We feel that Vagrant will allow us to bring our music to even more people, while also understanding the things that make the band special to The Hold Steady fans, and to the band members themselves.

People started showing up. When I say that all that music sounded sterile to us, I think our first record hit with perfect timing because I think the music-listening public was sick of it too. And people with loud guitars, solos, loose playing? I think it was fun for people to hear that, it reminded them of something.

It made me feel a bit more inclined to hang out with mates and play music.

Springsteen is a huge influence.

You're still half a child, but you're getting in these adult situations with a sense of wonder and a sense of stupidity as well. I see it as a real universal suburban record.

Lately, I barely drink anything until about 10 minutes before we play. Then I literally drink as much as I can.