When did the two of you meet and how did you come to be musical collaborators?
"We met in Brooklyn. I was Andy's bartender at the bar across the street from where he lived. He had just moved from New Orleans. He told me he was an engineer and we started to record together. After a while, I thought I needed a drummer, so I taught Andy how to do some basic stuff on the drums and we grew together into a rock band."
Did growing up in D.C. influence you becoming a musician?
"Growing up in Wheaton, I was surrounded by kids in bands trying to make and support the D.C. scene. We always hung out where we could absorb and learn — Kemp Mill Records, Phantasmagoria, Fort Reno shows, Black Cat, listening to WHFS, any money I had went to the local shows. It made me understand the power of a strong community of musicians -- together we didn't need mainstream avenues to do what we wanted to do.
Who were some of your favorite bands to see back then?
"The Make-Up! Slant 6, Fugazi, Dismemberment Plan, Bluetip, Jawbox. What an incredible city to grow up in. I got to see these bands in high school!"
How did you first become immersed in that scene?
"Both my parents grew up in this area. They are amazing, beautiful, delightfully hysterical people — they'll be at the show, Bob and Rusty. My father was a drummer in a couple of local D.C. bands back in the '70s, like Mr. Henry's and Timberlake's. They met at [now-closed Dupont Circle venue] Childe Harold for an Original Fetish show."
Where to do always make time to go when you're in town on a tour stop?
"Joe's Record Paradise! That place is the BEST. It's huge and has great collections to dig into. Always a friendly place. Plus, we try and support the local business in Wheaton, like Pollo Rico. So damn good."
Where: Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW; 202-667-7960.
Photo: Courtesy of Wassaic Project