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What records have you been cranking lately on the tour bus, backstage or before you perform, and what's so great about them?
Bus...haha. We're still rocking the van. Everyone in the van has wildly different tastes, when it comes to driving music. Lately, I've been listening to a lot of Metric, Rilo Kiley and other rock bands with female vocalists. Joel's been listening to lots of old Country and Americana like The Flying Burrito Brothers and Bob Dylan. Joey is usually on shuffle, and I notice healthy doses of hip hop, Peter Gabriel and Tim & Eric Podcasts. I think we all just listen to things that will hold our interests and keep us awake while we drive.
What's your favorite piece of stage clothing and where did you get it?
The obvious answer to this question would be our "Nudie Suits." We got these made by a designer in L.A. named Jaime who studied under Nudie Cohn, the maker of all of Porter Wagoner, Graham Parson's, etc.'s suits. We have been wearing them almost every show for the last year. But I actually prefer our 1920's style red and yellow striped two-piece bathing suits that we got a costume shop. They aren't exactly the most flattering things, but they're super comfortable for dancing around at a super-hot show.
What's the best place to eat on the road?
Our band tries to avoid fast food, if we can help it. We eat lots of Thai and Japanese food. My favorite place was this all salad bar buffet in Orlando (although I think it might be a chain) called Sweet Tomatoes. It's hard to find healthy, cheap, and good food on the road and this place was all three. I also love Sheetz in the North East. They have made-to-order food 24 hours a day. The rest of the country desperately needs Sheetz.
Do you write music on the road?
Joel and Matt seem to always be writing music. I only write music when I'm depressed, and I'm depressed much more often at home.
What's the best way to kill time in a boring spot?
Well, we all quit smoking, so that's out. I'm kind of our band's Internet geek so I usually figure out a way to get internet access and do band public relations stuff...kind of like right now as I'm waiting to play in Aspen I'm doing this interview.
What's the most inspirational truck stop?
As I said before, Sheetz is probably the best business that America has ever invented. It's like a gas station, five-star restaurant, and rave all at once. If you live in the south or west, it is worth a trip to New England or thereabouts for Sheetz alone.
What city has the best and most responsive crowds?
Those would be Dayton, Ohio and Ft. Lauderdale Florida. br>
Which venue has the cleanest facilities?
Actually, probably where I am right now. Belly Up in Aspen, CO.
More importantly who provides the best rider?
Belly Up is pretty good. They have an excellent chef. House of Blues in Anaheim and Ram's Head in Baltimore were also excellent. But so far, I think Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver came closest to actually delivering what we asked for.
“Sheetz is probably the best business that America has ever invented. It's like a gas station, five-star restaurant, and rave all at once.”
What do you miss most when you're out on tour?
My bed and my DVR.
What's the first thing you do when you get home from tour?
Laundry. Sorry if that wasn't an interesting answer, but it's pretty much true, every time.
—Rick Florino
04.14.08
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