Ellie caught up with Against Me to talk about playing Slam Dunk Festival, their plans for the future and much more.

How did you form as a band and how did you come up with the name Against Me?
The band started in 1997 just with Tom doing it acoustically by himself and over the thirteen years it has just formed into a full band, people have come and gone. As for where the name came from I have no idea, I think it was a seventeen year old kid from Florida.

When did you start playing music and what made you pick up your first instrument?
I started playing music when I was twelve years old, my mum and dad got me a PB bass guitar that was because I was very into hair metal at the time and I wanted to be Kip Winger.

How was working with Butch Vig again on White Crosses and what was different this time around?
Number one it was great, I would say the difference is just how comfortable we are with him .He's actually our friend, we hang out with him, we have had thanks giving with him and holidays with him. The respect level is so intense between us, he pushes us to do different things and I think we push him as well to do the best job he can.

How do you feel about your latest album being leaked three months early and do you believe this can be prevented in this day and age?
To the last question, no it can not be prevented shits going to happen. It did not upset us at all, its fine the day after it leaked Tom posted all the lyrics on his blog so that people would be able to read the lyrics. Its not that big of a deal, these things are going to happen. People should just be happy that people still want to hear their band.

How has George Rebelo found fitting into the band and recording with you guys?
Pretty seemingly, he's an awesome guy, awesome drummer he's been our friend for years and lives in the same little town as we do. Not to kiss George's ass or anything but George has been one of my favourite drummers for about twelve years, so I'm lucky I get to play with my favourite drummer.

Who are you looking forward to seeing today at Slamdunk?
We are looking forward to seeing Alkaline Trio, we have toured with them before and they are friends of ours, we have also be been hanging out with them back stage.

What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
Tour, tour and more tour, we are only in the UK for about a week and then we are going to tour America for the summer but we will be back in August for Reading and Leeds and some other Festivals.

Are you looking forward to Reading and Leeds?
Absolutely! Last time we played I drank too much Carling, which gave me a shitty hangover.

How would you describe your live show and what is your favourite song to play live?
I would say our live show is nothing but a good time and that is what it is intended to be. Favourite song, lately I have really been enjoying playing a song called Up the Cuts which is off New Wave it just has a good stomp to it, if that makes sense.

What do you do on long tours between shows to keep you busy?
Sleep a lot and the wake up and drink highly caffeinated drinks.

Do you have any funny tour stories from your time on the road?
Loads, I don't know we will just say people have been pissed on before.

Okay one final random question, if you had a choice what animal would you be out of a zebra and a giraffe?
I would be a zebra as they are faster.

Interview by Ellie Pockley