Ryan McLaren won the Wavelength MVP award for December by coming up with interview question for North Carolina noise-rock quartet The Nein right on the spot, during production day. Finn Cohen responded to his queries in a prompt and timely manner.

Who's in the band and what do they do? Robert Biggers - drums, keyboard; Casey Burns - bass, vocals; Finn Cohen - guitar, sampler, vocals; Dale Flattum - sampler, tape deck.

How'd you end up signing with Sonic Unyon? We sent out demos to a bunch of labels and they were the most excited about it. It's usually a good idea to have the people who release your stuff like it.

You added a new member since YOUR last recording, but I'm a little sketchy on the details. I've heard that he might not always tour with you. Is that true? Dale joined around the time we recorded the EP last year; he plays a Dr. Sample and a tape deck loaded with various noise tapes, both of which are run through a mixer and some effects into a bass amp. He's got a three-year old son, so he can't always practice or play shows with us. He will be on this upcoming tour, though, so he'll be bringing the NOIZE.

How's the band changed since he joined? The stuff you recorded already kicked ass. Do you find yourself going in a different direction musically, or is this just an evolution of what you were already doing? The songs are way denser now, even some of the songs that are on the EP. Dale gives us the opportunity to create melodies out of non-musical sounds, which can be really exciting beyond our normal overwrought guitar/bass/drums technique. We've written some songs with him in mind, and they have ended up with both Dale and I playing samplers while Casey and Robert hold down a rhythm for us to make loops and crazy sounds over. Live, it's been a really cool way to interact with Dale, because sometimes he hasn't heard some of the songs before we play a show. And for us, it's just amazing to hear that stuff happen as we play.

Between signing with Sonic Unyon, adding a new member, and recording your first full-length, you guys have had a busy year. Do you feel like you're hitting your stride? I guess so, but right now it's very stressful. All of us have jobs and I'm a full-time student, and the past month has been crazy on everyone. But all the work we've done this year has been worth it. So, yes, I think we are hitting a "stride" of sorts. Like a pack of Clydesdales.

Your song "War on the Stereo" talks about war as entertainment and art as a threat in the current political climate in the States, like Clear Channel banning a huge list of songs after September 11th because they were seen as "bad for morale." What're your thoughts on the future? Are you worried? Hopeful? Extremely anxious. The potential damage that this administration can do in the next four years could bring about the end of the world. Seriously. If they start fucking with Iran, all hell is going to break loose, and the Iraq situation is an absolute mess. I sure as hell don't feel any safer about another 9/11 happening. And what's frightening is how easily dissent has been silenced - not by aggressive tactics, but by just ignoring the public. This includes the American press, who are bought and sold by people who don't want anything "bad for morale" to be broadcast or published. I could go on, but my political views shouldn't be the only aspect of our band. We like to party as well.

Have you been to Canada/toured in Canada before? Are you excited? Reluctant? Anxious? Nervous? Very excited. I've been to Montreal twice to play shows, and I love it there, but I've never seen any other Canadian cities, so it's awesome to be able to spend some time in places we've never been.

Have you entertained any thoughts of migrating? I tried to fly south for the winter last year, but it hurt my arms and I got laughed at by a bunch of geese, so I think I'll just stay where I am for now.