West Indian Girl

Hmmmm, can u believe this is already the seventh 10 with TEN?! Since seven is such a mysterious number it seemed fitting to reserve it for the exotic and enigmatic mariqueen maandig. Seven is also Mariqueens favorite number so it’s even more appropriate. We did it at a coffee shop in downtown LA. – she had a triple venti white chocolate mocha and I had an espresso with a biscotti. Needless to say, this 10 with TEN was by far the most stimulating.

1. Describe your role in the band? I harmonize with Rob, shake both my ass and the tambourine, play the harmonica and smile a lot… BEST. JOB. EVER.

2. What special qualities do you bring to the band? god… I don’t know., you tell me… since you’re pouting at me and pressuring me for an answer I suppose I’ll say an easy going sensuality that was missing from the whole ensemble… that and I have a powerful set of pipes. Oh yeah… and I have a vagina. Awesome.

3. You’ve had to learn how to play harmonica for the song “trip” and you play it so well – so what is your secret, suck or blow?Sucking and blowing. It’s a talent I’ve carried ever since high school… recognize. I mean, hi mom, I love you.

4. I understand you used to sing in some cover bands – what was your best cover band moment and what is your favorite cover to sing??I didn’t sing in cover bands, actually… I sang in a band when I was fifteen filled with at least twenty other old men. It was crazy. We sang at banquets and what not… good times. I think my best moment was singing in Arizona for a doctor’s party and realizing that no one was eating their dinner because they were all watching me. Pretty nifty. My most favoritest cover song would have to be “Last Dance” by Donna Summer cause I get to belt out like a maniac and I love the reaction I get from the audience. Mmm… I’m in the mood to karaoke now.

5. You seem to have a lot of male fans – why do you think (besides the huge breasts and plump lips) that is? You know what? You can just suck my ass with a boba straw, Fran… you’re a douche bag and a half… next question please. (um, that’s not very lady like)

6. Speaking of lips…how do you define the perfect kiss….what makes a good kisser? Hmmm… I define the perfect kiss by just doing it. A good kisser needs the following… great lips, good breath, the right amount of tongue, good timing, great variety and please, for the love of god, hold back on the saliva.

7.What are you listening to lately – who are your favorite bands out right now?I don’t keep up with current music… but I’m into Bill Withers, Spoon, Lamb, Massive Attack, Alpha, Queens Of The Stone Age, Miho, Astrud Gilberto, Beck, Bloc Party, She Wants Revenge, Poe, The Beatles, The Cinematic Orchestra, Van Morrison, Doves, Air and really early Rolling Stones oh and DJ Shadow… you know… good stuff.

Down tempo puts me in a sexy mood… jazz makes me happy… rock and roll completes me… dirty dirty dirty beats (a la Detroit Ghetto Tech) makes me tickle in my you know where… and the Miss Saigon soundtrack puts me in a blissful childlike state which I love. I could go on and on about what else I listen to but I’m over it.

8. Describe the last show you went to – did it suck? The last show I went to was the Phoenix show that we had to go to at the troub… it didn’t suck at all. As far as I can remember, I had the time of my life… just don’t refer to any of the pictures that were taken that night cause I’d like to keep a nice reputation. Hey, can I have a bite of your biscotti?

9. You’re the only girl in the band, is that a difficult thing to deal with? Do you wish we had another girl (besides carter) in the band to keep you company? this probably sounds super cliché but I feel like a man in a woman’s body so being around all of you guys isn’t difficult at all… plus, I like the fact that I am the only girl… it means never having to move equipment. Rrrad.

10. How have you liked being my DBD (date-by –default) for all the little band events we have had to go to? how were you able to control yourself? Well… being your DBD is pretty chill… I get to listen to you jibber jabber at everyone and in turn get a good laugh. It’s highly amusing. YOU are highly amusing. I’ve been able to control myself by just listening to you go off on random tangents. That is enough to send me on four or eighteen smoke breaks on our “dates”. I mean, just kidding, Fran… you’re not THAT annoying.

