This is an interview with Mike Felumlee that was conducted via email and is now here for you enjoyment. So go ahead...enjoy!

E: What made you decide to be a musician?
M: I always wanted a drumset. As early as I can remember. I got one when I was about 13 and realized that I could play them pretty well. From that point on it has been all I've wanted to do. I can't even imagine having a normal job, I'd go crazy.

E: How much input do you have in the music you produce with a band?
M: Matt and Dan write all the guitar stuff and lyrics, then we all work on the arrangements together. I make up the drum parts of course.

E: Tell me about the best part of being in the Smoking Popes.
M: For me the best par of being in the Popes was just being able to play such great songs. Josh has written some of my favorite songs of all time and I'm glad I got to play drums on them.

E: Did you feel the Smoking Popes could've been a lot bigger given a little more time?
M: I definately think we could've gotten bigger. I think if we would've signed to a big independant label we could have at least doubled in size, but that's just my opinion and its not a very objective one.

E: What was your favorite Smoking Popes song?
M: Pretty Pathetic and Waiting Around

E: What did you do between the break up of the Popes and joing the Alkaline Trio?
M: I started Double Zero Records and Played with Tom Daily

E: How was working with Tom Daily? I've seen him live and thought he was amazing.
M: I liked playing with Tom a lot, I wish he would play more. I think he's a great songwriter.

E: What made you decide to start Double Zero Records?
M: After the Popes broke up I didn't really know what to do with myself for a while. Then I realized that there was some Popes stuff sitting around that I thought needed to be released so I put those records out myself. I enjoyed doing that so then I decided to sign some other bands.

E: Do the Smoking Popes still sell good? Or is it more of a cult band now?
M: The Popes stuff sells OK. I think its more of a cult thing. There seems to be a lot of people in other bands that really loved the Popes. That's why I'm doing the Tribute. Hopefully some younger people will be exposed to Josh's songs as a result of it.

E: Is "The Party's Over" really gonna be the last Popes album?
M: Yes

E: What kind of bands can we expect to find on the tribute album?
M: Good Bands

E: Is there any plans to put out a Smoking Popes video? I never got to see any of their videos and have been itching to see one for years.
M: No plans for a video, I don't have any footage that I wouldn't have to pay a lot of money to use.

E: Tell me a little about your solo split album. What can we expect? What instruments do you play?
M: My solo stuff is wimpy pop music. I think girls will like it best, there's not a lot of angst or testosterone involved. I play all the instruments.

E: How would a band go about submitting work to Double Zero?
M: Send a demo to PO box 7122 Alogonquin, IL 60102

E: Ok, now tell me how you went about getting into the Alkaline Trio? Did you go to them or did they come to you?
M: They just called me out of the blue. I had no idea they were going to. I guess something happened with Glenn and they needed a drummer. I was the one they called. I said Yeah, I'll do it.

E: How is playing with the Alkaline Trio different from playing with the Popes?
M: That's a tough one. The Trio stuff is a lot more energetic. I sweat a lot more playing Trio songs.

E: Do you still keep in contact with Josh, Eli and Matt?
M: yeah, all 3 of them

E: How are your relationships with each of them after the Popes? Were there any hard feelings?
M: There weren't really any hard feelings. I didn't understand Josh's descision for a while but I do now.

Thanks for your time. Please keep me updated on any A3 happenings and Double Zero releases. I'll definitely put them up on my page. Thanks again.