"We've done shows before where there weren't many people there," File said. "Playing for three people in Iowa and literally in all these weird places like down the road at the bowling alley and having people just sit there and stare."

Things have turned around drastically for the band, as was seen at their first show in almost a year, which took place at the Glass House on Feb. 18. The lively audience gave Videodrone the energy to perform their best.

"The audience is everything. It's very difficult to play to a hostile audience or to very few people."

File credits Videodrone's current success to the involvement of Korn's Mike "Fieldy" Arvizu.

"Fieldy is always talking everything up and he put a big spin around this thing. It couldn't really be any better."

Hailing from Bakersfield, CA, the same hometown as Korn, the members of Videodrone and Korn have known each other from the beginning. Choosing to sign with Korn's label was an easy choice. "It's a great label. Basically, we wanted to be on their label, but then they chose us. It seemed like we were on the back burner at first, but now they are completely behind us."

While members of Videodrone have played together for 10 years, the band's new album is the first under its current name. Known previously as Cradle of Thorns, Videodrone decided on a new moniker because of similarities to other acts.

"There were some other bands that came out, like Cradle of Filth. When we were on tour last time, they would always be getting our name wrong, like Ladle of Thorns or Crown of Filth."

The name Videodrone stems from their affinity for science fiction. "Have you ever heard of a movie from the early '80s called Videodrone? It's that basic idea. It was before the internet and virtual reality wasn't in existence. It was way ahead of its time."

File describes Videodrone's music in the same way.

"This band has always done things a little bit ahead, but people like it. Ty is a visionary type of guy and he is always seeking out new types of music."

Under any name, the band has always played heavy rock infused with hip-hop and rap. However, they decided to add a new element to their sound a few years ago.

"We started doing sampling on the Fetus album, which came out in 1994 under Cradle of Thorns. Electronics opens up so many options. It's a lot funner to mess around with an effects unit than to play the same sound all the time. But with every piece of equipment, there is a good point and a drawback. You just have to find the drawback and figure out how to use it to the best of your abilities to the greatest advantage."

The album also features a new a style of writing for lead singer/songwriter Ty Elam.

"Ty's lyrics on this record are a lot more introspective. They are more about himself. He says that OEI used to sing about 'they' or 'them' and now I sing about me and stuff.'"

The fast pace at which things have changed for Videodrone caught File off guard as what to expect from this album.

"We're so busy that I don't take a lot of time to dream about it. It's like everyday there is a new good piece of news. That's really exciting and amazing - things change so fast. We're just gearing up for an amazing tour, trying to get all the loose ends tied up before we head out."

When performing on stage, File prefers not to analyze things, letting gut instinct take over.

"What goes through my mind? Normally, it's just feeling good and trying to stay in the groove of the music. I like to turn my mind off. If I have to think about too many things, I start to get nervous."

Videodrone will be supporting Rob Zombie and Korn on the upcoming Rock Is Dead tour. Even if things were to revert to the worse days in Videodrone's history, File would still keep an optimistic view.

"What I learned to do is just try and make something good about it. At least I'm not in some basement. I just enjoy the music and get into the music. This tour with Korn and Rob Zombie will be phenomenal."

(C) Daily Trojan via U-Wire