Bonus Question You’re the only other band member that religiously takes a bunch of pics like me. I noticed that not only is your digi camera cooler, more expensive, and takes better pictures than mine but it always seems to capture the two of us in some questionable pose. Do you think that the pictures you’ve taken of us raise too many eyebrows? Well… to be honest, I think they’ve raised too many eyebrows to count. it’s annoying and funny and it makes me want to take more right this second. Here… put that biscotti somewhere obscene while i dig in my purse for that camera.

hahahah um, ok, well, mariqueen you are the best. you bring alot of fire to this band. hey uh, what sign are you? what are you doing later tonight? wanna go grab a drink?— F. Ten 3:03AM

photo credit for shot 3 – the one and only marc goldstein(again!)

Once again I’m back but this time with a very special friend of the band and “official” photographer. It’s my pleasure to have the sixth installment of 10 with TEN be with the incomparable and gifted photographer Marc Goldstein. This interview took place at L.A.’s premier organic vegan restaurant, Real Food Daily.

Marc, ever since our shoot for BPM magazine you have become part of the family. Not only are you my favorite paparazzo but you are one of the more interesting people to have a conversation with…intelligent, witty and not short on opinions. Your way with words is matched only by your way with the camera. Say fromage and start talking.

1. How and why did you become a photographer? – tell me a little bit about your vision or philosophy when you are behind the camera? I had always fiddled a little with cameras, but before the dawn of digital photography, it was an expensive occupation. At the time I got my first digital camera in 2001 -a Nikon Coolpix 990- Patrick Kahn launched thebookla.com, an infotainment online magazine. We had this idea to do photographic event coverage and post them online within 24 hours. No one else was doing this at the time and it became very popular. While it was primarily a hobby to get my head out of storyboarding for commercials and music videos, I became serious about it, and people started to take notice. I stuck to my guns and focused on the subject I cared most about: music, particularly the dance scene. In a town filled with exhibitionists and attention mongers, I made a lot of friends this way, discovered the natural relationship between cameras and beautiful women, and enjoyed the fact that producing a photo takes seconds, while an illustration sometimes takes forever. I mostly enjoy the fact that photography is a never ending challenge that you must constantly overcome and can be applied to so many aspects of human life. When shooting, I look for the memorable shot that will make me, the subject and the viewer go “wow”. Sometimes you get it in one shot, sometimes it takes hundreds. There are elements you try to control, others that happen almost by accident. There’s some magic in there, and you hope to get lucky with the outcome.

2. Give me three good reasons why I should like the French besides french fries, champagne and the movie “amelie”? Give me a break. I despise most things “French” because as a whole, there’s a cultural arrogance and a xenophobia that is out of place in a 21st. Century global culture. Still, when you break the crust, you will find proud, warm hearted, fun loving, and incredibly hospitable people. It’s not easy to carry two thousand years of history in the collective subconscious. What I miss most is the lack of sexual hang ups and the food. French fries were invented in 1682, in London, by an East End manufacturing company called Fish & Chip, Ltd.

3. Are there any specific photographers that inspire you? What else inspires you, film, music, art? The two photographers that inspire me the most are Helmut Newton and David La Chapelle. There are of course countless others whose work humble me to the point were I want to sell my equipment and go sell some fruits at a street corner. There’s a deep respect amongst photographers, knowing that we’re all engaged in the same voyeuristic pursuit of the perfect image. When you’’re an artist who works and lives amongst your peers, you’re in good company. As for inspiration, I am just compelled to do what I do. It’s visceral, I’m not sure where it comes from.

4. Are you always looking at life through a lens – do you see a possible picture in your mind where ever you go? Yes. There are more snapshots in my brain than in my computer.

5. Tell me a little bit about your equipment? how big is your lens? do you have a wide angle…are dark rooms scary? Hmm.. Tell you about my “equipment”, how “big” it is, and what I think of “dark rooms” ? Are you propositioning me Fran?

6. If you weren’t a photographer what would you be? I would be happy not to have to carry 40lbs of gear at events.

7. African tribes believe that when you take a person’s photo you are taking a piece of their soul away from them…what do you think of that? I would say they have a point.

