Between their high-energy performances and their catchy rock/reggae recordings, Michigan's own Souldub is on their way to becoming one of the most sought after hard rock acts in the midwest. We sat down with Souldub to get a glimpse inside the machine that has audiences of all ages begging for more.

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Where did the band name “Souldub” originate from and what significance does it have to you and your fans?

Richard Ensley: The meaning of the name Souldub is locked in a vault at the bottom of the ocean, upon the so-called "accidental death" of one of Souldub's members, (the goverment knows exactly what we are talking about) the vault will be retrieved and unlocked and the world will know the truth about Souldub. How is that for a non-traditional answer?

How do you describe your musical style?

Shane Law: We were in a studio session laying down the core musical tracks for "Suckerpunch" - and one of the studio interns was cleaning up our pizza boxes or something and looked up with a surprised look on his face and he said "I have never heard anything like that before! It's like...DARK REGGAE!". Ever since then, we have described our core style as "Hard Rock / Dark Reggae". We don't always stick with those styles, but we generally start off with that vibe and allow ourselves some room to diversify.

Describe the experience of a Souldub performance

Richard Ensley: Highly caffeinated...ha ha. One of our goals as performers is to hype up the crowd so much that the band that plays after us has to step their game up to keep the crowds attention. We used to get furious at Dave because he would jump around so much that we couldnt hear a musical note from his guitar. Three years later, we are all jumping around like Dave (we are talking about learning the art of the back flip). The key to sounding good while jumping around is to pretend you are at a show every time you rehearse. Then your stamina and control is well conditioned. I think we have put on better shows for ourselves in our rehearsal space than some of our actual perforformances at clubs.
Shane Law: It's like a bowel movement. Sometimes it feels good - sometimes it hurts...sometimes theres peanuts. [everyone laughing]

Sum up your message...and what experiences have inspired it?

Richard Ensley: Souldub is an entertainment project. We arent trying to save the world this time around. We just strive to be top-notch entertainers, so while in the past, we focused a great deal on having a "message" - now we just want to rock your face off for an hour and leave you lying on the ground in a pool of your own sweat and blood.

As far as inspiration, I try to write generally about things that directly impact me or my three brothers standing next to me. Some songs come out of situations we face as a band, some from situations we face as friends and men of faith. A great deal of writings come out of personal struggles and frustrations. We try to balance our material out with "lighter" more pop style themes to keep from sounding too angry.

If you could redo the soundtrack to any film, what would it be?

Richard Ensley: Requiem for a Dream
David Samano: Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas
Shane Law: Sleeping Beauty
Gordon Fry: The Bodyguard

Your individual styles are very diverse, if each of you could play in any band (past or present) what band would it be?

Richard Ensley: Bob Marley & The Wailers
David Samano: Led Zeppelin
Shane Law: Jimi Hendrix Experience
Gordon Fry: Rush

What is on the horizon for Souldub??

David Samano: Our new EP was just released this week. It's called "Sunday Morning Circus". So we are planning on promoting it over the next six months with a serious performance schedule. It looks like at the start of the fall, Souldub will start recieving college radio airplay...so be on the lookout! We are also talking about shooting a professional music video for Suckerpunch.

What are your goals in the music industry?

Shane Law: We want to become a household name in modern rock and roll. We want to sign to a major and get distribution worldwide and tour full time.
Richard Ensley: To get out of the music industry as soon as possible, cash my checks and own and operate a little cantina on a coastal beach somewhere. One of those places that is famous for one thing...like enchiladas or margaritas or something. We will have comedy on weekends and Gordon will be the in-house stand-up. Then Dave and I will co-author a book entitled "You Don't Have to be a Rocket Scientist to Write a Book about Rocket Science" (patent pending).

Where did you record your album? What studios? Who produced it?

Dave Samano: Our radio singles were recorded with Al Sutton of Rustbelt Studios. Al has been awarded platinum records for engineering all of Kid Rock's albums and many others. Al was a pleasure to work with and we hope to be doing more work with him in the future.

If you were stranded on an island with one book, one album and one celebrity who/what would they be?

Richard Ensley: "Man VS Wild: Survival Techniques from the Most Dangerous Places on Earth" by Bear Grylls, Bob Marley's "Babylon By Bus", Halle Berry (If I was her only option, I might have a chance!)
David Samano: Idiots Guide to Getting off an Island, The Exit's "Home For an Island", Carrie Underwood
Shane Law: Any Dr Seuss book, Any classical music record, Hillary Clinton
Gordon Fry: Who Moved My Cheese, Killswitch Engage "The End of Heartache", DMX

What inspires you to create your music?

Richard Ensley: There are a few things that really inspire me. First and foremost I would have to say the voices in my head (sounds crazy, but I am serious). Our friends and fans that consistantly go out of there way to support Souldub. They make it worth it every time we see them (You know exactly who you are! One day we will buy you all spinner rims for your Escalades). The final inspiration for me is probobly the most sentimental. Being part of a musical project can be emotionally and financially draining and sometimes it is tempting to just leave it and move on. Then I see the passion and hope and fearless determination of Dave, Shane and Gordon and it completely renews my inspiration. I want to see my friends succeed at following their dreams more than I want anything else.
David Samano: The ups and downs of everyday life
Shane Law: Emotion
Gordon Fry: To challenge myself over and over again to make the dopest beats in modern rock.

What advice could you give to an aspiring artist/band?

Richard Ensley: Quit while you are still young and can go back to school and get a real job. [Laughing]
Shane Law: Forget musical integrity - sell out as soon as possible
David Samano: Be willing to sacrifice everything for it. Give it everything you have
Gordon Fry: Find a band that you could sleep in a small space with over and over again

Souldub's new EP "Sunday Morning Circus" is available for purchase through the bands website at www.darkreggae.com. Be sure to visit Souldub on myspace at www.myspace.com/souldub.

*If you'd like to nominate or bring to our attention an artist or individual that has a passion for what they do & work tirelessly towards it, we’d like to know. Write a description of the who, what, where, how, and why to us at morewords@twaycustoms.net.