NR: Originally the band was called September Star. Why did you guys change the name to The Higher?

Seth: Well when we named ourselves September Star, or 9star because we were all in high school and we didn't have Tom in our band. We hadn't really found the sound we wanted to produce and once we found the chance to lose the name we did. That chance came when we signed to Fiddler Records. We changed our name to The Higher for many different reasons. The words The Higher is symbolic to each one of us. We thought of the name for the first time shooting a promo picture over the Hollywood Hills on top of Fiddler's house. All you could see was sky behind us except for a the Hollywood sign in the distance. The Higher was born from that promo shoot.

NR: The Star is Dead E.P. is hard to find. Are there any places where fans can pick up the CD at?

Seth: Well the only possible places are either online or at our shows for a limited time. We only have about 80 copies left.

NR: As an artist do you find signing a record deal to be a scary thing?

Seth: Sometimes it can be. When you are young and naive and all you want to be is an artist with a CD out, you really don't want to be patient for the opportunity to arise. But be patient. Wait for the right deal. And work your way up if you want to stay around.

NR: What are some things you can not live without while on tour?

Seth: Well uh....Guitar Hero, Cup-o-Noodles, Mapquest, lottery tickets, the complete second season of LOST, Mr. Bubbles and the new Justin Timberlake album.

NR: The Killers and Panic! At the Disco has had a huge backlash from their hometown, Las Vegas, NV. Do you think the backlash is fair? Also have you guys ever experienced a backlash from Las Vegas?

Seth: Well backlash is never fair. Sometime bands are around for awhile, not big at all, and then get promoted the right way and/or the right people believing in them and things take off right away. If that happens to any artist you take that break. Some artists work very hard and it just takes longer to catch their break but when they get it you can't just not go with it. I'm sure people will always gossip about music and taste. People's music tastes change every other day. So just doing what you do is the best idea for any band and don't worry about what everyone else is saying. I'm sure we will get our share of backlash but when you have intimate fan base at home it definitely shows. We hope and are very confident that our next record will show everyone all the different sides of The Higher. Backlash or no backlash.

NR: Originally you signed to Fiddler Records and recently you signed with Epitaph. Do you feel Epitaph is the right label for you at this time?

Seth: We are definitely happy with our choice to sign with Epitaph. What a great label to be on and what an amazing staff of people working there. We will also bring a different sound to their label and hopefully we will be able to mix it up pretty well and make Mr. Brett proud! HaHa!

NR: What's the best thing about playing your music live?

Seth: To begin with... everything. HaHa! Just being able to bond with friends and fans who love music and who wants to have a good time when they go out to a show. We are a good time, there is no doubt. Singing is all I've ever done so that's all I want to do.

NR: What are some of your artists you love to play shows with?

Seth: Well if I need to drop names why not name the impossible. Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5, Coldplay, Michelle Branch, John Mayer, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Snoop Dogg.

NR: What can fans expect with the new record?

Seth: They can expect to be blown away by single after single after single.

NR: After the new CD comes out, what are your plans as far as touring goes?

Seth: Well our CD comes out February 20, 2007, and we will be releasing an EP exclusively through iTunes this November. The new record is titled THE HIGHER - ON FIRE, and we will hopefully be landing a few choice shows here and there and maybe a little west coast swing before the New Year. As soon as the New Year happens we will be on the road full-time and expect to see us at the Warped Tour next year, if Vegas is graced with the tour.