THC: When the band was less established on the music scene, it was often reportd as refusing to take a stand politically becaus of lack of experience. Now that you're a bit more experienced and a little older, do you think the band should take a political stand?

KS: We have been political outside the band for as long as there has been a band. I was part of political group that combined feminism and drumming years ago, which was a wonderful way to be involved in activism. But our role is to be a band for entertainment, not a band for political agendas.

'Our Role is to be a Band for Entertainment'

THC: This sounds like a horrible question, but why haven't you guys burnt out or gone the way of Stone Temple Pilots?

KS: We've always been very health conscious. We've prioritized mental health over being constantly on the road, so maybe we're not as big as we could be. It's a really hard lifestyle, which means it's really easy to lose it to drugs and alcohol. The music industry can really squeeze you dry. We have a strong home base and we try to be adaptable and stay healthy.

THC: Speaking of home bases, being New York City residents, do you find that Giuliani's cleaning up the city has affected your music?

KS: New York used to be a really great place. It was really cheap and diverse and there were so many funky small clubs and so much going on. It was a really great place to grow up. There were these great streets with mom-and-pop stores, something really different. I think Gaby [Glaser, guitarist] would really agree with me here. New York City's really lost its identity. There are so few real cities anymore. You go to any city and ask the taxi what there is to do and you'll hear Hard Rock Caf, Nike Store. I mean San Francisco even is getting that way. Manhattan is too expensive and it's impossible to live cheaply. It's lost its vibe. I guess that energy has moved to the outer boroughs but it's just sad.

THC: Four Non Blondes, the Breeders, L7, Sonic Youth and other grunge bands with women have sort of faded away over the past few years. How have you guys kept your sound alive?

KS: For the band, basically every album shows growth and potential. Each album reflects on the time but we think all of the music is connected. It's not like there's a change or transition but a continuation. We like to try new things and don't have any rules. We just like our music to be danceable and pop-ish.

THC: The band used to be really close to the Beastie Boys, sharing their Grand Royale label with the band and your drumming skills. How is that relationship?

KS: We're still really tight with the Beastie Boys--we've just known them for so long and we share the same home roots.