NEW YORK — Default ain't your average rock band.
The Canadian quartet had been together a mere six months when they recorded a demo with Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger and landed a record deal.
Their debut album, "The Fallout" (TVT Records), went platinum. They had a hit single — "Wasting My Time" — in 2002, and toured for about two years. They scored a gig on NBC's "Tonight" show, and lead singer Dallas Smith takes lessons from Mick Jagger's voice coach.
So it might seem that these guys — Smith, guitarist Jeremy James Hora, bassist Dave Benedict and drummer Danny Craig — are just pretty darn lucky — except their music really is good.
Their sophomore album, "Elocation," was due in stores Nov. 25. Written mostly while they were touring, the album was produced with Rick Parasher, known for working with grunge rock masters Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains.
"Elocation" is full of grungy guitar Pearl Jam-ey tunes and some surprising blues-influenced rock. Their harmony is tight, and their sound is big and catchy.
Hora describes the band as "just guys," and says they aren't trying to have a rock-band image. They even shop at Wal-Mart — and don't really care if anyone recognizes them.
AP: This was your first band. Did you ever sing before?
Smith: Well, in the shower and in the car. But when I auditioned for the band, that was the first time I ever sang in front of people. I'm still learning about range and how to treat your voice so it doesn't give out on you. It's a big change from my job before — carpentry.
AP: You were signed really fast. Isn't getting there half the fun?
Smith: I'm glad we missed the dirty grind. It stopped us from being jaded — and I think that can ruin a good band. I came in with a clean slate and I think it gives me a sort of clarity rather than spending years struggling. I mean, being in the right place at the right time, that's a good thing for every band.
AP: On the radio, you're always mentioned with other rock-ish bands such as Creed, Nickelback and Staind. Are you worried people won't be able to distinguish your music?
Smith: I think if you listen to the album it's really diverse. We have stuff that's real heavy and electric and other stuff that's more bluesy and acoustic. And we're not afraid to do ballads.
AP: Who are your biggest influences?
Smith: Led Zeppelin really for all of us. Danny likes Primus, and Dave likes the Chili Peppers, too. Growing up I played Beatles and Led Zeppelin records all the time, I was really into music. But not that '80s Kiss kind of stuff. No, thank you.
AP: How do you guys write songs?
Hora: It starts with a tiny little idea, a guitar riff or something, and then it sparks into something else. It's trial and error. Sometimes we fight, but it's like arguments between siblings, and it's always for the better of the album.
AP: Where do you want to be in five years?
Smith: Still doing this, but I don't know if we have the desire to be playing stadiums. I just want to be a band that doesn't burn out so fast. If you come in with all guns blazing, you're going to disappear just as quickly. We don't want to be the sound of the week. We want to improve with time.