SM: You mentioned that you guys and CUAD would discuss how crummy music scenes can be and things like that. What are some of the biggest mistakes you see local/unsigned bands making on a regular basis?
T: I think bands should do what they want to do. I think it’s important to do whatever makes you happy and that’s important. But at the same time I say that, some bands could have like negative messages in their lyrics or be un-cool to other people or just not being a positive influence to other people and I think that’s just horrible. But I think it would be awesome if bands didn’t try to be “like this other band.” Be like, “Oh yeah, I’m in this band. We’re like the Blood Bros.” and you’ll be like, “the Blood Bros. already exist. What are you doing different?” That’s where music progresses and becomes something beautiful is when you take things from other bands but you do something different. If there were more bands doing that there would be a faster progression in the music. There are bands doing that too though.

SM: Going back to before you guys were a signed “recording act.” What were some of the goals you set for this band? Also, which ones have you accomplished and which ones have fallen by the way-side along the way?
T: We weren’t really so much of a goal oriented band. We didn’t even really know how to get shows. We would just practice two or three times a week and write music all the time. We’ve always been a band that’s willing to try new things and I think that also shows in our music. We’re always trying new ways to play or new styles and I think that’s one of the things that make it more fun and creative.

SM: Who are some of the smaller bands out there that you wish more people knew about?
T: Sorry, out there, if you already know who these bands are. But bands I really think I love and I wish more people supported are: Engine Down from D.C., Denali from D.C., Majority Rule which is another band from D.C., you guys all know CUAD, which their new EP is awesome. I love it. There’s a band I talk about all the time, No Knife?

SM: San Diego.
T: Yeah, one of my favorite bands. They’ve been around for a long time and I’m surprised that they’re not huge. At least for me, personally, that band has made one of the hugest influences on me as far as just thinking differently about music and even playing differently. I don’t know if it directly effects my playing though. What else? Jazz music. Jazz music is awesome.

SM: How about lounge?
T: mmm, I dunno.

SM: The reason I ask is cause Wayne Newton can’t have more than like another 40 years left. By then maybe you guys are looking to settle down. You wanna come to Vegas?
T: NO...uh, I dunno about that. I’ll be playing music all my life. At least I hope I will unless...I dunno, I lose my-

SM: Don’t even say it.
T: Yeah, I don’t even want to say it.(laughs)

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