1) How did you guys get started?

  Been writing songs since I was 14...that'd be around 1988. I started Lucero with Brian Venable in 1998. We wanted to experiment and see if we could incorporate some elements into a band that we had never tried before. What if everything isn't fast? What if you try to write a song like Tom Waits or Johnny Cash? That was the beginning.

2) What bands are you guys liking right now?

  We all agree on "Hold Steady". Great bar rock riffs with some of the most tasteful lyrics I've heard in a long time. I'm gonna say the smartest lyrics....but that sounds bad. They're smart , but well-written as well.

3) Who would you like to tour with?

 Tom Petty or The Pogues.

4) What are some of your favorite venues to play?

 The Casbah in San Diego , The Troubador in L.A. , Slim's in San Fran , the Gothic Theatre in Denver , the Bowery Ballroom in New York , Will's Pub in Orlando , the Earl in Atlanta , the 40 Watt in Athens(Ga.) , ...this list could get silly( Can anyone say "road warriors"?)  There's alot of  towns and clubs that have been good to us.

5)  As far as studio time , what are some of the ups and downs for you?

 We had a blast the last time we recorded. We slept in the studio and hardly left the building for two weeks. Got alot of work done in a short amount of time. It can be frustrating at times , but that's like alot of things.

6) Is there anything or anyone that have gave you guys a real boost?

  Our new keyboard player , Rick Steff. Every song was enhanced by him being there. I could'nt wait to hear the songs with his parts added to them.

7) What are some of your favorite foods / beverages?

  Pizza , Denny's , Cracker Barrel , Coke , Whiskey , Red Bull  (my kinda guys)

8) Is there anything else you wanna say?

  That'll do it.