Black Swan Records was the first major music label ran by an African American in the 1920s. Also considering his name, is it possible that you also drew inspiration for your label's title (Blue Swan Records) through this?

I had no idea. I actually wanted to name my label Black Swan Records but then that Darren Aronofsky movie came out and I didn't want my label to be synonymous with Natalie Portman so I never pursued it. I changed the color to Blue, which was the middle name of my girlfriend at the time, and that was that.

What are the chances of you doing a solo project?

I'm always writing. But I'm not good enough at drums or vocals to make stuff I'm truly proud of by myself. I end up enlisting people to help add the elements I can't provide by myself, and then at that point it's a band. If I don't do almost everything by myself, I don't consider it solo. I'm constantly practicing drums and maybe with a combination of rap and heavily effected singing, I'll be able to come up with something cool enough to show people someday.

Do you ever go back and listen to your Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean EP? If so, what kind of feelings does that evoke?

It brings back a lot of memories and reminds me of where we started. Honestly I still dig it haha. I can look back at our old stuff proudly knowing that it was the best music I knew how to make at the time. I'm constantly developing as a songwriter. Before I write for a new record I listen to our whole discography to give myself context of the Dgd sound. I remind myself of the musical paths I've taken, and look to see how I can take the sound in a new direction.

You and Matt are the only two who are on every record. You guys are notorious for your revolving door lineup. Do you think this is more of a hinderance or advantage? Does this make it hard to get too attached to members?

It's just been reality. Things have happened and looking back, it's been a bumpy road. But there's really no rhyme or reason. Our band has had a chaotic past and when someone is kicked out or leaves, we do what we have too to make everything work out. And so far, nothing has hit hard enough to break us.

What can you tell us about the new album coming out later this year? (Not Tree City Sessions)

I really like the new instrumentals. We have 12 songs demoed and I feel confident that it's the coolest stuff I can write right now.

Can we expect some artists to appear on a record in the future? If so who would you like to work with?

I have no idea. It would be awesome to get some care bear guest vocals. Or If we got Elmo on a track it would make my life.

Will there be a song on the new album called "The Tickler"? (ex "The Jiggler", "The Cuddler”)

Not sure yet. I have some great working titles like "chucky vs. the giant tortoise", "Flossie Dickie", "betrayed by the game" and "how the robot with human hair got his groove back"(which is like how Stella got her groove back rofl) but those will never stay titles. That's just representative of how the instrumental sounds to me. Once songs have lyrics added to them they take on a new feeling and get a real title. Unless they're a planned sequel.

Are there gonna be more "joke" parts in songs again like in Rock Solid and Blue Dream?

I'm not sure. We'll have to see how vocals develop.

What is the meaning behind Jesus H Macy? Is it about Nixon's Watergate scandal?

That's a working title I made that we kept because it sounded cool. And William H. Macy is dope.

Will you ever bring back the Robot series? I could totally see something like "Rebuilding the Robot with Human Hair"

I'm not sure. He is pretty fucking dead. But we do live in a zombie and vampire obsessed world where dudes just don't stay dead. Who knows.

Why does Hot Water on Wool cut out at such a random time into Hot Water on Wool [Reprise]?

It felt like a different song so we split it up. Looking back I still don't know if it needed it. But it's been done.

When will the Sianvar album be released? Any reason behind the delay?

The mix took longer than we thought. It will be out this year for sure. Just got the master and it sounds fantastic. Colin from Circa Survive did the art. I'm really excited for this album. I don't think people know what's coming.