OMC: The fan response at the shows is amazing. Are you surprised at the age diversity at your shows?

Schwebel: It's crazy. We have friends with kids who are fans. It's crazy. It's a wonderful testament to our music too. We were never trying to be the hip, cutting edge band. Our music is simple by nature, it's bizarre to look out and see the dads and kids. It's great.

OMC: What are your thoughts on the Milwaukee music scene?

Schwebel: When we were coming up there was a very strong live band dynamic, that's what you wanted to do, (when you were in college) you went to the bars to see great live bands. It wasn't just cover bands, it was a live music scene, there were a lot of great bands. It ebbed, but now it's never been stronger. Now there's just a whacked variety, punk, pop, rock … it's different, though. There's no distinct Milwaukee sound. But, that's okay.

Kralj: We do like a lot of the new area bands. Northern Room is a great new band, Bascom Hill is actually a very strong sounding band. Very cool.

Schwebel: You've got bands like Maritime, who are conceivably more popular in Japan than they are in town. There are some cool, really cool bands in Milwaukee.

OMC: What can we expect from the new album?

Kralj: It's an extension from "Holiday from You." But, a little bit more positive like some of the earlier stuff. When you write an album ... you just want to write a song. You get an idea and you just go with it. Then you listen to the whole body of the work and there's a theme. This one is all about forgiveness and second chances. It's sort of interesting that we are at a point of our careers where it is a second chance, a second coming as a band. It sounds very melodic and uplifting.

Schwebel: I think this record has a lot of songs that are going to be really easy to listen to the first time. Very accessible, more heartfelt. It's really easy to listen to.

OMC: Any big plans for the release of the album, other than The Pabst Theater show?

Kralj: Just like how we started, great shows and I'm sure the die-hard fans will have ways to get the record a few days before (its release). That's the crazy thing with this whole Internet thing, we've really been able to stay in touch with people. It's exciting for us.

Schwebel: That's the coolest thing, we used to just have a "sign up for a mailing list" at shows. Now, it's all accessible and instantly there's information about the show after it happens before you even get back to your computer.

Kralj: Yeah, there used to be (seven years ago) a lot of exchange of bodily fluids back then (laughing), but now it's e-mail, video phones …

OMC: What else are you listening to these days?

Kralj: The Gufs new record is really all I listen to!

Schwebel: Actually, that's the only disc in my car. All the sorta fader up mixes as we are in production and getting the tunes ready. I do have a couple of country discs, too. Feeder (and) a lot of obscure stuff too; a lot of it poppy.

Kralj: Yes, the Wreckers. That's awesome. Michelle Branch, there's something about her. She can write a song, it's a great record. I like that Fray album for a new pop band.

OMC: Now, the one question I like to ask everyone. If you could have a drink with anyone, who would it be and why?

Kralj: As I'm thinking, I'm thinking Bill Clinton. I think I'd want to ask him how in the most powerful position in the world couldn't you have self-restraint and control? But, yeah, I would love to know the answer to that question.

Schwebel: Bob Costas. Sure, a ton of music people (would be cool) too. He seems like a nice guy, and an interesting storyteller to have a conversation with. He's seems brilliant when it comes to sports and he sorta has a way ... calming and entertaining.

OMC: What's The Gufs favorite place to play?

Schwebel: We love every city, man! But, we've played basically every venue in the city (of Milwaukee). Summerfest is just the best.

Kralj: Milwaukee is the best, Summerfest. Really looking forward to The Pabst, too. If we could just take all of Milwaukee with us on the road, it would be very, very good!

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10 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by OMCreader on Oct. 9, 2006 at 10:12 a.m. (report)

Newbomb Turk said: Although I've never met these two guys, I have met the other members and they seem pretty genuine. Sadly, they're becoming the new Bodeans. A big fanbase that turns out every couple of years for their occasional gigs. I must agree Bill Clinton seems like an odd choice. I could think of others who have a more dynamic personality that I'd have a drink with.

Posted by OMCreader on Oct. 5, 2006 at 10:36 a.m. (report)

eaglescout said: Joel, like most narrow minded repubs you missed the point. you are so sensitive to any critisism of the war you freak out, and cannot understand the real issue. i apologize for dragging politics into the discussion, but my point still stands- i think Clinton is as odd of a choice if goran would have said dinner with the Maytag repairman would float his boat. i do not care who goran has dinner with-tonight, or any night-just thought his choice was funny. now can we talk about their music? it's not very good.

Posted by OMCreader on Oct. 4, 2006 at 9:57 a.m. (report)

Joel said: Cubscout - what the hell do you care what he says about who he wants to meet anyways? So I'm "holier than thou?" because you chose to turn an article about music into some anti-war, Cindy Sheehan rant? You're pathetic.

Posted by OMCreader on Oct. 4, 2006 at 1:56 a.m. (report)

Jason said: The Gufs? Didn't they used to be a band with a future?

Posted by OMCreader on Oct. 3, 2006 at 4:39 p.m. (report)

eaglescout said: Joel, spare us your typical holier than thou right wing defense of an idiotic reason for a dinner date choice. the guy could have picked a musical hero, or any number of people he admires, and he wants to ask Clinton about his sex life? a man and a band truly stuck in the nineties.