Robert: Nicholas, that's been one of the big problems with the Mavericks and country radio. We are not a perfect fit for their programming, they have their own agenda and we don't necessarily factor in. We hope to solve the problem by going to a label in NY or LA and promoting the band as an American music act. It may require that you tune into different stations in order to hear us at some point in the future. It may require tuning into an Americana station, it may require buying the records and not expecting much from radio. With the nature of radio changing, it may not be long before every house is outfitted with satellite-type radio. At that point, you will probably see, as I have, a lot more Mavericks music programmed within those stations. 

Nicholas: Why the lack of push from your labels? Why won't they support you? 
Does this mean that the Mavericks are splitting up? Or does this mean you guys will release something independently, a la the first Mavs release?

Robert: We won't necessarily go independent. We'll look to find a label that understands us a little better than the labels we've had in the past couple of years. We had a great run of things with MCA during the mid-90's, so I can't say we lacked support from them completely. It's just that sometimes within labels you have certain key people who are supporters of an act and get a lot done. If they leave the label, the nature of your relationship with the label can change. So I really think that what we're looking for is a label that is supportive. It most likely will not be a Nashville-based label... and none of this means that the band is splitting up. Labels don't really control the inner workings of our partnership. 

Nicholas: My last request has to deal with Mavericks acoustic recordings and live recordings, especially your Royal Albert Hall Concerts. How can I obtain recordings such as this? And if you are ever in Chicago, look my wife and I up. She is a Mavericks convert and she will cook you guys the best Italian dinner you ever had.

Robert: Regarding bootlegs, I like them personally. I think live recordings done by fans for the most part have very little to do with cutting into sales of your studio recorded albums. For example, I think it's great the way Grateful Dead fans have exchanged live concert recordings over the years. The bootlegging of studio albums to me is an absolute no-no. It's obviously illegal and it does very directly affect the way a band makes its living. But as far as trading live tapes, I rather fancy it myself and I know they exist... so I know they're out there. Find fellow fans that have those kind of recordings and trade and enjoy.
And I love Italian! so be careful what you wish for!

Fiona: On a day when you're not working what is your favourite way to chill out?

Robert: Fiona, I don't know how I lived for seven years without a pool. There's nothing like being in the water. As I answer this question, I'm in  the pool and that perhaps answers the question best. A literal chilling out.

Jason & Russ: We were wondering if you were ever going to make it out towards the Western United States... specifically Colorado. Any tour dates in the near future out here? 

Robert: Jason and Russ, we love Colorado and we've always loved playing Colorado. As for upcoming dates, we have nothing booked right now until we sort out some record company business, and just hope that Colorado will be on the first of those tour dates that we do plan.

Mary Lou: In what musical direction (style) would you like to go with your next album/record, and when will you & the guys start working on it? Is there a chance you would include more vocals for yourself?

Robert: Mary Lou, I wouldn't mind personally a "part two" to "Trampoline" - another effort in that sort of direction would work well for me. I am open to experimenting more with horns or other unusual instrumentation. 
Whatever record label we end up signing with, I would like that they be more understanding of our eagerness to experiment musically.
Regarding my singing, the Mavericks I think are primarily known for having Raul as the lead singer, with his voice being the consistent element of the Mavericks' sound. I'm not at all at odds with that. It's really hard to compare much of anything to Raul's voice; it's really a special voice. 
I know for a fact that I'm working with one of the best singers in the business, and that's a great thing. As for me doing singing and stuff like that, that's why I have bands like SWAG and side projects like I'm doing with Kevin Montgomery. That's why they serve such a great purpose. I have the best of both worlds. 

Kelly: What made you decide that you wanted a career in the music business?

Robert: Well, jokingly I can say because I didn't think I could do anything else as well. But I guess the truth is some people just know that they're going to do some form of entertaining from a very young age. I think my folks knew immediately that I wanted to entertain because I was doing it since I was young. As far as music goes, by the time I was a teenager I was playing a little guitar and thinking, "wouldn't it be the life to be one of the Beatles or something?", so it went from there. I would hope that if I weren't in music, I would be doing something with commercial art or graphic art. 

