Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Jascha

I am sitting here today with local singer songwriter Jascha. Having worked with him numerous times in the past I felt it was only fitting to have him tell you guys a little bit about what he is doing in the industry these days. Jascha brings a very distinct sound to the stage and you feel warm inside and feel that you need to be next to the fireplace with your soul mate when he is singing. His lyrics have meaning; they are deep thoughts that is hard to find in a musician these days. He has a lumberjack appearance but an industry standard voice. Let’s take a few moments to learn a little bit more about Jascha.

It has been a long time since you and I have talked. How are you doing these days?

At the moment, I'm just coming out of my winter hibernation. Releasing some new demos, starting to play shows around and out of town more. Still a little frozen, but warming up.

I see you have some shows coming up in New York. Are you trying to branch out of the city of Indianapolis and become a traveling musician?

You know, it's funny you put it that way. I actually got my start playing shows on the road - a few years ago I was working as a detective and sort of felt my life falling apart around me. I had a few songs, a demo CD recorded in a friend's living room, and two shows under my belt at United States of Mind in Indianapolis. I threw everything in my car and took off for California, playing at open mics or any show I could set up along the way. I didn't really have a plan, or a route, I was just doing it. On my way out there, I got an offer to play a show in Massachusetts at The Dreamaway Lodge; a venue Bob Dylan had played. I couldn't pass it up, so I added an East Coast leg to my travels. On my way back to California from there, the brakes on my car exploded in Ohio. I sort of crash landed back in Indianapolis. I've done a few tours around the country since then, but I always wind up back here. As a rule, I don't actually ever book any shows; if I'm asked to play, I do. I've performed out in Jamestown, New York a few times before, and they keep inviting me back. I guess they must like my music a little bit. It's one of my favorite cities.

What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

Somewhere over 800 people is what I'm told. A Katrina benefit a few years ago with a national headliner.

The smallest?

Including myself? (Laughs) Probably 3.

If you were headlining at Verizon Wireless Music Center who would be opening for you?

As tempted as I am to name one of my favorite popular artists, I'd like to think if I make it that far and have anything to say about it, it'd be one of my friends that deserve some recognition - Paper Route, or Christian Taylor.

What do you put on your pizza?

Well, that depends on my mood. Ham and pineapple, or black olives usually. But always, always extra cheese. I love cheese.

What are you drinking on stage?

Am I getting paid? Whiskey. Preferably a golden Kentucky bourbon more than 10 years old. But I'm not picky.

Where does your inspiration come from when you sit down to write a song?

That's actually a trick question for me, and it's got a trick answer. I've only ever sat down and written one song. The normal process of songwriting for me generally involves a single line - from something I hear, read, see - being written down in a notebook. There's usually an immediate idea for the melody of it.

Sometime in the future; a week, a month, a year; another line or idea comes into my head. I add it. After that, it's usually only about five or ten minutes for me to finish the rest. I type it up on my typewriter, and play it with the music already in my mind. If it seems to go, it's a song. At this point, I've never really sat down and said "I'm going to write this song", although I've heard that's the way to do it. I'd like to try it sometime. I'm interested to see what comes out.

Are you a PC or Mac kind of a guy?

Mac. Unequivocally. Although I don't at this point in time own a computer. On tour in 2006, someone in St. Louis took a crowbar to my car window while I was playing a show and made off with my laptop, and a lot of pedals and other gear that I still sorely miss. I have habitually avoided St. Louis since then.

Do you think MySpace is good or bad for musicians?

For me, it's been good. Being as reluctant as I am to self-promote myself, or to book shows; it's been nice being able to just put something out there and have a medium for people to find me. I've gotten a lot of shows and fans through the site, and made a lot of friends. It puts me in touch with a lot of people who otherwise would have no clue who I am.

So is Jascha your real name?

It is.

Did you just want to be like Cher and Seal sticking with one name?

You know, I was thinking more like "Jesus", or "Charlemagne", but essentially, yes.

Who are your biggest influences?

I'm going to answer this in a more general sense than I assume you've asked it in, because I think that influences for a musician extend far beyond just what music you listen to.
My family is my biggest influence. My mom's side is extraordinarily musical. My cousins were the ones who got me playing guitar in the first place. My brothers serve as my filters and nonchalant managers.

