Break and Repair Method guitarist Paul Doucette said it's been a long time since he's had third billing on a tour.
"I haven't done a van tour in something like 10 years," said Doucette, who plays in another band called matchbox 20, during a phone call from a voting booth in Los Angeles last week. "I'm looking forward to it. I'm playing clubs again, as well I should, because I'm in a new band."
While Break and Repair Method takes up most of his time, Doucette said matchbox 20 fans should not despair. "We are all going to get together in February next year and start writing new songs for a new CD." Incidentally, mb20 lead singer Rob Thomas is wrapping up recording his second solo CD.
Currently, Doucette tours in support of the CD "Milk the Bee," which was released in September. Getting "Milk the Bee" from the studio into fans' hands was one trial after another, said Doucette.
"You name it, we faced it," he said with a laugh. "When the CD was released, it had passed through three record labels."
The CD, recorded in 2006, originally was to be released on Atlantic Records, home of matchbox 20. But mergers and layoffs pushed the CD into the "dropped" pile.
"When I got to the next label, it was all good, and then the label folded," said Doucette. "Right when I got to the point that I felt like I would not be able to release the album and actually felt OK with that decision, along came Bluhammock Records and said they liked it."
Even now, challenges sneak up on Doucette. "First off, there are people who like matchbox but don't like it (the CD) because it's not matchbox music. And there are people who don't like matchbox and don't like it (the CD) because I'm in matchbox. So, it's a double-edged sword."
On top of the logistic problems of releasing the CD, Doucette's manager died.
"It was one thing after another," he said. "And when it looked like it couldn't get worse, it did."
Still, Doucette said he likes the CD so much that he is euphoric that it's finally been released.
"However, I finished recording it so long ago that I now have a lot of new ideas and songs for the new album I want to do," he said. "But the songs on this album are fun to play, and I'm looking forward to the tour."
Joining Doucette in the band are drummer Ryan McMillan, guitarist Matt Beck and bassist Rob Calder.
"They are a bunch of good guys and musicians," Doucettte said. "I've known them for a long time and it will be fun touring with them."
If you go
What: Matt Nathanson, Jessie Baylin, Break & Repair Method
Where: Avalon, 3605 S. State St.
When: Saturday, 6:30 p.m.
How much: $14
Phone: 467-8499, 800-888-8499
Web: www.smithstix.com
E-mail: scott@desnews.com