MGO: What have you been listening to lately?
C: Lately I've really been into Sufjan Stevens, The Game, Aqueduct, Why?, and Spoon
MGO: How has this transferred over to the final steps of the recording process? Does it transfer at all?
C: Not really, it comes in more handy during the writing process. All 5 of us have such broad tastes in music that the influences are used more in that stage of the process. Our overall mixes are more influenced by what the song calls for, and Kurt (Ballou) who produced also has a lot of say in that.
MGO: That makes a deal of sense. What's it like working with Mr. Ballou?
C: Kurt is amazing. He mixes well with out personalities, and he's one hell of a producer. We've had some of our more enjoyable experiences while at Godcity. I look forward to finishing the record this coming week.
MGO: Can you say who will be putting out the album?
C: Mostly a brothel of lesbians... they took a shining to us during a show in a midwestwen Motel 6.
C: J/k. It's not much of a secret anymore that Doghouse Records will be releasing the album in early '06.
MGO: Is it exciting being lined up to be released on a reputable label with your first album?
C: Oh definately. We were confident that the album would be put out by a label, but when I started talking to Bryan the label manager at Doghouse it was surreal. Bryan along with Dirk Hemsath (who is the label owner) actually flew out from LA to watch us play in Boston and take us out to dinner.
MGO: Where did you eat?
C: The dumpster outside of the Middle East Caf?. I thought we would be eating somewhere nice, but apparently they actually prefer that out in Cali.
MGO: They do. It's the best part of visiting, actually.
C: We actually ate at the Middle East Caf?. You get half off when you play the club. Somehow Kurt managed to get a free meal out of it too... and more power to him. The restaurant we ate it is called Zu Zu.
MGO: Interesting. Did they make you cover the tip or anything?
C: Nope, one of the perks of being picked up by a reputable label i guess.
MGO: That doesn't hurt. Are they good tippers?
C: You know what.. I don't know. They payed with a company credit card so there was no paper involved other than the receipt. I remember leaving the restaurant before the transaction was complete because i saw a cute girl that I knew outside.
MGO: I don't think there will be a shortage of that anytime soon. A couple more questions, then I'll let you go.
C: Yeah. Cute girls are plentiful.
MGO: How has having a reputable producer affected your outlook on the recording process?
C: After self demoing everything ourselves at a studio that Jesse the guitarist used to co-own, and Justin the singers home studio, it has made out lives a lot easier. We walk into Godcity knowing that it's going to sound good no matter what. Kurt is great at capturing great drum tones which was always a pain in the ass for us. It also comes in handy when the band is at opposite ends with eachother in one decision of another. Kurt can make the final call and the band usually will agree to disagree and let him make the call. So I guess it has affected my optimism and confidence that we are going to come out with a recording that best suits our songs.
MGO: Sounds like you're much looser with it now, and that never hurts.
C: Yeah, it's nice to be able to trust someone else with your music and have confidence that it's going to come out as good or better than you expected.
MGO: One last question: what's your favorite Pink Floyd album?
C: Animals hands down. "Dogs" and "Pigs (Three Different Ones)" kick my ass everytime. That album is absolutely perfect in every way.
MGO: Good choice. It's my favorite, by way of my dad (it's his favorite too, you see.)
C: Dad's always right.
MGO: Well, thanks for letting me talk to you. Good luck with the final process of the album creation.
C: No problem, thank you for giving me 50 minutes of your life.