Poppunk: You guys just got back from playing Warped, and some shows in the UK. How did that go, and what were some highlights from the shows? Vinnie: Yeah we just got back from Warped and from festival shows in Europe. Highlights? Pretty much all of it. Playing live is just one of those things... even the worse day on tour is better than the best day anywhere else. If i were to give you some stand outs from the summer it would be watching Rancid play everyday, playing live on BBC radio one, over in the UK, winning the Spirit of Independence award for Kerrang Magazine, and meeting a few guys from Iron Maiden.

PP: Do you notice a huge difference in the scene between the shows in Europe and those in the U.S.?

Vinnie: There really isn't any huge differences between punk scenes. One small but really cool thing is that over in Europe kids actually get to stay in the club after the show, just to hang around drink, listen to music, etc. It just gives you a chance to meet people and get a feel for the city or country your in.

PP: I hear you guys are set to start working on a new album soon? When will that whole process begin?

Vinnie: Funny you should ask that, we actually are meeting up at our new practice space "Fort Hooker" on Monday. This time around we'll just be sitting at "Fort Hooker" pounding coffee, smoking cigarettes and dodging all the sketchy homeless and prostitutes outside. Three cheers for the fort!

PP: Any tentative album titles or song titles floating around for the new record?

Vinnie: It's way too early to throw any ideas on the table, things usually change a few times before we decide on titles.

PP: I heard Pete left the band to pursue school. Do you have any likely permanent replacements?

Vinnie: Yeah, Pete left to probably go back to college or trade school. We really don't have anyone in mind, we might just stay with two horns for awhile. I know that we'll be staying with two horns for the writing process. We'll see what happens when we go back on tour after the new year.

PP: Several years ago you used to put out some great collecter nerd stuff which seemed to occur like every month. Is there any reason why you guys kind of slowed down with that, and is there any new collector nerd stuff in the works or have you thought of releasing a CD of outtakes and demos from previous albums?

Vinnie: We slowed down with the nerdisms just by being on tour for 8 months a year, but we've had some nerdisms come out recently that i'm proud of, like - the 3" live cd, the 2001 Spoken Idiocy Euro "Anti" live cd, represses of the 5" and Borders and Boundaries L.P. - and theres a few UK singles out there with unreleased tracks. Probally coming out sometime in late fall or winter will be a B-sides C.D. and a comprehensive home video.

PP: A while back you guys made the jump from Capitol to Fat Wreck Chords by your own decision. How is that going, and what are the definite changes you've noticed since switching labels?

Vinnie: The biggest difference between the labels is that Fat knows punk, has people who are passionate about punk music and actually helps promote the scene that we're in. Look, theres good majors with good people who work at them, as well as bad too. The same goes for indy lables. Fat happens to be a good indy label. We are lucky to have a home there.

PP: Back about 4-5 years ago it seemed that LTJ was one of the lucky few out of all the great Florida bands at the time who made a household name for themselves. Now, bands like New Found Glory, Dashboard Confessional, and many others are following in that tradition. What factors do you think occured for people to finally take notice at the massive scene you've got going down there?

Vinnie: I can't really explain why people are finally getting in the know about Florida. Literally for years Florida has had amazing bands, zines, people. Why now? Who knows. Hopefully though, people will find out about some of the more obscure Florida bands like New Mexican Disaster Squad, Mid Carson July, Vanguard, Unitas, and The AEffect.

PP: You formed Fueled By Ramen Records, now home to many great bands like Jersey, Recover. and Blueline Medic. How do you find the time with your responsibilities in Less Than Jake to be the head guy in charge of a label. And when you do find the time, what part do you particularly play a roll in with the label?

Vinnie: Sometimes having FBR and LTJ leaves me no free time at all, but i love putting out music that moves me... you know, hits me in the spot and inspires me. We strive to put out music that we love, and that we want people to find out about. I'm not involved in the day to day aspects of the label as much as i'd like to, because of LTJ touring so much. But I find new bands, design artwork, decide on release schedules and budgets, ect.

PP: When's the next full U.S. tour you guys will embark upon? Any bands in particular that we can expect to see on the road with you this time around?

Vinnie: We'll be heading out in late Jan or Feb, with who? I don't know yet, but I would love to do shows with Guttermouth, Bouncing Souls, Rancid, Impossibles, Teen Idols, ... hell, I really could go on forever.

PP: Any final news or words of encouragement for the mass of LTJ fans out there?

Vinnie: I'd say start a band, do a zine get involved in your local scene. As cliche as that sounds, it's really true. Other than that we'll be doing a new record so look for that and.... smoke 'em if you got 'em!