Q&A

How would you describe your band's music?

bipolar art-rock.its our own genre we came up with.

What's your newest/latest music project?

touring in support of our new album APPROACHING NORMAL.

What's the funniest thing to ever happen to you at a music festival?

probably getting mud slung at us on stage in upstate new york.we went on last so by the time we took the stage everything was covered.the crowd was great though...halfway through the first song and they stopped slinging and started singing.

What is the most exciting thing about performing live?

seeing the effect we have on people.how the music and lyrics really touch some people to the point of raw emotion...crying,laughing,screaming...all of the above.

Have you performed in/visited Tulsa before? If so, what did you like most about it? If you haven't, is there something you're particularly looking forward to?

we have.i'm a big fan of cain's ballroom.its such a legendary venue...so much history.

Are you currently on tour? If so, what are your stops just before and after Dfest?

dfest is the first stop of our next tour...the CRAZY MAKING tour with switchfoot joining up with us the next day in omaha

How has the economy changed your band, touring, making music, etc.?

the economy has changed things in numerous ways for any band out there right now,but the most notable way is record sales.if you look at the numbers today compared to just a couple years ago its night and day.thats one of the reasons why touring the live show is more important than ever.spreading the word the old fashioned way.

What outdoor/festival smell do you dislike the most, and why?

definitely the port-a-johns.haha.they can be pretty rank.

What's the funniest/weirdest story you have about any song you've written?

justin was working on the lyrics to UGLY SIDE while driving the van down a winding road in the middle of the night...on a piece of cardboard he found.i happened to wake up just in time to see us veering off the road and yelled at him to get his attention.close call.he gets inspired at some pretty strange times.

What can fans expect during your Dfest performance?

they can expect sincerity.we are honest in our show...love it or hate it its never contrived.its always straight from the heart.

Where would you like your band to be 5 years from today?

making records and sharing them with the world. were just blessed to do it for a living.having this outlet is the most important part of "happy".

What's the coolest fact about your fans?

our fans are die-hard.they will travel farther than you'd expect just to see us and they are so passionate.we are the luckiest artists in the universe because of them.

What tips do you offer to "beat the heat" at this July festival?

don't do what we do-don't wear all black...haha.

What's the weirdest/quirkiest fact about any member of your band?

i think we all have our quirky sides.thats what makes us ...um...special.;)