Coming from Austin, there would seem to be some sort of weight on the shoulder of the band to be very alternative with the SXSW festival. How has it been making your way from Austin?
A:  It’s been tough at times, because Austin isn’t considered a major market in the industry and we’re so far from NY, LA, and Chicago to get noticed much in those areas.  SXSW helps a bit, because our showcase is always really good during he festival having the hometown crowd and all.

It seems more and more bands are succeeding on indie labels like Doghouse. What do you contribute your success to?
A:  We contribute our success to our hard work, tenacity, and individuality.  As a band, we are one of the hardest working and determined groups of people around and we definitely stand out from the milieu of bands – both as songwriters and personalities

I remember another female-fronted band from Austin named Sister 7 whom I really embraced because there was no gimmick to the music of having a female singer. How does Cruiserweight stay gimmick-free?
A: By just being ourselves.  We’ve always been very conscious of not including fashion and trends in what we do.  It’s just so cheesy.

How has life been with the Pink Spiders and this tour?
A: Rowdy! Those guys are great.  We’ve had a great time every single night  and made some great new friends as well.  We’ve managed to make every night a big party, which is fun…and tiresome!

There is a great production (or lack thereof) on this record. I remember asking the Donnas early on before a major label signing if they could record how they have been or if they can go production crazy which would they choose. So, with unlimited budget, how would Big Bold Letters sound different?
A:  I don’t think it would sound much different at all.  We were fortunate to not be limited with time or much of a budget constraint recording BBL.  We’re very happy with the way it turned out  - very natural sounding; not a lot of bells and whistles, nor an computer trickery.

In Balboa, you really tell the story of the band’s persistence and dedication to making it. How have those who kept you down made you stronger?
A:  Well, it certainly feels like there’s been lots of those over the years… It pisses us off in the short run, which in turn makes us more determined in the long run.  The longer we do this, the better we get at it, and the more unflappable we become in our conviction.

Much of Big Bold Letters, including the title, really has a chip on its shoulder. But I have to believe the band is more pleasant that many of the songs =)?
A:  Ha!  Yes, we are very pleasant and agreeable people.  You are right. However, that there is a chip on our shoulder on this record.  It’s not that we feel we are owed anything, but we’ve worked so hard for so long, that it feels like it’s about time that it start paying off. 

Four band members crammed in a van cannot be all it’s cracked up to be. What keep the band going?
A:  The van can feel a bit claustrophobic at times for sure.  The thing that keeps us going is our joy of writing, recording, and playing music for others.  Seeing smiles on people’s faces as they sing along is one of the best feelings in the world.

Even though Big Bold Letters was just released and you are now touring in support, have you thought at all about the next record?
A:  We’ve been writing a bit lately again, which is nice.  We’re shooting to start demoing again this spring so maybe we can have a new album by some time in 2015. ;)

Lastly, I think some words of wisdom and advice from those who spend so much time on the road, seeing the country and creating new experiences every day is warranted here. What are good car games to play?
A:  Well, we tend to stick to our DVD players. But we do Yahtzee, Uno, Pass the Pigs (Pig Mania), and for the motel room, Jenga.  Word.