Kelly: Also, I just want to know, do you write with your left or right hand? 

Robert: I write with my left hand.

Lisa: When are The Mavericks coming back to the UK? 

Robert: As for the Mavericks getting back to the UK, like anything else Maverick related, it's going to depend very much on a record deal and a new album. 
But contrary to speculation, even if we take an extended break, it doesn't mean that we're breaking up. For us, the time off is important. There's the odd chance of course that something would come up and we'd be back in England on some kind of speciality tour. But there's nothing on the books.

Lisa: How is Paul?

Robert: Paul is fine, Paul's great. He played really well at the Gorge [opening for the Dave Matthews Band]. He's in great shape.

Ken: Do you plan on touring anytime soon with/without the mavericks?

Robert: I plan on touring with Kevin Montgomery in the UK in August/September, which is very important to me. We would like to do something similar in the US, if we can get some interest. I've just heard from a friend who works with me in SWAG, and he's talking about going to Spain sometime in the first part of the new year. So, I will be out playing, both with and without The Mavericks, and hopefully, we'll see the Mavericks again soon.

Ken: What happened to Jerry Dale McFadden? 

Robert: Well, Jerry Dale has been touring and recording with Sixpence None The Richer, and he's still very much a part of the SWAG lineup. We've just finished an album together, and we hope that within a week or two we'll finish the actual signing of a record deal. He was obviously one of the very special members of The Mavericks, and will not really be replaced, not for his contribution. There may always be a piano player, but I think Jerry Dale did what only Jerry Dale can do.

Ken: Which label will the Mavericks be signing with next? 

Robert: That's a great mystery, and if you have any ideas, let me know!

Karen: This is actually more of a request but I wonder if The Mavericks can do a show in San Francisco during their next tour. 

Robert: Karen, I don't always have control over where we do our shows. The Mavericks love San Francisco. We've played the Great American Music Hall, we've played the Filmore, and we've played Concord Pavillion outside the city. So I think there's a greater chance than not that we will play San Francisco on our next tour because it is a favorite city. I expect we will be back in San Fran, so don't worry!

Michelle & Rob: Robert, we read that you like backpacking. Have you done this in the UK and if so what were your favourite walks? Have you seen the Yorkshire Dales?

Robert: Michelle & Rob, my backpacking usually consists of going city to city. I haven't done any of the walks per se. I would like to do the West Highland Way in Scotland. Most of my backpacking trips have been more city to city throughout the UK & Europe, trains and ferries and so forth. It's not as much a nature-type, hiking kind of backpacking, but a more city to city sort of thing.

Saskia: Do you like horses and have you ever ridden on a Western Ranch?

Robert: Saskia, I do love horses. I once owned a couple of horses. I don’t consider myself a very developed rider. I didn’t have any training per se. But I do love horses and it's something I'd like to do again in my life. Yes, I've ridden on a ranch in Montana once. It was quite nice.

Jacky: I understand you are artistically talented. When you have time to paint or draw, what would you say is your favourite medium to work with -watercolour, pastel, etc?  

Robert: Jacky, my favorite up to now is water colors, pen & ink, that kind of thing. But I have this burning desire to try something like oils or acrylic and I think I'll do it eventually - maybe during this time off.

Diane: I love the Mavericks. Are they coming out with new records soon? 

Robert: Diane, the Mavericks are on an extended break. The first new music you will hear will most likely be a variety of solo projects, but we'll keep you posted.

Rachel: Is it true that you and your bandmates are breaking up?

Robert: Rachel, It seems like every time we take a break someone turns it into breaking up. The Mavericks are still together and just taking a little time off.

Nigel: Are there any future dates for concerts in the UK at the NEC or NIA? I missed you when you were here last time.

Robert: There are no dates scheduled for the UK at this time. As it now stands, the next tour would follow the recording of a new album. Stay tuned!

Shaz: I'm a big fan of the Mavericks and of Ethan Allen & was wondering if you could tell me any more about your clip on the Mavs message board - I would be very grateful with anything you could fill me in with.

Robert: Shaz, Ethan and the Mavericks have been friends now for several years. 
Raul has been helping Ethan with his current album project.

