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With everything that's going on, there's always talk that you should get on a bigger label. From my point of view, as an outsider, it seems like they go hand-in-hand where everything is stripped down and kept kind of basic. Is that how you feel about it?
"We know that what we've done has worked for us because we've taken it day-by-day, small decision by small decision and it's equalled one big decision that's worked for us. It's kind of the blueprint that works for the times right now. If there's anything I can say about all of that and how we put out music and how we care about business, the one thing that is no matter what important is that Seth and I make decisions business-wise based on the art as the priority at all times. Whatever is good for the next step for the art -- the art and the music is driving the bus -- if that's the right thing -- be it major label, be it smaller label, be it TV shows or no TV shows -- that's the decision we make and the rest follows. That's the bottom line and that's the one we have to stick by. We can't ever -- I mean, at this point, nothing else can be the deciding factor. If anyone was to ever question that or criticize it -- which they have the right to do -- we always... there have been a few no-brainers, but that's a no-brainer for us. It's always the art is the nucleus of the thing and what's right for that is right for us to do."
Have there been moments like that where opportunities -- a label or TV show -- where you just had to say it's not right?
"We have passed on a number of situations. TV shows and promotional opportunities are tools that should help if you treat 'em right. You don't need to shoot yourself in the foot and we try not to do that. Wisdom is more important than pride -- we're working on that. (laughs) We don't have any of it yet, but we're trying to take each little piece that we can. The only time we would turn something down is if we felt it was not integrity-filled and if we felt it might question a tasteful move. We want to keep the integrity and taste at a level and continue to push beyond."
Looking back over this year, you've won some awards, had a nice photo in Spin, were on Conan O'Brien -- what have been some of the highlights for you guys? Was there any moment that stood out to you?
"All the awards and the TV show -- those things have been really, really exciting. They're things that when you're 10 you dream to do, however, the more you do them, the less you're impressed by some of that stuff. Not to downplay it ever. I'd never get up there and say, 'This is nothing.' If it has integrity, I will be thankful for it. Now, our priorities have changed a bit. Like I said, the nucleus of the priority being the art -- seeing a chance for that to take and go to new direction and see new heights. That's what I'm excited about and that's what I'm seeing all these opportunities allowing. One point, it's been a big year and there are a lot of points and they're all about on the same level. Playing in Seattle in front of a crowd of five or six thousand people and seeing them react is priceless. Selling out a room in San Francisco. Those kinds of things are just seeing evidence of our work."
So how much time are you putting in up in Winston-Salem? What's your schedule?
"We're just putting in four or five days. We're putting in quick sketches of songs. We're spending however many days it takes. We have four or four-and-a-half scheduled. If we fall on something that needs to be done, we'll extend that. It's about just getting the ideas down and not trying to perfect them. Things are happening in great ways -- things you don't expect. After this, we'll lay low through Christmas. I'd say we're shooting to be recording the main record in February if all goes as planned and aiming for a record to be out some time in the summer. I'd like to see it in July, but that's up in the air right now. The promotion stuff has to be taken care of."
So, you're working on this album and you've got a lot of dates already for next year. Is that about right?