What is the first thing that comes to mind when you stumble upon a band called The Muslims? Well, actually they are from San Diego, United State and not some Middle Eastern country. None of them are Arabic, let alone Muslim. They don’t sing religious songs, instead, sounded more like your favorite 80’s post-punk, and collage rock bands reminiscent of REM and The Replacement. Their name have often been the subject of ridicule, abuse and mis-interpreted and by some people, so that’s why they recently decided to change their name to The Soft Pack. Their songs are finely crafted and raw. Just the way I like it. Thanks guys for the interview!

Q. You guys used to be called The Muslims but change it. Why do you choose the name in the first place and why do you change it?
A. We were called The Muslims in the first place because we thought it sounded good. Didn’t think too much about it and didn’t think we were going to be a band more than a couple weeks. But things kind of took off for the band and over time we became completely sick of all the stupid, ignorant, garbage people would say about the name. We couldn’t think of a name everyone liked until around November when our drummer came up with the name The Soft Pack. So we changed it.

Q. How long have you guys been together?
A. Matt and I have been in the band for 2 years now. Brian and David joined a year ago.

Q. Who or what are your influences?
A. Bands we grew up liking were The Fall, Replacements, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Modern Lovers. things like that. We also are all big fans of comedians. Steve Martin, Rodney Dangerfield, Richard Pryor.

Q. How many album/ep have the soft pack released so far?
A. We have released one ep and two 7 inches.

Q. Are you guys still unsigned yet? Have you been approached by any (major) label before?
A. We are currently unsigned. Haven’t really been approached by any major labels.

Q. You guys have a busy plan and scheduled to play in the UK and Europe. What do you like most when going on the road?
A. Well we have never been to the UK before so we are really excited about that. I think the best thing about touring is being able to play each night and not working a real job.

Q. You guys reminds me of the 80- Replacement era, not much because of the music but the looks and feel. If you are given the chance to tour or perform with any bands that you like, who will it be?
A. Yeah, the Replacements were a great band. Also a pretty funny band. If we could tour with any current bands I would like to tour with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. There are alot more bands I would like to tour with but those guys top the list for me. I think they are awesome.

Q. Have you guys ever been to Asia before? Are there any plans to perform here?
A. I don’t think any of us have been to Asia before. I would love to go. We don’t have any immediate plans of touring Asia but I am sure we will at some point.

Q. Okay, any parting words to our readers out there?
A. I guess the only parting words I have are have a killer day and stay loose.

Website : http://www.myspace.com/thesoftpack

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