Amanda: I'd like to know how you got sooooooooo darn cute. 
I thought that when watching you play you had the guitar strap on your right shoulder, but you're playing right-handed bass even though you're left-handed. Doesn't that make it that much more difficult?

Robert: Amanda, flattery will get you everywhere and get your questions answered. As for playing right-handed, I guess I'm a strange bird. I write left handed and eat left handed, but I throw right handed, and God forbid I should have to hit somebody, I'd do that right handed as well. I think they call this "confused."

Tracey: Are there any plans for the Mavericks to be touring the UK, visiting Birmingham especially?

Robert: Tracey, there are no Maverick plans for the UK at this time, but as you may know, Paul and I will be touring there August 26 through September 11 with Kevin Montgomery.

Susan: I am going to see you and Paul when you are with Kevin Montgomery at the Borderline in London. Are you going to perform some of your own work or will you just be backing Kevin?

Robert: Susan, we will mostly be doing songs from Kevin's current album, sprinkled with a few collective favorites that might include a song of two of my own.

Susan: I know the Mavericks aren't working much this year but I am visiting Nashville in the middle of November and was wondering if as individuals you will be performing in Nashville at that time.

Robert: It is very possible that one or all of us will be doing something in Nashville this November. Check with the fan club before you travel.

Laura: When will you be playing in Nashville next... whether with The Mavericks or another band... aside from Aug. 13 with Kevin Montgomery.

Robert: Laura, I hope to be playing some time this fall with both SWAG and/or Kevin Montgomery; however, there are no dates scheduled at this time.

Lynn: How has writing/performing children's music (meaning for children's films) affected your songwriting in the "traditional" sense? (are you willing to take more chances, have you gotten more experimental with your approach to your traditional songwriting methods, etc.)? 

Robert: Lynn, this is a kind of chicken before the egg question - I'm not sure if writing children's songs affects my "traditional" writing or the other way around. Either way, the end result should be similar - a memorable song. I will say, the children projects are extremely fun to approach.

Lynn: I'd also like to know how your grandmother is. Is she doing well these days? 

Robert: As for my grandmother, she is as delightful as ever. I've been visiting her roughly once a month and she's quite a handful.

Paul: Does the band have any plans to release the filming of the Trampoline recording sessions on video?

Robert: Paul, good question. There are no plans at this time to release a film of the making of "Trampoline." Though I have great interest in finishing that project some day.

Chris: With respect to the recent departure from Mercury-Nashville in search of a new label - "more capable of promoting the music The Mavericks will be continuing to make" - does this mean that The Mavericks have some idea what the next album will be like. Have new songs already been previewed within the band? (i.e. will it be closer to the White Album or Abbey Road?)

Robert: Chris, I would say there is no real idea at this time as to what the next Maverick album will sound like, but the title might be "White Abbey." Sound good to you?

Chris: When is Ken Coomer gonna drag Billy Bragg into one of SWAG's recording sessions?

Robert: That's a great idea. Billy Bragg does SWAG.

Chris: The perennial favourite! - What records have you been listening to lately?

Robert: My latest fav records: "Smile" by the Jayhawks, and an independent release from Nashville titled "Shades of Gray" by Jason White. I highly recommend you look into this one.

Chris: And I won't ask when are The Mavericks going to find out how much the sun shines and how good the wines are in Australia?

Robert: It is one of my biggest regrets that the Mavericks have not been to Australia yet. We need to fix that one.

Daisy: I know you write songs but have you ever thought of singing them yourself and putting them on an album?

Robert: Daisy, I do sing many of the songs I write in my band SWAG, as well as some other material I am involved in.

Laura: Who are some of your favorite bands? Local & national.

Robert: Laura, a few of my favorite bands: the Jayhawks, Wilco, Ron Sexsmith, a Nashville artist by the name of Jason White, and my all-time favorite, The Beatles.

Susanna: Are you guys going to work on a new CD? 

Robert: Susanna, we do plan on working on a new album, but our priority now is to finish up some solo projects. Each of the Mavericks have been enjoying some outside work and I think it brings a lot back into the group.