8. In your opinion what is the current state of affairs in music today – What are your favorite bands and what are you listening to lately? From a business stand point, the music industry is in disarray, too big and too stiff to be able to adjust to new times, has gouged prices across the board blaming file sharing for all it’s shortcomings, while the artists and the consumer get the shaft. Yet at the same tie, because of the availability of affordable recording technology and independent distribution networks, there are more artists putting out music than ever before. I think these are transitional times and that the battle will be settled on the internet. My personal forecast: within 5 years, in a new “song driven” market, the online music store replaces the local retailer, artists are no longer dependant on a label for distribution, and labels will cling on to survival exploiting mainstream America, until it catches on, then they’ll go belly up. There goes Mr. Big’s dental plan and Lexus… Right now, here are the 3 CDs I can’t live without: Daddy G: DJ Kicks, Ulrich Schnauss: A Strangely Isolated Place, and High Contrast: High Society.

9. What makes the French the most romantic people on earth…and how can you be French with a name like Goldstein? And yet another “French” cliché. I think there’s a deeper appreciation between men and women, including their differences, as well as better manners: we don’t call women bitches or hos, unless there’s no other alternative in the French vocabulary. This and the fact that the culture is more into “being” than “becoming”. I guess it makes romance a little easier. My last name is Jewish, which isn’t a nationality. My father was a Jew from Romania who survived the camps, my mother a protestant born in Nazi Germany. I was born in France. Go figure.

10. What is your favorite Marc Goldstein photo and why? Also, who or what was your favorite subject to shoot and why? You bait and I bite… It is the “baptism” photo of you and Robert in the water surrounded with flowers, and its companion, the 4 lads holding candles. It came out of the either, and was perfectly executed to my greatest satisfaction. Also for the fact that these photos were met by some fierce adversity from the label, concerned that it was too edgy and that it could potentially hurt your career. I wonder what the Red Hot Chili Peppers had to put up with when they posed naked with a tube sock. Certainly didn’t hurt their career, did it ? I think that Rock’ n’ Roll has lost its soul due to too many boring publicity shots. My all time favorite subject was a coverage for URB magazine of an underground female boxing club downtown. Real.

Bonus Question: Describe in detail the moment you first heard West Indian Girl? Driving back into the Sunset from Coachella, the endless field of rotating windmills providing a surreal landscape. Juxtaposed to the music… Sounds like… Sounds like Jane’s Addiction meets Steely Dan… What are they called again… West Indian Girl… Dope.

thanx goldstein this has been great.. hahaha i bet everyone that reads this goes “really, french fries weren’t made in france?” — F. Ten 4:50PM

Haha, i love this 10 with Ten stuff. Next up, the man you’ve been waiting for, the co-founder of west indian girl, my main man and long time friend (drum roll please) mister Robert James. This interview took place at urth café in los angeles. It seems like he eats there almost every day. Anyway, rob’s time in the sun has finally come so hold the sugar and dial your mind.

1. Describe your role in the band? That’s a really good question, Mr. Ten. Maybe we’re all just human transistors, human conductors…connecting people…connecting realms. Maybe, I’m the guy who makes sure our antennae is up and running properly. You know, when you turn on the car and the thing pops up. Who knows? Maybe the little world of West Indian Girl is encased in a magical bubble and you and I are like ambassadors to the outside world. Ambassadors of sound and dreams.

2. When you’re on stage do u feel more like Morrison or Morrissey? Neither one of those blokes played guitar. So I would say neither. I’m a guitarist first, synthesizer geek second, vocalist third.

3. Do have any guitar heros/inspirations? Also, when you’’re in the middle of ripping out a huge solo, what exactly is going on in your brain….what are you thinking about? Never got into the whole guitar hero thing. I was more inspired by hearing a great band with great songs. Like the Clash. They were a guitar driven band, but you really didn’t think of them that way. It was about the songs. The whole point to kicking out a huge guitar solo is to in fact turn off your brain. Turn off your ego. Remove all thinking processes and not think at all. Eventually you’ll be free enough to channel sound…channel energy. That’s the best. Because it’s ever changing and always fresh.

4. There ha’s been way too much talk linking west indian girl to psychedelic drug use… can you comment on that? What? What you say? What’s the question? Shhh, must be very quiet, there’s flying rabbits about. (ha ha) Ah, you know, people will believe whatever they want to believe. I say, to each his own. The planet is filled with billions of people with millions of cultures and customs. Who am I to judge. In the end, we’re just creating music…music fueled by emotion not by drugs.

