We spoke to The Used’s Jepha Howard to ask about the band’s newly-released Deluxe edition of ‘Heartwork’.

A year after the release of their eighth studio album Heartwork, American rock icons The Used are back with their smashing deluxe edition of the record.

The new edition now features an additional 11 new songs to their previous 16, making it a grand compilation of 27 songs on this stunning, head-jamming and heart-wrenching eighth studio album.

Established in 2000, The Used have certainly brought to life and released a collection of albums that pioneered the scene of emo rock. High energy live shows, gut wrenching relatable lyrics, and melodies that blended pop sensibility and hard rock was the perfect combination to make an everlasting impression on fans globally.

Indeed, listening to the new songs on this record, I can’t help but be drawn into all the emo swells and sonically riveting turmoil of songs like ‘Night-Sea Journey’, ‘River Stay’ and ‘Blood Meridien’.

While tracks like ‘Playing the Victim’ and ‘Love Heart’ are such great rock-out, sing-out loud gig pieces!

It’s as if each other tells a story with a special meaning. ‘Brain Unguent’ for instance is such a beautiful piece…and I only wished that it was longer…

Lyrically, the poetic visual story of ‘Sing Out of Tune’ brings out another special moment, as the finale song ‘See You in Hell’ closes the chapter of an emo masterpiece.

Also read: The Used have unveiled a Deluxe Edition of ‘Heartwork’

We spoke to Jepha Howard from The Used to ask him more about this Deluxe edition of Heartwork and the 11 new songs that came with it.

AL365: Hi The Used, Vanessa here from AsiaLive365. Thanks for taking the time to speak with us again. Congrats on the Deluxe edition of Heartwork. What made you decide to release it?

Jepha Howard: Hello Vanessa! Of course ❤️

Thank you! After we finished up recording Heartwork we ended up with a lot of songs that didn’t make the record. Then we planned on releasing them but were not 100% sure how, and then the pandemic hit. Seemed the most fitting to re-release Heartwork with all the great songs that we didn’t want to get lost in time.

AL365: We love ‘River Stay’ a lot! It is such an emotional rock out, cry out to track. What can you tell us about the conceptualisation of this piece?

Jepha: Awesome! Life and all of its complicated bits.

AL365: Of the 11 new songs out in the deluxe album, which one would you say is a personal favourite – a song that still hits you hard or that is a personal favourite to jam out to?

Jepha: That’s really tough, each song is special in its own way.  The bass line to ‘Playing The Victim’ is very fun, cool little repeated lead line in the choruses and the second verse is a fun jam too.

AL365: It looks like you guys are back on the road. What is it like to tour again and have actual live gigs?

Jepha: I’ve really missed my best friends and my favorite basses. I was dreaming about seeing everyone and getting to play shows again for a year and a half, a wild feeling for sure.

AL365: Any chance to expand your touring beyond the US and the UK?

Jepha: Yes, we have an Australian tour planned out for next year.  I do always push for SEA whenever possible, some of my favorite memories in life are from traveling around all of Asia. Hopefully I can help get us back there ASAP.

AL365: The world has changed a lot in the last two years. If you could look back at the moments of growth and positivity, what would you say you have learnt in these two years?

Jepha: I have learned a lot over the past 21 years of touring and being in The Used. The last two I’ve learned a lot about myself and what it means to not be me and live. Sort of a reconnecting with Jepha and starting from there. I also started streaming on Twitch, chatting with fans and creating a solid positive community. Come hang with me and all my friends -> GRASSDESTROYER on Twitch.

AL365: What are your biggest hopes that fans will feel when they listen to your music?

Jepha: To be inspired, to be a part of our family. You’re not alone. 

AL365: Is there anything you like to say to your fans out there?

Jepha: I appreciate you for putting love and trust into our music. 

AL365: Thank you The Used. We hope to see you in Singapore for a show soon. 8 years is a long time! 

Jepha: Way too long! 😢  Please help us come back asap. Funny story, my grandpa almost moved his family to Singapore back in the day, which would have resulted in me being born in Singapore! 🇸🇬

Cover photo: Brian Cox