Q&A

Who is filling out this survey?

Vincent DiFiore

How would you describe your band's music?

We're downstream from mainstream. Hardcore easy listening. Hank Williams and Sly Stone are at a party and they play AC/DC records backwards.

What's your newest/latest music project?

We're making a new album at our solar-powered studio in Sacramento, California. Written, rehearsed and recorded with solar power.

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

We were at an outdoor festival in Austria, and a musician from a punk rock band from the set before us came onstage and exposed himself to the audience. Security rushed onstage and a major scuffle ensued onstage as we were playing music.

What is the most exciting thing about performing live?

Without a doubt, arriving on stage for the first time and encountering the many faces ready for our music. The moment after the first or second song, when the audience has become engaged with the music is always a satisfying feeling of resolve.

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?

Oh yes. We love Cain's Ballroom. We're Bob Wills fans, so the history there is exciting to us. The architecture downtown is interesting as well. Couldn't help but notice the lilac bushes grow amazingly well in the neighborhoods of Tulsa.

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

We are performing at the Ottawa Blues Fest, the Baltimore Street Scene and at The National in Richmond in earlier July.

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

It's made us work a lot harder. If you're lucky enough to still have a job, you tend to not take it for granted and you work harder than ever at keeping it going.

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

Oh, that's easy. The diesel exhaust from power generators. It somehow always makes its way on-stage with us.

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

When we travelled to France and played a cover version of "I Will Survive," they all sang along to the instrumental solo section of the song. It turns out that melody was what the sports crowds all sang together at their soccer games.

What can fans expect during your Dfest performance?

We'll do everything in our power to deliver sonic showers of rhythm and melody in a way that is on a par with the standards of excellence in which we've set precedent. We've also been playing a couple new original songs from our forthcoming album. We're happy with how they've been received by audiences.

How is Dfest different from any other show you do?

Do you salt your food before you taste it? We're looking forward to experiencing it for the first time.

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

Playing a concert on a giant asteroid. This will be NASA's next project and MTV will be a sponsor. Hope it's a gentle landing.

What's the coolest fact about your fans?

There is no clearly definable demographic. We get all ages. The concert-goers that we've met have all been fine people and have given us great faith in humanity.

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

Embracing the heat is the best strategy. Imagining that your surroundings are all part of a giant therapeutic sauna room is the way to go.

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

Xan McCurdy (electric guitar) can do hula-hoop type moves with his carry-on luggage.