5. Do you have any super powers or abilities that you bring to the band – like levitation, ventriloquism, or tantric sex breathing techniques? My motto, all that can be imagined…will eventually be. What you wish for does indeed come true…but these things take time, sometimes centuries. I’m trying to get West Indian Girl to use telekinesis as a form of communication. So far, the results are encouraging. Get back to me in 10 years on that one.

6. Is there anything special that you would like all your female fans to know? Well, let’s see. I think the female form is beautiful. Very, very beautiful. I love everything about a woman from her beautiful head down to her lovely toes. I’m pretty sure we’re on the path to a matriarchal society. Let’s face it. Women are generally smarter, more non-violent, more compassionate, less racist, more sensitive, have a greater sense of intuition, inherently more psychic, peaceful by nature. When people talk about the earth, do you ever hear them say “Father Earth” ? No, they say “Mother Earth”. “Mother Nature”. There’s a reason for that. Because women can save the planet. They’re here to protect the planet. Yeah, it’s true. And you know, all women eventually realize this. Women are the most powerful creatures on the planet…even the most powerful man on earth can be brought down to his hands and knees by the right woman.

7. I understand you don’t eat sugar — how do u satisfy your sweet tooth? Well, the truth is I don’t eat refined white cane sugar. It doesn’t do me right. Aside from the luscious fruit smoothies here at the Urth, I love dark chocolate…preferably organic. But you know, sometimes all it really takes is a warm, wet, wild kiss on the lips from my little honey to satisfy my sweet tooth.

8. What would be your ideal show to play – where, when, who’s the opening band? Massive desert party on a full moon during summer. Either that or hot summer night on the beach in Ibiza or any tropical island. Digweed/Sasha would open and then join us for our second set. We would groove til the sun came up.

9.What are you listening to lately – who are your favorite bands out right now? I just heard the new Ghost record and it sounded great. I like Fischerspooner. I’ve been meaning to check out the new Orbital record but I haven’t got around to it yet. Call me old-fashioned, but I bought Brian Wilson’s lost album Smile. I like a couple of tracks. The harmonies are beautiful. You don’t really hear vocal harmonies like that nowadays. I remember Jimi Hendrix describing it as a barbershop quartet on acid. It’s true most of the lyrics are idiotic, but the harmonies are incredible.

10. Describe the last show you went to – did it suck? Our labelmates Phoneix show at the Troubadour was awesome. I would describe it as neo-soul love making music. You can’t help but move your ass and dance. They grooved. But more recently, I went and saw Sir John Bardy at the Belmont. He’s great. That guy’s got the velvet tongue. His songs are like long lost tales…like you heard them in some ancient life. I like music that makes you feel like your stepping out of time.

rob, thanx man – this has been an vague, yet lucid sugar free experience.

— F. Ten 3:03PM

photo credit for the live shots – the one and only marc goldstein(again!)

HA! I bet you almost forget..it’s been too long hasn’t it? Welcome back to the fourth installment of 10 with Ten with the one and only Mark Lewis of West Indian Girl. This interview (in classic Lewscious style) took way too long to finish – we started it back in October and finally finished last week. Conducted primarily at 2 locations – the texaco station on alameda in LA and back stage at our show in Portland, the “lewscious” 10 with Ten has been aged, pickled and served up to perfection so suck it up people.

1. Describe your role in the band? I play drums.

2. What special qualities do you bring to the band? I’ve played the drums a lot.

3. Have you ever been contacted by aliens? You mean besides the times when you call me up? And why did you want to meet me at this café in Roswell? All I can say without turning this answer into a novel is that I’ve seen things that I cannot explain any other way. Luckily, I was never alone. My friends and I share some crazy experiences.

4. You and your brothers own an ice cream shop in Cape Cod – tell me about it? Any chilling stories? It’s true, Lewis Brothers Homemade Ice Cream in Provincetown at the very end of Cape Cod. We make our ice cream right in the store, so it’s fresh. Most people probably haven’t tasted fresh homemade ice cream because they basically freak out when they taste ours. Most of the chilling happens before and after work. Well, that’s not totally true, I mean, we listen to reggae music all day long and make up flavors on a whim. We also work with local restaurants to create one of-a-kind flavors that can only be tasted at the particular restaurant. Rare flavor.

5. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate AND vanilla and many other flavors as well…a flavor for every mood, but you can’t go on the road without chocolate.

6. Are you looking forward to all of the groupies that are gonna be jocking you on tour? Yes, but don’t tell them that I’m a jockey.

7. Where did you have your first beer? The first time that having a beer was a memorable experience was when I was 11 or 12 and my friends and I would hike up the wash that leads into Sierra Madre Canyon. We use to get a six-pack of Miller High Life and hike up through the dam to a water hole that was usually without water.Back then a six-pack could get four of us pretty drunk. I don’t even know how we got the beer, but I think we got help from our older brothers. I had my first “legal” beer at the T-Bowl in Highland Park.

8. Since your job depends on you keeping a beat do you practice the rhythm method with your girlfriend? Practice makes perfect, right? I think perfection is a humorous goal at best. Fortunately, we have a good sense of humor.

9. What are you listening to lately- who are you favorite bands right now? Well, My friend Jerry DiRienzo and I have spent the better part of the last two years at Hot Pie music recording bands like Mere Mortals, They Walk In Line, Monster, Duchess, Languis, Whysall Lane, Ken Layne & The Corvids, etc. so usually I’m most familiar with the music I’m working on, but I ran into a friend recently and he gave me a c.d. of his band The Shakes. The record is called Gigantes Del Pop. The music reminds me of the garage pop/punk bands of the sixties, raw, energetic, and catchy. I get happy and sing along whenever I hear it, so that’s what I would play if I was half asleep and driving to work and had to wake up fast but didn’t want to feel bad doing it. Also, I got an advance copy of a new record from a band called Fairechild. This record is made of the stuff that puts the “classic” in classic rock; great songs, great musicians, unforgettable voices singing beautiful melodies and harmonies, and a sound so craftily produced that when I listen to it, I forget that this record wasn’t made 28 years ago. I listen to this one rolling on the open highway, unfortunately, open highways are hard to find in Los Angeles, this record can also take the edge off of being stuck in a traffic jam. I’m sure I’ll be hearing this on the radio in the near future.

10. Describe the last show you went to – did it suck? The last show I went to was the Air/Stereolab show at the Hollywood bowl and it did not suck at all. In fact, it was a great time. Before that, Coachella was a lot of fun. The Pixies ruled. Le Tigre was really fun to see live. I was pretty much right in front of the speakers for the Kraftwerk set and although they aren’t a very physical act, the music was great. I recommend seeing Space Pussy in Provincetown. They ARE rock and roll. If you want to touch the essence of rock and roll, you have to touch Space Pussy. And if you are lucky enough to see them play, make sure to stop by and say hello to my brothers and taste the best ice cream you will ever have.

Bonus Question. Who is your favorite bass player? Well, I was going to say Mike Watt or Robbie Shakespeare or Noel Redding or Paul McCartney or John Paul Jones or Bootsy Collins or Dave Allen or Colin Moulding or Tina Weymouth or Bruce Thomas or Charles Mingus or Carol Kay or Paul Simonon or Gene Simmons or Jean Jacques Burnell, or this guy with a bass in a gig bag that I met outside a studio in Atwater who asserted that he was a Motown studio musician/arranger and that he had arranged “Tears Of A Clown” By Smokey and The Miracles. He put the calliope in that song and it sucks that I can’t remember his name, but I would definitely say him or Gail Greenwood or Kim Deal or gosh, so many… but since you have a gun to my head, I think I’d have to say Geddy Lee.

um, not really the answer i was looking for ….anyway, Mark, this has been a surreal experience i’m relieved we finally finished this up. i’m glad we’re both gemini too.

photo credit for the live shots, the one and only marc goldstein—F.Ten 2:54am

Yup, I’m back! The 3rd installment of 10 with Ten with the coolest men’s clothing designer around. Jade is one bad ass mother fucker. This interview took place at Howe Homme – his new retail store and lifestyle space in Santa Ana, Ca. Check it out and learn how style is born.

First off let me say we all totally love your stuff – on any given day one of us, if not a few of us, are always rockin a piece of Howe clothing. Rob is always wearing one of your dress shirts, Carter is always wearing your jeans and t’s and I love playing shows in those black low rise pins. It’s all sick stuff. Jade, your line is effortless, cool and distinctive. Ok on to the questions.

