How did where you grow up provide you with such the diverse sounds in your music?
I grew up in Toms River, NJ. There wasn’t a whole lot to do so music occupied most of my time. My parents and brother are all musicians so somebody was always singing something. My parents just encouraged us to listen to a lot of different stuff and to like what we liked.

What was the Lollapalooza experience like for the band?
We had such an amazing time together. The coolest part for us was opening the whole festival. I think we really bonded as a band during that trip. The highlight for the guys was all of the free stuff they got…food, clothes, etc.

You come from a pretty artistic family and the youngest at that. Do you think finally they may be a little envious of you versus the other way around?
Nah. They are super supportive of my music and we’ve always encouraged each other.

Although Lollapalooza had to be great, how much did touring with a songwriter like J.D. Souther affect your confidence as a performer as well as a songwriter?
Touring with JD was a dream come true. He can sing the same songs every night and every night they sound brand new. He has every audience wrapped around his finger. We got along so well right off the bat so the tours were just wonderful. I’ve taken cues from him and I definitely feel that I’m a better performer for it.

You seem to be heavily influenced by the TV show Dexter. What about that strikes a nerve within you?
The character is so juicy and complex. He’s a monster, yet it’s impossible not to root for him. He’s precariously juggling all of these different lives and, somehow, he never gets caught. Michael C. Hall is just brilliant and he owns that character. I don’t think anyone could play Dexter as well.

Did you ever see one of your songs being used for a promo with so much T&A as they used in Showtime's Californication teaser=)?
Not exactly, but Californication is a fantastic show and I think it fit perfectly. Another Showtime show with great writing and outrageously scandalous characters. I think Showtime takes up the majority of my DVR.

Aside from a possible tutu, what should people coming to see your show expect from the performance?
We’re always adding things to the live show, be it background vocals, new instruments or just some crazy shtick. So I think people can always expect something new every time they see us.

How excited are you for Feb. 23 to get here so your album Songs for a Sinking Ship can finally get in the hands of your fans?
I can’t wait for the fans to have a copy of this album. Especially because I couldn’t have made it without them. I’m really looking forward to getting their feedback…they worked just as hard as I did for it and I’m so thankful for that.

There is so much great music like Gogol Bordello and Dresden Dolls that have that burlesque vibe that calls for a show, not just a concert. Do you feel a show needs to happen around your music?
Yes, definitely. We love to interact with our audience any chance we get. You’ve got to put on a show for people or they might as well stay home and listen to the record.

Going in to this record, did the vision you have equate to the final result or were there some pleasant creative surprises along the way?
I think the album sounds better than I imagined it could. Dan Romer really brought out the best in the songs and in us. Pre-production was a lot of fun and I think we fell in love with the songs all over again. I’m hoping people can hear that when they listen to it.

Who are some of the artists and bands out today that get your ears perked up and listening to what they are doing?
I love Dr. Dog, Fanfarlo, Beirut, Langhorne Slim, the Woes…mostly bands that are just real honest in their craft.

How much did you know about Langhorne Slim before taking the tour and how excited are you to be with someone like him for a month or so?
I’ve been a fan of Langhorne’s for quite some time so it was a real honor when he asked us to loin him. He’s a true performer and one hell of a songwriter too. But what I admire most about him and the guys is that they are sweetest, most charming gentlemen you’ll ever meet.

Lastly, where would April Smith be without The Great Picture Show?
Most likely, sad and alone.