The Bipeds are one of the most funny, interesting, and downright awesome bands in San Diego's independent music scene. They consist of Martin Tapia (Vocals/Bass), Jacob Ferrin (Vocals/guitar), and Melissa Roth (Vocals/Drums). Their debut album, "Kicking Ass With Both Feet," received tons of airplay on KSDT during the previous school year, especially after their amazing live show at the Che Cafe. Knowing that I could attempt, but never succeed at, capturing the ideas behind their music, I thought up some lame questions and posted it to 'em. Enjoy.

interview conducted by Rachael Polokoff

Q: What are the Biped's main influences?
A: Our main influences are: They Might Be Giants, Violent Femmes, and the Dead Milkmen

Q: Where did the idea for the album title come from?
A: We were goofing off one day at practice and were talking about how no one knew what a biped was. I just blurted out that we "kick ass with both feet" and we all giggled about how clever we were. When we had to name the cd, we weren't that clever anymore so we just used "kicking ass with both feet".

Q: Do you consider yourself part of any particular "scene" in San Diego?
A: Nope. Other SD bands are starting to like us, but we don't feel like we fit anywhere. Venues don't know where to put us on bills - they say we make no sense with anyone. Other bands in SD have shunned us for not being "serious" enough. One band (generic emo pop-punk bullshit) said we were making a mockery of being musicians. Can I say "fuck em" in this interview? On the other hand, people that come to our shows are amazing and always make us feel all glowy and mushy.

Q: Why are whales so magnificent?
A: If you need to ask, you'll never know.

Q: Describe your live shows in five words.
A: Embarrassing, spontaneous, rambunctious, live, and rockin?

Q: What are your favorite songs to play live?
A: "The Future Song", "Midget Wolf Blitzer", and "Mars"

Q: Did Jake really destroy the mike when he sang "Against Birds"?
A: Yes he did. That was some funny shit. It was a brand new $500Mmic that Erik Berg, from the band Rochelle- Rochelle, let us borrow and Jake just blew it apart. It was when he sang "I hope your hollow, BONES.... "

Q: What goes into your songwriting process? Does everyone contribute, or is it one main person?
A: Martin will come up with 98.9% of the lyrics and the basic melody. He brings this to us and we ALL contribute. Jake throws in a lot of guitar embellishments and I arrange a lot of the songs.

Q: How did all of you meet?
A: Martin and Jake knew each other in highschool and I met Jake while we were both going to Grossmont College. He was in both my Sociology and Drums class. We were the weirdos in both classes so it was just natural that we would notice each other.

Q: Would you consider going in a different musical direction in the future?
A: Of course. The stuff that we have been writing now is a lot more rock than our previous songs. It's not even a matter of trying to change directions, it's just want your body wants to do naturally. Even if you can't succeed in breaking completely out of your mold, your body is always trying to rebel and try new things.

Q: What is the most interesting thing about the Bipeds?
A: Aww criminey...the most interesting thing? Yikes. That's tough. I don't know if it's the most interesting thing but it does seem that the worse we play, the better the show. That and the fact that Jake can hardly brush his teeth because he has this insane gag reflex that makes him vomit almost every time something goes into his mouth.

Q: How can KSDT listeners find out more about the band?
A: We have a new website up at www.members.cox.net/thebipeds and info at www.mp3.com/the_bipeds.