(Note: This was actually written – and submitted, I might add – on December 1, but didn't get posted, better late than never...)

I am part of Briani Carey's posse for her Tuesday afternoon (5-6 pm) show called “My Darkest Hour,” which features her and Amber Desmond's selections from their favorite screamo/metalcore/post-hardcore bands like Drop Dead, Gorgeous, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, and Escape the Fate. During a recent show, we were cruising the internet and discovered that Drop Dead, Gorgeous would be performing on November 30 at the Picador in Iowa City. Springing into action, we were able to secure press passes for the concert and schedule an interview with the band.

So last night, with new posse recruit Raven Hawk at the wheel, we hit the road on a bitterly cold night that was saved in part by butt warmers – but that's another story altogether. When we arrived at the venue, we tracked down the band's tour manager, who immediately set us up to interview band members Aaron Rothe (keyboards/vocals) and Kyle Browning (guitar).

You'll have to tune in to the show next Tuesday to hear the interview, but I will tell you that these youngsters (no one in the band is over 20, some band members are still in high school) were extremely charming, articulate, entertaining, and game for whatever we threw at them. Among other things, they shared with us some of their misadventures on the road, the music you'd be surprised to know they listen to, and even their favorite color of M&M's. Oh, and they recorded some awesome KRUU station ID's and promos for both “My Darkest Hour” and posse member Tony DeFreitas' “Two-Hour Techno” show. And led us in a spirited rendition of a classic children's song. Post-concert, Briani said the interview was the highlight of the evening. Like I said, you'll want to tune in on Tuesday.