This is the interview I did via email with Tom Daily, who you might remember from such tours as The Destination Failure tour. I hope you enjoy it and go buy his album!!!

E: How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't had the pleasure
of hearing it?

T: I'm not sure. I like a lot of different styles of music, and I think that
makes it hard to put a name on it. I draw stuff from indie rock, punk,
country, pop, folk, etc. I think that there are great songs in every style
of music, and I try to bring anything that I like into my own songs.

E: I know you've done both but, which is easier working on an album with a
band or working on an album alone?

T: Working alone is easier, but working with other people can add a lot to the
songs. Like if I write a song that relies on a fast, driving beat, someone
like Mike can do that 100 times better than I can. So if you have the right
person to play the part, it can bring out the best things about the song.

E: How is it that your music works as a therapy for you?

T: I just think that it's good to have an outlet. Whatever it is; gardening,
bowling, smashing stuff, anything that lets you get out some of the
frustrations of life. Mine happens to be writing songs (and painting). It
just helps to straighten out my thoughts.

E: So am I right in getting the feeling that you are not the biggest fan of
the Burlington Northern line?

T: I wouldn't say that. It has just been a big part of my life for the last few
years; like the house you live in or your car. My songs are more or less
about my life and experiences, and that train line was a part of almost
everyday for me for a while. I'm actually looking at it right now.

E: How did you come to be lead singer for Not Rebecca and how is it
different from what you do now?

T: I wasn't the only lead singer in that band. There were actually three of us.
I started out playing bass. But when I wrote songs, I wrote them on the
guitar, so I ended up playing guitar most of the time. Everyone pretty much
sang the songs that they wrote.
It was different from what I do now because it was more of a democracy (or
anarchy). Everyone's ideas were thrown into the mix. That could be very hard
at times because we all had different musical beliefs. When it worked, it was real good. But it didn't work much.

E: What was your experience with the Smoking Popes like? (I'll probably
follow this up with a few questions since this is going to be on a Smoking
Popes website---Just a warning)

T: Musically it was great. Financially and emotionally it was kind of hard, but
I didn't care. It is a time that I wouldn't trade for anything. I was a huge
fan of the Popes before getting to play with them. Being in a band that has
songs that are that good was amazing. Also, Mike is easily the best drummer
that I have ever heard play, and Josh has an amazing voice. It is great to
get to play with people who constantly impress you.

E: I've noticed that you have done a few album covers in your time. Like
your two previous albums and Josh Caterer's Why Me?. Do you work as a
graphic designer often? What other things have you done design for?

T: Yes. I work as a designer full time. In addition to the ones that you
mentioned, I've done CDs and vinyl art for the Blue Meanies, The Frogs,
Monkeypaw, the Tossers, Textbook, the Arrivals, as well as label catalogs
and ads. It's mostly a way to pay the rent, but I like doing it. I'm not
sure if I'd do it if I didn't get paid, though. Maybe.

E: What is it that you believe makes the local Chicago Music Community so
strong?

T: Is it strong? I don't really feel that I'm a part of it much anymore. I just
don¹t have the time to go to shows and hang out these days. I think that
it's cool that places like the Fireside Bowl have been supporting
underground Chicago bands for years. I also think that there are a lot of
people in Chicago who just love music. And those people will always search out
good bands.

E: Who is your personal hero?

T: I don't have a hero. I respect a handful of people who live life on there
own terms and take responsibility for their actions; Ian MacKay, the Dali
Lama, some others... but not very many.

E: Who is the Hitler of Crickets?

T: Robert Pollard (of Guided By Voices)

E: Who is the greatest influence to your work?

T: Douglas Copland

E: Where will the world see Tom Daily in Ten Years?

T: Someplace warm, I hope.