Rory: I think we just wanted a simple name. We didn’t want to have a “the” name and we didn’t want a covertly meaningful sounding band name. We thought “communiqué” sounded nice. I think it’s easy to remember and works well for us.

Cityzen: The band that a few of you were in prior to Communiqué, American Steel –what type of music was that and how did it transition into what you’re doing right now?

Ryan: I think the best way to describe American Steel’s sound was that we were always changing. We had 3 records and each record sounded different from the previous one. Generally we were a punk-rock band, but by the last record I think we were trying to branch out. We were better musicians by then (laughs) and we realized we wanted to do more stuff. So that’s why we decided to begin a new band, and that’s when Communiqué came about.

Cityzen: So you would say that you guys were transitioning from punk to a more popish sound? Rory: I think that’s the way of the wind – definitely from the first American Steel record to Communiqué, at least. Cityzen: Your record, Poison Arrows, came out in 2004. Are you working on a second album and is it sounding different from Poison Arrows?

Rory: We are working on a new record and there’s a lot of material already. Ultimately we’re not sure what’s going to make it onto the new record and what’s not, but I’d say – from just the raw forms of the songs – they’re a little different from Poison Arrows, a little more slick sounding in terms of production. I think we’re going for a more dynamic whole in terms of having some slower songs and faster songs on the new record. Poison Arrows was intended to be a more concise pop record, which is what we did.

Cityzen: Who and what are you influenced by?

Jaime: (It’s a) combination, really. I listened to a lot of rock growing up, but lately I’ve been listening to a ton of jazz – and that influences how I drum, I think.

John: The thing I’ve always liked since I was an adolescent and now consistently is experimental rock, like Led Zeppelin. I liked Led Zeppelin first for the guitars and vocals, and now I like it for the bass and drums. That’s why I keep listening to it because it offers so much.

Cityzen: Do you feel that these influences come off in your music?

	Rory: I think a lot of times it’s hard to find what influences your music, unless you really do model your music after a certain band – and I think bands do go through that process at first. But I think our music does not distinctly show off our influences so much, but is just a combination of our own efforts as musicians – not like we’re some unique sound, or something, but I think it’s hard to single out our influences from listening to it. You can find it maybe in the way we structure our music, but I don’t think it’s very obvious to listeners. Cityzen: So how’s this tour with Tegan and Sara going?

Rory: Well we’ve been on it for about two weeks and the shows have been really good, and the bands have been really receptive of us. Tegan and Sara are really awesome girls and everyone else has been very nice to us.

Cityzen: Is it just the two of you guys on the road or have you had a third band join some shows?

Rory: There are a few local bands that joined us on some shows but there’s a stretch of shows where it’s just us and Tegan and Sara.

John: They (Tegan and Sara) took this opportunity – as their first US headlining tour – to handpick the bands they wanted to tour with, which were basically the bands they wanted to listen to. So yeah, their manager came up to talk to us about doing this tour, he had seen our set before and liked us. So it’s really cool that they wanted us to come on tour with them. We’re having a great time playing with them.

Cityzen: What are some of the best tours you’ve been on?

Jaime: We did a couple shows with Sugarcult that were a lot of fun. We did a tour with Taking Back Sunday in the UK that was a great experience.

Cityzen: How would you say the fans in England, or Europe in general, differ from those in the US? Rory: Well it’s kind of apples and oranges in a way. In general, the kids in Europe are more enthusiastic about live shows. They’re kind of crazy. Ryan: I think the kids there are more excited about live music than the kids here. I think they don’t get as much live music as kids in the US get, so when people tour over there, the reception is on a bigger level.

Cory: It’s probably the same as in smaller cities in the States that don’t really get bands coming through them. Bands go over to Europe once a year, but they go through a city like NYC multiple times.

Cityzen: If you could be on any reality show, which one would you be on and why?

Ryan: I hate reality shows. I’m the harsh guy, but I really just hate them!

Cory: I would be on Bachelorette Alaska! Have you ever seen that?

Cityzen: No I haven’t. Are you serious? (Laughs)

Cory: Yeah! They put the girls in Alaska and have all these dudes from Alaska –

Cityzen: Eskimos?

Cory: No, but they were really into all these ridiculous contests! Like the guy who gets to go on a date with the girl would have to be the first one to catch a fish and they would just throw fish at them and the men would run around trying to catch the fish! It was so over the top and wasn’t about sex in a hot tub. I loved it so much. But yeah I would love to be on it so I could do the dog sledding and fish catching contests. That would be fun.

John: I just got cable and I’ve just been watching VH1 like, all the time. It’s something you can watch and do work at the same time (laughs).

Rory: I would be on Surreal Life. That would be fun!

John: Surreal Life would be cool. And it’s interesting! I mean, where else would you see people like China Doll on a reality show?

Cityzen: I think that show just makes me sad. It’s so embarrassing!

Rory: People have actually had their careers jump-started by that show, though. It totally works. It’s like a new strange era. There’s no more shame.

Cityzen: Coming back to music – what are your current favorite albums?

Ryan: I like the new Arcade Fire record. On our label (Lookout! Records), The Oranges Band; their new record is really good.

Cityzen: What was the best concert you’ve ever gone to?

Ryan: Willie Nelson – he was amazing! We were in Oklahoma on tour and went to see him –so awesome. That night he played for two-and-a-half hours. His drummer took a break, and Willie kept going!

Jaime: Mine would be the Kenny Garrett trio in Boston.

Cityzen: Any parting words?

Ryan: (Thinks)….Nope! (Laughs)

Cityzen: If you were on your deathbed, what would you want the world to know?

Rory: I’d want them to know about the three murders I committed! (Laughs)

Cityzen: Thanks guys!