BM: So first of all I’d like to ask, what happened with Atlantic Records?
Zubin: We recorded our second album with funding from Atlantic Records. Having no A&R at the time, it was only after the completion of the record that they were able to give it a listen. We were given a warm reception. After a drawn out decision process, though, we agreed it would be mutually beneficial to release the album separately. So, we parted ways!
BM: What did it feel like the first time you heard one of your songs in the background of a show like the Real World?
Zubin: It’s always exciting to hear how others contextualize our music. We threw a small party when “Good Day” aired on the OC. Since then we’ve been more low key, but it’s always a fun time.
BM: The new album, Good & Evil, was released on CD and MP3, but also vinyl, why the vinyl?
Zubin: I think soon the question will be why release on CD? Aside from the revitalized niche of vinyl collectors, I also think it’s a great way to showcase the album art. But, it’s a real pleasure to listen to albums on vinyl. You’re basically forced to listen the whole way through as the product was intended. It combats ADD.
BM: Good & Evil marks the first time with producer Tony Hoffer, how was it working with him?
Zubin: Tony was fantastic. He was a valiant leader who tossed in his opinion as necessary but wasn’t overbearing. His involvement definitely brought cohesiveness to Good & Evil. It’s safe to say we’d be more than happy to work with him in the future.
BM: The album artwork looks like an exercise in geometry, who came up with the concept of the art?
Zubin: Joe (Hawley, Red Tie) conceived of and executed the album art.
BM: Was the recording process for Good & Evil any different than Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum?
Zubin: The process was much different with this album. We took much longer, were less experienced, and had no producer when we recorded Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum. This time around we had a concept and had written many songs and chose from among them.
BM: Last night’s stop on the ‘Good & Evil Tour’ is in Minneapolis, how has the tour been so far with Speak and Casey Shea?
Zubin: Casey Shea, or Carson as I like to call him, is an old pal. He’s nothing but a treat to have on the road. He’s a jokester, a poet, and a philosopher. And the Speak guys are great too. We’ve only had a few shows to get to know them, but they seem like solid dudes. So far the bonding highlight was a green room impromptu rendition of “Because” involving members from all of the groups.
BM: Casey isn’t filling in at all on this tour is he?
Zubin: If by filling in you’re referring to his breasts, I’ll try to pay more attention. He seems normal on that front. But he’s performing first of three acts and we’re happy that our band is back to it’s original and complete lineup. Actually, we’ve even added a performer this tour.
BM: Are there stops on the tour that you are particularly looking forward to?
Zubin: Ann Arbor is always a special show, but other than that I’d say each show has it’s own unique circumstances. For instance, the Minneapolis show last night was much more intimate than the larger Chicago show the night before. In fact, we had a couple that came to three of our shows so far and said each night had something different to offer. I’m looking forward to it all!
BM: Is there any progress on the “&” video?
Zubin: The & video is still in the works! We look forward to seeing the progress.
BM: What’s next for Tally Hall after this tour?
Zubin: That is an excellent question to which the answer is undetermined!
