How long have you been playing solo since The Feelies disbanded?
After the Feelies stopped playing, Dave Weckerman (Feelies percussionist) and I formed a band called Wake Ooloo and we released three records in the 90’s. I guess the idea of doing a solo record came a few years ago when I realized I had enough songs to fill a whole disc.

Is there a chance of a reunion?
We actually played again recently at my house and it went very well. We’re planning some reunion shows for this summer, as a matter of fact.

Who is in your band today?
My new band consists of Dave Weckerman on percussion, Vinny DeNunzio (another former Feelie) on drums, Bob Torsello on bass and Adam Berardo on rhythm guitar.

How has your sound changed, transitioning from The Feelies to your own solo material?
That’s a hard question to answer because I see it from the inside-out. From that perspective, it’s not that different, because the core, for me, is the guitar/vocals, which remains as the musical thread that connects the past and present songs. Also, now I’m playing with the same line-up of instruments. Most of the reviews for the record have pointed out the similarities between the sounds. Another factor is that all of the guest musicians on the record are former members of the Feelies.

Are there any NY-area bands today that you've been listening to a lot. A lot of current bands reference you as an influence, have you been inspired by any "up and comers"?
I like the Strokes, but they are hardly “up and comers”.

Please share your strangest "only in New York" story.
I was mugged on my way to the studio while we recorded Crazy Rhythms, but that can happen almost anywhere, so it doesn’t really fit that category. I can’t think of anything right now.

Which New Yorker do you most admire?
That’s another tough one. Maybe I’d pick Andy Warhol, even though he was from Pennsylvania. The only person I know who was born in NYC is my wife, who I surely admire.

What's your current soundtrack to the city?
The music that makes me think of the city the most would be Television and Patti Smith. And the soundtrack to Taxi Driver by Bernard Herman captures the atmosphere in a perfect way.

Best venue to play/see music in NY.
Now that the aforementioned venues are gone, I couldn’t really say because I don’t go to see bands very often. I’ve heard some great things about the Bowery Ballroom, so I’m looking forward to going there.