Q: You’re only in your early twenties, but you’ve already been playing together longer than the Beatles. What’s the secret to your longevity?
Mari Abdo [vocalist]: We say things to each other we’d never say if we weren’t related. We get into ginormous fights. Then we hug it out. We don’t want to lose each other as family.
Matt Abdo [guitar]: Sibling bands, like Oasis and Kings of Leon, have a reputation for drinking a lot and fighting a lot. Our songs have an element of hope to them—we’re not destructive people.
Q: Is it weird to see your brother or sister get hit on at shows?
Jake Abdo [bass]: Oh, we already know Matt is the cute one. He’s the Paul McCartney. After a show in New York recently, these college girls asked for a photo. All of us said sure, and they’re like, no, just with Matt.
Q: Mari, are your brothers protective of you?
Jake: We definitely are.
Matt: Can you tell Jake is the oldest one?Jake, let Mari take this one.
Mari: The guys told me, if a dude comes up to me after a show, just ask him if he wants to buy a CD. He walks away or we make $15—works either way.
Q: Your dad is an entertainment lawyer in Minneapolis. How has that helped?
Jake: More than introductions, he’s just been supportive. He was a disco deejay at one time. He played drums for us when we started. He’s just really, really into music.
Q: You worked with Jonny Lang on a song for your new record, One Of These Days. Did he offer advice on surviving young stardom?
Mari: He said, “Don’t try to be someone else. Do what you do.”
Q: Were you in danger of becoming a hip-hop act?
Jake: No, but someone did once suggest we go country.
Matt: People tell us our lyrics are so earnest, so Midwest. They think we’re too nice for rock.
One Of These Days is in stores now. lynhurstmusic.com
