The first time I heard Rose Hill Drive it was 2004 and I was standing in an empty San Francisco bar. The only other people there were the bartender, a couple hardcore music fans and three balding record execs who were drooling on their designer shirts. It didn't matter that no one was there; these kids had the sound and the look and it was obviously just a matter of time until the screaming girls and head-banging boys would follow. Fast forward four years and the Sproul brother (Jake on bass, Daniel on guitar) along with childhood friend Nate Barnes (drums) are not only legally allowed in the bars they play, but they jumped to stadiums opening up for legends like Van Halen, Aerosmith and The Who, and they even shared the stage with one of their heroes, Pete Townshend. All this is good and fine, great even, but to add to the fun, Rose Hill Drive have just completed their sophomore album, Moon Is The New Earth. Set for release on June 24 through Megaforce, the new album finds the power trio maturing, growing into the songwriting process the way they devoured the stage from day one. While the '70s power of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath are still evident, the band counters the attack with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and acoustic guitars. Don't go thinking they got all sappy though, they still bring enough heat to melt the speakers and they're still requesting "condoms, cigarettes, nine volt batteries, cheap dildo, and Kombucha" on their tour rider. You too can get involved in the debauchery as Rose Hill Drive kick-off a massive tour on June 11 with The Whigs, dates available here.

Name: Jake Sproul
Band(s): Rose Hill Drive
Instruments: Bass/Vocals
Nicknames: The snake
Place You Call Home: Boulder, CO
Last album to flip your lid: Beck - The Information
Album you always take on tour: The Beatles - Abbey Road

What would someone always find in your van or tour bus?

If you look in the van at any given time on tour you'll probably see empty Red Bull cans and a bottle of p*ss. We always take a portable TV and an Xbox with the Tiger Woods golf game, and a portable backgammon board.

What personal rituals do you have to help keep your sanity while on tour?

We constantly use hand sanitizer, always watch at least a few minutes of Sports Center a night, throw Ambien parties for ourselves, visit Wal-Mart and Cracker Barrel for dining and accessories... And we play music.

Speaking of rituals, does the band have a pre-show ritual to help prepare for the stage?

We usually get into a huddle and talk privately. I like to have black tea before I go on stage because it's hydrating and gives me a lift... You know what else gives you a lift?... Meth.

Audiences come in all shapes and sizes. What's the screwiest fan encounter you've had?

All of our fans are great.

What's the strangest thing you've seen from the stage while performing?

A naked man pleasuring himself.

What's the first thing you like to do after a show?

Scoop up the hookers and get in the Town Car... I'm lying. I like to talk to people who came to the show and then load up the van. I believe in working hard, not just for good results but for the enrichment of life. And for a good hard sweaty body.

Tell us about a great road food stop you've discovered in your travels.

In Wal-Mart they have these Bolt House fresh fruit drinks that are tasty and really fill you up. But then again, it's Wal-Mart. Cracker Barrel is a must on the road when we get some down time... I prefer the catfish. The cool thing about Cracker Barrel is that they decorate the place in the theme of the approaching season or holiday. Walking in there after a long drive can be very surreal and homey. I love it.

If I weren't a musician I'd probably be a (fill in the blank) because (fill in the blank).

If I weren't a musician I'd probably be a student because I love to learn.

(Fill In the Blank) are the baddest mothas on the planet.

Super 400 are the baddest mothas on the planet.

Your bandmates will often reveal strange things about themselves during a tour. What stuff have your fellow musicians shown you that took you aback or delighted you?

Weird smelling farts. Actually the most interesting thing was realizing that after four years constantly on the road, we all keep coming back for more. Now I really know we are insane.

Name a few things we'd find on your rider?

Box of condoms, cigarettes, nine volt batteries, cheap dildo, and Kombucha.

What was the musical highlight of your last or current tour and why?

We opened for our heroes, Aerosmith, in Paris. I can't even believe I just typed that. Can't really say much more than that. It was f**king mind blowing.

Get more at www.JamBase.com...