Does having real-life pressures make it easier to make fun of music careers?
Randy Ballwahn: That came out of the fact that we actually were sort of a semi-finalist for the American Music Awards at one point. Kirk Wall: It’s this unholy alliance between CMJ and Dick Clark Productions. It was the beginning of these “get your friends to vote for you” contest dealies, and I don’t know how or why we got into it. Then I got this thing in the mail: “You’re an alternate finalist,” and stuff. Then when I found out that Dick Clark Productions are involved, I’m laughing my ass off, because I’m thinking, oh, Dick Clark has weaved through all these bands and stuff. I just imagined him saying, “I can’t sell this stuff on ABC!” RB: The band that actually won it was totally lame. Annelies Howell: They’re still around! AVC: Who was it? AH: Carbon Leaf! I’m sorry. [All laugh.] KW: Great! Their brand of Celtic rock is majestic and beautiful! AVC: Do you ever come to practice all stressed out and try to write an angry serious song? KW: No. It’s weird. It’s like, “Oh, good. I’m at
