OMC: You've been successful for a long time, but because of that, people come to shows with a certain expectation. Are audiences accepting of original tracks? Is there ever a pull to do an "all-originals" set?

JH: We've put together all-original shows in the past and are discussing it again. I feel our audience is accepting of whatever we perform as long as it's done with an honest conviction. I've got lots of bands I enjoy listening to but was soured by their live experience because the performance didn't match up to my expectations based on the recording -- and vice versa. What's important to us is that nobody leaves a show disappointed -- and with us releasing a new CD, it gives us the ability to once again present something different. Milwaukee is a strange town where the perception is you're either a cover band or an original band. Can't we be both? We're not on a mission to set the world on fire ... we just love to play and perform.

KP: I think if you give the audience everything you have, they learn to like it and respect it -- even if they didn't at first, At the same time, I think having an expectation of everybody liking it is unrealistic. We know our audience. The songs were for them.

(As for all-original sets), we typically play four-hour shows. If we do any opening slots or shorter shows, I think that is a very good possibility.

OMC: What is the secret to keeping a band healthy, happy and together as long as you have? Better yet, how do you keep things "fresh"? Was working on this CD in some way cathartic in that regard?

JH: Bands come together for many reasons -- whatever they may be. After 17 years of living The LoveMonkeys life, I'm amazed at our longevity. It wasn't a planned adventure. The LoveMonkeys existence is 100% accidental. Because of this, I think we take on the "expect the unexpected" approach and try to keep our environment healthy. I love change - which is a good thing as it's inevitable plus I'm the only original member left. You have to expect it, adapt to it, foresee it if possible. That's just life in general. I think we truly command an aura of respect in our circle as well which transfers to the vibe during our performances. We've got a great group of guys - but we've always had a great group of people involved no matter which incarnation of this band you look at.

Working on this CD never became cathartic as there was a challenge issued amongst us. We all sacrificed our family and work lives for three weeks to accomplish this recording so there was never a moment of cathartic state. We were little kids giddy with excitement from day to day as something new came to the table with each session. Our families weren't too happy about our state of AWOL but we were on a mission. We are grateful for the long leashes we were on.

KP: Respect is the most important thing. Everybody brings something to the table. We all try to respect each other.

OMC: How does the rest of the Milwaukee music scene respond to the band and things like the CD project? Is there a level of resentment because of the success / crowds / gigs you've achieved, or is there more of a supportive "We're all in this thing together" vibe?

JH: The Milwaukee Music Scene has been extremely supportive as we try to be supportive of others. Musicians are funny when it comes to the resentment angle, because we all think we're better than the next guy is -- whether we are or not.

The city musicians tend to clique to their comfort zone so there is great support among the local scene. I can only speak for us and say we're just happy with what we do. We know who we are; we understand our talent level isn't much when you compare us to other acts and musicians around town. Unfortunately, our schedule doesn't allow us to see as many bands as we'd like, but I am always purchasing local CDs and playing local music during our break mixes.

KP: If we spend time worrying about what they think, we don't stay focused on making ourselves better. They are all trying to be the best they can, we are just working on doing the same.

I think we all get along pretty well, but we are not always in the same room. We love everybody, and if everybody works hard, they will prevail. We are still trying.

Here is a video of the band's new song "The Wrong Things" as performed on Fox6.