I'm also extremely influenced by things I read - Jack Kerouac, Kurt Vonnegut, Tom Robbins, Ernest Hemingway, Douglas Adams - I'm a huge sucker for murder mysteries, like Agatha Christie, Dashiell Hammett, or Rex Stout.

Music I listen to is a list that never ends: Nick Drake, Bob Dylan, Elliott Smith, My Morning Jacket, a host of my friends that no one knows. I'm not even sure where to begin. Lately I can't stop listening to a song my friend Erik wrote.

If you could play only one cover song for the rest of your life what would it be?

Wow, that's probably the toughest question on here. I love playing "Lack of Color" by Death Cab; there are some Rocky Votolato songs I wish I'd written. I'm going to go with "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" by Bob Dylan. I don't think I'll ever get tired of that song. Cake's "Frank Sinatra" is a close second.

If you were offered a $250,000 record deal but you had to sing someone else’s lyrics and it was a country album would you do it?

No. Although, I admit being tempted. That kind of money would do a lot for me. But while it might be fun to stretch into another genre for a bit, ultimately I wouldn't be able to handle hearing myself sing someone else's words over and over again.

Let’s play word association. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you read these three words?

Animal Planet: Monkeys.
U2: Tyson.
Swordfish: Nero Wolfe.

What is your favorite color?

Green. Although my wardrobe contains a suspicious amount of baby blue t-shirts.

If you could live anywhere other than Indiana where would it be?

Somewhere warm year-round, but with mountains close. I'd like to die in Montana.

If you could meet one person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Someone who could shed some light on ancient human history. Someone from the Olmec tribe. I'm extremely curious about it.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you while on stage?

Well now, that's a tough one; so many to choose from! Last year, I started singing a song in a completely different key from the one I was playing it in. That was more personally disappointing than anything. I also played a show where a policeman came up to the stage and confiscated a flask that I was drinking from - unfortunately because of his accent, I couldn't understand what he was saying! It turned into a little bit of a hassle.

Have you ever forgotten your own lyrics?

Yes. Very recently. Fortunately there were so many people singing along, I don't think anyone noticed.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

First of all, thanks so much for the interview. The site looks great, and I hope I can steer some more people your way.

Second, I'd like to make everyone in Indy aware that Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights at the Red Eye cafe there is live music that shouldn't be missed - Christian Taylor, Lovely Houses, Kendall Ludwig, Jesse Lee - and those are just the local guys. I'm usually down there hanging out, having a beer, sometimes playing; I'd like to encourage people to come check it out.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Saul Ashby

The first time I saw this man’s album cover I knew that it was something I wanted to listen to. Ignore the stereotypical answer that you cannot judge a book by its cover. When I opened this album and began to listen to the pure genius it held I was very impressed. Matching a distinct voice with honest lyrics and a dash of piano and guitar overtones, you have a complete package. He provides an image to fit his music perfectly. It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Saul Ashby.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

My dad's old Levin acoustic. He got it when he was a kid from one of his friends' sisters in the 60s. He gave it to me when I was 13. It's worn to pieces, cracked and falling apart, but it's probably the only thing I treasure.

How long have you been playing?

I used to sing along to records when I was little. I started playing drums when I was around 9, which I loved, but a few years later I really wanted to write songs. That's when my dad gave me that guitar.

When did you know that you wanted to take a run at this thing they call music?

I'm not sure. I can't remember ever wanting to do anything else.

Where are you originally from?

I was Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, but I grew up in London. My parents were flat broke, and I think my dad owed some guys a lot of money. We came to London with two suitcases. As kids, he'd tell my brother and I the story of how he went back to pay off his debts with a bag full of cash, a pistol in his pocket and one in his sock. I imagined him being like Clint Eastwood. I loved that story.

Is Saul Ashby your real name?

It's what most people call me.

Do you write all your own lyrics?

I've recently started to co-write a little, but up until a couple of months ago I hadn't written with anybody else. Writing lyrics for me is a very special thing. It's when I feel at peace with myself, like I'm listening to what I have to say.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

I carry around a little notebook that I'm always writing in. Observations, bits of conversations...anything really, though it's usually something that's happened or the way I'm feeling that walks me over to wherever my guitar is lying around.

You seem to be a storyteller in those lyrics. Tell me a story.

