RCA: First off, tell us a little bit about your band. Your band name is pretty self-explanatory, but what made you guys decide to start making music together?

Corner State: Jaymes McFarland (vocals and guitar) and Nathan Chapple (guitar) started jamming together around 4 years ago, creating some incredibly unique acoustic songs, instantly recognizing the potential for future success. About a year and a half ago, we added on Matt Rose (drums) and started quickly putting driving beats behind our songs; out of necessity but also because we worked well with him. Matt Harris aka "Rhino" (djembe and hip hop vocals) we added on just under a year ago based on some previous work he had done with Jaymes. We were jamming one night, Rhino came in and started rapping with the beat and we just started writing from there. As for Richie Audin (bass), he met Rhino at a show, heard the music, and after he learned we were missing a bassist, immediately did everything he could to set up a jam time with us. The chemistry was undeniable and we played our first show with him less then a week after beginning practice. From there on, we decided there there was no where to go but up with our music, and so we are busy making that happen.

RCA: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

CS: Most people will tell you right off the bat that there is something unique about Corner State. We describe ourselves as an acoustic pop rock alternative band with conscious hip hop undertones. We are carving sounds out of different genres to create our sound.

RCA: Who decided to infuse acoustic guitar melodies with hip-hop and borderline Jason Mraz-ish vocals? The result is great, but what made you guys decide to go in this direction?

We realized through feedback from the fans, and through the music itself that the hip hop/acoustic vocal combination was what set us apart.

(as for the analogy weve been told the vocals are similar to jason mraz and maroon 5 and a pinch of radiohead)

RCA: …That being said, describe your writing process.

CS: We take inspiration and free time, and create lyrics, riffs, and song ideas that compel us. This happens naturally, the best way. But like many songwriters know, after midnight hours are extremely useful times when creating music; you're alone and most everyone else is asleep.

"Doctors would call it insomnia."

RCA: You are playing a show for Haitian earthquake victims tonight. How did you get involved with this benefit? What else can you tell us about the event?

CS: Corner State was approached by Washingtonians United and Above The Mark Entertainment. They asked us if we wanted to perform at Healing for Haiti at Columbia City Theater, who donated the venue. All of the proceeds from the show Friday the 29th are being donated to the Red Cross. We look forward to sharing the stage with the other talented artists who will be playing that night.

RCA: There is some hype about your upcoming album, Hungry Dogs, on your Myspace and website. When exactly can people expect this to be released?

CS: Our first album is a product of the DIY mentality. Hungry Dogs is Self Produced/Recorded/Mixed By Jaymes McFarland at 19 years old. With musical maturity beyond their years, Corner State has created an album that will leave you craving more. You can hear 4 tracks from Hungry Dogs up on Myspace.com/CornerState. As for the release, we will be having a show on March 18th at The Tractor Tavern that will be our first CD release show.

RCA: How do you strive to differentiate between yourselves and other artists out there right now?

CS: Its not so much that we are striving to be different from anyone or anything, our music is our expression and it just happens to be unique. We are fortunate that we do not have to strive to create the music that we do, and the diverse age group and genre that we appeal to is how we differentiate ourselves.

RCA: Who do you look to for inspiration?

CS: There isn't really a who, its more of a what, and that "what" is anything and everything that we can think of or that we experience daily.

RCA: What would be your dream tour? Who would you play with and where would you go?

Dream show would be with Dave Matthews/Ben Harper/Jack Johnson at the Gorge. Ideal tour would be touring major summer music festivals.

RCA: What’s the best part about being from the northwest? Worst part?

CS: The views are the best part of Seattle. The worst part is traffic.

RCA: Any last words?

Kelly, thank you so much for the questions. We look forward to building more with you!