Silversun Pickups' Nikki Monninger Learns How to Be Spontaneous

Yeah. It kept us on our toes. He didn't change the core of what we do, but rather enhanced it. We didn't want to sound more electronic, but sound like we always had but more of an evolution.

What or who inspired the title Neck of the Woods for the record?

That was something that Brian came up with. We recorded the album in Topanga Canyon just a mile from where he grew up. The name started coming together when we were looking at album art. Then we saw the image we ended up choosing and it kind of all came together. It really came back to where Brian grew up and I think that had a good effect on him during the recording process. It's not that far from where we live, but he hadn't been back to that area in a long time. I think things just started coming back to him.

Do they actually serve weenies and/or barbecue at the KROQ Weenie Roast?

I don't think I've ever had a weenie there, but I'm sure they're somewhere. They make it real nice for the guests and they have an outdoor lounge area for everyone to hangout at. Long and short? I'm not sure either way.

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