We formed in 1989, but didn't release our first full-length until 1994. We will soon release our sixth album and embark on our 5th European tour. We are currently on our 15th member, so as you can see we've had a lot of line-up changes. I would have to say "career highlights" would have to be just the fact that we've been able to release so many records and tour so much. These are things we never dreamed of when we first started. We exist because we really like playing this type of music and it fufills an emotional need. It's a release for us. We have no mission other than just to play music we feel like playing.

2. Your records have been advertised with words like "xx years and still no progress!". You seem to be very strict about your style..? Do you think OC will ever sound any different?

No, I don't think we'll ever sound much different. Our strict focus on a consistent sound was borne out of when we formed the band. In the late-80's real punk and hardcore was almost nowhere to be found. All the supposed bands of the genre were either really progressive alternative rock or some kind of metal. Things have changed nowadays and people are much more aware of "keeping it real" to use a really chintzy phrase, but in our early years, that was an important distinction for us. Our sound has changed to a certain degree over the years, but that's more due to the ever-changing line-up and songwriting dynamic rather than any conscious decision to change styles or play something different.

3. Your lyrics are very personal and different from the average super pc punk politics. Is this some conscious counter reaction to all the punk politics? Your lyrics seem to me more like the "original" punk/hc lyrics from the early 80's - bitter and personal.

It was never to be contrary to the general trend. That's just where our heads were. None of us are political at all so we don't write about that shit. We just write about what we feel strongly about, and that happens to be our personal problems, mental or otherwise.

4. Seems like you guys are more popular in EU than in USA. do you agree? If yes, what do you think is the reason? Any differences in how people react on your music in Europe and US? I know your kind of short, fast and simple hc has been quite a trend at least in Europe for some years now. Is it the same in US?

Yeah, I think we're definitely more popular in Europe than the US. I was never sure why that is. Perhaps partly because we have a long, consistent relationship with the Dutch label Kangaroo Records and people can just get our records a little more easier over there. Maybe it has something to do with European tastes in general. Maybe they just appreciate more what we're doing than people around here. I'm really not sure what the reasons are to be honest with you. We definitely get a more enthusiastic reaction in Europe than we do around here, especially in the Boston area. Yes, this style of short, fast, simple HC has become very popular here again also over the last few years. The shows have gotten much better in recent years compared to when we were first starting out, especially in the suburban areas. Back then people had no clue what we were trying to do. Now people get it.

5. You all play in other bands, too. Any big plans, or is OC your priority?

Right now Out Cold is the priority. I can't say what the future will bring, but for right now that's the case.

6. What else do you guys do? I know you run Acme, but what else?

I assume you mean apart from the other bands, right? Of course, we all work full-time jobs, which takes up most of our time and energy. Mark is really into recording and has some home recording equipment on which he does a lot of the overdubbing on our records and occasionally records other bands. He's also into collecting guitars and toys. I spend some of my free time riding my motorcycle and trying to learn Icelandic. Duece is going to school to be come a registered nurse and is engaged to be married. Our new bassist, Mikey, hmmmmm... I don't know too much about him yet. I'll have to get back to you on him. Hahaha.

7. You seem to know a lot about Scandinavia and its languages and cultures. What's the story behind this? I know you might be going to Russia, too. Any expectations?

Well, I really don't know all that much. It's just that I'm keenly interested in Scandinavia for some reason so I really indulge in anything I can learn about it. I just really like the landscape, the people, the arts, and the languages of the place. We were hoping to go to Russia, but it's looking like that's not going to happen now. We're still waiting for an answer from the Russian promoter at the moment, but there's so little time left before the start of the tour that I don't see how it'll possibly happen. I was going to just go and visit if we didn't get to play there, but I just recently found out that it's not possible for me to change just my ticket. Major fucking bummer!!!! I was expecting to see some cool shit, but now... (sob)

8. Any last words? Hellos to old friends? What do you expect from the Finnish dates?