There's a spider that lives in a hole next to the bathtub in my flat. The spider is huge and has only been sighted a couple of times. I imagine him to be a sweet talking Frenchman, who plays guitar like Django, tempting passersby into his lair with his silky voice and seductive gypsy jazz.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would you go?

I'm quite happy in London for now. I recently moved back from New York. I loved it there, but I always felt like I was an outsider, just visiting. I'd like to spend some more time in France, but I'd drive myself mad there.

What are you drinking on stage?

Scotch.

How did you get hooked up with Disc Makers?

Hooked up implies that they gave me something. I appreciate the free publicity, but I'm not in the pocket with them.

If you could tour with anyone in the market today whom would it be?

Someone I really respect like Paul McCartney, Elton John, Cat Stevens, Tracy Chapman; anyone who could teach me a few good life lessons.

What is the largest crowd that you have ever played for?

A couple hundred people. I haven't played any enormous shows yet.

The smallest?

I'm happy to play to 3 people if they're listening. I'd rather do that than play to a packed room who aren't.

What is your favorite venue to play?

At the moment, it's the Bedford in Balham, South London. There's always a great crowd who love music and come just to hear new acts. The same goes for the Living Room in NYC.

Who designed your album cover?

It was designed by my very talented friends Alex Merto, and Chad Cheverier, who shot the picture.

Where can I get a copy of that album?

You can't, I'm afraid. I sold them all, and it's not getting re-printed. It's still available for download all over the net though, including iTunes, Rhapsody, etc.

Staying single while out there on the road?

There's someone I love, but I think I'm too late and I've messed up too bad.

I love your MySpace design. Who is responsible for that?

A company called Parallel designed it.

Any thoughts on a tour this year?

It would be great, but not just yet. I need to work on my new some some more first.

Do you have a job outside of music?

I worked in a second-hand record store, but I got fired.

If you could be any cartoon character whom would you choose?

Probably Bender from Futurama.

Let’s say that you are offered a record contract but it is someone else’s lyrics and it is a rap album. Do you do it?

I've always wanted to be a hype man on a hip-hop track, just shouting: "Yeeeahhh. What!! What!!" or something like that. But me as a rapper? Don't think I could pull off the swagger.

PC or Mac?

I just got an iPhone, and it's really impressive. I'm not very good with technology though.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

MySpace is great, but I can't really be bothered with all that. I use Twitter a lot, (@saulashby). It better suits my attention span.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

If you'd asked me this question five years ago, my response would look nothing like where I am now. So let's just wait and see.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

Making honest music, and hopefully making a few people feel better. Or at least not alone.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Mars or the Moon

I am hanging out today with a band that brings every ounce of the word talent to the stage. Mixing polished vocals, focused instrumentals, and a true sense of what it takes to make the crowd dance. I have had the chance to see these guys perform more than once and I am always blown away by their live shows. Their album is just as good. Sit with me as I talk with Mars or the Moon.

Where did you guys all meet?

(Joe) Lani and I met thru the keyboard player of my last band, his name is Bob Fields. Bob suggested that Lani take guitar lessons from me. On her first lesson, she played me some songs, and I said, "I know that you think that you are here for guitar lessons, but you are really here to make an album." We started playing shortly after that. We were an acoustic duo, but we talked about adding more players. Lani, one day, says I know this percussionist named Lenen. I knew Lenen from him playing in the Fancy Lizards. Lani knew him from work. So the three of us started gigging a whole bunch but we didn't have a band name. We cut an album and about 3 months before it came out, we came up with a band name. After the album came out, we found the other players to make it possible to pull off live. I stopped in to Uncle Alberts' amp shop to have some of my gear worked and I was asking Kevin about a drummer and bass player, and I mentioned if he knew any keyboard players to let me know. He said, 'I play keys". I didn't know and didn't even think that he would want to play in a band with us, and the next thing you know we are at his house practicing. Lenen and Roger, the bass player, had known each other for a while from different bands, and we all knew Glen Hopkins. Glen is our drummer.

How long have you been together?

(Joe) Lani and I for six years, Lenen, Lani and I for four, and the band for about a year and an half.

Where did the name come from?

