Being a rockstar might look effortless from the outside, but as Cody Hanson of Hinder makes clear, staying relevant in the music world takes far more than talent. In this revealing conversation, the drummer and co-founder of the multi-platinum band pulls back the curtain on the real work behind the music—from scrapping a full album that didn’t feel honest, to reigniting the band’s passion with the song that would become their seventh studio album, Bring Me Back to Life.

What’s striking isn’t just Hanson’s musical role, but his deep involvement in every aspect of the band’s output—recording on the road, mixing and mastering at home, designing the artwork, even managing the logistics of owning a tour bus. His reflections highlight how today’s artists must blend creativity with strategy, especially in a world dominated by streaming, social media, and emerging tools like AI.

Ultimately, Hanson’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Whether building a recording studio on a moving bus or navigating the shadow of a massive hit, Hinder’s journey shows that the magic of rock and roll is built on long hours, smart pivots, and the unshakable drive to just keep creating.