Q&A

Who is filing out this survey?

Costa Stasinopoulos.

Please name your band, its members' names and what they play.

Dead Sea Choir -
Costa Stasinopoulos - vocals, keys, guitar
Daniel Thoms Gimlin - guitar, vocals
Patrick Sean Ryan - drums, guitar, vocals
Geordan Taylor - bass, keys, vocals
Philip Pillips - guitar, vocals

How would you describe your band's music?

This is always a weird question for me to answer, so I don't know. Some words we've used at one point or another to describe what it is we wanted to achieve: visual, theatrical, conceptual, driving, epic, precise, persistent, sedimentary, dynamic, linear and ergonomic. I never understand what's being said about 'ergonomics', but Daniel swears by it.

How did you learn about Dfest?

Word of mouth(?)

Why did you apply for Dfest?

We felt like we had something to add to the festival this year.

What is the most fun thing about performing live?

I don't face the crowd, I feel more comfortable facing the band, so for me, my favorite part of a performance is when I catch Daniel stomping his feet, or Pat gritting his teeth, or Philip thrashing around... These are very honest people so when I see them being affected like that in a performance, it's a wonderfully inclusive feeling.

Have you performed at Dfest before? If so, what was your favorite part about it? If not, what are you most looking forward to?

Catching up with some of the friends and artists that I don't get to see very often.

Will you be going to the music conference? If so, what are you most looking forward to?

I went to the conference the last 2 years, but I'd really like to try to focus on the performance, so I don't think I'll be attending this year.

What projects is your band currently working on?

We're working on new material that involves some very ambitious concepts, even for us. We're all very excited about it.

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

I'm not sure that the economy has changed us really- adapting to the times and to our surroundings seems to already be a part of our process. We're giving away our album but even that has to do with our motives and not our wallets, so aside from gas prices, I'd say that's about it.

As a musician, which three bands are you most looking forward to seeing at Dfest?

As a musician? Our friends Other Lives always have very engaging performances- we played with them at The Norman Music Festival earlier this year and I really enjoyed their set and their company. We seem to have similar ideas about music and great respect for each other, so I can't wait to see those guys again. And I want to catch Bassnectar and Gogol Bordello. As a musician.

Will you offer meet-and-greets after/before your shows? If so, when/where?

Not officially, no, but we're all probably going to stay and watch Native Lights after our set- they play right after us on the same stage. Otherwise, I think we'll be wandering around.

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

I tend to overdo it a bit in the studio, so three or four days without rest is normal, and hallucinations aren't out of the ordinary. I've seen some strange things.

What can fans expect during your Dfest performance?

We've been in the studio a lot lately, so we haven't played for a couple months. Expect some pent up energy.

How is Dfest different from any other show you do?

It's a funny thing, I don't look at the crowd very often during a performance, but I'm always listening to them. So many people buzzing around is sure to feel different. And there's obviously a certain pressure to perform at your maximum at a festival.

What's the coolest fact about your fans?

They've were incredibly supportive of us for the three years it took to make that record. Not that there's a competition going on, but our fans are the best. So they win forever.

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

Hydrate. But don't try to beat any heats. Let the heats into your day. The heats are good for you. The heats are your friend.

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

Without getting into any trouble?... Pat does this thing (I catch him doing it at least once every show) where it looks like he yells at his cymbals. I'm pretty sure there are whole words in there. I have absolutely no idea what he's saying. We've never spoken about it. I wonder if he's aware of it, but I enjoy it so much I wouldn't want to bring it up and he stop doing it. It's hilarious. It might be just as weird that I've avoided the urge to ask him.

It's your turn! Ask a question ... and answer it!

Where can people get your album? They can download it for FREE at www.deadseachoir.com