In preparation for the big show coming August 26th @ Mercury Lounge, I caught up with Cubic Zirconia and asked them a few things:
Questions for Todd Weinstock
M: For Cubic Zirconia have you changed your guitar set up? Describe what pedals and amps you prefer and why...
TW: I have totally changed my guitar setup for cz... I use this little amp called the little lanell. It's really incredible, sounds like a huge amp but it has 1 6 and 1/2 inch speaker. Its crazy, the dude who invented it is brilliant. Besides that I'm still using my jazzmaster as main guitar, that's my baby. And as far as pedals go it varies alot from show to show and recording.. Still kindof inventing what my sound is in this band. Staples are rattle crow, analog man chorus , and vodka modded ratt.

M: Before Cubic Zirconia, describe your experience what it was like getting signed to Warner, when that was, and how that came about.
TW: Getting signed to Warner was definately a whrilwind experience. I as very young when it first happened and they definitely helped me get to where I am today. At the same time I was young and didn't know alot and it was really a time that major labels were not selling as much music and didn't know what to do. I made alot of mistakes and so did they but I learned so much and really I look at it as it was all to get to here.

M: Have you met a lot of people who have the same foot condition as you? Any advice to the world after years of your own research?
TW: I have met a bunch of people who have been diagnosed with the same foot problem I have but really no one who has it exactly like I do. Most peoples pain is more in the heel but mine was in my arch and didn't behave like a typical case of plantar fascitis. My advice to the world is don't listen to traditional doctors for treatment of this. There is no clear cut way to cure it and doctors jump at the chance to cut you open. I've had 4 surgeries and fucked myself up worse. These days it's much better but it's always still there somewhat. Honestly yoga has really been the thing that's saved me.

Questions for Tiombe Lockhart
M: I recently read your article in BRM magazine. Now that you have a new CZ record out, do you feel now your audience understands you expanding your palette, or are people just dumb?
TL: Some people really still love i got you and stay with me. others really love all my music. you can't please everyone. cubic zirconia seems like a natural progression to me.

M: What was the first band or group you played in. when and where?
TL: I sang in the choir of my southern baptist church in atlanta, ga

Questions for Nick Hook
M: Before you guys toured the UK you mentioned that to be effecient at touring these days you would scale back your gear to be super minimal and travel lite. do you still feel that way now? gear differences when touring by van vs touring by plane?
NH: yea gear has been significantly scaled back in this project. going on tour and leaving behind the 100 pound moog synth is liberating becuase you don't have to worry about it getting stolen, or broken on tour and midi never goes out of tune. We have spent time sampling the analog gear and drum machines that were used in recording the tunes. I think keeping the setup consistent is the key so you can really dig in be the best at it.. Maybe a guitar cab or an extra drum comes, but im happy with laptop//mpk49/koascillator for this and drop the lime.

M: Some jackasses say blogs will be record labels in the future. Whats your take on that? Will the world implode with too much bad music floating around.
NH: I think the more niche based things are, the easier it is to seek out really what you love, whether it's some weirdo left field shit or the latest nickleback offshoot. I think that not being able to make money off our art is what will ultimately be the culprit of the world imploding since people have to work long hours at bad jobs, taking away important creative brainpower

thanks! See you all Wednesday Aug 26th @ Mercury Lounge NYC !