1.) Who are your greatest musical influences?
I've always loved listening to music. When I was about 4 or 5, I used to play Barry Manilow records on my little plastic suitcase-record-player and sing along with them. "Even Now" was a great album. I'd have to say though that it was New Wave that really shaped my taste in music when I was in high school. I don't have a favorite band but if I did, it would probably be New Order. Then I got into traditional 60s ska and rocksteady (my first band was a ska band in NYC) and listening to artists like The Skatalites, Toots & The Maytals, Lee Scratch Perry, Ken Boothe, The Ethiopians and countless others really opened up my mind musically. As a drummer, Animal has always been my greatest influence. In addition to having a wonderfully positive attitude, he always plays in the pocket and comes up with these ridiculously syncopated beats that are absoluteley mindblowing. Sometimes I think he's more machine than Muppet. He taught me a lot about technique as well as stage presence. Curently, I'm inspired by this band Sumack from L.A. who we played a few shows with. Everyone should go out and buy their new album "Now Hear This" right now.
2.) When did you meet Jon and start playing as a band? What do you hope to accomplish as a band – tour nationally? Make kick ass albums?
I should mention that Jon and I have been playing in various bands together for 9 years now. Part of the reason this band works is because of the friendship, musical relationship and general understanding that we have developed in that time. Also I get to share a bed with him when we're on tour. As far as my aspirations, I just want a chance to fulfill my destiny as a rock star. And if that can't happen in full, I'll settle for a guy who can help us do some driving and carry some heavy equipment. He has to have impeccable hygiene though.
3.) It must be tough being a band with full time jobs on the side. Besides sleeping, what would you do if you had more free time?
I'd do more band stuff and see my friends and family. The main reason it's difficult to work full time in addition to being in a band like Mary Prankster is that there isn't enough time to do ALL the things that really need to be done. We are an extremely self-sufficient band. Obviously we get some help from Fowl (like killer distribution) and we have a booking agent, but aside from that, we've got a real do-it-yourself approach. Playing shows is one thing...but there's also the business side of things, promotion, PR, practicing, writing — there just aren't enough hours in the day to do all of that right if that isn't all you do. I'd also spend more time with the most important people in my life (besides Jon and Mary).
4.) How do you see yourself on the local scene – typical? Unusual? Do you relate to any “D.C. and Maryland” bands?
We're obviously atypical. One reason why we stand out though has to do with the vibe, energy and connection that the three of us have. I've been in and seen many bands and the chemistry that the three of us have is extremely rare. It manifests itself in our interaction and performance and I think it makes a huge difference. We also try to deliver more than just a performance, as evidenced by our ongoing Fletcher's concert series. Few bands, if any, ever put on a production any more. I love what we do at Fletcher's because it's as much fun for us as it is for the fans. It allows us to be creative with our shows and do more than just rock. Speaking of rocking, as you have witnessed, our shows really come from the heart and as gay as it sounds, that makes a difference, too. When we're on stage we're in our element, solely immersed in what we love doing most, and our playing is honest, driven and fierce.
5.) How often do you guys practice?
If you count our shows, about 2-3 times a week.
6.) What kind of family and musical background did you grow up with?
I was raised by four Sherpas and a yak in the remote Bhaktapur region of Nepal. There was no music but I climbed Annapurna by the time I was three and a half. No oxygen, either.
7.)What’s it like being in MP in comparison to being in other bands?
We're actually getting somewhere. I still have a very special place in my heart for "Skin," the last band that Jon and I were in. We were the greatest band you've never heard. Being in Mary Prankster is fulfilling because it's the first band I've been in where everyone gives all that they have and is truly willing to work at it...and the work is paying off. We've had and continue to have some truly amazing opportunities. It's brought us one step closer to our individual and collective destinies. And again, it's like a family, especially since we now all live together.
8.) Do your parents come to shows?
Bhaktapur is pretty far away and the yak doesn't have ID.
9.) Do you ever feel the guys don't get as much attention as Mary? Is that hard?
Obviously we don't get the kind of attention that Mary does. I imagine that it's actually harder for Mary because in addition to all the well-intentioned fans, she's the one that has to deal with the psycho freaks. Having a strong, identifiable front person can make it easier for the public to focus their attention, too. The bottom line is that we are a band and what we do is a real team effort. All three of us give this band everything we have and we all need each other. Mary's gone out of her way to give us props and make this a healthy, supportive working environment for everybody involved. It's all good.
10.) What would you be doing if you weren’t in Mary Prankster?
I'd like to think that I'd be playing in another band as that is what I enjoy doing most. On the other hand, I've given so much of myself to this band that I don't know if I could start over from scratch. I'd be bored, that's for sure. I'd probably sleep for about a week and then move to New York to woo the woman I love.