American Princes

So after we listened to "Little Spaces" our curiosity grew quite thick and we had to ask the Princes some questions. (DS - David Slade, CK - Collins Kilgore) Check it out -

How old were you guys when the band started?

DS: The age range is about two years from youngest to
oldest, but we were all between 22 and 23 when we
joined the band. More importantly, though, we all
looked like we were 15.

What music or artists influenced you guys?

DS: When I was nine, I wanted to be a ninja. When I was ten, I wanted to be Chuck D. When I was twelve, I
wanted to be Michael Stipe. When I was thirteen, I wanted to be Eddie Vedder. The older I got, the less
cool my aspirations became. Now, I want to be Bea Arthur.

CK: Umm... what he said.

Was it hard to find places to play in Arkansas?

DS: Not at all. There are only two things to do in Arkansas: make music or make meth. Consequently, kids
are either really good at chemistry or really good at setting up fun shows. Truthfully, there are really
wonderful bands in Arkansas, but it's such a small scene that no one sounds alike and there isn't this
divided musical community. Everyone comes out to see everyone else's band. It's really inspiring and
gratifying. I love this state.

What is the best tour story you have so far?

CK: We were driving outside of Minneapolis and our bass player at the time, Ryan Universe, nudged Matt
and pointed out the window. "Hey man, look," he said all nonchalantly. On our right, a trucker was sitting there waving a Grover puppet at us and smiling in a way that suggested he'd like to kill us and make luggage out of
our skin. Maybe that's less funny than it is bone-chillingly terrifying...

Any plans for the future?

DS: We're going to play in Memphis this week (10/27 - 10/30) for Voodoo Fest, which is really exciting.
After that, we get to go on the road with Lucero for 3 weeks in December. We'd like to keep touring the US,
but also to get to Europe and Japan in the next few months. If anyone wants to trade us our kidneys for
plane tickets, we're down.

What is in your CD player right now?

CK: Can't get enough of Laura Viers or Amadou and Miriam. There's also this band from Portland called
the Joggers who are really tearing it up. And one of those new Strokes songs I pirated is really good.

DS: Um, it's embarassing but I don't really rock the CDs anymore, what with my iPod and all. Looking back
over the the past half hour, I heard the Replacements, Sea Ray, Ratatat, Haydn, Guided By Voices, TV on the
Radio, Air, Rocket From the Crypt, Deerhoof, and Nick Drake.

CK: P.S. I just saw a picture of TV on the Radio hanging out with Bowie. What the hell?!!

Where is your favorite place to play?

DS: Little Rock. No question, just 'cause the crowd is comprised of people with whom we share a massive
history and love. That said, any show where people are enjoying themselves is one of the best things to
ever experience. I get choked up whenever we meet someone who really enjoyed our music, especially if
it's in a town far from home.

CK: Yeah, Dave, I was gonna say Fayetteville because we get to stay at your mom's farm. Frozen dinners and
about a thousand cats, booyah!

Any last words?

CK: Sure, when the robots take over I sure hope they like our music so we aren't incinerated along with
everyone else. Don't worry, purists, we will press some vinyl one of these days, I promise.

DS: And keep the rock alive. Start a band if you haven't. Keep it going if you have. Don't let
anyone hold you back.