Hometown rock stars I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness have finished two quick jaunts to Europe, are working on a new album, put together a terrifyingly beautiful music video for "The Owl" with Emmanuel Ho, and will be playing at SXSW. If you aren't already familiar with their unique brand of Peter Murphy meets Nick Cave inspired minimalist (but fist-flinging urban) post-rock, change your ways: you don't want to miss them live. Recently we had a chance to chat with Tim White, who told us about the industry, ex-lovers' records, and 2008.

Is it still fun to play live if the audience is 95% industry?

We don't really think of it like that to be honest. It's another show to us, which is a good thing. Mind you, there is that big banner behind us usually advertising Miller Lite and all the show goers drop off their "Biz cards". Gross.

What’s your favorite song on the record? Why?

Well, I can't speak for the others, but I really like "Long Walk" because it's a very old song and it turned out the way we always hoped. We had tried it before with other engineers and such, but Barker knew what to do. It's got some great mashed up vocal loops in the end and those keys sound great. It's not going to get those hipsters to shake those girl jeans anytime soon, oh well...

Is there an album an ex ruined for you that you’ll never be able to reclaim?

No way: I soak those records up.

Name one record that has influenced you (musically or otherwise) the most.

Hmm. It's impossible to name one record. Mission Of Burma, Vs. and Circus Lupus Solid Brass mixed with Natty Dread

Tacos or burritos? Margaritas or beer?

A random question. I like to put them together for a nice soup.

What music are you looking forward to in 2007? At SXSW specifically?

The Stooges!

How was Europe? Any funny anecdotes?

We traveled to Europe twice this past year. Once for a week and then again for six weeks. The latter trip was a true rock and roll whirlwind with us visiting twelve countries playing every night with the exception of two days off which we spent driving. We loved it and hated it too.There are too many funny anecdotes to list, unfortunately.

Can we expect new stuff in 2007?

Yes, I hope so. We are in the process of writing a record right now. It may be '08 before it hits the streets though.

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat!

Chosen Darkness will be playing the Secretly Canadian/Jagjaguwar/Dead Oceans showcase on Thursday, March 15 at the Mohawk along with Catfish Haven, Okkervil River, Frida Hyvonen, Ladyhawk, Besnard Lakes, Bishop Allen and many more.

[ILYBICD Official]
[ILYBICD MySpace]
["According to Plan" YouTube]