"Check, check one, check two, check, check." Dustin Kensrue said into my trusty handheld audio recorder. Kensrue, the lead vocalist of Thrice, a melodic, yet thunderous post-hardcore, "screamo" foursome was attempting to fix my makeshift audio device which was then rolling playback at double speed. A breakthrough was found, and Dustin's technological capabilities shone through. With well respected electronica-hardcore band Vaux roaring in the background, I began my interview with the guitarist and vocal leader of Thrice. justArts: It seems as if the band was together for a long time as only a quasi-serious group. At what point did you realize you really wanted to do this for a living and what gave you the confidence to believe that was possible?

Dustin Kensrue: Well, basically it just got to a point where to go on tour we kinda had to quit what we were doing. We had to quit school and Riley [Breckenridge, drummer] had to quit trying to get a real job and we just started touring. When we were home we would try to get temp jobs, and I worked at a coffee shop and stuff. Then finally it was just like we were gone all the time so it just kind of gradually developed that we weren't home at all.

JA: To someone who has never listened to Thrice, how would you describe your music?

DK: I dunno, we play rock music with roots in hardcore, punk and metal I guess. But we are always trying to branch away from the roots while still holding on to the best parts.

JA: Your music is very original and there aren't many other bands with a similar sound. What influences you to mix the genres of music that you do to achieve your sound? Is it a natural progression or is it a conscious effort to sound different?

DK: We definitely try to do things that are different for us, like try to push ourselves and what we think we can do with music. I think our musical tastes expanded faster than we can really keep up with the band, and I think a lot of the stuff that we really listen to is going to come through on the next record a lot more than it has in the past.

JA: On a similar note what can a first-time fan expect from a Thrice show?

DK: I think at this point our music comes across a lot better live. I mean, we haven't learned exactly how to capture exactly what we want on a record. It's very strange to learn how to do that and I think every time we record we learn something about it. I still think the best way to hear our music is live. I think it has a lot more energy in it and I think it has a much looser feel because as you play a song more it sort of settles into place.

JA: You've been on tour with a lot of great bands, was there one band that helped you more than others or was more fun than others to play with.

DK: I'd say Cave In and Hot Water Music when we were on the Take Action Tour a few years ago. We were with both of them and I think they were big influences on us. They are both live performing bands that are very powerful in their own separate ways. They were really just cool people doing what they wanted to do and they really showed us the ropes about being a touring band.

JA: What's more enjoyable for you, creating in the studio or showing off your material to fans on the road?

DK: Totally different. Touring is pretty brutal after a while because it's like ongoing. I mean playing a show every night is awesome and fun but there is a lot of shit that goes on with touring that is pretty hard work and long hours. Making a record is fun but really sharing the experience with others is a big learning process, kinda figuring stuff out as you go. I really don't have a favorite, it's all just part of an oscillating circuit that you do.

JA: How does being a musician for a living compare with working a "real job." Do you think you put in more hours than a nine-to-five guy?

DK: It's hard because your not home. It's hard to be away from your family and you really don't have a normal life. Like, I just long to like sit down on a weekend and just, I dunno, play a video game or like sit on the couch and watch TV with my wife. Just to be in one place you know? On the other hand, I get to see the world and meet people and communicate with people on a huge and strange scale that people never get to do.

JA: Is there any significance to the name "Thrice?" There are four guys in the band, so it's not referring to that?

DK: None at all. I mean, it's an inside joke with our friends and we just needed a band name. I'm sure it's very confusing, we all hate the name, but I think its kind of too late to change it.