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![AoS: Define The Great Line seems to have a heavy sound than that of your prior works. Was that a goal in the writing process?
Tim: Yeah, I think semi-intentionally it was, and then naturally it just enhanced itself even more. We knew we wanted to go for a more aggressive rock sound and I think that once we ended the record, we were like, “Wow!” We knew it was going to be heavy, but we didn’t know it was going to be like this. So I think a little bit of intentional and a little bit of just natural progression towards that really kind of came together and made it what it was.
AoS: Do you have a favorite track off of the album?
Tim: I think my favorite track on the album would probably have to be track eleven [“To Whom It May Concern”]. That was a song that we had been working on awhile and turned out really cool. Honestly, I like all of them. I like track six [“Returning Empty Hands”] a lot, but if I had to go with one I’d probably have to go with track eleven.
AoS: Your religious views and values are well known to the point where your style of music is often preceded by the word “Christian”. Do you consider your music to be flat-out Christian music or simply music that is made by Christians?
Tim: I think they have parallels. I think that they’re kind of the same, but in some instances kind of different. For me I think we’re a Christian band in the sense that we all believe in God and we all are Christians. We want our music, and our message, and our band, and our everything to be a representation of that. In that respect, yeah, we’re a Christian band and we have Christian songs, and whatever else.
AoS: Underoath has been linked to a few instances of “controversy and drama” over the past year or so, that you have stated to be false. Does that get to you or are you able to put it above yourself?
Tim: It gets to me to the point where it would get anyone, but at the end of the day you know that it’s pretty much crap, and I think that once you get to that point where you know it’s whatever and you’re not really caring about it, I think that you kind of have to just let it go even though one kid’s saying this and someone believes this. It can be testing](Tim%20McTague%20Interview_files/shapeimage_3.jpg)
![at times, some days are easier than others, but for the most part it’s like whatever, man.
AoS: What is the best on-tour food?
Tim: Papa John’s, man! (laughs) Papa John’s pizza, when you get that after a show there’s nothing that beats it.
AoS: Do you have a favorite on-stage moment?
Tim: I really like playing track six [“Returning Empty Hands”], every time we’ve played it on this tour it’s been awesome, but in terms of one specific instance, I don’t really know. Like, there’s so much that goes on that I catch and I don’t catch and hear about later, “Oh, did you see when this kid did that?!,” and I’m like, “No.” I don’t really take in the show as much as some people would. Just seeing all those kids being loud, and singing our words is just awesome.
AoS: If you weren’t a guitarist, but still remained a musician. What do you see yourself possibly playing?
Tim: I could play the bass. I’d like to play drums, but I’m not good at it. There are so many different things. I don’t know, that’s a hard question, but it’s cool. I like a lot of different instruments. I’d like to play piano, but I don’t know if I’d be very good at it. (laughs)
AoS: Maybe on the next record.
Tim: Yeah, we’ll see what happens.
AoS: What was the last album you bought?
Tim: The last albums I bought were the new Owen [At Home With Owen] and the new Explosions In The Sky [All of a Sudden, I Miss Everyone].
AoS: Do you have any last words for fans or for anyone who reads this interview?
Tim: Just thanks for all the support and thanks for taking the time to read about our band. Hopefully we’ll come to your town soon!](Tim%20McTague%20Interview_files/shapeimage_4.jpg)
