jo: If you were writing your autobiography, what would it be called?
Butch: I'm Not Through Yet.

Billie Jo: This tour ends on August 31st. At that point your album will be out for a week. What's next in terms of your master plan to take over the world? Will you be putting together your own band?
Butch: I have no clue. I wanna talk American Hi-Fi into being my "Heartbreakers" like they were to Tom Petty.

For more info on Butch Walker check out www.butchwalker.com and www.myspace.com/butchwalker.com.