All Eyes on Cartel

The guys have been together for about three years, during which time they've toured with punk acts like New Found Glory, performed with the Warped Tour, lost and gained a member, released their debut album and gotten signed to a big label. This spring, they'll be the first band to record an album in the Dr. Pepper 'Band in a Bubble,' in which they'll be filmed 24/7 for a show that will air on MTV.

If it sounds like the spotlight has found them, it has. Cartel might not be a household name yet, but with all eyes on their work, a catchy sound and an album dropping July 24, the band's profile is about to get even higher. And in the meantime -- as they get used to the constant presence of cameras and face the challenge of a sophomore effort -- their fans are patiently waiting, and Cartel are savvy enough hold out the pre-album carrot. If a reality show and airtime of videos like 'Honestly' aren't enough, anxious Cartel-ophiles can also sign up for their newsletter at cartelrocks.com.

Before the big buzz begins, the band answered a few of our questions -- and helped explain their quirky video.

The Q & A

ANNA: You guys are about to go into the new Dr. Pepper 'bubble' in New York to record an album. Since you're going to be filmed for much of it, what are you most nervous about regarding the project?

CARTEL: I'm worried about an inaccurate portrayal of the band being presented on TV. Most reality shows are fueled by more drama than positive interaction. We're great friends, great band mates, but we're still normal people who get along and argue. It's all in a professional manner, but I just don't want our words to get twisted around and people to think we're something that we aren't.

ANNA: What inspired the lyrics for 'Honestly'?

CARTEL:That song spawned from [Cartel frontman] Will's break up with his girlfriend that he had been dating for years. It was the first time they had separated and he had really been through a tough break up.

ANNA: Do you think honesty is tough when you're on the dating scene?

CARTEL: Honesty is all dependent upon your character and integrity. The truth can sometimes hurt but honesty is at least respected. If you're lying to someone about something then you are just creating more of a problem.

ANNA: What's the weirdest made-up thing that someone told you on a date?

CARTEL: Well being a drummer and all I'm constantly tapping and beating on stuff, mainly myself. I went on a date with a girl who knew that and a third of the way through the date she asked if I could stop doing that because it annoyed her. I knew then and there that it wasn't going to work out.



ANNA: What has been the most surprising thing that's happened to you since Cartel began getting traction in the music biz?

CARTEL: This whole world is surprising. I always thought this would happen and at the same time never thought it would. I've surpassed all the dreams I ever set for myself. Of course I would love to have a platinum record and do a stadium tour and all that. But I've achieved more than I thought I would so from here out it's all a wild ride.

ANNA: When you were in high school, what did you dream of doing for a career?

CARTEL: When I was in high school I always hoped that I would end of doing music professionally. I at least wanted to give it a shot and if I failed then I would have been proud of myself for failing at something I always wanted to do.

ANNA: We heard [Cartel frontman] Will Pugh's a pretty big golfer. If you could have a celeb golf tournament with four of your fave golfers/athletes/celebs, who would you face off against?

CARTEL: Will is a big golfer and I'm trying my best to keep up with him. I used to play a lot when I was younger but once I got a car I put my clubs down. I just started playing again with Will and he's trying his best to fix my slice.

If Cartel were hosting their own golf tournament I think it would be me, Will, Tiger Woods, Alice Cooper and Kenny G. Those guys are all pretty good. I don't even really care about playing as long as I can drive the cart.