1) Could you tell me a bit about how you came together as a band, and how long ago that was?

I asked Rob Romeo to work on a few songs with me. A few songs turned into 20 or so. Then we tossed everything, found a rythm section, and started over.

2) How long did recording the album take you? Also, how is it that you came by the technical expertise to help in the recording/mixing of your own CD?

The recording took us about 9 months. We wanted to record with the students of the Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts, because that was where I went to school, and I had a need to prove that student engineers could record a "real" album. Any expertise in regard to mixing this album, and producing, came from my mentor and dear friend Bill Mueller. He's the "fifth loader" (obscure Beatle analogy). This album is really about what Bill can do with a few talented audio students :). I can take no credit for the mix...it's all Bill.

3) What is "Apocalypse" about?

Isn't it obvious? It's about fast cars and easy women...ha-ha.

3) Why is "0230" called that?

It's a reference to the time of day that it was written...2:30am.

4) Is the filter you used for the vocals a flanger? Why did you decide to go with that vocal effect on that track?

Actually, it's a leslie cabinet...from a hammond organ. I wanted it to be a bit trippy...ethereal. It's also on Make It Soon. I used it because it's organic....and a sound that not many people are used to hearing...I like experimenting with sounds.

5) If you had to pick just one, which song do you feel best reflects your band?

Make It Soon is probably the one that the band would pick. It reflects our attention to dynamics...and tension...and I think that if any song would point to the future...it would be Make It.

6) What is going on with the band now? Any big news?

Rob Romeo has decided to move on. It's kinda like watching your brother move out of the house. We're auditioning new guitarists, and I'm writing...which is a constant. We will be showcasing and playing throughout our region in the coming months, as well as providing our long distance fans with a magic little corner of the world online. Our website is being revamped as we speak...to address the huge amount of support we have received from abroad.

8) Sounds like Slowloader is "wired."

I like the idea of reaching people...if we can do it live...that's great...but I am very interested in reaching people through the web...someone once said to me that the people who want to find us...want to be reached...and we will make that happen as often as we can. WWW.SLOWLOADER.COM is going to be our home away from home.

7) Any plans to go to any promotional events like the CMJ conference or SXSW (or the other like it)?

CMJ, PMC, Millenium, NEMO..are all real possibilities for us...so we'll see.

9) With all these interesting developments, do you see the band moving in any new directions?

As far as our direction...we're going to go wherever our heart takes us...and that's all I can really guarantee...well...that...and Ron will play every show naked.