For those of you out there who may be less familar with Zac Maloy, he was the lead singer of the band 'The Nixons', after 'The Nixons' split up - Zac embarked on a solo career and he now has a new band 'The Killer Grins'. I was lucky enough to be able to interview him via email not that long ago... here's what he had to say..

Which of your song/s would you recommend to introduce someone to listen to your music and why?

Probably a new song called "Cannibals and thieves" and "Early Morning Phone Call". They are a simple straight forward rocker and a slower tune about loss and family. These things go a long way describing who I am.

You've been playing some new songs at recent shows - what can we expect from these new tracks?

Somehow my music has evolved (or un-evolved) to a much more simple form. It's what I like about rock music...straight ahead, good songs that say something real.

What bands out there at the moment inspire you as an artist?

At the moment: Foo Fighters, U2, Neil Young

What would you say to convince someone to buy your album?

Please, please, please, please, please...

What is your favourite song to play live?

Starkiss.

Which of The Nixons songs still hold a place in your heart and are there any that you can’t relate to or enjoy anymore?

I look at all my songs as snapshots of where I was at the time...so can still relate to all of them. However, when I first came up the the idea for In Spite of Herself, I thought it was really going to be cool. I can still remember singing the melody to John at a bar in Seattle. I ran to a pay phone so I could sing it into my voicemail. When we recorded it on the second Nixons album I don't think it really came across - just kinda lays there.

Do you have any plans to tour in europe in the future?

No plans right now but would love to.

Have you achieved all that you had hoped for (musically)?

I am proud of what I have done but I think I will always want to do more. Isn't that the way it always goes?

Did you always want to be a musician when you were younger? or did you consider any other career options?

I thought about all the practical things, you know "normal jobs." But yes, I always did want to be a musician - so I went with the most impractical career choice - thank God.

What movie or book has inspired you the most?

Cat's Cradle and Raising Arizona. Weird, huh?

What is the meaning of life?

Love, baby.

For more info on Zac, check out his website at www.zacmaloy.com.