1. I know people can read your bio on the site (howedenim.com) but in your own words tell me a little bit about your vision or what you are trying to do with your clothing line? I want to level the playing field for guys. Fashion isn’t just for women. In fact not only are we creating fitted tailored clothing for men, were doing it in a way that appeals to women. That’s the goal, to get the compliment, that nod of approval, the hand on your shoulder for an extra second adoring the soft tactile feel of Italian yarn. That’s my job. To bring them in close. It’s up to you to close the deal.

2. What are some of the craziest techniques you have used to distress denim ? Taking my 66 dodge charger with a 427 hemi to Erwindale speedway and dragging the jeans around the track at a hundred a twenty mph, then finishing them off in the winners circle with a burnout!!! see below.

3. In your opinion what is the current state of affairs in music today – What are you listening to lately – and who do you hate listening to? Not to sound like my father, but turn that shit down! There’s a lot of non inspired filler out there right now. To much me too. Record companies have lost it. They only pursue profit. Talent is secondary to the made for TV pop star! Of course that just makes finding the good stuff more rewarding. My life revolves around music, it’s a huge part of my inspiration. What am I listening to? Beside West Indian Girl, I’m in a retro faze right now. Nina Hagen, Bauhaus, Murder City Devils, Circle Jerks, and Adolescents, Balanced with some Johnny Cash, Mars Volta, Interpol, Peaches, and Kinky. I don’t listen to anything I hate. I’m not a big fan of Hip Hop

4. How do you manage to have so many hot chicks working for you? Talent isn’t just limited to designing my friend. I love my job……..

5. Howe many times a day do people try to make dumb jokes out of your last name? what’s the best one you have heard? You have know idea Howe many times a day people get clever with my name. It’s an endless flow of, Howe would I say, randomness. I mean Howe can I put it into words. The best one I’ve heard lately…… My panties; Howe did they get over there?

6. If you could compare your clothing line to any band past or present who would it be? The Felonious Priests. Better know as a morph of early Stones, Bauhaus (peter Murphy) and Interpol set in a theatrical rock opera!

7. Are there any designers that inspire you? Where do you get your design inspirations from – do they ever come to you in dreams? I admire a lot of designers. Heidi Slimane, John Galliano, Andrew McKenzie to name a few. My inspiration comes mostly from interaction with people and nature. Sometimes just the way a girl or guy is rocking an outfit can spark a creative revolution. Mostly I look to women for inspiration. When I need all the madness to gel, I go for a surf, that’s when the true clarity comes. Some of my biggest sellers have come in a dream. I’ve actually learned to dream with my eyes open! That’s Howe dreams come true…..

8. Are you offended that I take the expensive t shirts u give me and cut them up? Fran you can cut as many of my 40 singles Peruvian cotton, massaged with virgin olive oil imported from Italy and rolled in goose down till there butter soft, hand grinded by spiritually enlightened Buddhist monks, and finally flown first class round the globe for that worn just to perfection fit, as you want.

9. Describe the last show you went to – did it suck? West Indian Girl acoustic set in my living room. Needless to say I new someone who hooked me up with front row tickets. It was fucking smooth!

10. What other bands have you rolled out the red carpet to besides us and can west indian girl pose in your next catalog? Some of the musicians we’ve dressed are Steven Tyler, Mars Volta, Franz Ferdinand, Flaming Lips, Orgy, Hot Hot Heat, Hooba Stank, Radio Head, 18 visions, Likin Park, Farell Williams, Usher, Queens of Stone age, Cold Play to name a few, but you guys are the only ones I have rolled out the red carpet for. Your special……….. Yes you can!!

Thanks Jade, this was by far the most intelligent 10 with Ten to date.

Maybe i should stop interviewing musicians like chris carter – only kidding fool…F. Ten 11/9 2:30 am

Since we’re about to start touring i thought it might be a good idea for you guys to get to know the rest of the band. that way you’ll know who’s who when we roll through town. First up for the 10 with Ten is Chris Carter. We conducted this interview in the back of a little bar in hollywood that my friend jeremy owns…it’s called “the room”.