(Joe) One of Lani's friends was over at our house and I was telling her about me being a kid and growing up in LaGrange county right here in Indiana, which is pretty rural (half the county is Amish), and I would get guitar magazines or Rolling Stone and read about all these different bands and the different scenes across the world and there was NO SCENE in the little town of Howe, Indiana, and I felt like I was getting news transmitted from Mars or the Moon. Lani lights up and says, "THAT'S OUR BAND NAME!" About a week before we were thinking of calling ourselves "Lady of the snakes".

(Lani) I liked it because Mars is masculine, being the god of war for the Greeks, and the Moon is feminine in almost every mythology, which pretty much describes us, and it has a certain ambiguity. It doesn't really tell you anything about what type of music we play, which appeals to me (I like not being put in a box from the get-go by a band name). Mars is also the ruling planet of Aries (Joe, Lenen, and I are Aries), which made it even more appealing to me as a band name.

You guys play a lot of shows in the Indianapolis area. Ever think of branching out to the coasts?

(Joe) We have been out to California twice in the past year to play some shows in the Santa Cruz and San Francisco area. We have done a Live show on legendary KPIG radio. We have gotten some airplay on some stations out there in San Fran area and have played in Marin County, just north of San Fran.

Where would you guys live if you could live anywhere but Indiana?

(Joe) I think that I would like California, Hawaii or England.

(Lani) I'd live in Hawaii if I could afford to fly to the mainland often, but I'm thinking North Carolina, maybe. I got to go south, that's for sure!

What is your favorite venue to play?

(Joe) "MacCools for a smaller venue up in Fishers. And any time you get to open for a national act is pretty magical. And we've been lucky enough to do so at the Music Mill (rather often), Birdy's, the Vogue and house concerts. I also like Max's Place in Bloomington. Best pizza in the state, if not this side of the Mississippi

What is the largest crowd you have ever played for?

(Joe) Probably opening for Over the Rhine at the Music Mill or Opening for Todd Snider at the Vogue. In bands past most all of us have played the small stage at Deer Creek / Verizon so there, you have 15,000 people walking' by and a 100 or so at any given time congregating and watching you.

The smallest?

(Joe) Spin Nightclub last summer. There were only about 6 or 10 people there... probably our fault that I didn't flyer more.

Ever forgotten the lyrics while on stage?

(Joe) Probably more times than Bob Dylan.

(Lani) I'm pretty good with that, but there's the occasional time where you start to focus on someone in the crowd (always something stupid, like, "Wow, that's a cool shirt"), and then I forget where I am in a song. It cracks me up, but doesn't help much when you're in the middle of a song.

Where do you guys practice?

(Joe) In Kevin's basement.

(Lani) Also known as "the Bat Cave". Kevin is a serious Batman (and other superheroes) collector and his basement is AMAZING.

PC or Mac?

(Joe) PC although I tend to be an equal opportunity hater when it comes to using any computer.

Tell me what it is like working with Indie500 Records.

(Joe) They are great. They have really helped us get our music out to a wider audience. Marc and Eric are very inspirational, funny as shit, and have tons of stories. I like to hear stories! They have been great to help us network. They also have a pretty cool roster of acts. I'm honored to be a part of it.

(Lani) They've been in the business / scene for so long, which means not only do they have a serious store of awesome stories, but they really do know what they're doing. They're totally pro and you feel it when you work with them.

Where can I get a copy of you album?

Hard copy at shows, via www. indie500records. com, in the Indy area at Vibes Music, Luna Music, Indy CD and Vinyl, and the Good Earth Health store. We are also on all the Internet distribution sites like iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody etc.

Who are some of you biggest influences?

(Joe) Bob Dylan, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles as a group and the guys solo, Neil Young, Crazy Horse, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Ben Harper, Carlos Santana, The Replacements. Bob Dylan, Tori Amos, Ani, Prince, James McMurtry, the Stones, zepplin, Bob Dylan, X, Live, Counting Crows, Black Crows, did I mention Neil young or Bob Dylan? 60's stuff and great live music by whatever band / artist I happen to be watching.

(Lani) Can you tell Joe loves Bob Dylan? Boy, there are a ton of influences for me, including all of the above. I grew up on bluegrass and folk + the Beatles and Linda Rondstadt (it's likely her fault that I love to sing). Roots music is nostalgic for me and I generally love it all, as well as old time gospel (that fits in with old time bluegrass), but I also love a lot of world-type music with crazy beats. Zap Mama is one of my favorites, and you could lump Paul Simon in there too--he's got this different timing that I just love. I also totally love The Who--best concert I've ever seen was the Quadrophenia tour in 98 maybe. WOW.

