We scratch our heads trying to understand why we didn't do this a long time ago. We wanted to resurrect the fun, passion, and exquisite songwriting that r&b and soul had to offer. This stuff is incredibly fun to play because the songs are cool, they're far from the covers one usually hears, and they're presented in a brand new context, e-lytes-style. We're doin' it for love and where this band takes us who knows. We're certainly not making money with it now. The instrumentalists in the band have been involved with original rock groups and as we all know nobody takes on the brutal struggle of being a Boston original rock band without loving the music they're playing (hopefully). The same principles apply to this band as well. It's a lot of work. We rehearse constantly. We've had painful band member turnovers. Some nights we sound absolutely frightening. Other nights we soar. And the whole time we try to maintain excitement about the project even though there has been no payoff.

How do you choose the songs you cover?

Bottom line with any song "does it move us?" That takes on two types of song: 1) A song that makes us want to rip off our tops and swing them in the air then it's in. 2) If the song has ache and undying passion in it then that's in.

Whose idea was this?

Fender bassist Mel Wells - she's the glue.

What was the first show like, and how did you feel about it?

We were nervous. It was crowded and mostly brilliant but not without its moments of fear and pain, but the response confirmed that we were on to something.

What's the best thing about being in this band?

We have killin' players, great songs, everybody's really into it, as one might imagine the gossip is awesome! Also, our drummer is a certified haute-cuisine chef, and he loves to bring stuff to rehearsal.

Are you evolving in terms of the songs you're covering and with the overall stage show?

That's pretty much square one. We do interesting but only semi-obscure tunes, and we got three visions of loveliness up front. Presently, we have Norell Gardner stitching together costumes for the singers and perhaps there will be a bubble machine in our near future.

What are you trying to accomplish with this band? What really distinguishes you from other, similar bands?

The first goal is to have the band as tight and grooving and impenetrable as possible. The next goal is to have a bitchin' show complete with fabulous outfits, choreography and have the drum kit rise off the stage and fly over the audience. The ultimate goal is to have anyone in the audience who has experienced us absorb our love of music and glow for many days afterward and to expose some original songs that have been sampled and taken over by the present day pop machine - sort of educate as well as entertain. Don't want to sound arrogant, but there are no similar bands. Not to this. Our set list is really diverse. From the Staple Singers to Romeo Void… Blu Cantrell to The Ronettes. We just want to play songs we love with people we love, make a little dough, and wear lots of jewelry and shit.

Do you mix any originals into your set, and if so, do you ever see yourselves becoming primarily an originals-playing band?

We wouldn't mind doing a couple of originals. The band certainly has the talent to come up with a great song or two, but for now our plate is full just getting our latest goals met. It's all about presentation at this time.

It's a Saturday night and there are a ton of great shows happening in town - why should people go to your show instead of any other?

Well, they should go see an early show by one band, a middle set by another, and end up where we are when there's no options left except killin' brain cells, dancing lasciviously and other forms of bad behavior. We'll save ya a spot.

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