Interview: Falling In Reverse guitarist Derek Jones answers fan questions

Each week during their current U.S. headlining tour, one member of Falling In Reverse—AP #284’s cover stars, of course—will be answering questions from fans. How can you submit one? It’s easy! Be sure to “like” AP’s official Facebook page and keep your eyes peeled for a status update every Saturday, in which we will ask fans for their input. The best ones will be sent along to the band to answer.

This week, guitarist Derek Jones faced up to a tough line of questioning. His answers are below. If you missed drummer Ryan Seaman's answers, head over here!

Yarely Radke asks:
If you could tour with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I would have to say I'd tour with Manowar, just to see the loudest show on earth!

Alvin Mkd asks:
What do you like to play when you aren't playing your own songs?
I'm really just starting to learn the “shredding” aspect of guitar playing, but I also like playing all sorts of music, one of my favorites being metal.

Kelcey Vanity Monroe asks:
What was your first concert?
First real concert would be Stone Temple Pilots and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Katie Peterson asks:
Why did you pursue a career in music?
Music always felt natural. It made me feel good about myself, and makes me happier than anything else I've tried out there.

Nick Feller asks:
Do you have a favorite city to play in? And how old where you when you went on your first tour?
Can't say as I have a favorite city to play, as I love most every show and city I play in. My first tour would have to have been when I was 19, I think.

Sarina Colón asks:
What or who inspired you to become who you are? And who was/is your greatest musical influence?
Growing up I was heavily influenced by punk rock, and political punk rock. As far as an influence to this day, and from the beginning, I've always looked up to AFI and Swedish metal bands such as At The Gates and Soilwork.

Maritza Radke asks:
What do you like to do for fun?
I'm kinda a big video game fan. I also ride bikes when I can, or my Razor ® Scooter. [Laughs.]

Miranda Scott asks:
What are your three best albums of all time, and why?
1. AFI, The Art of Drowning
This album kind of just changed the way I looked at everything musically and lyrically.

2. Danzig, Danzig II
This album just caught my ear because of the straight rock, almost AC/DC feel, and the aggressive but at times beautiful vocals.

3. As I Lay Dying, Frail Words Collapse
This album was something new to me, with the energy of metal but also the roots of hardcore in California that I had heard before. To me, it takes that to a different level; they kind of pioneered that sound, generally.

Rhetoric asks:
Hi Derek, wanted to say I think you're super cool. My question is such: RUSH or YES? #prognerdzunite
RUSH

Brandon Thomas Turner asks:
What guitar strings do you use, and what running do you play in?
I use Ernie Ball strings, skinny top heavy bottom. 52-42-30-17-13-10. They work well for me in drop-C.

Brittany Simmons asks:
Can you play any other instruments besides the guitar?
You know, a little of this, a little of that—some drums, bass, recorder. Growing up, I played the violin and saxophone.

Carmen Trujillo asks:
If you would have not been playing in Falling In Reverse right now, what would you have been doing?
I'd probably be doing some bitch work in some studio as a runner or something interning. [Laughs.] Hopefully getting paid.