Scott with original F2F bassist/current NUFAN bassist, Matt Riddle

I was a bit surprised when they (NUFAN) called, but I had the time available and how could I refuse with the whole Matt, Scott, Chris, Scott thing going on in there? Plus, it was an opportunity to spend some time with Matt Riddle who I didn't really know as well beforehand. Those guys are a blast to hang out with and Matt and I bonded over IRON MAIDEN and alcohol!!! Good times!!!

(4) Can you give us any insights on what the Shiflett brothers' childhood was like? Were you and Chris always close or was he an annoying little brother? Who were you into, musically at the time? What was it like growing up in (to quote your brother) "the land of milk and honey" aka Santa Barbara? Any not-so-secret secrets you can share about Chris as a child or heck even the Mysterious Older Brother Mike?

Santa Barbara was not exactly a rock & roll town back in our day. I saw it change a bit while growing up, but I've been gone now for some time, so I wouldn't know anymore. Chris and his friends kinda broke down the whole "covers-bar band" dilemma at the time by playing gigs at the Red Barn and other various clubs (mostly parties though), whereas I eventually broke down and joined a cover band or two. (GROSS!!!) Mike never played out but did have a strong influence locally by becoming a music teacher, and of course played a strong role in Chris and my development musically. We were very close as youngsters and still are today, cross-pollinating our musical tastes and what-not has given us each an added depth to our individual styles (you can hear Mike in Chris, Chris in me...etc.) As for secrets . . . if I told you, they wouldn't be secrets then...would they?

The Shiflett Brothers have always been tight

(5) How is your cat doing? I know you said that you hate leaving her when you go off on tour and you've been on the road a lot the past year or so…how has she handled it?

I have two and a half cats (all boys) that do just fine when I'm on the road. My wife or other family or friends usually handles it. The half-cat is my one little buddy who seems to not get along with my other little buddy, so he moved into my neighbor's house (he still comes over most days though).

(6) Okay I have to ask a U2 question because you know I'm a huge fan, and I know you are as well. We talked about how the rhythm section is underrated as most people gush about Bono and The Edge…given that, what are some songs you think feature great work from Adam and Larry?

Scott's a fan of U2's rhythm section, Adam Clayton (bass) and Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums)

"Tryin' to Throw Your Arms Around the World" has a smooth, slinky approach that I like. I know a couple tunes from "Unforgettable Fire" have a tight, punchy sound I also like, but really just about anything those guys do (that isn't programmed to death), I like! (from a rhythm section standpoint)

(7) You said that JU is set to record again in November…can you give your fans any hints as to what to expect from the eventual new album?

JU's first album, Western Ballads

So far, it seems to me that the new record is gonna be a bit more straightforward than the last one. We'll probably throw down the basics live (like last time), but with fewer overdubs. With all due respect to the first one, it's easy to get carried away with all the cool guitar stuff you wanna put down on it, but after you've been playing the tunes live for a while, you start thinking that on the next one, you might wanna strip it down a little more. I personally love the first record and was very surprised by how vast and deep it became during the making of it (bear in mind that we rehearsed as a three-piece and recorded as a live three-piece with Chris doing his guitar and vocal overdubs later, so I didn't hear it completed till much later). So, whereas Chris had a lot of parts for the first one, I think he wants it a bit simpler this time out.

(8) Are there any TV shows you're addicted to like Lost, 24, CSI, soap operas?

Not really, although I like Family Guy a lot.

(9) You grew some fuzz much like your bro did…do you plan on bleaching your hair next? Are there any looks of yours that Chris might steal in the future like wearing shades onstage all the time a la you--and Bono?

What happened there is that we both (unknown to each other) bleached our hair blond at the same time. However, I fly well below the radar these days so nobody saw it. (My hair pretty quickly turned green from swimming in the pool, so I shaved it all off!) Yes, I really love my shades, but will only wear them onstage if I'm in direct sunlight. Other than that, I'll take 'em off when I go to sleep (sometimes).

(10) Any updates on the sophomore Viva Death album? I've been dying for the actual release as I own a copy and it's a great album. Can we expect it in stores/online anytime soon?

Yes, VIVA DEATH is actually coming. Copies are being made, posters printed, and Chad and I recently made a video for the first song, and they should be available by around Halloween. But I'm sure we'll be making them available on our website sooner than that. Also another song ("Rise and Shine") was added during the mastering process, so it's just a little different than what you have.

Scott gave SiN some exclusive news: NEW music (from me) is also on the way!!! Chad and I have been honing our schedules to slot in a recording date for me and my bullshit!!! It's pretty similar to VD but with bass and regular guitars (and baritone guitars) as well. Hopefully soon!!