(Cord Magazine's questions are in blue. Artist responses are in grey.)


What do you do when you’re on your downtime between recording and touring?

Live life. It’s the only time I can think about things like eating and sleeping and seeing friends and family and doing those things that you do between all consuming work. So a lot of eating and sleeping. If I have free time I love to go and see a movie. When I’m not totally obsessed with my music, I get back into my photography, which I abandoned a long time ago. I was in university studying photography, so whenever I get a break from music, I feel like I owe it to photography to get back into that.

Is there much of a break at all these days?

Oh no. The past two years have been solid, no break whatsoever. They’ve been devoted to creating the foundation for this project.

What would you say your vice of choice is?

People. The telephone. I don’t smoke… I guess I like Jagermeister alright…

What’s been your favorite city or venue.

I think it’s called the Coliseum, I don’t know for sure. This gorgeous old theatre in Lisbon, Portugal. Portugal is one of my favorite countries to travel to and visit. I played there with the Pumpkins, and I also played there opening up for A Perfect Circle earlier this year. One of the most beautiful and dramatic venues, and the audience in Portugal is phenomenally passionate.

What aspects and issues in the world are concerning you these days?

Many, as always. In particular of course is the countdown to the presidential election in the United States. It’s very nerve wracking; it’s going to make or break a lot of things, and affect the world in a very intense way, as it has for the past four years. So the outcome of that election is crucial in terms of international relations, and specifically in my life, whether I want to remain a US resident or not. So I’d say the US election is a prime concern of the world right now.

Is there an interview question you could care less to hear again?

No, because I have a new answer for every question. I mean, you never get sick of “hi, how are you”… it’s just part of the routine of speaking, and certain questions about my life and my music are sort of a routine, obvious question, so I really don’t mind.

Do you have a favorite Saturday/Sunday morning cartoon?

I guess the Flinstones would have been my favorite way back.

When you were growing up, did you ever want to be anything besides a musician?

Um, a good friend, incredible girlfriend, and then wife and mother. Photographer was always my number one choice, and then music was sort of a luxury that I never assumed would happen. So it was a big surprise that music became my main active role in society.

If you could trade places with anyone…?

Just some random woman at the turn of the century, just to get a feel for a different time and place.

Here’s a scenario for you. There’s a shark and a bear fighting. There’s just enough water for the shark, and a little island for the bear. They’re both huge, and neither one has been fed for days. Who’s gonna win?

They both have crazy teeth, but the bear has claws, so I think the claws will win.

Any particular reason?

Can bears swim? I just saw that movie “The Bear”, you know with the baby bear… it’s the most incredible… so anyway now I have this special spot in my heart for bears, and I say the bear will always win.

Elsewhere

By Ryan Ince
Photos : Andy Scheffler
Published : November 15, 2004.