"The Trouble With Roy" came about as a name for this band because of the Lemonheads. About 10 years ago I asked my sister if I could borrow an album of hers, which I called "The Trouble With Roy." She laughed and pointed out that it was called "It's A Shame About Ray." I told her "The Trouble With Roy" would make a great song, and later wrote a song by that name. Now I've adopted it for the band. The band is mostly me and my guitar but will someday grow, I hope. For now it's purely lo-fi fun stuff.

I played live once at a family reunion. The kids liked it. I even did some Elvis covers. I also sang live two years in a row at "Law Revue," a stage show featuring law students. It was much better than it sounds, even if it did feature law students singing parodies of popular songs. I performed Beck's "New Pollution," the Talking Heads "Life After Wartime," "Summer Nights" from Grease, among others. I was pretty good, too.

It allows more spreading of songs that otherwise would not get played, and allows listeners to sample songs to see if they do like a band before buying a CD, which will increase sales ultimately. It avoids the rut of radio

If I had a chance to make money off my music, I would do so because it beats working 9 to 5. I don't want to be a rock star. I just enjoy writing my songs and hope other people like them, too.

If you want to get some insight into me or my music, you can see my blog, "Thinking the Lions." The address is http://thinkingthelions.blogspot.com. You can also order tshirts from me, there.

I like every kind of music. On my iPod I have music ranging from the University of Wisconsin Marching Band to the Raveonettes. My own songs sound like something BareNaked Ladies might have written before they had a contract. In my life, I have liked only a few albums in their entirety the moment I heard them. They include Lou Reed's first solo album, Paul Simon's Graceland, and the Violent Femmes first album. My influences really are just things that I think are funny or rhythmic.

The Terrace at the Memorial Union in Madison is number 1 and always will be.

Don't mind the poor recording quality. As we improve sound technology, I always remember what my 10th grade English teacher told me: "How much better can the human ear get?" In the end, music isn't about hi fidelity but about a connection between the music, the words, the song, the singer, and the listener. It might be as significant as the song you danced to at your wedding, or as insignificant as a song that just made you laugh. As long as it sticks in your head and makes your toe tap, it will elevate you.