1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We did 200 tour dates last year with Static-X, Korpiklanni, Wednesday 13 and Blood on the Dancefloor. We just finished a tour with Psychostick last month and our new album Last Call in Jonestown comes out tomorrow on the record label that we own, Razor To Wrist Records.
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous efforts?
I find it to be stylistically somewhere in between our first 2 albums. Purgatory Dance Party was very experimental, Sex Offender was more of a rock and roll album. Last Call in Jonestown has elements of both, a mix that seems to be where we are heading.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?
Todd's hatred of George W. Bush, mass suicide/murder... oh and the ins and outs of teenage heartbreak.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
I like to tell people that it's a black plague reference, but the truth is that there really isn't a story, it's just something that Todd really liked. It's odd, but it has worked really well for us from a marketing standpoint, everytime a celebrity dies, apply dots to a picture and voila! New shirt.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
We've played a ton of great shows all over the US and Canada. Home is always Cleveland, but we have added a lot of "Home" cities lately. Lots of new faces showing up, it's been fun. We try to have a ton of energy on stage. I try to not fuck up too much while laying on top of people in the audience.
6.Do you have any touring plans for the future?
Yup, we leave for a few weeks in June with Exotic Animal Petting Zoo and One Eyed Doll. It's our first headlining tour in a while and we're excited about playing new material. We also plan to do a full US run in the fall.
7.Currently you are signed to Razor To Wrist, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support they have given you so far?
We actually own Razor To Wrist Records. It's the single greatest business decision we have ever made. The modern music industry does not require you to have a major label behind you. In a lot of ways labels do more to destroy a bands career, then help them have one. We have been signed to some really big labels, and no one will ever help us as much as we will help ourselves. We will be signing other bands and they will be treated fairly and with the respect they deserve.
8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to the newer material by fans of music?
We have fans all over the world, It's actually pretty remarkable. Our old band Dog Fashion Disco is doing a couple of reunion shows at the end of the month and there will be people there from the corners of the earth.... Croatia, Russia, Finland, UK, Australia, Germany all will be represented.
9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
The beauty of being in a band like Polkadot Cadaver and owning your own label is you don't have to make these decisions. We have always and will always just write what comes out, and that will be what makes it onto the record. It's very liberating.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
There are tons of bands and artists that have influenced us over the years, Clutch, Metallica, FNM, Beck, Muse, Slayer.... I mean the list goes on and on and on. I just picked up the new Mastodon album "The Hunter" and I like that quite a bit. We toured with those guys a few years back and it's amazing to see how far they've come since then.
11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?
I really like designing things in Photoshop and Illustrator. I do a lot of our art, which I personally find as rewarding as writing songs. It's exciting for me to see a new shirt printed that I designed. I also love tinkering in the stock market. I know that doesn't sound very exciting, but someday I'll have a new honda to show for my efforts.
12.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Support us! Go buy our album.... Profits don't go to some industry fat-cat doucebag. They go in our gas tank!
Jasan Stepp
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