I was bummed when Blink 182 split, and I secretly hoped it was just a rumor. I saw Travis play with The Transplants and as good as they are, it just wasn't the same. Imagine my glorious excitement when I learned that Mark and Travis were giving birth to a new band, +44. I was stoked for their October performance in Seattle and then just like that, my excitement dissipated with the news of Travis's broken arm. It's not fair to get me all excited and then POOF, take it away. It's like a case of musical blue balls.

All is not lost, alas Travis has taught himself how to play the drums with his foot, "DEF LEPPARD STYLE" , the tour is on. I had the opportunity to speak with Mark Hoppus on the upcoming tour and album. You'd think with his multi-talented schedule of writing, singing, playing, producing and now touring, he'd maybe, just maybe, be rightfully arrogant. That is not the case, he is as humble as a budding musician trying to make it with the anticipation and excitement of sharing his new work.

Before asking Mark my questions, I told him how I thought there was some sort of voodoo jinx with the band relating to me breaking things. 3 yrs ago when Blink 182 came, I was on my way to shoot their performance and my jeep broke down in the middle of bum-fuck, and I missed them playing. Then shortly before knowing I was going to interview him this time, my front tooth was knocked out. The dental visit to fix it ,occured the day before the interview, leaving me with this thing in my mouth that left me talking like a 13yr old with a retainer. I had 2 choices, leave it in and talk like a dork, or take it out and talk with a missing front tooth. How redneck is that? Five minutes before the interview, my voice recorder broke. So the tally is, 1 broken arm for Travis, 1 broken jeep, 1 broken tooth and 1 broken voice recorder. Mark's response was, "So you'll be the one in the body cast shooting the show?". Yeah, that'll be me bro. I'm tempted to do it just for shits and giggles.

Jenn- How would you describe +44 ?

Mark - +44 is very schizophrenic in the best possible way. +44 pulls in all kinds of different musical influences to create our own stuff. We're dark yet hopeful, both the band and the album are basically an open page.

Jenn- Travis and yourself have both taken on new roles as musicians, you are now doing lead vocals, writing and playing guitar as well as bass. Travis has added keyboards to his resume. What has this been like for you and does it feel like you're starting over as musicians?

Mark - Everything is like starting from square one. I am much more involved in writing, I've had to re-learn how, why and what I write. I told everyone I didn't think I could do lead vocals, I just didn't think I had the range to do it, I'm happy I can. Coming together as +44, playing in the smaller venues is keeping us hungry and humble. You gotta do what you love and speak from your heart.

Jenn- Do you think your side projects, along with Travis's, have influenced +44 ?

Mark -Yes, definitely. Everything we do, inspires us and we bring it to +44, it keeps us on our toes.

Jenn- "When Your Heart Stops Beating" is set to release November 14th, what was the inspiration behind this album?

Mark -Everything that has happened to me in the past 2 years, whether it was good or bad, is what inspired this album. It's an open book, deeply personal, sharing the dark, happy and everything in between.

Jenn- Do you have a particular song on the album that is powerful and meaningful to you?

Mark -All of them are. There isn't one song I could choose, they are all meaningful to me.

Jenn- What can fans expect from + 44's shows and will you be performing songs just from the album ?

Mark -They can expect a lot of energy, with dynamic, powerful straight rock. There will be some quiet pretty songs, dark songs and happy songs. It will be all over the place. We will be performing songs from the album and we may do a couple cover songs we're working on.

Jenn-How has Travis's injury affected the tour?

Mark - Aside from having to postpone it ( the tour), he is now using his left foot as his right arm, Def Leppard style. He'll continue doing this for the first leg of the tour and then we'll see what his doctor says.

Jenn-What are your plans for the upcoming year?

Mark -A lot of touring through 2007. Essentially we'll be doing 3 tours throughout the US & Canada, and then we'll be touring Europe, South Amercia, Australia and Japan.

Jenn- Will you continue any of your side projects during this time?

Mark -If and when we have time, yes, but + 44 is number one priority for us.

Jenn- Do you have anything you'd like to say to your fans?

Mark -Thank you for your support and we can't wait to see you on tour.

Jenn- Final question Mark, what are you wearing right now?

Mark - Laughs

Jenn- I'm serious.

Mark - Same as always, my dickie shorts and a t-shirt.

Jenn- Thanks Mark, good luck on the road and with the album!

+44's Official Website

+44's Myspace