i was a huge friction fan for a while, they they brokeup. i heard there was a new band with an ex-member or two who were even better than friction. i saw the new band, braid, got their record and realized the rumours were true. this interview was done over email in december, '96 with todd bell.

WELL, I ASK ALL BANDS I SEE AND INTERVIEW TO DRAW A WOMBAT FOR ME CUZ PEOPLE DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE, SO IF YOU COULD DO IT AND MAIL IT TO ME OR DRAW IT ON THE PUTER OR WHATEVER, THAT WOULD ROCK. Braid- Well, im not a very good e-mail artist so I'll just give you the run down.."wombats" not to be confused w/ the native rodent like "womp rat" native of tatooine, is a large dragonfly shaped creature, but not an insect, more reptile like to be specific. They're known for having a fancy for electrics/chewing on wires, machinery, etc. they have "mole-like" feelers around there mouths, and can be found in/on large creatures, living as a parasite. Wombats don't breathe oxygen either.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR FAVORITE SHOWS AND WHY?
Braid- the last time I saw june of 44 was incredible. Why? Cause they rock! The 2nd time I saw rodan was intense too. Probably one of my favorite shows ever. Everytime ‘ve seen jawbox and velocity girl they're great. All these bands never disappoint. Its hard for me to determine my favorite played "braid" show..each one is great.,and there is nothing I love more than playing out. I would say shows on tour out rank local shows and playing some where you've never played before is always intense. One of my least favorite shows is when I fell off the stage @ the blind pig last year (accidentally of course) knocking over both monitors and hurting my back. Ugh. That was w/ trenchmouth(r.i.p.) spring break 95.

WHICH IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE FLAVOR OF SUGAR IN LICK EM AID CANDY? (YA KNOW, THE 3 PUNCHES OF SUGAR AND THE 2 CANDY STICKS THAT YOU LICK AND STINK IN THE SUGAR..)
Braid- lick em aid is not my thing. Why eat something that feels like your eating sand and makes your teeth hurt? We try to stick to sprees and assorted candybars. My favorite combo includes bar-bq cornuts and gatorgum.
WHO IS JOHN GALT?
Braid- it sounds important but it doesn't ring a bell. Im not up on the news, history, or current events. I don't even watch television. Why watch something so depressing? The simpsons is the only true genius on tv anyway. The vcr is always on though, between the three bra!d guys in our house alone, we probably watch 15-17 movies a week, sometimes more.

WHAT WAS THE SECOND RECORD YOU EVER BOUGHT?
Braid- cant remember the 2nd. The 1st was a compilation from k-tel. Me and my brother ordered the cassette off the television. It was called "radioactive" and had police, blondie, moody blues, rick james, the commadores, hall and oates, etc. a great record..i found it @ a thrift store recently and had to re-purchase it, its great.

who were your heros when you were 11?
Braid- no doubt about it: han solo, hands down. Harrison ford is a great actor and a group favorite among bra!d.

annoyance- how do you feel about clowns?
Braid- they scare the piss out of me. blame that one solely on poltergeist.

GIVE ME 3 QUESTIONS AND I WILL ANSWER THEM
Braid- how do you explain your interest in music?
WELL, DEPENDS HOW YOU MEAN THAT. I GOT INTO THIS MUSIC I GUESS CUZ I HAD THAT FEELING OF NOT BELONGING AND ALL THAT JUNK, YA KNOW? BUT IF I HAD TO EXPLAIN WHAT I LIKED, IT RANGES FROM INDIE-POP TO JAZZ TO EMO TO OLD SCHOOL HARDCORE. POP-PUNK WILL PROBABLY ALWAYS BE A FAVORITE THOUGH.

Braid- why do you do a zine?
SOMETIMES I WONDER MYSELF. I SUPPOSE SINCE I ENJOY IT AND LETS ME EXPRESS JUNK. BUT SERIOUSLY IT IS TO GET CHICKS, FAME AND FORTUNE. MOSTLY CHICKS THOUGH.

Braid- how much money do you spend on soap a year?
SOAP HUH? HHHMMM, PROBABLY AROUND $10 I WOULD THINK. I REALLY DON'T KNOW. I GUESS IT DEPENDS IF YOU INCLUDE SHAMPOO IN THERE TOO. LUCKILY I KNOW WHAT SHAMPOO IS. SORRY, SILLY JOKE.

REVERSE INTERVIEW!! GIVE QUESTIONS FOR THESE ANSWERS.
WELL, I PICK IT UP WHEN I HAVE TO PUT I USUALLY JUST LET IT GO AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.
Braid- why, as a child, where you so prone and excited to put stompers and other battery operated toys in your brothers hair?
WHO KNOWS REALLY? I WOULD GUESS AROUND 17 BUT THAT IS JUST MY OPINION, SO TAKE IT AS YOU WILL.
Braid- how many people has bra!d had in your van at one time going to a show?

OH, THAT IS EASY, DEFINITELY KISS, FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN JUST BECAUSE. AND THAT IS ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS.
Braid- what is the one toy doll your parents hated most, and never bought you..but, your cousins had all four.

OK, NORMAL AGAIN!!
ANY BANDS YOU REALLY WANT TO PLAY WITH?
Braid- not that I could think of.. we would love to play w/ june of 44 again. They're really nice. Actually, playing w/ fugazi or jawbox would be a dream.

WHAT WOULD YOUR IDEAL BREAKFAST BE?
Braid- every morning I eat a bowl of total cereal, or steal some of bob's clusters, glass of oj, and my multivitamin. Yum! But a ruin my health by washing it all down w/ a pot or so of coffee. I love coffee. Its my fuel. My only true addiction.

BOXERS OR BRIEFS AND WHY?
Braid- no doubt. Boxers all the way. Because they come in cooler patterns. Im partial th the box seat w/ snap fly. Plus, they don't make flannel tighty-whiteys.

HOW IS THE ILLINOIS SCENE THESE DAYS? CENTERED AROUND CHICAGO TOO MUCH OR SPREAD OUT?
Braid- pretty spread out, though centering around chicago and champaign urbana. But that's my opinion, because I am ignorant on other parts and exclusive to these areas. Chicago has a ton of great bands: sweep the leg johnny, joan of arc, my lai, lustre king, gainer(r.i.p.),etc. not to mention the bigger bands that rule like seam, 5style, tortoise, and shellac. Urbana is just over run w/ great unknown bands including; sarge, one-up, downstairs, sleeping for sunrise, castor, etc. rockford has two awesome bands I know of: chanticleer and scary monsters. There is a great new band in springfield called "park" too. It's good to see kids quit complaining about there scene and start building one.

WHICH LITTLE RASCAL DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH AND WHY?
Braid- froggy. Misunderstood and no one listens to him. I can identify w/ that. Froggy represents all there is to know about the silent majority.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE RELATIVE?
Braid- I love both of my parents. They're great.

ANY PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? TOURS, RELEASES, ETC?
Braid- you better believe it!! we are touring extensively every couple months and bob and I have started a record label(gta). Look for a ton of braid stuff out at all times. We are out there just look for us. For all up dates and releases, current news, and a complete discography, showography and lyrics, label news and releases, benefit projects, etc. check our extensive web page @ this address: http://www.prairienet.org/~braid

ANY FINAL PARTING COMMENTS OR WORDS O' WISDOM?
Braid- never ever ever mix nuts and gum. You'll be sorry.