Inside Track: The first obvious question is where did your name come from?

M.T.: Of Hearts and Shadows was actually the original title to the song off the first EP (Beneath The Shadows-self released) "Calming The Moment". When we needed to change the band name (Farfetched) due to lineup changes, we felt that Of Hearts And Shadows was a name that would stand out.

Inside Track: How did the band come together?

M.T.: Ricky and Allan had played in band since they were 16. After disbanding Farfetched, they were looking to start something fresh and with a bite, (Kinda like Barq's Root Beer). They recruited Scott Bixby through an ad, and had him cut vocals on music that was pre-recorded. He killed it, and has been murdering it ever since. I was bored out of my mind in Denver, and was looking to migrate west. Through an internet ad looking for a new drummer, I responded by moving out to San Diego three weeks after talking on the phone to Bixby. The band seemed complete, but there'd be one more member change to endure. In a time of need, life will sometimes bring someone to your doorstep. That's how Ian joined. He showed up to our practice space just to watch and ended up leaving that night with our songs to learn and a smile on his face. That's how we came together.

Inside Track: How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it?

M.T.: Music you can listen to in any mood. You don't have to be pissed off or happy to listen to our songs. Anywhere in between will do.

Inside Track: And how do you stand out from other bands on the scene right now?

M.T.: We play for us. Honestly, I think we're the biggest fans of our music. We might be the only one's .....just kidding. But we do love to play our songs. I think you kind of have to though. At least nowadays to have any chance at staying power. Bands seem to come and go really quickly as of recently. I mean, if you don't think your music is kick ass, then people are gonna see through that. You have to believe in your music before you try and make other believe in it.

Inside Track: Now for the Inside Track. If you can tell us a little bit about each song on the CD so your current and future fans to get to know a little more about them.

1. Bring Out The Cavalry

It's about the frustration we went through, when one summer day we walked into our practice space and all of our equipment had been ripped off. Yeah, no one really like to talk about that one. So we wrote a song to immortalize the situation.

2. Touching Base With A Chainsaw

Ah yes....the title track. The title came straight from Bixby's mouth in a garage we used to drink and hang out at. We'd be up all night drinking trying to come up with the most ridiculous album titles. For some reason, that one stuck. I think he actually put thought into that one, and just waited for the right moment to spring it on us. He was smart to get us liquored up before hand. Hmmmmm, he might be smarter than I give him credit for.

3. Some Call It Experience, We Call It Justification

You know those old guys at the end of the bar with the really great stories? Yeah, they're my favorite people at the bar too.

4. Pretty For Nostalgia

Only Bixby knows the story to the words he wrote and only Ricky knows where he came up with the opening riff and breakdown.

5. Arbitrary

Uhhh, it might have something to do with the guy in Austin Powers "Arbitrarily" turning knobs in the background, but I'm probably wrong. I know the dueling guitar work in the middle of the song has to do with comic book characters.

6. Pull The Trigger

Just a fast punk song with a gnarly breakdown. Case closed!

7. The Airport Symphonies

This song is based on and dedicated to the people who lost their lives on Flight 93 on 9/11.

8. Make Sure You Tell Your Friends

I think the title pretty much says it all. If you tell ten people, they'll tell ten people, and they'll tell ten people...etc. In the end, hopefully those ten people I told, are all kickin' it at my house for some killer BBQ and some cold beer.

9. Sleepless Under The City

It's about the things that go on when the majority of people are sleeping at night. Like, we wrote most of these songs between the hours of 10pm and 4am. We worked our lame jobs during the day, practiced at night, and drank till the sun came up.

10. Two Years

A piano piece I put together in memory of all the ups and downs I've endured leaving my hometown of Denver and starting over in a new place.

11. The Rememberance

The first song I wrote with the band. Bixby says it's about the amount of perseverance it takes to live out your dreams.

12. Aldernaun

A song we wrote while staying at a hotel room while recording the album. We felt we needed one more song for the album. Yeah, it's a "pretty song" but we liked it and it made the cut. If for some reason you don't like it, you probably would've straight up hated it with the windchimes we originally had put in there. I like windchimes. I feel enchanted when I hear them. Plus, not a whole lot of talent to play them.

Inside Track: Love the title for CD! Where did that name come from? (aside from it being the song name of course).

M.T.: I know I explained where it came from but not what it means. It translates into the strongest form of a first impression someone could give. And that's what we hope to do with this album.

Inside Track: Any big tour plans in the works?

M.T.: I am sure the guys at Thunderdome Booking have something planned.....they always have tricks up their sleeve.

Inside Track: What do you hope people take away from your music?

M.T.: I hope there is something for everyone on the record. We didn't write these songs to please a certain group of people. We wrote it for us, our friends, and every single person who happens to listen to it.

Inside Track: If you could say one thing about your CD and band to music fans around the world what would that be?

M.T.: Don't be afraid to follow your dreams. It's much harder than what you're told to do all your life, but the end result leaves a smile on your face because you know you did something for you....no one else. This CD was our dream. If this interview was on tv.....I'd be smiling.

Inside Track: Finally, what do you love about music?