DJ: We have strings on our record and we wanted to do something different. On Lollapalooza, every show was the same and the bands weren't really into it. We wanted to do something exceptional and bring in a string quartet. Ben worked overtime arranging the strings and arranging the charts. We thought it'd just be a way to stand out a little bit.
Do you guys aspire to become big rock stars?
DJ: We aspire to have our music heard by as many people as possible. The rest is what you make of it.
What are some other bands you've enjoyed playing with or would like to play with in the future?
RS: Don't say it.
BF: Radiohead. I don't know, there's not that many of 'em. Right now we really just feel like headlining shows. The sets have been going better since we've had a longer time to play. A lot of the bands we'd like to play with are kind of on our same level or not far enough up that we should be opening for them. They definitely shouldn't be opening for us. Neil Young was really good, he's so obviously huge and someone we respect.
RS: Well, we played with Cake and they're a cool band. But like Ben said, a lot bands we want to play with are on our same level and are just trying to stand their own ground. There's a lot of bands I really like, but I don't know if it would be right to play with them.
DJ: Squirrel Nut Zippers is a band we've played with some and liked a lot. Meeting Morphine was cool, they're from around here. There are tons, all of us would love to open for Radiohead, but we're not sure yet.
Do you ever get tired of touring and just wish it would end?
BF: Yeah, definitely. I like to play music, but sure you get tired.
What do you do to relax, just get your mind off the daily grind of touring?
DJ: Smoke pot, or watch movies or try and read a bit. I like to go out and get my mind off myself. It's so hard with music because I show up to a club and I'll have interviews, sound check and the whole day revolves around you. At some point you get sick of yourself and just want to get away.
Which band would you like to take on in a fight, Hanson or the Spice Girls?
BF: Women or children, which do you choose?
RS: I guess it'd probably be a safer bet to fight children. There's more Spice Girls than there are us. Hanson, though, they seem really moved by playing music. We could probably start singing and they'd go "Ah," stop fighting and start singing along.
BF: Yeah, we'd go MMMBop bop bop. (making punching gestures)
DJ: I can't fight Hanson, they're just too damn cute. It'd have to be the Spice Girls, maybe it could be like a mud wrestling thing, that'd be better.