'When Houston Calls, Everybody Answers!'

New Jersey’s HOUSTON CALLS is riding high of off their debut release A Collection Of Short Stories - released this past August on Rushmore Records - by checking in at number 15 on Billboard’s Top Internet Albums chart for the week of August 20th. The future is bright for this five-piece who have a bold touring schedule through late 2005.

Critics and fans alike have embraced A Collection Of Short Stories with the album being heralded as “one of the best, if not the best, pop-rock releases of the year” by LeakMob.com and garnering an A- in the Aquarian Weekly, for the release’s “extremely upbeat, pop-filled songs.”

Chatting recently with lead singer Tom Keiger, I first wondered where the bands name originated? "We stole it from the 'Apollo 13' DVD chapter titles. I love Tom Hanks ... and Lt. Dan!"

What else could it so easily have been called?! "Tommy Tuna and the Canned Fish!"

Tell us more about why you named the album A Collection of Short Stories "Honestly, the name came post-writing process. Our friend Derek had always mentioned that he wanted to name an album a collection of short stories, and once we finished the songs it seemed to work extremely well. It wasn't constructed as a concept album per se, but in the end can somewhat be taken as one."

So, when can we expect the 'Long Stories' to emerge?! "It's coming after the collection of medium-lengthed novellas!"

Being an independent, hardworking band always has its risks, so what has been the biggest risk that you have undertaken thus far? "I left college 4 years deep to pursue this band as more of a life. It's obviously going to be a very trying endeavor to attempt to return so late in the game. However, I don't regret any decisions I've made ... thus far."

If there was one track on this new album that truly encapsulates Houston Calls at their current finest, which one would it be? "Well the one track that I'd say that encapsulates Houston Calls would be 'Bob and Bonnie.' I think it really pushed the bar for us musically and structurally. It's not this crazy mid to up to half tempo time changing modulating song but for us I feel it is a huge step in the right direction of where we would all like to be progressing."

What cheesy '80s song would you love to cover if asked ... and why?! "Probably none seeing as the only song from here on in that I would ever want to cover is "Informer" by Snow!"

If there were just 3 words that described Houston Calls, what would they be? "Unapologetic, sincere, music."

If you were asked to record a single for charity, and had to choose 3 other KNOWN musicians to aid you in the project (and no one from your own band!), who would they be, what instruments would they play, and what would the name of the NEW song be?! "I'd ask Michael Jackson, Ashlee Simpson (for the looks to sell), and Garth Brooks (since he is HUGE in the country world). They would all accompany me by playing the triangle, sitar and digeridoo respectively. The name of the song would be 'Heal The World and Pick Up The Pieces Of Me, Garth'."

Finally, I like Penguins, ... do you? "No, but I like Pittsburgh!"

Interviewed by Russell A. Trunk

www.HoustonCalls.com

If you would like to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Houston Calls brand new CD, just answer this easy question: What is Tom's nickname within the band?!