An Interview With THIRD EYE BLIND’s STEPHAN JENKINS About The Upcoming Tour and Fun With A Ouija Board!

Formed in 1993, Third Eye Blind has seen great success since they released their first self-titled album in 1997. The core band consists of Stephan Jenkins (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Brad Hargreaves (drums).

They released “Blue” in 1999, ” Out Of The Vein” in 2003 and “Ursa Major” in 2009. Their songs “Semi-Charmed Life”, “Jumper” and “How’s It Going To Be” all reached the Top 10 of the US Billboard Hot 100 and “Never Let You Go” reached the Top 20. Third Eye Blind has sold around 12 million records worldwide.

Their fifth studio album is entitled “Dopamine” and it is scheduled for release on June 16th via MegaForce Records.

Third Eye Blind tours frequently, currently with Kryz Reid (lead guitar), Alex Kopp (keyboards), and Alex LeCavalier (bass guitar).

All Access caught with Third Eye Blind front-man Stephan before they head on tour to chat a little about the tour and where they see themselves in 10 years:

Thanks for taking the time for this interview! What are you guys currently up to?

Finishing the last couple songs of our new album in time for the tour. I’m also shopping for a puppy. 

It’s been 6 years since your last release, “Ursa Major” in 2009. What have you been up that whole time?

You got me there. It’s been kind of a blur.

Can you remember the moment this band got together? How was your name picked? 

The band’s always coming together moment by moment. I remember a Ouija board and Vodka and then that name showed up, blast it. 

What other names were you considering?

I’m not going to tell you because I’m still considering them.

When can fans expect a fifth album? 

Very very soon.

How will the music on it be similar or different to your previous albums?

Lots of words–that’s similar. Simplified driving beats–that’s different.

“Semi-Charmed Life” was your breakout hit. What do you think it is about that song that made it so successful? What was life like for you guys back then when you music was on everywhere and you really making a name for yourselves?

I think it’s an equinox song. It’s a balance point moment between light and dark when everything is perfect, even though you know it won’t last. 

You have a very busy summer tour scheduled. How do you keep up the energy night after night? 

Clean livin’ and #bulletproofcoffee. 

What venues are you most excited to play at? 

We haven’t played Seattle in a long time–looking forward to that.  Austin is really fun too.

Are you looking forward to touring with Dashboard Confessional?

Very much so. I’m a big fan of Chris Carrabba.

How do you think the music industry has changed in the many years that you’ve been apart of it?

It’s been utterly dismantled. Which definitely has it’s pluses. There’s a lot of creepy record execs that I no longer need to lap dance.

What bands have consistently inspired you and your music? 

Lately? Milky Chance. Nothing. And Beyonce.

Who would you love to work with?

I would love to produce a Led Zepplin record with my drummer @justbrad23 (Brad) on drums.

Can a pick a favorite memory or two that you’ve had either on-stage, with a fan or in the studio?

An Autistic kid put his first sentences together when I met him backstage, which was touching because I have my own troubles putting sentences together.

Where do you see Third Eye Blind in 10 or even 20 years from now? 

Absolutely killing it.