Website:  www.sinch.net

Q - Starting off... Can you each please state your name, age, what you
do in the band and nicknames if you have any?
A - Jay Smith, 27, Ocular Noise Machine (The Viditar), Nickname = Extremely
talented man with a ton of hair

Q - As a band, are all of the members more like a close-knit family or
just business associates with a similar goal?
A - It strikes me as funny to think of each other as business associates. I
don't think anyone would be able to do it for very long with that attitude,
being in a band it is a very poor business model. There is not enough sweat
equity in the world to cover the amount of effort each member puts into it.
We all have been friends for a long time, some of us since childhood. The
reason we are able to maintain a good working relationship is because we do
get along so well and creatively it just works. We are constantly pushing
each other creatively.

Q - How did you decide on the name "SINCH"? Does it have a special
meaning?
A - The name really means nothing. I know it is a lame explanation, but having a
name that means something is so definitive. It is just a word that doesn't
have any real definition or meaning.

Q - What music or artists have inspired you the most or influenced you
to do what you do today?
A - For each member this varies quite a bit. Artists like John Cage, Warhol,
Paik and Yoko Ono have been a huge inspiration to me personally. As far as
music goes Bjork, Beck, and Mike Patton are some artists that everyone in
the band are fans of.

Q - How would you describe the relationship between the band and your
fans?
A - We are pretty connected with all of our fans. I don't really think we even
look at them like fans, more like friends that have similar interests and
ideas. It's great when you get to meet people from all ages and areas of the
world who you can relate to and hopefully influence.


Q - What music or artists are currently in your CD player?
A - CD player, does anyone even have on of these anymore? It is kind of funny
how you don't think 'about music as CD's anymore but as a group of songs
with an album cover. I buy most of my music online. Currently in my playlist
is Bjork- Medulla, Juanes- MiSangre, Aphex Twin- Drukqs and looking forward
to the new Beck!

 
Q - What bands would you recommend that everyone should hear but has
not gained the exposure that they deserve?
A - Hmm that's a hard one, there are so many great bands out there that you
never hear much about. Mike turned me on to The Arcade Fire which I have been
listening to a lot lately.

Q - How would you describe your live shows?
A - This is kind of a loaded question. We try to create a complete multimedia
experience with video audio and some experimentation. The video that I
create is related very closely to the music and is in fact performed and
edited in real time with the music with my instrument. We also try to
integrate other aspects like electronic music and acoustic songs into the
set.

Q - How would you say that your music and the band itself have evolved
from when the band first started?
A - Well I have been in the band for only about 5 years, while that may seem a
long time the band has been around for ten. We have had a lot of changes in
the way we operate since our self-titled release. I think we have become
more comfortable with ourselves creatively.

Q - I noticed that you are no longer with Road Runner Records. Has
this affected the way you went about writing or recording the new
record?
A - We basically created the new record completely on our own. I think this is
how many bands would like to do it, but paying for it can be problematic!
Since we had no real plan for the record or ourselves as a band for that
matter, we were able to be totally comfortable with doing what we wanted. We
have always been a self maintaining band, we create our own media, website,
merchandise, video and album art, having the freedom to do what we want has
been very rewarding.

Q - Tell me what inspired you guys to write "Identity Theft"? Has this
actually happened to one of you or anyone you know?
A - I don't think it has any literal significance, but Phil Collins did steal my
hair style!

Q - Is the band trying to portray any kind of message with the music and lyrics?
A - I think our message is no message. Not that we are not trying to say
anything, actually to the contrary. Jamie would have to get into the
specific meanings of the lyrics, but overall we just want you to keep your
eyes and ears open. With the shows I am trying to be provocative and get
people to think about what we are doing and saying, not hitting them over
the head with an agenda.


Q - Many bands argue that mp3's aren't good for promotion and or
record sales. What is your stance on the digital music issue and
piracy?
A - I think that it is inevitable, so why fight it? I personally think it is a
good thing. There were years that I bought no music. Now that there are so
many sites to buy from I am buying music again. We are a highly technical
band so any means of easy transmission and delivery is a good one for us. It
is also a way for a lot of bands that are not on the radio or in the main
stream to be heard.


Q - Do you have any thoughts or advice for people trying to start up a
band or already have a young band?
A - Do what you want and be yourself that will always set you apart from the
rest.

Q - Any last comments or shout-outs?
A - Rock over London, Rock on Chicago

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