Describe your genre in one word.

(Joe) Songwriter.

(Lani) Oooh, that's tough. I'll have to go with Joe on this one.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

(Joe) Dreams, my life, friends lives, books I’ve read and songs that knock me out by other writers.

(Lani) That's a fair statement for me too, though just looking at what's on your mind can be inspiring enough to write a song.

Any thoughts on a tour this year to promote the album?

(Joe) We do little mini-tours. I think that Colorado and California will happen by years end.

Let’s say that you are offered a $250,000 record deal but the lyrics were written by someone else and it was a rap album. Do you do it?

(Joe) "If Eyrka Badu and Mos Def wrote the lyrics, Daniel Lanois produced it and we got to tour with Ben Harper; then sign me up!

(Lani) I'm pretty much a "singing slut" (sorry, but it's true). So, if I get to sing on said album, I'm in.

Who is the biggest name that you have shared the stage with?

Depends on who you think is big. James McMurtry, Ari Hest, Over the Rhine, John Waite, Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde, Todd Snider, Pat DiNizio of the Smithereens.

(Lani) Also David Lindley and I feel like I'm forgetting someone.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

(Joe) Some Guys four cheese with barbeque sauce and pecans.

(Lani) The Crossroads pizza at Max's in Bloomington. Ohmygoodness. Roasted garlic, pine nuts, basil, sundried tomato, spinach, and the kicker, ricotta cheese.

I love the design of your MySpace and album cover. Who did your graphic design?

Deanna Morae gets all credit for the Album, Michele Steele for the official web site and KC Turner for the MySpace page..

What are you drinking on stage?

(Joe) Usually Guiness or a 7 / 7"

(Lani) A crap load of water (seriously, depending on how long we play, I could drink 32-64 oz of water) and my new favorite gin if they have it. Hendricks and tonic.

What are three things you could not live without?

(Joe) A good book, a cup of coffee, and my guitar.

(Lani) Water, good food (organic), and my voice.

What is the last movie you guys saw?

(Joe) The sad thing is I can't remember the last movie I saw.

(Lani) We borrowed the three Borne Identity movies from a friend.

Did you like it?

(Joe) I'm sure it was great!

(Lani) Both of us love movies but it seems like we rarely watch them. These were mindless entertainment, not my favorite type of movie, but they're entertainment!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

(Joe) More entrenched in the national scene, playing more festivals, and touring more.

(Lani) That would be super-fly, and we'll also have at least one child, maybe two if we're lucky.

(Joe) Oh yea, knocked up in '09 has been the un-official slogan at our house this year!

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

(Joe) Hopefully for have written a couple of songs that have touched peoples hearts or disturbed them in a way that made them feel better about being alive and human.

(Lani) I want to make the whole word smile, and if ever I have a lot of money, I'll be a killer humanitarian.

(Joe) Isn't that an oxymoron or a contradiction? A "KILLER" "HUMANITARIAN"?

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

(Joe) At the end of the day, it's only rock and roll. But hopefully thru singing and dancing you will open yourself up to Grace.

(Lani) I am so grateful for my life and everyone and everything that surrounds me!

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with State

The band I am hanging out with today has been rocking the city of Indianapolis for quite some time. Bringing an incredible name, a polished image, and incredible vocals matched with impeccable song writing and instrumentals they have what seems to be the whole package. Sit with me today as I introduce to you Indianapolis based rockers, State.

You guys are playing on Valentine’s Day. Any sweethearts in the band?

(Tre) I am by far the sweetest member of the band. (David) We are the sweetest hearts you’ll ever meet.

How long have you guys been together?

(Tre) I've been in the band since 2005. (David) This line up has only been together since August 2008 but this is also the 4th incarnation of STATE. I started this band back in 2003 when I was still with Extra Blue Kind but didn’t really do anything with it until around 2006.

How did you all meet?

