Punk Globe: "Is Dead", came out in 2007 on Bridge 9 Records and then a collections record, "Selective Wreckage", in 2008. Now, Crime In Stereo has released, "I Was Trying To Describe You To Someone". Can you tell me what makes this record different from, "Is Dead"?

KH: I would say everything. The way we approached the record, the way we approached making the record, the way we've grown for us as people. When you do something like this that is in the forefront of your life for as long as it has been for us, we fully embrace this band as our lives and before anything else in our lives. I feel like you can see that on this record. We've become more focused than we were previously. Prior releases it was like let's see what we can do and what the end result is we'll be cool with. Where as know we know what we're capable of so it's that much more pushing ourselves.

Punk Globe: Did the band release the new record on vinyl or any 7" single pressings?

KH: We release all of our records on 12". We were going to do a 7" but with timing it just didn't work out. We may do that in the future. We are big fans of vinyl so we like to get as much of it out as possible.

Punk Globe: I know there's a few bands in the industry that are doing a few special things for this year's upcoming Record Store Day on the 17th. Will Crime In Stereo be doing any limited releases?

KH: We've been talking about a few things but nothing has been decided as of yet. It looks like we will be doing something special for it so keep a look out!

Punk Globe: Speaking about Record Store Day, do you feel it is important to support the independent record stores as digital downloads are on the rise and hard copy purchases are on the decline?

KH: Of course. You're not only supporting an independent businessman in your country but you're also supporting the music. We just played Looney Tunes, which is a big mom and pop chain around here. We walked in and I grew up buying records there. Our drummer Scotty was like, "Wow, I just realized I bought my first record ever from this place". I guess it was a Metallica record and his mom drove him. He was pretty young. Bands like us have our upbringing in independent music stores and for that to not be a part of this is unheard of in my eyes. It is responsible so many bands to get into the streets and into the public. With the rise of Internet downloading and what not it's a scary thought that those people won't be there one day and I can't personally see how that could happen. They support bands like us so much. If inevitably one day they are gone, it will be a sad day for music.

Punk Globe: On the 6th, the band starts an April tour. Are you ready to play some new songs for your fans and see their reactions in different cities across the country?

KH: Absolutely. We did 3 weeks around the release of the record. Just down to Florida and back up. The reception to the record so far has been awesome. It's definitely the quickest we've seen a response to our record, which is always a good sign. The people that want it can get it. Anytime someone knows the words to a song you work really hard on it give you a great feeling. The reception to the new record has been above anything I ever expected.

Punk Globe: Does the band have any summer touring plans in the works? Any festivals or anything over seas?

KH: As far as festivals we'll be over in Europe in June doing a bunch of large festivals. Download, Rock Am Ring, Rock Am Park.

Punk Globe: Oh wow, you're doing the big ones!

KH: Yeah, we're pretty excited! Then we're going to do some headlining shows around those dates. We're excited to go over to Europe; it's been a while for us.

Punk Globe: Where do you see your band in the next five years and what do you hope to accomplish in that time span?

KH: That's a really good question. This band was started because we were filled with your typical young, late teenage angst. We grew up in the music scene and the scene was changing and we didn't like how it was changing. We wanted to write music that would pay respect to the people that came before us. The bands from Long Island that developed a sound that was so unique that separated Long Island hardcore from anything else. We didn't really have goals. If we had an obstacle in our way we would find a way to push forward. We would put as many records and songs out as we could. We would tour our asses off and tour as long as we could. I don't really see specific goals so I guess we will keep writing music, releasing records, and keep playing until people don't want to hear it. 8 years into this, we been lucky enough that we've gotten to see things and do things that I even never thought I would possibly be able to do. Everyday after that is kind of like a gift.

Punk Globe: And every day gets better too!

KH: Oh, for sure!

www.crimeinstereo.com

Punk Globe would like to thank Arika Kaosa for the great interview with Kristian.....