cronutlover

This is an awesome question, and there is a real answer that is not -- "needed to do it to save my hands" ... yes the hands were in rough shape, but that's not what influenced the decision. It came from feeling like I simply couldn't write percussion parts to support a whole band anymore without repeating myself. And there was a collective band itch to go new places. After LAGF I was feeling like a king, like I could do no wrong, and so I picked up sticks and got really humbled. Using my feet and playing without direct skin contact was difficult. And I was learning to do it in front of large audiences. Who didn't like it. That is part of being an artist though. Sometimes you make unpopular decisions because that is what is inside your creative heart. And we are still doing that today (making unpopular decisions)!

HEY EVERYONE. I just want to start out by saying I really really love doing this. I love that people care about our band and the music we create. It is a complete joy to do this -- I will answer as many questions as I can and will jump around to the ones that I feel I have the best answers for. Go!

One day we will release "Emily Ivory" into the world (It's an unreleased B-side from GANGING UP ON THE SUN) and you all will realize you've been waiting around for a song that's just kind of ok.

He should get more introductions on stage. His name is Dave Butler. He is incredible and indispensable. When someone goes from drum tech who occasionally plays shaker -- to learning 20 songs on keyboards and providing the foundation for your live show -- that is amazing. Thanks Dave!

Quite the opposite in fact -- I think we were actively hoping people out there would think we were just some British band with a catchy new song.