Zebrahead interview

e-Mo Magazine caught up with Zebrahead bassist Ben Osmundson about their new album, forthcoming UK tour and crapping their pants...

e-Mo: What have Zebrahead been up to recently?

Ben: We are just putting the finishing touches on a new record.  Getting ready to start mixing early next  week!  Watching a lot of cartoons and riding bikes with no handlebars.

e-Mo: You're coming to the UK in June - are you looking forward to it?

Ben: Love the UK.  Nothing like a kebab at 3 a.m.  Everytime we come over we spend all day before the shows being tourists checking out all the sights.  Plus the beer is much [better] in the UK.

e-Mo: How's your new album coming along? What can we expect from it?

Ben: When you put the CD in there will be music on it!  REALLY.  There are small robot versions of us burned on a disk playing music.  Well its done other than mixing.  This time around people can expect to  hear the heaviest stuff we have ever done and some of the most melodic.  Confusing YES.  I get confused just trying to describe it.  I feel dizzy.

e-Mo: Which of your songs would you recommend to Zebrahead virgins, to get them into your band?

Ben: Hmmm...I guess I would say "Anthem" or "Hello Tomorrow"?...They seem to be what we are about - having fun and smiling through the crap of life.

e-Mo: Which song do you like to perform live the most, and why?

Ben: Maybe "The Setup".  We close with that song a lot and everyone really seems to cut lose in the crowd and it is fun to play off the building energy.  As lame as that sound it is true. 

e-Mo: What's been your best and worst moment on tour?

Ben: Best moment on tour - having Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick come out and play "Surrender" with us on stage. Worst moment - watching our drummer crap his pants and throw up at the same time.  I will never be the same after that experience. 

e-Mo: It must be tough hanging out with each other all the time and not getting into blazing rows - how do you settle your disputes so it doesn't kick off?

Ben: Punch each other in the face.  We tend to have black eyes A LOT!

e-Mo: A lot of bands are now making their albums available to download online; will you be doing the same for your next album?

Ben: Sure it will be available online to download...It will be downloaded whether bands want it to or  not.  We have always told people that if your going to download our album... go nutz. If your going to buy it cool. We aren't going to complain or come after you.  Hey the more people that can access our music the better.

e-Mo: What's playing on your iPods at the moment?

Ben: Been watching the new Muse DVD.  Some amazing stuff there.  I really like the last Strike Anywhere and I am always a sucker for some Jawbreaker.

e-Mo: Finish this sentence: Zebrahead are like...

Ben: A refreshing blast of cool air on a summer's day or 5 drunk idiots trying not to throw up on each other. You pick!..throwing up is much more fun.

e-Mo: And finally, the burning question: zebras - white with black stripes, or black with white stripes?

Ben: Red. But I'm colour blind.