Interviews -Q And Not U-

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I have seen your shows in Tokyo last March, and I think it was already showing aspects of this new album. But has has your set changed with all your new repertoire?

Chris：We've always emulated a DJ set or a mixtape when we play live - I think the music just feels better without any interruptions. It's been difficult for us to find ways to keep the beats rolling with all of the instrument swapping, but we always do our best.

How about your lyrics? Even a Japanese ear caught many rhymes. Did the sound or rhythm influenced your lyrics a lot?

Chris：Oh, that's wonderful to hear! I listen to a lot of music sung in other languages that I don't speak, and I've always been drawn to singing's ability to transcend language. So I'm really glad to hear this. That said, I think the lyrics have become become more playful in terms of rhyme and rhythm to match the spirit of the music.

Does America's unique situation, or position in the recent history effects your creativity(or simply this album)?

Chris：We've really developed a political voice over the past four years and with the tragic results of the recent election we're guessing that said voice will only strengthen. We were raised in the DC hardcore scene where music and politics were always very closely related. So it all feels like second nature to us.

Are you and also Dischord label appealing to vote?

Chris：We have distributed voter registration forms at all of our shows for the past two years in an effort to get out the youth vote. We also lent our names to Punk Voter and worked closely with Music for America. Despite the upsetting results to this year's election, I feel that a lot of young people found their voice and will hopefully be inspired to stay active in their communities.

What does the album title "Power" symbolize?

Chris：It symbolizes many things, and that's why we were drawn to it. It can be a positive force, a negative force, or the button you press to turn on your stereo.

And what does the picture of you kissing yourself represent?

Chris：I saw this picture on a Caetano Veloso record (Nomes Cores) of Veloso kissing his father. It was a very tender image and I wanted to emulate it. But I thought an image of self-love would be appropriate because it's such a slipperly slope between self-love and egomania.

Could you give me some examples of any influential sources on your new album?

Chris：The album probably has infinite influences. But the artists we found ourselves talking a lot about in the studio would be: Missy Elliott, Eno, Bowie, TRex, Curtis Mayfield, Prince, the Clash, DAF, Joni Mitchell, Daft Punk, Jay-Z, This Heat, Fairport Convention, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Chic, Screamers, Bikini Kill and on and on and on...

Black Eyes, a great band of your generation and one of Dischord's new history broke up leaving a stunning album. Could you give me any comments about them and their break up? Do you feel like you have to work harder to fill their lost presence?

Chris：We were very disappointed to see Black Eyes fall apart after such a short run, but those guys are all musicians at heart, and we know they'll keep playing music. Dan, Mike and Hugh all have a phoneomenal new band with Fiona from Et At It called Horses.

Have you heard about Fugazi's live series sold by Joe through his web? Which is your favorite show?

Chris：I haven't heard any of them, but I hope to soon. I was at the 10th anniversary show.

I have heard you wanted to release a licensed album here in Japan, which unfortunately didn't happen. I believe it would have helped to reach more people here in Japan, so I feel pretty sad about it. Could you tell me why it didn't happen and if there would be a solution for the next chance?

Chris：I would very much like to liscense our record in Japan, but we didn't make enough preparations this time around. We had to make an important decision in the middle of a European tour and we decided to not rush to any conclusions and go with what we know. We are totally interested in liscensing our records there in the future, but we just need to get involved a lot earlier in the game.

Now you are touring America and Europe will follow. Are there any further plans after those tours? Will you tour Japan again?

Chris：We're going to do everything we can to visit Japan in 2005. Hold the phone for us!

Any messages to your Japanese fans and your friends you met here on your last Japan tour?

Chris：We can't wait to see you again, but in the meantime, listen to Asa Chang and Jun Ray!

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