The Reluctant Rock Star

How do you keep your music relevant?
I think by pushing the boundaries, by not doing something you've already done, and pushing each other as bandmates to create in a new way.

Do you miss that Seattle heyday of the early '90s at all?
I think what we miss is the bands all showing up at each other's shows, and five people being up onstage, and then the next night the same people that were up onstage being in the audience and vice versa. Everyone was very supportive of each other. And, you know, there were some great f--king living-room parties as well. And it still happens, it's just a little less.

Does that community you talk about still exist?
You know, it's amazing how few bands are able to keep it together. But I'd like to think there's still a number of us who, for lack of a better word, are slaves to rock and roll. It's in us and we need it. And I think it's trickier now because a lot of us have to be a little bit more grown up. We're parents and we're figuring out how to do both. Because as much as I would dedicate my life solely to music, I wouldn't sacrifice the kids' upbringing to do it.

You recently had a second daughter.
Yep, she's 4 months old. She was born on Bruce Springsteen's birthday. So my one kid's 4, my other kid's 4 months, I'm 44, Barack Obama is the 44th president—it's all lining up nicely here.

Do you still wear a lot of flannel?
I'm not wearing one today, but I sure was wearing one yesterday.

© 2009