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Stealing the Return


Band: Stealing the Return

Members: Ryan Hayman (guitar, vocals), Chris Kuhns (guitar, vocals), John Hockley (drums), Colin Smith (bass)

Who we talked to: Hayman

Where'd the name come from? We were trying to find something kind of clever and couldn't come up with anything. Finally, one of Chris' co-workers came up with Stealing for Return, but Chris and I decided to change it up a bit.

Who are your influences? Neil Young, Built to Spill, Wilco, Son Volt, Modest Mouse, Radiohead. And then there are always the classics like Pink Floyd and the Zeppelin. Progressive rock is a big influence, too.

Last three CDs you listened to in the car? That'd be Built to Spill's "Keep it Like a Secret," Wilco's "Summer Teeth" and Keller & the Keels' "Grass."

Worst song on the radio right now? I don't really listen to the radio at all. Once I realized the world of music beyond radio and MTV, I never looked back.

What artist is your biggest guilty pleasure? A guilty pleasure would definitely be John Mayer. He's a phenomenal guitarist. No matter how lovey-dovey or poppy you think he is, he's just a great guitarist.

It was recently announced that Anna Nicole Smith is pregnant. What do you think of that? She should've been more careful.

What songs do you like to cover? One of Neil Young's songs that no one knows called "Big Time." That's kind of a staple in our set. And we usually always play "Rockin' in the Free World."

Who would win in a fight: Built to Spill or Modest Mouse? Built to Spill. I think there's four of them and only three in Modest Mouse. The numbers would lean their way.

What do you guys need to work on as a band? Probably working on new material and practicing over and over and finding more time to write. Chris and I have learned several times that you can't force it. Some days it comes, and some days it doesn't. We just need to let the music flow and need to give ourselves more time for that opportunity.

Shoutouts: Steve Perko from WINGSRIPPEDOUT. Paul and Pedro from Iko's Music Trade, who always keep the new tunes flowing from my car. And last, but not least, my dad. And all our friends and family.

- JASON COX, FLIPSIDE STAFF