P.S. Say hello to your daughter.

Magda: Are you coming to The Netherlands on your tour with Kevin Montgomery and Pettibone?. I would like to see you guys!

Robert: Magda, I don't think the Netherlands will be on MY tour plans with Kevin, but I know he would like to get there this year. As for the future, I hope we can go together.

Helen: Can you tell me how many videos the Mavericks have out for TV?

Robert: Helen, I believe we have shot 15 or 16 videos by now.

Eric: What record do you really miss in your collection?

Robert: Eric, I can't think of a song missing from my collection, though I'm sure there must be one.

Eric: If you could contract a painter - dead or alive - to create a Mavericks album cover, which one would you choose?

Robert: I would love to have an album cover painted by Vincent van Gogh.

Eric: I once read in an interview with Don Cook that he was not really fond of working with The Mavericks before he actually met you guys - but he found a lot of similarities in your approach to making music. What was your approach to Don before you met him?

Robert: I personally wasn't sure about working with Don Cook before meeting him, but I must say it worked well for us. As for the future, I'm ready for a change.

Eric: Is there a song you put out either on single or album that you personally think of as "it's a shame that didn't become a hit, it deserved it"?

Robert: There are a few regrets regarding singles that didn't work, but mostly I must say I am pleased.

Eric: If, for some reason, you had to choose between making music yourself or listening to music from others, which would it be?

Robert: I'm very fond of the innocent days before I was in the music business and I could listen to the magic of music.

Eric: What's the best videoclip you've ever seen? 

Robert: Difficult question - maybe Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 You."

Eric: What do think of:
*Nashville - As a place to live?
*Nashville - As a place to work/make music?
*American food?

Robert: I've really come to love Nashville for work and home. As for American food, there is both good and bad. I like some of each.

Eric: Which would you prefer:
*5 nights in the Royal Albert Hall or one afternoon in front of 100000 people in Hyde Park?
*John [Lennon] or Paul [McCartney]?
*Having success as a solo-artist or in a band?

Robert: I like a variety of venues and playing for both large and small audiences. I favor John Lennon and I've always loved being in a band.

Eric: When the Mavericks are going to record a new album, would you be willing to keep a kind of diary of what's happening at particular moments (either starting from the first meeting to write/gather songs or during the recording itself) to be publicised on the Mavhouse? 

Robert: I've always kept a diary through the making of most of our albums. 
Yes, I could imagine publishing them.

Paul: Here are a couple of very important questions we guys inevitably ask each other after a few beers, when conversation turns to popular television shows of the 1960's:
Ginger or Mary Ann?
Jeannie or Samantha?
Bille Jo, Betty Jo or Bobbi Jo?
Batgirl or Catwoman?
Marcia Brady or Laurie Partridge?

Robert: Paul, Good questions - Mary Ann; Samantha; Billie Jo, Betty Jo & Bobbi Jo all at once; Batgirl (I love Bats); Laurie Partridge

Michael & Elain: My husband and I are big fans of the Mavericks. We are also big, big fans of Marty Robbins and thought that if you were going to occasionally do remakes of some of the old songs, that would be a great place to look. Have you guys considered Marty Robbins? We would be thrilled to have our 2 favorites in one package.

Robert: Michael & Elain, we have covered a few Marty Robbins songs in concert. We love Marty too.

Johnny: You told us that "It's gonna take a lot of effort to fire up the whole organization just for these few shows" when talking about Dave Matthews - so my question is: how many people does it actually take?

Robert: Johnny, the Mavericks usually travel in and around 10 to 15 people. That is the band and crew.

Johnny: Have you signed a new contract yet? If so - with which company?
Are there any artists you, individually, will record albums with while the next Mavericks album is on the stove? Will you move over to the pop/rock world?

Robert: We are still shopping for a new record deal. As you probably already know, I have a side project called SWAG with Ken Coomer from Wilco, among others. What is the pop/rock world anymore?

Johnny: Does the band feel it needs, musically, a turning point or will you keep on going knowing the rest of the business will catch up on you occasionally?

Robert: I think the Mavericks should go on just being the Mavericks and let the musical chips fall where they may.