Interviewing Hoodless is like charging full-speed ahead into battle without bringing any swords or shields. Monte Python would be proud. Hoodless is a riot to get to know; they don't take themselves too seriously and have an effortless way of bringing you down to earth and infusing a lot of humor into their existence. Therein lays the absolute brilliance of this band.

Hoodless, a five-piece band out of Jersey City, New Jersey, ( pronounced "Joysee" for all of you East Coasters) consisting of Twon � vocals, Paul Allan � guitar, Finn � guitar, BLee � bass, and Carter � drums, are in the process of supporting their debut album, Straight for the Open. HBO has already scooped up the video for the track, "Don't Waste My Time" which is now on heavy rotation on HBO's Zone music video program.

Hoodless' sound has been compared to "Foo Fighters pop meets Led Zeppelin sensibility" on their bio. While I don't particularly see the Zeppelin, I agree with the Foo Fighters reference. Throw in a little Blink 182, Green Day and a shot of metal here and there, and you've got a decent idea. They have a full sound, surprisingly filled with lots of great guitar licks and catchy hooks. I am a particular fan of "Let's Get out of Here" and "Condescending" which though poppy, are easy to jam to. "The Rain" boasts a heavier intro, which shows some diversity to their music. It's a refreshing break and comes about midway through the album. "My Style" has that same metal-influenced feel and I think it's a good way to veer.

To their extreme credit, they certainly are not your vanilla newbie band. The changeups and tempo variations of their sound keeps the music interesting enough that you don't feel like you are trapped in the same track song after song. As with all new bands however, some tightening up and definition may propel them even further into the indie circuit.

I must admit that I dig their blas� faire attitude. Recently, antiMusic.com had the chance to catch-up with the band and pick the brain of Twon, the band's new lead singer and ring leader. While some of the answers have that David Lynch, Cohen Brothers cryptic nature, (girls seemingly a huge influence) they are entertaining to say the least.

aM: How does living in New York influence you?
Twon: Keeps me from taking myself too seriously.

aM: Who is your favorite musician?
Twon: Bozz Scaggs, Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem

aM: Who would you compare your sound too?

Twon: Stephen Hawking�with dead batteries

aM: Why Hoodless as a name?

Twon: Our drummer Carter lost a game of Ookie-cookie so he got to choose the name

aM: Was there a pivotal moment in your life when you realized you wanted to play music?

Twon: When I was playing a song in my college dorm room for a girl and she went down on me whilst I played.

aM: Do you play any other instruments?

Twon: bass balalaika and the Iru

aM: How long have you been playing?

Twon: Since I could talk to girls

aM: What would you say your successes have been so far?

Twon: Potty training, Shoe tying, and crossing the street without an adult

aM: Where do you see yourself in the next 3, 6, 12 months respectively?

Twon: In three months, I would like to be finished with basic tracking for our album. In six I'd like to be gearing up for a tour to support said album, and in a year I imagine I'll be scouring craigslist for �SINGER WANTED" ads again.

aM: Who are your biggest influencers?

Twon: McDonald's, Pfizer, and Viacom�.

aM: What is your favorite album of all time? Why?

Twon: Shaming of the True � Kevin Gilbert�. WHY? Because, "F*** �em all, this is art!"

aM: What do you think the hardest part about trying to break into the indie circuit is? Was there anyone specific who helped you along your way?

Twon: Well, hipsters are tough to deal with, since the impulse to bash them in the head is overwhelming�I don't really remember getting any help, but I could have been high at the time�

aM: What kind of shows do you prefer to play?

Twon: I prefer to play any shows with an audience present, but that's not really necessary.

aM: Whom do you respect in your industry?

Twon: Anyone who has stood up and said, "Bollocks to all that! I'm just gonna write songs in my basement and become an accountant!"

aM: any advice for musicians just starting out?

Twon: Don't do it if want money, fame, or anyone to care�.

aM:Are you more in favor of digital or traditional distribution?

Twon: I don't care which one, I just want some�

aM: What do you think the music industry needs to do about pirating?

Twon: Nothing. Music is art and art should not be created for financial gain, it should be created for the enjoyment and personal fulfillment of the creator. If people want to pay money for it, great, but if not, they should just get to have it. Music's value, as with all art, is subjective to the consumer, so each individual consumer should be able to put his/her own value on any song/album/painting/movie, etc. Therefore, art should only be sold on Ebay�

aM: If you made all the rules, how would you handle illegal downloads?

Twon: I would download everything for myself and not a minute later would I make it all illegal and perpetrating the crime would be punishable by DEATH!

aM: Whose gear do you use?

Twon: Squire guitars and Peavey amps.

aM: What's the one thing you wish you knew before you started this project?

Twon: I wish I would have known what gaping was.

aM: Given what you know now, if you could do it all over, what would you do differently?

Twon: Nothing, except I would like to be a Woman

aM: What musician you would like to play with?

Twon: Who cares with whom, I wish I could have played for Hunter S. Thompson, cause he's the greatest human who has ever lived.

aM: Art of all types is a road to self-discovery. What did you discover about yourself through playing music?

Twon: That I crave attention

aM: Who encouraged you the most?

Twon: Girls I met in high school and college ;-)

aM: Collaborating on an album, especially a debut album, can be a trying and difficult time. Can you describe the collaboration process between you and the other musicians?

Twon: I don't think you want me to�

aM: It is widely known that musicians pour their own life experiences into their music. Where do you draw inspiration? Do the lyrics tell your personal narrative?

Twon: I'm generally inspired by tabloid stories about aliens and Elvis babies. I don't really have a personal narrative. I find voice-overs to be a sophomoric means of expression.

aM: Who contributes to the writing?

Twon: Jesus�among others

aM: A musician's journey is usually arduous and full of experience. What is important to you as a musician?

Twon: Finding the truth and beauty that reside in the wondrous simplicity of everyday life. Realizing the connection between myself and the audience through the unstoppable thread of moments that combine to create this life�this reality.