(Tre) I met Dave initially at a party at 11th and Park in Bloomington, but neither of us remembers that specifically. We officially met through our old drummer, Dagan, and Dave and I had seen each other's previous bands. I've known Birch since 2001. I met Ben through Dave. I met Matt through his old band, Metal in the Microwave. (Dave) I’ve known Ben since high school but I met everyone else through the Bloomington circuit.

You guys play a select number of Indianapolis gigs. Is that on purpose?

(Tre) I wouldn't say it's "on purpose". All bands have to be careful not too play too many shows in too short a time, lest the public grow tired. We also have to work around five members' schedules, taking into account that three of us live in Bloomington, and one of us lives in Columbus, Indiana.

What is your favorite song to play?

(Tre) "Carousel". (Dave) “The Littlest Song”.

Does any song get played in every gig?

(Tre) "Crash" does.

What is your favorite venue to play?

(Tre) We like playing house shows. (Dave) I don’t really have a favorite venue to play, much like I don’t have a favorite bed to fuck in.

What is the largest crowd you have played for?

(Tre) Not sure. Something like 500? (Dave) I’m not sure, really. It could have been opening for Eagles of Death Metal last December.

The smallest?

(Tre) Just us and the bartender! (Dave) Probably at the Little People of America National Convention in 2007.

Any tattoos in the band?

(Tre) Ben has some. (Dave) I think so. We haven’t really had a “Show Me Your Tats” party yet.

Who has the most?

(Tre) Ben is the only one who has them at all, I believe.

If you guys could live anywhere else in the world besides Indiana where would you go?

(Tre) New Zealand. (Dave) I’d like to settle down somewhere in the Mediterranean. I’d grow a bunch of facial hair and drink White Russians made from goat’s milk. My wife and I could open up a bakery. Life would be good.

You guys have some play on X103.3. What has that been like hearing your tunes on the air?

I don't get X103 in my area, but that's pretty rad! (Dave) We’re glad people are diggin’ on the new record!

Tell me about the other guys in the band.

(Tre) Birch does not eat meat. I eat the meat that Birch does not eat. Ben eats tortas de lengua, almost exclusively. Matt eats junk food and power bars. Dave eats everything else. (Dave) A couple of them need to get laid really bad.

Describe your genre in one word.

(Tre) Unfair. (Dave) Pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

(Tre) R.E.M., Faith No More, Buddy Holly, Refused, Lemonheads. (Dave) John Kaada, Mike Patton, Josh Homme.

Who did your graphic design for your shirts and stickers?

(Tre) Birch did the "Houdini" shirts; Ben Bussel of Sump Pumps designed the "Snakes" shirt, which is also our album cover. We don't have stickers, but we're ordering them soon! (Dave) Our bassist Birch Miller put together the latest shirt design. We don’t have stickers yet.

Any thoughts on a nation wide tour this year?

(Tre) Probably not. We don't have a vehicle that would allow us to do that. (Dave) We’d love to do it but it’s just not feasible at the moment.

Where do you guys get inspiration to write a new track?

(Tre) It usually happens by accident, out of nowhere.

Where do you guys practice?

(Tre) Either in Bloomington or Columbus.

You guys all have other jobs besides music?

(Tre) I have two jobs. I'm a chef in fine dining, and a web designer on my days off. (Dave) We do a variety of stuff. We’re like the Village People. We do everything from landscaping, cooking, office work, and Matt Weimer is an Indian Chief.

Let’s get some pizza. What toppings?

(Tre) White pizza. Chicken, artichoke hearts, spinach. But really, gimme a calzone. (Dave) Why don’t you want tacos instead?

PC or Mac?

(Tre) PC, but I’m not anti-Mac. (Dave) You should probably buy me a Mac.

Where did you come up with the name State?

(Tre) Dave was working in Columbus at a place on State Street. I, too, wish this were a more engaging story. (Dave) I wish there was some epic badass story for our band name, but there simply is not. It was much like an unwanted pregnancy. We made a decision to keep it and now we have to feed it.

Where do you guys see yourselves in five years?

(Tre) Out West, or in the Eastern Hemisphere. (Dave) We don’t plan that far ahead.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

(Tre) Being a decent human being, and hopefully leaving a little something behind that others can enjoy. (Dave) The records we’ve made and the shows we’ve played.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

(Tre) It's early in the morning, and I am about to prepare a massive breakfast burrito. (Dave) Chonto.