Q: I know you just released your new album The Perfect Blue in October, but are there any plans to release more material in 2009?

A: Right now its just me (Danny the Drummer) in front of the computer so I will try to answer these
questions on behalf of the group. As a band, we’re always writing new material. Or at least we try to do so as often as possible. During the school semester we only have a chance to meet up when we have shows since Alex goes away to school. There are some songs in the works and we’d ideally want to get them out as soon as possible to share with everyone and let them know that we’re still working. Depending on money and time, we’d love to release at least a short EP by the end of the year. If anything, we should have some demo recordings or a digital release up within the near future.

Q: After reading a couple of reviews about your new album, the most common response seems to be along the line of "Sweet Hollow Drive's new album rocks more." Was the transition to a somewhat "harder" style natural or did you specifically try and alter your sound for the album?

A: I think by “rocks more” our fans mean that our songs have simply evolved and matured to have a little extra kick to them, whether its one of our pop-rock tunes or a heavier one. For those who have been with us from the beginning, they see how we mature as a band the most. Every band matures with experience and that’s just what is happening to us. But whatever we did on the album was certainly natural. Most larger names I’m sure sit down and say “okay lets write an album” but we basically said “Lets write new songs and put the best ones on an album.”

Q: And along those same lines what style can we expect in the future from Sweet Hollow Drive?

A: Well we’ve been told to capture a few different styles in our music (on The Perfect Blue) and we like to think that we have something for everyone. “Running Away” is heavier and melodic, “Disclaimer” is poppy and upbeat, and “We’re Not In Toto Anymore, Kansas” is raw and totally different from everything else. A future album of ours would probably continue to contain tracks of many different styles, but a similar SHD sound. The new songs we’re writing now already show quite a bit of diversity in their native genres.

Q: Are you planning on touring in support of your new album?

A: This past winter we put together a short tour over our break from school. It lasted 2 ½ weeks and was a lot of work to book by ourselves but it was a lot of fun. Meeting new fans on the road and hanging out with out of state bands was a nice change of pace for us. Best part is, we did sell some albums and came home with a profit! If time allows, there will definitely be at least a series of short regional tours over the summer, if not, an entire east coast tour to further expand our name.

Q: Just browsing around and looking at your guys' profiles online and the response you've gotten from your album it seems like you don't necessarily follow the same path as the majority of bands. You seem more about the music and less about the phony persona that so many bands try and spin to gain popularity. What's your take on that?

A: As much as certain things other bands do might work for us, and not saying we’re entirely original, but we have been brought up on trying to avoid the whole “me too” thing. It’s extremely difficult but we are about the music and also about trying to form one huge family with our friends and fans. Fans usually turn into friends and our shows are big reunions. I also try to respond to every myspace comment and every purevolume message personally and form some dialogue. Sure popularity is great and it’s something we need if our music is going to be known, but why not try to do that as Danny, Alex, Rob and Mikey.

Here’s the final five, they’re just a few random questions that will help readers and fans get to know you a little better:

Q: Favorite song to play live?
A: Original; Combo Meals & Steering Wheels. Cover; Toss up between our own versions of Hey Jude, Hey There Delilah, and Rock Show.

Q: Favorite hobby outside of music?
A: Graphic Design, business marketing, anything I can use towards our music.

Q: Craziest thing you‘ve ever done?
A: Probably go to Canada. Ask Rob about that one…

Q: Song/artist no one knows you listen to?
A: Love is the Right Place – Bryan White? haha

Q: Hamburger or Veggie Burger?
A: Although I’m sympathetic towards the whole vegan cause, you can’t
Beat a good ol’ burger.