1. describe your role in the band? I play keyboards/ synths and sing a few backups. Right now we got a Fender Rhodes, three old Moogs, a few choice pedals, and it keeps growing. I’m pretty sure all my keyboards are older than I am. I’m also in charge of walking Fran’s dog, doing Rob’s laundry, fixing Mark’s car, and making sure the toilet seat is down in the rehearsal space for Angela.

2. what special qualities do you bring to the band? I don’t know if they are “special qualities” but I come from a classical music background, (I was a classical guitar nerd my whole life), I DJ quite a bit as well. Because I’ve been a guitar player my whole life maybe the best thing I bring to the keyboards is a sense of naivety, or a lack of preconceived notions as to how a keyboard player should play. That and I think I have more chest hair than anyone in the band.

3. what do you like to do in your free time? Dungeons and dragons, rollerblading, going to tanning salons, pole vaulting, you know the usual stuff. Just kiddin, I try to surf every time there’s waves, try to go see shows or check out the night life when we’re not rehearsing, I still DJ every Tuesday I can down in Laguna Beach. Since I met you guys though its been all music. Rehearsals at night, there’s always a piece of gear I have to buy or research during the day, doing shit for the band. I’ve been pretty focused on our band lately, that’s been my life.

4. since you do play well keyboards i have to ask you this question…are you straight? I’d be more worried about bass players if I was you. . .

5. what kind of women do you like? They have to be alive, at least eighteen (sixteen in Europe and Australia), and have hair. . . Seriously, our lives are pretty out of control at the moment, staying up almost every night for rehearsal, going out on those rare nights off. I guess I’m just into girls that lead unconventional lives as well.

6. where is the best place to surf? Wherever there’s waves. I’ve gotten the best waves of my life over in Indonesia, hands down.

7. please tell me that you aren’t really from orange county? You’re right, I just say that too be cool because the OC is “so hot” right now! Just kidding, I really am from orange county, a little town called Laguna Beach, the same Laguna Beach about which MTV just made a reality TV show. And yes, we all drive brand new expensive cars, live in billion dollar houses with fake palm trees, have sex with multiple beautiful blonde teenage school girls who are friends, and rent presidential suites at the nicest hotels so we can get drunk on zima and wine coolers for our senior party! In all seriousness, Laguna Beach is a gem, a old art colony with really down to earth, cool people. I have was lucky to grow up there and got the best friends in the world down there, but if you’re serious about playing in a band I think you gotta be in a city atmosphere.

8. you recently had surgery on your ear can you describe is and can i post pictures of it? I had surfers ear in my right ear, meaning that after years of exposure to cold water and wind the bone in my ear had almost completely grown shut. The surgery took about two hours and they went in with lasers and basically cut it back open. The nurses were super cool, we had a little bit of an “afterparty” in the recovery room where they gave me narcotics through an IV for the pain. I kept asking for more drugs which they reluctantly administered (it seemed like a good idea at the time) until I kind of OD’d and started puking. It was a weird experience. I was so fucked up on whatever painkillers they gave me that while I was throwing up I couldn’t stop laughing. I will email you some photos we took right before the puke/laugh incident. Needless to say, it was a very strange and profound moment in my life.

9. what are you listening to – who are your favorite bands out right now?My favorite groups are Interpol, Ficherspooner, Daft Punk, William Shatner, Air, the faint, flaming lips, Elliot Smith, John Frusciante is my all time guitar hero, I grew up on The Chilli Peppers, Janes Addiction, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead. I went through a phase where I only listened to classical/ twentieth century electronic chamber music, and lately I’ve been looking backward to the Pink Floyd/ Zeppelin era.

10. describe the last show you went to – did it suck? Not even fucker. Me and you saw AIR, Stereolab, and Sondre Lerche, at the Hollywood bowl with an orchestra, and it was a great show. We were supposed to DJ the afterparty, but I heard last minute that Sophia Coppola was going to do it instead. I gotta admit I have a big crush on Sophia Coppola. So Sophia, if you’re reading this I’m not pissed about losing the DJ gig to you, but you owe me dinner. Cool? All right, its a date. Before that I saw my roommates band Knife Fight play at the Knitting Factory. Tie up your little sister, those guys are outta control.. . .

Thanx Carter, this has been lovely. you’re a freak — F. Ten 1:20 am