Can you tell us a little about how you got started with the band and how you got to where you are now?

I met Nikki [Monninger, bass/vocals] on a plane flying from Los Angeles to England. We were in the same study abroad program. Funnily enough, we met Joe [Lester, keyboards] and Christopher [Guanlao, drums] through other people on that same trip later on. So it all starts in England I suppose. We all loved music and were all in separate bands who would play together in LA. Our problem was that we weren't playing it together. Well, we fixed that, and here we are.

You often get compared to the Smashing Pumpkins - how do you feel about this comparison?

I think it's nice. We were definitely fans of theirs when we were younger.We are quite tickled by it. I actually think comparisons are fun. We used to get compared to Fleetwood Mac… I know… Now isn't that fun?

The Smashing Pumpkins are of course playing Reading Festival this year, will you check them out?

If we can. I've heard good things.

The other band you get compared to a lot is My Bloody Valentine. Did you set out to emulate elements of this band? What would you say distinguishes you from the "shoegazing" bands of the early 90s?

MBV has definitely been a big influence on us. We are such big fans of that blankety guitar sound. It's impossible to do without tipping your hat to Mr. Shields. I don't know a hell of a lot about shoegazing but there were definitely some great bands coming out of that 'scene'. I guess our big distinction is that we are around now...

What's the scene like at the moment in your home town of LA?

Great. It's always been great. LA is so large that it's separated into a billion scenes. Ours is the best. Trust us. Never go west of western.

From what I've read about your band to date. I get the impression that the sessions for debut album Carnavas didn't go entirely without a hitch and that there was some tension between yourselves and producer Dave Cooley. How much truth is there in these reports?

No, no. It was fine. We did butt heads, but it was a wonderful cracking of the skulls. He is very passionate and so are we. That's what happens. We love him to death.

People seems to focus on the sonic and textural elements of your music, but how important are the lyrics in achieving the overall effect? What are the main themes your songs discuss?

For me, they are obviously important. But for others, they are only as important as the listener wants them to be. I don't like shoving anything down anyone's throat. It's nice when you find it because you want it. Our themes are the basic run of the mill gothic style stuff. You know: love, death, pain, boredom, tickles, pajamas and death part 2...

You've toured in support of some high profile acts, what did you learn from those tours? Did you pick up any tips from the other bands?

Absolutely. Basically, don't be a dick. I'm not even being funny here. It's true

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What have your experiences of the UK been like so far? What sort of reaction have you been getting from audiences, the media?

I'm not sure about the media side of it all, I tend to stay away from that part of it. But the audiences have been amazing. We've had some of the best shows in the most dirty, sweaty, truly fundamental clubs ever. It's really been humbling.

How much do you know about the Reading and Leeds Festivals?

They are very famous festivals. I probably learned about them through live bootlegs from bands like Pulp. We're very excited.

Are there any bands you are looking forward to catching over the Festival weekend?

I'm not sure. We're always unlucky when trying to see bands we want to see at these festivals. We've missed The Arcade Fire and Wilco twice. We did get to see The Shins in Germany though. Nice.

Thanks to Brian for taking the time to answer our questions.
The picture is taken from the Silversun Pickups' Wikipedia page.