Denver-based band The Fray is bringing its brand of pop-rock to New Orleans tonight for a performance at Tipitina’s Uptown.
The band was formed in 2002 by Issac Slade and Joe King. Their 2005 debut album, “How to Save a Life,” was certified double platinum, and the eponymous single was certified triple platinum after being featured on “Grey’s Anatomy” at the peak of the show’s popularity.
The Fray’s latest album, “Scars and Stories,” was released in February.
The Daily Reveille spoke with lead singer, songwriter and pianist Issac Slade on Monday afternoon.
TDR: What was the inspiration behind your latest album, “Scars and Stories?”
Issac: The album’s inspiration is comprised of individual experiences and lives lived behind each song. That title, “Scars and Stories,” kind of summarizes what we’ve been through the past couple of years. They’re not open wounds or something, but they’re scars. It’s a little bit of a map of what we’ve been through, and there’s feeling there. Life definitely leaves a mark on you.
TDR: Have you ever played in New Orleans before?
Issac: Yeah, once I think. I want to say we played in the House of Blues. I love New Orleans. We’ve actually spent a lot of time there for radio and promo and travel and vacation. We wrote a lot of the record in New Orleans. I think my impression of the city is that it’s there for a good time, and it’s got amazing food. It’s dirty in all the right ways.
TDR: What would you say is the most difficult part of making an album?
Issac: It’s different for each one of us because all four of us bring different things to the band and to the creative process. The hardest part for me, I think, is living every day as a writer. It’s so easy to show up to work, do the interviews, play the shows and go home, but when you’re a writer, you have to be in that mode all the time. I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining or anything, but that’s probably the hardest part for me. It’s not really the record stuff, it’s just … all the time, constant over the last 10 years I’ve been [writing].
TDR: What are you hoping fans get out of your music?
Issac: I like that everybody feels different things. I used to stress a lot about making sure everybody understood exactly what we were trying to say. But I don’t do that with the music I listen to. I really just like it or I don’t. I just connect with it or I don’t. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate everybody’s personal take on it. I had a couple come up to me and say “How To Save A Life” was their first dance song at their wedding. I mean, that’s a song about suicide prevention. I just thanked them and said, “That’s awesome dude, that’s awesome.” I’m cool with everybody having their own experience.
TDR: Out of all the songs The Fray has written, do you have a favorite?
Issac: I don’t have a favorite actually. I think that’s kind of like, “Which kid do you like more?” Certain songs feel different over the years. I have a song called “Vienna” I wrote with Joe [King, lead guitarist] that’s kind of about a relationship that was doomed to fail before it even started. Then the relationship started, and we had a good time and then we broke up just like the song said we would, and now we’ve both moved on with our lives. She’s married and has a baby. I’m married. So we’re in separate places, and we’re separate people. That song still resonates with me. There’s songs like that that feel a little closer to home than others. “Vienna” is probably one of my favorites.
TDR: What are some of the difficulties playing in a group as opposed to playing solo?
Issac: There’s a few things that would be easier. I think there would be less fighting and less disagreement. I’d make a lot more money. In some ways, it’s always a temptation. Like during the hard days it’s like, “Gosh, I wish I was a solo artist or something because this would be easier.” … Ultimately, it’s easier to be single than to be with somebody, but not nearly as rich and fulfilling. I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have if I was a solo artist. … At the end of the day, every single thing we’ve done has been the four of us, and I’m really proud of what we’ve done. If I could go back and do it again as a band or a solo artist, I’d pick a band every time.
TDR: If you could play with one other group, who would it be?
Issac: I’d be Springsteen. I’ve looked up to him since I was a little kid. Even growing up really sheltered as I was, I loved Springsteen. He embodied everything that was being an American. I got to meet him a couple of years ago, and he was exactly like I hoped he was. I’d love the chance to sing across from him.
 
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Contact Taylor Balkom at [email protected]