E.C.: How did you come up with the name of the band?

Shawn Keith: The name is actually the way bullets are loaded and fired out of an automatic weapon. You know, it’s one of those names that you have that you really don’t know why you picked.

E.C.: How does THEY LIVE differ from previous releases?

Shawn Keith: THEY LIVE is more straightforward than our previous albums. This record is our first with the addition of a second guitar player, who had a lot to do with the writing process. It’s more metal based, a lot more fun to play live, and definitely a way more powerful record than our last.

E.C.: Where did you record THEY LIVE and with whom? Any stories from recording you'd like to share?

Shawn Keith: We actually tracked the sessions in New Jersey at Big Blue Meanie in March 2005 and mixed at Planet Red with Andreas Magnesson. Honestly, we had a horrible time recording the album. We were simply not very comfortable, however when we mixed with Andreas, we had a blast. I do remember getting this weird cold where my throat swelled up and I could hardly bare to swallow or eat and drink anything. It was the most miserable time of my life. Looking back, I wish we could have done the entire record with Andreas at Planet Red.

E.C.: What was the easiest song to record? Toughest? One you feel came out the best?

Shawn Keith: The title track was by the far the easiest, as we just got in there and belted it out. It was one of the later-written songs of the bunch and the vibe was just there. It is still one of my favorite songs to play out live. The toughest would probably be “This Is Goodbye”. I don’t know why, but we kept having problems with tracking it and by the time it was done, I was so over that song. But, I love to listen to it on the record.

E.C.: How does a typical Calico System song get written?

Shawn Keith: Our other guitar player Rick will approach me with some riffs that he has come up with, as most of the time he will record songs onto his computer or a small tape recorder. We go through it and decide on if anything is worth keeping. From there, the rest of the band tries to put stuff together and then our singer comes in and puts words to it. Pretty basic, but we have found the songs that come together the quickest are usually the best. The ones we have spent the most time on we usually end up hating and not using at all.

E.C.: How would you describe Calico System to someone that never heard you before?

Shawn Keith: Aggressive, fun, and fast.

E.C.: Who are some of the band's influences? Who do you get compared to that you agree/ disagree with?

Shawn Keith: Slayer, NOFX, Vision Of Disorder, and Strung Out are some to name a few. We get compared a lot to bands like Atreyu and Underoath, but I don’t think we sound anything like those bands .I agree that our sound is along the lines of those bands but i don’t feel that we sound like them. We have always listened to different stuff, which might reflect in our music. Everyone in the band has an Ipod full of music that others may not be into, and I think that is what makes CALICO SYSTEM. We can go either way with our direction. Our last record was more along the lines of Thursday meets Boy Sets Fire, and I think that this one is more metal influenced, but when you listen to one of our records, you still know it’s us.

E.C.: What sets you guys apart from all the other bands?

Shawn Keith: Our singer. He doesn’t whine like a lot of bands out right now. We do the sing/scream thing like a lot of bands, but I don’t get tired of hearing his voice like I do with other bands. He also does everything himself. While we do backups here and there, most bands nowadays have the drummer singing everything, then a frontman that screams, and I hate that. Maybe I’m biased, but I’d rather listen to him than some new whiny screamo singer.

E.C.: When I'm not in Calico System, I'm...?

Shawn Keith: I’m usually at a movie theater with my girlfriend. Seriously, we go the movies way more than anyone else that I know. We go out a lot, which is fun.

E.C.: Do you prefer gigging or touring and why?

Shawn Keith: I love touring, and we’ve been touring full time for two years now. It only gets better and better. We all have steady girlfriends now, so it gets hard being gone all the time, but it’s part of the job. While it’d be nice to just play shows on the weekends, I love touring, and realize that it’s part of the deal.

E.C.: What are your plans for 2006?

Shawn Keith: We have extensive plans on touring throughout 2006, starting off by touring in early winter with Scarlet, Fight Paris And The Esoteric. Then we go to Europe in March with The Hurt Process And Silent Drive, which I’m really excited to do. It’s something we have wanted to do for a while now and the tickets are already booked. Afterwards, we’ll be doing three weeks stateside with Kittie And Evergreen Terrace.

E.C.: What are you most proud of regarding Calico System?

Shawn Keith: I am just happy that we are still doing this band and it is still growing. Fans come and go, you get older and the fans get younger, but it doesn’t matter. We’re able to go on tour and make a living at it and I love that. As long as we can continue to grow, I’ll be happy. If we fell off, then I’d still be happy with the accomplishments of touring the world and meeting so many different people over the years.

E.C.: Any final words?

Shawn Keith: Thanks for the interview, and come and see a live show. You cannot afford to miss us in 2006.