'Fire On High!'

bio Taking it from the top and what were your musical influences growing up and how many still factor into your music today? "Thanks for having us! Growing up we listened to alot of classic rock bands / soul artists. Many of the classic artists continue to influence us today."

For the Average Joe who may not have heard of you and was thinking of buying your new CD, how would *you* yourself describe your sound? "It's a blend of old and new. Our fans say that we take a classic sound and do it in a new way."

Your album title 'End Of The World' is rather a gloomy prospect, but perhaps it originates from a more personal standpoint for you? Is there a theme to it, perhaps? "Well, to be quite honest it has a tinge of sarcasm. It could interpreted as a personal statement or a global one depending on your interpretation."

Also, please reveal to us if the real end of the world were shortly to be upon us what (and remember you can do anything at this stage and get away with it!) would you make your last act on Earth?! "To play one last song! If there is time we would like to stretch it out for 10 minutes!"

And just where does the band's name first originate? "My guitarist Jules came up with the name when we formed the band back in Chicago. He had a song titled 'Fire Bug' in his first band back in college and thought the name was a good fit."

How easy (or hard) is it to constantly create a new, vibrant, wanted-by-the-public sound that both builds on and surpasses the musical wonderment's/accomplishments that preceded it within the industry? "We really don't think about it, we just do what we do and hope the people will like it."

Please tell us which is your favorite song from the new album at this time and why? "We have many favorites, they change every 5 minutes! I would say 'Paradise' is right up there for sure."

Although you cut your teeth playing in and around the Chicago area, now that you find yourselves in LA is there a huge difference in what you are trying to achieve between the two cities? "Honestly, there is no difference. L.A. has more clubs, Chicago has more bars! We will always be Chicagoans at heart, although L.A. has become a part of us too."

Lastly, and throwing in a comedic curve ball, Exclusive Magazine love Penguins ... do you?! "Fire Bug LOVES PENGUINS! Hopefully they will still be around in 50 years!"

Interviewed by Russell A. Trunk

www.Firebug.com