He says: "We're about to go into writing. With a new record looming, I just want to be able to do something different and not be stagnant with my playing. Every new album is another opportunity to do more better. Because we should do more better, shouldn't we?"

Guitarist Bill Kelliher adds that one of the most satisfying things about being a musician is learning that their work can sometimes help people who are in distress. And he says music has also helped him to deal with issues, including his mother's recent cancer diagnosis.

Kelliher says: "I've got so many emails from people, and it seems like we've done a lot more healing with a lot of our records. How much better a compliment can it be that you are actually helping someone who's hurting.

"My mom has terminal cancer and I just found out. When I'm on stage every night her image goes through my head and I play and say,' I'm doing this for her. I'm gonna make her proud.'