Interview: You Am I

Australian rock icons, You Am I will be returning to the U.S. for the first time in four years this week with a short East Coast tour. The 10-time ARIA (Australia's equivalent to the Grammys) winning band have been rocking the globe since 1992 and have gained fans in such bands as The Rolling Stones, The Strokes, Soundgarden and The Who. The group is also set to release their new record next month. The band will perform at the Bell House on Tuesday, Bowery Ballroom on Thursday and Maxwells on Friday. Tickets for all three shows are still on-sale. Frontman Tim Rogers answered questions about the group's return to the States.

1) You Am I are returning to the U.S. after a four year absence. What was the reason behind not performing over here for a long period of time?

Oh the usuals, money, being the southern hemisphere's 83rd most misrecognized personality don't pay what it used to. We would deeply love to come back every month. But y'know, day jobs, theatre and other work commitments.

2) What is the band most looking forward to about playing in the U.S. again?

What AREN'T we lookin forward to! Some of our favourite cities n clubs in the world. The only disappointment is no Cleveland or Fort Worth. Or the south. Playing, touring is when i feel like a worthwhile person. An eternally hungover person sure, but we're a fruity, witty, occasionally charming lil' rabble. And i love us. Today.

3) Does the band have any fond memories of playing NJ/NYC in the past?

We lived in NYC in the mid-late 90's and it sealed my adoration. Playin CBGB's was obviously a big deal. We blew a HUGE tour that night with an act that woulda been a dream, but too long at the Jones Bar across the road sealed our fate. We've got some good friends in the area too. Hoping to stick around and boulevardeer myself ragged.

4) The group recently performed at the Bumbershoot (Seattle Music and Arts Festival). How did that go?

Bumbershoot was fantastique. Have always loved playing Seattle, and we pulled a great gig outta the bag.

5) The band has been around for over 20 years. What has kept the band together through the typical ups and downs?

None of us has had an affair with another band member. That, and even when a tour sucks, or we get a lil' ratty at each other there's ALWAYS the possibility that the next night will be da bomb. And I really, really like the men I play with.

6) What bands from Australia would you suggest people to check out?

Bed Wettin' Bad Boys. And newly NY based Washington. An exceptional songwriter.

7) What's next for the group after the U.S. tour?

Big tour at home in arenas with Cold Chisel. I go do theatre for a while. Solo shows, gardening work. Drum teaching. Gettin a stylist. Workin on a completely irreverent high love energy rocknroll rekurd.