There are few bands like Puppetbox. There are absolutely no pretensions to these guys (and gal), and are probably the most self-deprecating musicians on the planet. Yet, they are prolific songsters of the first order and I can’t go a day without listening to their unique synth geek pop rock (pop rocks?) thing that they do.

Interviewing Puppetbox was not quaint or charming – it was hilarious! When “it started as a joke” seems to be a theme with a group of musicians who are obviously serious about making good music, what is the next question in your repertoire?

We rock out with Puppetbox and want to see them produce more videos! Because of this, we are awarding Puppetbox the prestigious Internet Radio Magazine Band of the Year in the Post-geek-synth-rock genre Award. Since they are also nominees for IRM Best Independent Artist 2009 Award, we’ll see if that ups the ante a bit.

IRM: We’ve got your video “Everything” in our 24/7 music video stream and we’ve been listening to you for some time now – but could each of you tell us a little about yourself?

John – I started out as a drummer but wanted to write songs, so I taught myself guitar. But I also loved vintage synth sounds from the 70’s and 80’s – not the cheesy fake trumpet ones, the things that make it sound like an electrical fire is about to start. And I spent a short time at the London School of Puppetry. So squash all that together like a musical turducken, and you get Puppetbox.

Mark – John dared me to learn how to play drums to be in his yet-to-be-formed band.  After countless hours spent practicing in a damp, dark basement of rock accompanied by nothing but mousetraps and dead cockroaches, we formed Puppetbox and the rest is history.

Chris – I was stuck in a dance music rut after I was part of a seminal punk band years ago. Electronic music seemed exciting and new and utterly without pretense and rules. I wasn’t sure about returning to the “band” world. Then I heard John’s idea for a new project and realized I could do both.

Katie – I get angry when it’s too sunny, am a natural brunette, and enjoy cinnamon. I write music when I’m sad, and sing when I’m happy. Puppetbox makes me happy, which is good as I’m supposed to sing.

IRM: So, it took us a while to figure out electro-funk-dance-rock. Post-geek-synth-rock might take a little longer – we love it, but we can’t really explain it. Can you give us any clues?

Mark – It definitely started as a joke but it’s pretty much what happens when three guys and a girl who used to be geeks in high school decide to make rock music with a synthesizer.

John – As the only band in this genre, we get to give ourselves fake awards; like Motor Trend’s Band of the year in the post-geek-synth-rock class.

IRM: Three albums and 6 years together – what have you learned about each other that keeps it fun?

John – It is that we don’t grow as people. But that’s a good thing in many ways. We’re still the same kids who got excited by new sounds. But we know we have to challenge each other, which is why we had Katie join. Girls are so challenging!

Katie – I am in the honeymoon phase with these guys. I find it fascinating when they fart.

IRM: Tell our readers a little about “Everything”, please – the song and the video.

John – The song is about relationships and metaphysical questions on life while the video is about saving a princess from a monster that shoots death rays from its hands!!!

Mark – While we were filming it in Central Park, our friends became so tired of telling curious tourists about Puppetbox that they eventually began telling them we were filming the prequel to Crocodile Dundee.

Chris – The video was a product of John’s creepy fascination with Norse mythology and JRR Toklien, mixed with his equally misguided fantasies of rescuing models from trash bags with arms – a recurrent nightmare he keeps having. It’s awful to share a tent with him, especially when he mistakes you for the model.

Katie – The live version currently features a kickass kazoo solo. I want to put my face on top of that fairy-princess girl’s face; digitally, not actually.

IRM: There is a kind of fatalistic viewpoint on your website that you might be one of those “ever emerging” bands. We think maybe it is over-critical (but who the heck are we?). Where do you see yourself in 5 years – what’s your goal?

John – We have to learn to be more arrogant like rock stars…right?

Chris – In all seriousness, we’re completely obsessed with our current musical ideas, more so than ever. We used to just go with instinct, but lately we’ve focused are ideas and can’t wait to see what we’ll be making five minutes to five months from now. In five years we should still be pursuing the things that fascinate us, and if we are passionate about our work it will eventually fascinate others.

Katie – in five years we would like to be touring internationally, and I should play the accordion in at least one song.

IRM: You released your latest album as a workout compilation – what turned it into the album “Runtime Error!”? (By the way, I was told by the tech team to ask for copies of that!)

Chris – It turns out our scratch tracks are actually really good songs that needed a place to go!

John – The name came from my computer dying on me as we created the final mix.

Mark – I’m actually the only avid runner in the band, and I can personally vouch for the album.  I tend to listen to it when I jog at dusk. I make believe I’m a valiant superhero on a quest to save my home realm from total destruction.  Occasionally I get a little carried away and start pumping my fists and jumping over bushes.  It’s that good of a jogging soundtrack.

Katie – Jane Fonda’s aerobics VHS started out as a workout, and resulted, for me anyways, to be a sexy and inspiring piece of art.  Good things come from things that move you.

IRM: So, we’re actually pretty excited about the new software to insert avatars of your favorite Puppetbox member directly into Warcraft as some sort of new warrior elf. Any delivery date on that?

John – Ok, this and our new iPhone app that will help you plunge your toilet remotely are still in the works and need to happen!

Mark – I also suggested that we make a claymation Puppetbox Christmas special, but that one got shot down rather quickly.

Katie – OMG. I had no idea.

IRM: As an independent artist, what do you find to be the most useful aspect of the internet?

Chris – In the 1970s, demographics destroyed radio and many amazing bands were doomed to obscurity because they didn’t fit some particular format. The internet has reversed that, and I think any band can make it so long as they master the technology.
John – Google calendar allows us to schedule practice.
Mark – We recently received the nicest email and review from a new fan in the Azore Islands.  (Islands off the coast of Portugal)  Without the internet, how in the hell would we have ever been able to earn a fan that far away from Brooklyn and then google where the Azore Islands are?
Katie – I still think wheatpasting is the best way to advertise. I think I am wrong though.

IRM: What challenge posed by the internet would you select as the most important to solve for musicians?

John – It’s tough to be just a musician. The interweb and the millions of other musicians online demand that you also be a great marketer, content developer, business manager, graphic designer, etc. Fans have way too much to choose from and getting “noticed” can take over writing good music.
Chris – The internet enables independent artists to reach an audience in lieu of a record label. I do have to say though, big labels didn’t just manufacture plastic discs, they supported and developed their artists, offering valuable focus and third-party perspective that helped them grow into longstanding acts that had loyal fanbases. Now the indie bands don’t get that, and the fans seem to be a bit more fickle.

IRM: What else would you like to tell your fans?

Mark – Organize a show and bring us to your hometown, damnit!
Katie – stick around. Be excited. Keep in touch, it’s the touching that makes this fun.
Chris – My grandmother was never into exercise, the older she got the bigger she became. But then my mom bought her Angela Landsbury’s low impact fitness tape. From that, my grandmother discovered the pool-leg lift. It involved standing in a pool and lifting one’s legs. She loved it. Did it every day at the community pool – her social life quadrupled. But she remained fat.

Website - http://www.thepuppetbox.com/

Connect on Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/puppetbox

Album Sales - http://cdbaby.com/cd/puppetbox2