The Winery Dogs drummer Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater) is featured in a new interview with The Dallas Observer discussing songwriting, sobriety and being a father. An excerpt is available below:

Q: What was it like to produce your son's band (Next To None) and their EP?

Portnoy: "I'm really proud watching my son develop. His band is getting better and better. Watching their development has been incredible. They've opened for The Winery Dogs a few times. There's no prouder feeling for a father to watch your son following in your footsteps and be so good at it. I mean, he's already way beyond where I was at his age."

Q: Have you always encouraged your children to do what they want to do? Not necessarily follow in your footsteps, just have them do what they want to do?

Portnoy: "Yeah! I've never pushed drumming down Max's throat. He took to it himself and he even goes to another teacher. It's not like I'm his teacher. He goes to someone else. But yeah, I've always encouraged both of my kids to do what they want to do. My daughter isn't a musician, but she's a music lover as well. Whatever they want to do, I'll support them. People should be happy with what they do for a living."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Next To None is:

Max Portnoy (drums)

Thomas Cuce (vocals/keys)

Ryland Holland (guitar)

Kris Rank (bass)

The band is now on Reverb Nation. Stream or download their debut EP here or use the widget below.

Audio samples are also available on the band's official Facebook page.

Footage from Next To None's Atlanta, GA show on April 6th, 2013 is available below: