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Through turmoil, the changing of the times, and personal tragedies, rock monsters Drowning Pool have persevered, succeeded and made an indelible mark on the face of the modern hard rock scene. And they play to win, whether it’s huge arenas and amphitheatres or clubs such as Woody’s – where they’ll be on July 10 for what’s sure to be a loud, sweaty, ear-happy night. So kick back in preparation, open your beer and read what DP bassist Stevie Benton had to say via email recently.

N4U: Drowning Pool burst onto the national scene nearly a decade ago; how has the business changed since then? How has it remained the same?

SB: As an industry, CD sales are way down from where they were 10 years ago.

Fortunately for us, the live show has always been our focus. People want to come rock out and have a great time. That will never change.

The band's been dealt some pretty sh*tty hands over the years, but here you are, alive and quite well. What's been the major driving force behind Drowning Pool through it all?

It really just comes down to all of us being close friends. We've always been like a family. After Davey passed, we felt like we owed it to him to keep his dream going.

It seems you guys get the best of both worlds this summer - playing smaller venues and then hopping aboard the Cruefest boat playing big amphitheatres from coast to coast. As veterans of both smaller and bigger gigs, what will that transition be like?

Touring can become monotonous. Having that day to day transition, keeps things exciting. Waking up each morning (or afternoon) with a completely new set of circumstances, will make for an exciting tour.

It's been almost two years since Full Circle came out. When's the next album out, what's it called, and describe the themes you're working with on it.

We will begin work immediately after Cruefest. We are on fire about the tunes we have written. I'm positive that this will be our most solid CD since Sinner.

It was also about two years ago you were here in Southern Indiana, and it was a pretty wild night, if I recall. Other than rocking out mightily, what do you bring to a club-sized audience to make them move their ass?

We love what we do and that enthusiasm is contagious. We've built our career on getting people to move their ass.   

Drowning Pool has had some pretty major involvement with the USO. What are some of the best experiences you can share from playing for the troops?

While all the shows we've played for the troops have been amazing, the best part of the experience has been meeting and hanging out with all the guys and girls that put their lives on the line for our country. Just watching the news dehumanizes them and what they go thru. You think about the politics and forget to consider that these are regular people doing amazing things.   

2009 looks pretty booked - at least through the fall - what's up in 2010 for Drowning Pool?

New record. A s@%tload of touring. Maybe a few beers. And a good time.