Besides the essentials like toothpaste and clothes, what are some things that you bring with you on tour that make it more manageable and or enjoyable?

We bring huge soft fleece blankets from home. I think it's a way to keep us grounded when we're really far away. I can curl up in the van and pretend I'm on my couch, or if the house/hotel heat doesn't work, I can go grab my blanket and not worry about a thing. We also rely on podcasts to get us through our drives, so an Ipod loaded up with those is a must. We see and hear so much music on a daily basis that we need podcasts as a nice palate cleanser :) Other than that, having a phone is a nice way to keep in touch with friends and family. It's hard to feel super homesick (at least in the US) when you can get everyone to video chat with you at almost any time.

What are your previous ties to New York?

I was born and raised on Long Island. I grew up in the LI DIY punk scene and it was a home that nurtured me and helped me grow. I wasn't necessarily into all of the music that was a part of it, but I loved the community aspect so much. I lived in the Bronx, Manhattan and Brooklyn for a combined 12 years, so part of my heart will always be in NYC. I will forever love the breaded goods that are made with NYC water, but my bank thanks me for moving to PA where I can get a lot more bang for my buck. I also lost the huge chip on my shoulder that is necessary to have when you live in NYC. I'm a much happier person out of the city, but I love it for helping shape me as a person.

Describe the Aviv and your experience preforming  there?

Aviv is awesome and specifically, our record release show was amazing because it was not as smokey as it normally is (and I heard that's changing, YAY!). Aviv is an amazing all ages, chill space and Tyler and Olivia that work there are the kindest people ever. It's hard for DIY spots to stick around for a long time, and in Brooklyn, they're always coming and going. Aviv has existed for more than a year and I hope they can stick around for a long time. Aviv feels like home to me.

You guys have played Columbia a number of times over the years and have built some relationships with folks in town like Dwayne and Beth. How typical is that and what are the perks of such?

We've been a band for over 10 years, so we've played all kinds of shows. Good shows, bad shows, shows with a few people at them that end up being friends for life. Dwayne and Beth have been in our lives from the first time we ever played Columbia and they're an example of why we do this. We create and play music because we absolutely love it, but to meet people all over the world and create long-lasting relationships with people who you wouldn't meet in your hometown is the most special thing ever. We love connecting with people not only on a musical level but an emotional level, and there's no better tour than when you return home with a ton of genuine new friends. Columbia has always welcomed us with open arms, to the point where it feels like a third home. It's also the city where Tom and I hooked up for the first time, so we always get super nostalgic and mushy when we play there.