Q: What do you look for in an unsigned artist, and what advice can you give to "baby" bands?"

A: At this point in time, it is virtually impossible to invent something that is absolutely unique and sounds like nothing else. Even though that is always the goal, the best advice to those uber ambitious creatives is to keep your art in line with art that has stood the test of time...then make it your own.

Star power is the ultimate no brainer in discovering something that is signable, but there is no one thing anybody who works at a label is looking for until they find it, and in my experience, it punches you square in the face. It is immediate, and it then becomes an inspiration, as well as a minor obssession.

As a young band, there have never been more tools at your disposal than right now. Employ the internet, the bloggers, and online radio. Build a community around your band, your music, your songs, and we will find you. In a perfect world, at that point you don't need us, which is when we will need you. Most importantly, don't take any of this too seriously. It's rock and roll, not life or death. The moment you aren't having fun making and performing music, take a hard look at the reasons you are doing it. Last, but definitely not least, get in a van! Almost all of the answers can be found on the road...if you drive far enough.