Elmapi is a Parisian electro-pop super-sensation who intertwines pop and experimental styles effortlessly. Her recent album "Arcane Electronique" is a gem of underground electro-pop in a world of inflated and vapid superstars. This is a reworking of her original home recordings as mixed and mastered by Andy Moor of The Ex and the Dog Faced Hermans. That is a real honor for those of you who don't know, as those are the two most innovative and influential Dutch punk bands ever. The sound is excellent.

And yes they did just get married. Congratulations James and Ms. Elmapi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Full Tour Schedule and Links found below

http://www.vampler.net/matterlink

http://www.myspace.com/elmapi

Nov 15 2006 8:00PM HOUSTON, TX- Super Happy Fun Land w/ ?

Nov 16 2006 10 PM AMARILLO TEXAS guerilla motel performance, FREE

Nov 17 2006 8:00 PM, ALBAQUERQUE, NM, (PEACE & JUSTICE Center 202 HARVARD st. SE, ) a Basement Films production, $6, SURPRISE guests

Nov 18 2006 8:00PM SANTE FE, NM-H I G H M A Y H E M , w/ The Late Severa Wires

Nov 20 2006 8:00PM PHOENIX, AZ- The Trunk Space W/ ?

Nov 26 2006 8:00PM SAN FRANCISCO, CA- Artists' Television Access w/ ?

Nov 29 2006 8:00PM LINCOLN, NE- Duffys Tavern- collaboration w/Elmapi

Nov 30 2006 8:00PM KANSAS CITY, MO- The Record Bar w/ No Mathematics

Dec 1 2006 10:00PM COLUMBIA, MO- Ragtag Cinema

Dec 2 2006 8:00PM MINNEAPOLIS, ACADIA CAFE w/ In Civilian Clothing

Dec 4 2006 9:00PM Chicago, IL- (TBA)

Dec 5 2006 8:00PM DETROIT, MI- Bohemian National Home, Detroit, MI 3309 Tillman show at 9PM w/ Bad Thoughts

Dec 7 2006 9 PM CINCINATTI, OH- (TBA)

Dec 8 2006 Louisville, KY, (TBA)

Dec 10 2006 Baltimore MD- (TBA) w/WZT

MC:From what I heard of it live, your new material is very politically and socially charged.  This is consistent with the history of Fugazi for sure.  I found it interesting to hear your bass grooves and vocals so prominent and I'm excited to hear the final studio versions of these songs.

My first question is this....how much input did you personally have in the lyrics on Fugazi records?

JL: I wrote the lyrics for the songs I sang. As did Ian and Guy for theirs.

MC: The advantage of being a solo artist is being totally in control of the music you make.  In Fugazi was it ever difficult to present something that you were all 100% behind...especially lyrically?

JL: We always stood behind each others lyrics but many songs fell by the wayside because they didn't receive 100% approval.

MC: When i first met you, your first remark was something very sagacious and almost zen.  You were hanging backstage, sitting deliberately on the floor, looking both alert and relaxed as if meditating with your eyes open.  With your shaved head you looked almost like a monk.  "Sorry to disturb you" i said "you almost seem like you are meditating," and you replied, "If you are doing it right you are meditating all the time."  That really struck me because it is right on and wise.  That's not the first impression most people would expect from meeting a punk rock veteran.  How do you balance the anger that society can create, with a sense of well being in this world?

JL: I don't believe I have the answer to this question. I might be a rich man if I did. It's a struggle to keep things in perspective at times and other times it's so simple. If you look into this you can see for yourself, but in order to keep things in perspective I can't see myself as different than other people, animals or things. It's all the same. All these molecules are arranged to form different things but they come from the same place. For me the origin is unknowable. Organized religion does not explain it for me. I am satisfied to know that I can't figure it out. Anyway, my problems arise when I see myself as separate from another. Well, you asked, so I took a shot at it.

MC: Finding problems in our society is not difficult.  What do you see as the most crucial things to address and what do you see as solutions?

JL: I don't really see a checklist of topics or issues we see in the news to write songs about. I see the human mind which complicates things so much. I don't think I have solutions other than what I said above. I think people have to get to a solution on their own and you can't really write a song with a problem and a solution. Well, you can but it seems pretty dull. I like songs that make me think and not doing all the thinking for me.

MC: Do you see it as possible to shift the power back to the people from the insane power structure that is now in place?

JL: People do have the power to change things. If we stay distracted long enough we'll sign all our power over to people who can think for us. For better or for worse.

MC: On a lighter note, do you wish to share with the world any of the details concearning your upcoming solo release?  Any musicians you know you will be collaborating with?  Any vague time frame?

JL: I have an album coming out in September on Dischord Records. Sometimes it's just me and the bass but a number of friends played on it too. Drums: Amy Farina, Jerry Busher and Brendan. Guitar: Ian, Guy, Eddie Janney and Wino. I couldn't be happier.

MC: Thanks Joe.  Can't wait to hear the record.

Joe Lally, bass player of mighty D.C. band Fugazi, played a politically charged, focused, solo set with solid electric bass, emphasizing powerful songs and earnest singing.  A few of the songs featured laptop sample loops, that augmented the texture nicely.  He sang protest style songs about war and guns, and songs about the meaning of words and suburban alienation.  During his set he covered a Grand Central Station song.  His set culminated with an acappella version of Elliot Smith's "King's Crossing".  Lally's current 4 date mini tour is the first time that he is showcasing his own solo material and he is currently working on a solo record.

Don Zientara is the chief engineer and owner of Inner Ear Studios, located in Arlington, Virginia.  Don recorded some of the more important punk rock records, namely bands in the Dischord Records catalog.  Don played a lively, uptempo, acoustic set that was engaging and honest.  His songs were introspective and unabashed.  Don, an avid surfer, performed a Beach Boys song and a Kinks song as well.  It was an auspicious treat for all to see different facets of these punk rock luminaries.